Greetings fellow Hivers artists! The illustration I'm presenting is my entry for @splinterlands' weekly art contest. It's my personal take on the Water-Logged Wizard character. From the very beginning, my goal was not only to replicate his magical essence but also to transform him into a figure that conveys strength, elegance, and a connection to the element of water from both a visual and emotional perspective. This version departs from the original design to embrace a more stylized aesthetic, with pronounced feminine features, a confident posture, and a presence that evokes power and serenity.

One of the most significant aspects of this work was the decision to depict the character with dark skin. Although it's the first time I've used this tone in my illustrations, I felt it was an opportunity to explore new color harmonies and enrich the visual diversity of my work. At first, I hesitated, experimenting with various shades to achieve a balance that respected the luminosity of the environment without losing depth. Finally, after applying the final filter, I discovered a combination that gave me great satisfaction. The dark skin contrasted majestically with the vibrant blue of the outfit and the light blue background, creating a powerful and cohesive image.

The character's attire was modified to highlight her connection to water and her role as a sorceress. I opted for an outfit reminiscent of a blend of ceremonial bathing suit and royal attire, with golden details that lend an air of nobility and magic. The golden crown adorning her head reinforces this idea of ​​aquatic royalty, while the ribbon of water enveloping her suggests she commands the element with grace and precision. This detail was key to conveying movement and energy, as if the water were responding to her emotions and gestures.

The background, composed of a bright blue sky and soft clouds, was designed to create an atmosphere of openness and freedom. The swirling water beneath her feet not only indicates her elemental power but also symbolizes transformation, fluidity, and renewal. In this context, water is not just a magical resource but an extension of her being; it represents her capacity to adapt, to heal, to flow in the face of challenges. In my interpretation, Water-Logged Wizard is not an aggressive sorceress but a guide who channels water as a source of balance and wisdom.

The sketching process was fluid, though demanding. I wanted the character's pose to convey confidence without rigidity, and her facial expression to reflect serenity and determination. The long hair, gathered in a high ponytail, adds dynamism to the composition, reinforcing the idea of ​​movement and power. Every line was drawn with the intention of highlighting her femininity without falling into stereotypes, seeking a figure that was strong, beautiful, and magical all at once.

One of the biggest technical challenges was working with the range of blues. For a nearsighted person like myself, this color, while beautiful, can become monotonous if not handled subtly. To avoid this, I used different shades, from the sky blue of the heavens to the deep blue of the water, including intermediate tones in the clothing. The key was playing with saturation and contrast, and adding gold details to break up the uniformity. The result was a balanced palette that conveys freshness and depth without losing intensity.

The filters applied at the end of the process were essential for unifying the illustration. I used a soft light filter that enhanced the water's shimmer and gave the skin a velvety finish. I also applied a chroma vibration effect that intensified the colors without distorting them, resulting in an image with a strong yet harmonious visual impact. These final adjustments were like the magic touch that solidified the artwork's atmosphere.

As for the style, I opted for a blend of fantasy digital illustration and video game aesthetics. I wanted the character to fit seamlessly into both a collectible card game universe and an epic story. The clean lines, vibrant colors, and focused composition reinforce this intention. The result is an image that not only represents the Water-Logged Wizard but reimagines it as a powerful, multifaceted figure deeply connected to water as a symbol of life, change, and inner strength.

This experience allowed me to explore new techniques, challenge my own limits, and celebrate the beauty of diversity in art. I feel grateful for the result and for the creative process that led to it. Every stroke, every color choice, every symbol has a purpose, and together they build a unique version of a character that now also bears my personal stamp.

Illustrative Steps

Water-Logged Wizard in its original version from the @splinterlands game card, which I used as a reference to create my fanart and can be found in the game's market.