Greetings fellow Hivers artists! I'm happy to be participating again in @splinterlands' weekly art contest, where I decided to create my own version of the mysterious Blackmoor Nymph, taking her to a completely different setting than her original card. Instead of the shadowy, watery landscapes that usually surround her, I transported her to an enchanted forest, where magic hangs in the air amidst the leaves and mist. This new version not only changes the setting but also transforms her visual essence: the nymph becomes a gothic, sensual, and enigmatic figure, dressed in an elegant gown that highlights her supernatural power and beauty.
The illustration depicts a young woman with bluish skin, yellowish eyes that glow like fireflies in the twilight, and elongated ears that reveal her elven nature. Her emerald hair falls in soft waves, framing her face with an aura of mystery. She wears large golden hoop earrings, and a yellow diamond-shaped jewel adorns her forehead, as if channeling the energy of the forest. Her gaze is direct, hypnotic, and conveys a blend of ancient wisdom and quiet allure.
The style I chose for this piece combines elements of modern digital art with gothic and fantasy influences. I used clean, defined lines to give structure to the character, but softened the contours with diffused shadows that evoke the misty atmosphere of the forest. The color palette was one of the biggest challenges, as I had to work with so many shades of green without losing contrast or depth, which required a careful selection of hues. The background is composed of dark trees, leaves in different shades, and floating particles that simulate magic suspended in the air. All of this was achieved through layers of filters that add texture and luminosity without obscuring the central figure.
Compared to the original Blackmoor Nymph, my reinterpretation retains its magical essence but brings it to a more earthly and sensual plane. In the game card, the nymph usually appears as an ethereal, almost liquid creature, with an aesthetic closer to the aquatic world. Here, however, she is presented as a forest sorceress, with a defined body, a firm posture, and a commanding presence. Her gothic dress, with a sweetheart neckline and sheer sleeves, suggests elegance and power. The corset with X-shaped seams reinforces the idea of restraint and control, while the choker with a black gem adds a touch of mystery.
The creative process began with a sketch of blue lines, where I defined the silhouette and facial expression. From the start, I wanted the gaze to be the focal point; those yellow eyes had to capture the viewer and convey a story without words. Then I worked on the hair, aiming for movement and shine, as if it responded to the energy of the forest. The elongated ears and jewels were added to reinforce her elven identity and give her an air of magical nobility.
The choice of green as the dominant color was intentional but challenging. The emerald hair had to stand out without getting lost in the background, so I used cooler shadows in the surroundings and warmer tones on the figure. To achieve this, I applied color correction filters and lighting effects that enhance contrasts without saturating the image. The blue of the skin and the yellow of the eyes act as points of chromatic balance, creating a visual harmony that guides the viewer's eye.
What this illustration conveys goes beyond aesthetics; the gothic nymph represents a transformation: she is the same magical creature, but now with a different story. She is no longer just a water spirit, but a guardian of the forest, a presence that observes from the shadows and protects the secrets of nature. Her posture, with her arms crossed and long fingers adorned with black-painted lash lines, suggests introspection, contained power, and a sensuality that needs no exaggeration.
In short, this work is a celebration of fantasy, femininity, and gothic style. It's a reinterpretation that honors the original Blackmoor Nymph character, but breathes new life into her within an enchanted setting, where magic blends with darkness and beauty is expressed in every detail. I hope this version resonates with those who love fantasy art and inspires new ways of seeing the characters of the Splinterlands universe.
Illustrative Steps
Blackmoor Nymph in its original version from the @splinterlands card, which is available in the game's market and which I used as a reference to create my own version
The program used for the illustration has been Inkscape.
100% original content from @giocondina
Translated with DeepL.com (free version)
