May I just say that fur and fire are both horribly time-consuming to paint ;__;
I... actually really don't like the Cyndaquil line much at all. There's very few fire types I actually like, when I think about it; I'm too dedicated a water-type trainer :p He's got a cute pudgy tummy though, poking him could be quite fun, for all of 5 seconds before you were burned alive :/
Because I've been really short on time for a few months now, I've been doing rough sketches for my submissions without reference. I totally forgot Quilavas mohawk when drawing out the rough, and I admit I liked it better without the extra fire... but being anal about the official designs won out in the end hehe.
I actually really enjoyed drawing Typhlosion, it felt really... substantial. Plus, fluffy! I did her with a bear in mind, though someone on DA said 'phlosion was meant to be a badger. Can't really say I see it myself :)