a result of lots of tutorials, mostly Andrew Price (http://www.blenderguru.com)...
- making a tree (curve)
- mountains (ant landscape)
- texture/weight painting
- array and mirror modifiers
- 2 sun lamps (one opposing blue fill light)
i was lazy to make a cow/horse/dog better... sorry
(i love "Barnyard http://www.barnyardmovie.com/ " cartoon anyway)
other steps are here:
https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=230073037071668&set=a.230071980405107.56855.132831550129151&type=1&theater