Splinterlands Art Contest Week 360-Hydra
Welcome to my blog.

Hello hiver friends, I hope you have a happy day. This time I'm here to share my new illustration to participate in the @splinterlands contest. This time I was inspired by Hydra.
History tells us that the Hydra is not a dragon, but a horrible and terrifying creature; it is as intelligent as it is destructive, leading it to pose a total danger. Since its arrival in the Asphalt Lands, the Hydra has sought to dominate everything by any means necessary. This Hydra has admirable defensive methods, and also has healing and attack power like that of a dragon.
My illustration represents a powerful and imposing reinterpretation of the mythical monster known as the Hydra. Unlike the original version, a multi-headed creature with green scales and a body closer to that of a reptile, I created my Hydra in an anime style, fusing fantasy and anime elements with a dark atmosphere that makes it a much more complex and visually impressive figure.
One of the most notable aspects of my Hydra is its color palette. The main body is covered in dark, almost black scales with reddish undertones that give it a volcanic appearance, as if it had emerged from magma. This color palette makes the Hydra look more dangerous and powerful, and also radically distinguishes it from the original Hydra, which is rendered in more natural green or brown tones. The dorsal spines, which run along its spine and extend to its tail, shine with a silvery hue that contrasts with the dark body, as if the creature were about to unleash a storm.
Each of the four heads has a unique design. Instead of rendering the same face multiple times, as is often the case, here I gave each head a distinct personality. The central head, adorned with blue flames flowing like hair, conveys leadership. Its golden eyes and the glowing symbol on its neck show that this head is the leader of the four. The other heads, with red, pink, and purple eyes, express emotions such as fury, intelligence, and aggression, leading one to imagine that each could have different abilities or behaviors in combat.
The background of the image is also important in the visual narrative. A stormy sky, crossed by purple lightning, envelops the creature in a dark and mysterious atmosphere. This choice gives the idea that we are not looking at a simple creature, but rather a powerful creature that could wipe out an entire kingdom if it so chose. The use of lighting with reflections on the scales, glowing eyes, and energy illumination around the body demonstrates a mastery of the modern anime style, where lighting is used to amplify the emotion and impact of the scene.
Compared to the original Hydra, which typically has a more uniform body, my version feels more like a complete character. It has power and exudes impressive energy. The original Hydra is a creature that represents danger. Cut off one head and two more appear. But my Hydra goes further. Here, each head has a purpose, an identity that can interact with other characters, make decisions, or even come into conflict with the other heads.
The anime style is evident not only in the drawing technique, which consists of clean lines, exaggerated expressions, and dramatic lighting effects, but also in the way I realized the character. In anime, monsters aren't simply fascinating creatures; they're creatures with backstories, traumas, fears, and emotional connections to the protagonists. This Hydra would fit that bill perfectly. It could be a creature summoned only by its master or a fusion of four different beings trapped in a single body. The placement of a glowing symbol on the neck of the central head is clearly a magical connection, as this Hydra possesses magic.
In short, my Hydra not only stands out for its visual design, but because a story could be told through the image. It's a creature that breathes magical power; With this, I invite you to imagine its origin, its powers, and its role within a broader universe. When compared to the original Hydra, it's clear that this version isn't meant to copy, but rather to reinterpret. It's an abstract and static evolution that demonstrates how art can transform the mythical into something deeply personal and modern.
Step by step🎨







Thanks for sharing! - @cieliss
