Welcome to my blog.
Hello, Hivers, I hope you're having a great day. This time, I'm here to present, as always, my entry for the contest that @Splinterlands holds weekly. This time, I'm showcasing another dragon, since I really liked it; I chose to draw the Red Dragon.
The story tells of several living dragons of the red lineage, but the largest resides outside the walls of Centrum. On the soft sands of the Draykh-Nahka Desert, it lies and rolls, preparing its scales. It breathes more fire than any other living dragon, but its scales have been softened by something called the Cursed Burn. This dragon is also known for its volatile temper, and one should only approach it with extreme caution (and wearing fire-resistant armor).
The Red Dragon is known for its resilience in combat, possessing abilities such as:
Flying: +25% chance to dodge attacks.
Return Fire: Returns half the reduced damage to the attacker when hit by a ranged attack.
Heal: Regenerates 1/3 of its maximum health each turn.
It's a good choice for combat.
The Red Dragon's body is covered in red scales, with a hue somewhere between crimson and fiery red. This color not only conveys a fierce temperament but also defines the dragon. The shadows are rendered with darker shades that highlight its musculature, while the reflections in key areas like the chest, claws, and face give it a slightly metallic sheen that suggests resilience.
Its belly is protected by thick beige plates, which contrast with the red of the body and provide a sense of natural armor. The purple wings, fading to magenta tones, add a distinct touch to all that red. The wings are not just functional; they are its greatest ally. In this version, both wings are spread and clearly visible, reinforcing its aerial stance.
The curved black horns and yellow eyes with slit pupils complete its ferocious expression. The open mouth, with its sharp white teeth and dark tongue, conveys a soft roar.
The background is an essential part of this illustration. I chose a starry night, with a deep blue sky dotted with white stars that add texture. The full moon, positioned slightly to the right, is the main light source. Its silvery glow bathes the dragon from behind, creating a halo that separates it from the background.
Dark clouds drift across the sky, some passing in front of the moon. In the lower part, distant mountains in bluish and grayish tones demonstrate the dragon's lofty position. The dragon isn't perched; it's flying, suspended in the air, with its claws extended and its body leaning forward.
This background doesn't just complement the character: it highlights it, enhances it, and makes it the center of attention, as it should be.
The anime style allows me to play with defined lines, colors, and dramatic shadows. Here, the Red Dragon has a clear silhouette, with contours that highlight each part of its body. The wings, face, claws, and tail are carefully delineated so that each element has its proper weight.
The expressiveness of the face, the posture, and the dynamism of the wings are key to this style. It's not just about representing the dragon; it's about bringing it to life, making it seem alive, breathing, roaring. The shading is done with smooth gradients and areas of light that show volume without sacrificing clarity.
In Splinterlands, the Red Dragon is a legendary card with abilities like Flying, Heal, and Return Fire. Its official design shows it as a powerful creature with red scales and light wings, but in a more static pose focused on combat.
My version, however, makes it a more active dragon. It retains some essential features. Here, the Red Dragon isn't fighting; it's reigning from the sky, watching over its territory. His posture, substance, and style make it clear that he's not fighting; he's just wandering around aimlessly.
Step by step
Red Dragon in its original card version, which I used as a guide to create my own illustrated version. It can be found in the @splinterlands game market.