Welcome to my blog.

Hello everyone. I hope you're having a happy day. Today, as always, I'm here to bring you a new anime-style illustration to participate in the @splinterlands contest. This time, I created a Tower Griffin.

History tells us that years ago, an abandoned fortress located in the Giant Grasslands of Primordia was the site of a duel waged by mages. After the duel was over, the fortress was enchanted by the mages' spells, bringing with it the appearance of creatures known as Tower Griffins. Their bodies, according to what history tells us, are made of stone and resemble gargoyles as they perch on tall stone structures in the Splinterlands.

My illustration depicts a majestic mythological creature: a griffin, a symbol of power, vigilance, and nobility, perched atop a stone tower. This hybrid creature, with the body and hind legs of a lion, and the forelegs, head, and wings of an eagle, is presented as a dominant figure in the landscape, conveying both its terrestrial strength and aerial agility. Its upright and alert posture conveys a sense of authority and protection, as if watching over an ancestral kingdom from above.

Regarding the sketch, the griffin is well positioned atop a stone tower, reinforcing its role as guardian. Its muscular and robust body is covered in dark, almost black fur, which contrasts with the golden glow of its feathers. Its outstretched wings suggest it is ready to fly at any moment, while its gaze fixed on the horizon conveys vigilance and wisdom.

In the background, the sky features a mix of blue and yellow tones, suggesting a sunset, a time when this beautiful creature is most alert. Two castle towers loom in the distance, adding further detail to the scene and reinforcing the medieval and fantastical context. The overall composition is balanced, with the griffin as the protagonist, surrounded by elements that complement its presence without distracting attention.

The color palette used in the illustration is varied and warm. The gold of the griffin's feathers represents nobility, wisdom, and power; this tone stands out against the dark body, lending an air of mystery and strength. The contrast between the two colors is not only visually appealing but also represents what was previously mentioned about the griffin: protector and warrior, wise and fierce.

The sky, with its shades of deep blue and warm yellow, creates a magical and mystical scene. The blue conveys calm and depth, while the yellow brings energy and hope. This combination makes it clear that the griffin is not only a physical guardian, but also a spiritual one.

Comparing my illustration with the original, it's very obvious to see the difference. The posture, in my version, is more static and firm, as it stands on a tower. On the other hand, the original is more dynamic, as it is in mid-flight. In terms of style, my version is anime, with thick lines and warm colors. While the original features gradients and lighting effects, in terms of colors, my version features a warm, muted palette similar to medieval times. The original features a vibrant contrasting palette of golds and blues. Finally, the background, in my version, features dense clouds and medieval architecture, while the original features a blank background, focused on the creature.

I feel my version has a nostalgic charm, almost like an anime illustration from a 1990s animated series. Its design is clear, recognizable, and conveys authority. In contrast, the original version has the character as the sole focus of attention without a background to tell its story, but it has a distinct style that highlights the creature.

Step by step 🎨

Thank you