Greetings fellow Hivers artists! This week I decided to participate in the art contest hosted by @splinterlands with an illustration that, beyond representing a card from the game, profoundly challenges me as an artist. I chose to reinterpret Conclave Tracker, a young woman who, in her original version, conveys simplicity, serenity, and an air of mystery. But this time, I wanted to go beyond the visual reference, so the challenge was to explore new skin tones, new emotional textures, and an aesthetic that connects with the real, the sensual, and the magical.

I'm used to working with light-skinned characters, not out of prejudice or limitation, but because it's the range I've explored most in my previous work. However, I felt it was time to open myself up to new nuances, to learn to represent the beauty of dark skin with respect, depth, and authenticity. This process led me to study how light behaves on warm tones, how contrasts can highlight the power of a gaze, and how color can be a tool for visual empowerment.

My version of Conclave Tracker retains the essence of the original card, but transforms it into a more imposing and sensual figure. The pose I chose is serene yet firm; the young woman appears from the waist up, her gaze fixed straight ahead, as if ready to conjure ancient magic. Her expression is calm, but her honey-colored eyes shine with an intensity that suggests wisdom, intuition, and power. I wanted her gaze to be the focus of the illustration because it encapsulates everything the character represents: mystery, determination, and a beauty that needs no artifice.

The initial sketch was a search for balance between the tribal and the modern. I opted for long, black, wavy hair that falls naturally over her shoulders, adding movement and sensuality. Her outfit is a reinterpretation of an explorer's uniform: a fitted top, an open jacket, and olive-toned pants that suggest functionality without sacrificing visual appeal. I incorporated a belt and a cross strap to maintain the adventurous feel, but I made sure that each element was consistent with the anime style I chose for this version.

One of the most important elements was the magic sphere she holds in her hand. In the original card, the magic is implied; in my version, I decided to make it visible. The sphere emits a bluish energy that envelops her fingers and projects light onto her skin, creating a contrast that allowed me to play with reflections and shadows. This detail not only adds dynamism to the image but also reinforces the idea that Conclave Tracker is not just an explorer; she is a guardian of secrets, an invoker of hidden forces.

As for the colors, I worked with a warm palette for the skin and clothing, and a cool palette for the magic. I kept the background understated, with dark green tones that don't compete with the character but help frame her in a natural environment, as if she were in the middle of an enchanted jungle. I used soft filters to unify the tones and give a sense of immersive atmosphere without losing the sharpness of the details.

The chosen style was a fusion of classic anime and semi-realistic digital art. I relied on defined lines, soft shadows, and lighting that highlights volumes without exaggerating them. I wanted the illustration to have visual impact, but also a delicacy that conveys both power and peace. I wanted it to be sensual, but never vulgar, because for me, Conclave Tracker is just that: a woman who doesn't need to shout to be noticed, who walks with a firm step, who observes with depth, and who carries magic in the palm of her hand.

This work has allowed me to grow as an artist. It has taught me that challenges lie not in what we don't know how to do, but in what we haven't yet dared to explore, and it has reminded me that art is, above all, a way to connect with humanity, with diversity, with beauty in all its forms. I hope this version of Conclave Tracker inspires others to look beyond the ordinary, to discover new ways of representing feminine strength, and to celebrate the magic that resides in every gaze.

Illustrative Steps

Conclave Tracker in its original version from the card by @splinterlands, which I used as a reference to create my version of the character and this can be found in the game's market.

_{The program used for the illustration has been Inkscape.}

_{100% original content from @giocondina}

_{Translated with DeepL.com (free version)}