LavaMonster:

The stock image provided during class.

I cut out the character and layered him over a black background.

I added in a shadow layer and tweaked the highlights slightly.

I then overlayed a more natural, brownish tone to the rock creature.

Using the FX tool in photoshop, and manipulating the inner and outer glow features i began to create the flowing lava effect within the cracks of the rocks.

I duplicated this layer and tweaked the second variation to give more variation within the lava itself.

I then put a lava texture over the rock sections, giving a more solidified magma appearance to the rocks themselves.