Splinterlands Art Contest Week 373-Gold Dragon
Welcome to my blog.
Hello fellow Hivers, I hope you're having a great day. This time, as always, I'm here to show you a new drawing of one of the @Splinterlands cards for their weekly contest; this time I chose a Dragon-type card: the Gold Dragon.
The story goes that there is only one Gold Dragon alive, and it resides in the great Congress of Dragons. Its magic and armor are unmatched, and only the Hydra has tested its strength. Suam Khepri, leader of the united Gloridax, is always on the lookout for the next Gold Dragon, who, according to prophecy, will hatch in these times.
The Gold Dragon in Splinterlands is a very good card because it combines magical offense with unique defensive capabilities such as:
Flying: Allows it to dodge physical attacks more easily.
Heal: Regenerates 1/4 HP each turn, making it very difficult to eliminate.
Blast: Its magical attack damages the target and nearby enemies.
Magic Reflect (at high levels): Reflects a portion of the magic damage received, making it a very good tank.
The color palette I used for the Gold Dragon was gold and blue. Its body is covered in bright yellow scales. This gold isn't flat; it has variations in the pattern that add volume and highlights, making it stand out even against a dark background.
The belly and wings are protected by bluish plates that contrast with the gold of the body. This blue has purple undertones in the wing membranes, adding a magical touch. The blue acts as a symbol of wisdom, balancing the energy of the gold colors.
The background I chose for this version of the Gold Dragon is a black background with stars, featuring black, a bit of white to highlight the dragon, and some yellow stars. The yellow stars floating in the background showcase the shimmer of its scales; I feel the gold reinforces the idea that this dragon possesses exceptional magical power.
The rocky mountain upon which it perches has brown and gray tones, with textures that lend realism and depth. It's not just a platform where it can stand, but a place that reinforces the feeling of strength and dominion. The dragon stands firm, defiant, as if it has just conquered this place.
This background, though simple in its elements, is laden with symbolism. The darkness of the background, contrasted with the dragon's gleam, makes its silhouette stand out powerfully and become the center of the scene.
The anime style, as always, allows me to easily play with lines, colors, and soft shadows. Here, the Gold Dragon has a firm stance, with its wings spread and its body erect. The expressiveness of its face, eyes, and open mouth conveys power without exaggeration.
The clean lines and shading make the character appear powerful without sacrificing elegance. My design respects the anatomy of what a dragon should be, which makes it more visually appealing.
In Splinterlands, the Gold Dragon is a golden creature with blue wings, an elevated stance, and magical powers. Its design is meant to represent a balance between attack and defense, with abilities like Flying, Heal, Blast, and Magic Reflect. It's a versatile card, but its official artwork portrays it more as a symbol than a character; although I like the colors used on its wings and belly, it looks almost metallic.
My version, however, makes it a more expressive dragon. It retains key elements like golden scales, blue wings, and a dominant stance. Here, the Gold Dragon isn't in the middle of a battle; it's posing to reaffirm its dominance, as if it knows everyone is watching.
Step by step
Gold 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.
Thank you
