Khazduk, thank you, glad to hear - that's the feel I intended on)
sgt.null, the program I mentioned (Serif PhotoPlus 8.0) can apply effects to layers - basically textures, though they automatically look 3d.
Can be done in any other, but with some additional work on the edges for some 3d look. Also suitable textures needed, of course, they may also be made from scratch, but that's even more work.
I made a layer for each. Then applied the greenish texture in vast strokes, the red lava one on the general shape of how a skurj could look - mostly snake-like, with spikes to add some more aggressive look and just at least some detail, the eye in the same way, just another layer, another texture. And the hot aura in a semi-transparent layer.
Animated the old one (left it below in the first message). I have a serious feeling it looks no good, maybe I'll try to improve it later, but have not too much free time now.
Updated this one somewhat - added to the first post, right on top, the older versions are below.
By the way, what about the Art Gallery, is there a way to notify the moderators about the threads that are supposed to be there, perhaps a PM for each or with a list, or will bumping the threads do?