Crimson CHOW #65 Thunderstorm Echantress

[Lege1]

-=Thunderstorm Echantress=-

***Since there was no participation in the last round for Concrete Canvas, I have chosen to leave it open if someone would like to challenge me in it. Here is a new character concept that will hopefully create more interest.

The Thunderstorm Enchantress embodies the raw power and ethereal beauty of a raging tempest. Her design blends elegant, flowing elements with sharp, dynamic accents, reflecting both the grace of an enchantress and the destructive force of a storm.

Overall Impression
A formidable yet captivating figure, she radiates an aura of crackling energy. Her presence suggests both immense power held in delicate balance and the untamed chaos of the elements. She is a being of striking contrasts: light and shadow, calm and fury, ethereal beauty and dangerous might.
Physique & Stature
She possesses an athletic and lithe build, suggesting agility and the ability to move with the speed of lightning. She is not overly muscular but rather toned, with long, elegant limbs that can appear both graceful and sharply dynamic when in motion. Her posture is often regal and confident, yet with a subtle tension that hints at the restless energy within.

Hair
Her hair is a striking feature, appearing like a living storm cloud. It's long and voluminous, flowing around her with a subtle, electric charge. The color ranges from deep, stormy greys and vibrant indigos to streaks of luminous white or electric blue, as if constantly being illuminated by internal lightning. It might occasionally crackle with visible, miniature sparks, especially when she's exerting her powers. It could be styled in an artful, windswept manner, perpetually appearing as if caught in a strong gale.

Eyes
Her eyes are the windows to the storm. They are a piercing, intense electric blue or silver, often with a faint glow or an occasional flicker like distant lightning. When she's angry or channeling significant power, miniature "thunderclouds" might appear to swirl within their depths. They hold a knowing, ancient quality, reflecting the elemental forces she commands.

Skin
Her skin is generally fair, providing a striking contrast to her dark hair and vibrant eyes. However, faint, almost imperceptible veins might pulse with a soft, blue luminescence beneath the surface when she's channeling her magic, resembling lightning branching across her body.

Attire
Her clothing should be a blend of practical enchantress wear and symbolic storm elements.

• Fabric: Lightweight, flowing fabrics like silk, chiffon, or finely woven leather are ideal, allowing for dynamic movement and a sense of being carried by the wind. These fabrics could be in shades of deep blue, charcoal grey, stormy purple, and silver.
  
• Silhouettes: Asymmetrical cuts, high slits, and draped elements evoke the unpredictable nature of a storm. A long, flowing cape or train that billows around her like a storm front is essential.
  
• Details:
  • Ornate metalwork: Silver or dark, burnished metal accents resembling stylized lightning bolts, cloud formations, or swirling wind patterns could adorn her costume, perhaps as clasps, pauldrons, or belt buckles.
    
  • Crystals/Gems: Strategically placed luminous blue or white crystals could be embedded in her attire, glowing softly and intensely when she calls upon her powers. These could mimic hailstones or concentrated energy.
    
  • Weathered textures: Subtle textures that hint at worn rock or cloud formations could be incorporated into certain elements of her clothing or armor.
    
  • Bare shoulders/arms: Allowing for freedom of movement and a touch of vulnerability, emphasizing the natural power she wields without excessive protection.
    

Accessories

• Staff or Scepter: A twisted, gnarled staff of dark wood or storm-forged metal, perhaps topped with a glowing crystal or a crackling orb of electricity. It acts as a conduit for her power.
  
• Diadem/Crown: A delicate but powerful silver or dark metal diadem that mirrors lightning bolts or a crown of swirling clouds.
  
• Footwear: Practical but elegant boots or sandals that allow for agility, perhaps with metallic accents.
  

Aura & Effects
She is constantly accompanied by subtle atmospheric effects. A faint hum of static electricity might be heard when she approaches. Her presence might cause the air around her to feel heavier, charged. When she uses her powers, her entire being might glow with electric blue light, and miniature lightning bolts could arc around her hands or body. The scent of ozone might linger in her wake.

Character Design References Challenge Rules

• No photograph paint overs, must be 100% original work. (See next rule for exception)
  
• 3D is permitted and renders MAY be used as whole or in part of a painting, as long as YOU created the work. Pre-made and/or purchased, online, assets are forbidden.
  
• AI may be used in the ideation process, but the final image must be 100% hand-drawn.
  
• Studies are recommended, but not required.
  
• There is no restriction on image formats (horizontal, vertical, square).
  
• Environment backgrounds are optional.
  
• Keep in mind you are not required to stick to what is in the passage. It is more of a guide in terms of mood.
  

Rules:

• You must post at least one WIP in the WIP thread to be accepted into the final poll.
  
• Finals must be posted in the finals thread before the deadline.
  
• At least 3/4 of the character must be visible (minimum from the knees up).
  
• Only ONE submission per person in the finals thread.
  
• No fanart. We want to see your original, unique interpretations!
  
• Voting will be held for 5 days after the deadline.
  
• In an event of a tiebreaker, a winner will be chosen through a randomized name picker.
  

-=WIP THREAD=-

Deadline is Saturday, July 14th, 2025 @ UTC: 23:59

[PaulGanguly]

I’m gonna try my damndest to actually do this one

[Lege1]

PaulGanguly awesome! Looking forward to seeing were you take this!

[Lege1]

Which of the 3 do you like?



Decided to go with #3 for now. Here is wip 1. 

[RicardoDio]

Meu escaner pifou, pode ser foto?

[darktiste]

Great progress in the project lege this one look interesting.Here a small critic Feel like she missing a bit of hair it like her ''hair'' evaporate almost. Think of the thickness of the mass as wrapping more around the form close to the mass and then moving into clump of hair as it move away.Thinking of the hair to individually complicate thing think about the flow of the mass.

[Lege1]

RicardoDio Desculpe, seu scanner falhou. Tente digitalizar a imagem e certifique-se de que ela não seja muito grande e esteja em jpeg. Espero que funcione para postar.

Darkiste Thanks on that and after stepping away and looking at the image I noticed the same thing, I feel like it's the background clashing and there could be some more hair strands in areas. I plan on treating that more as I evolve the image further.

[TrashPanda]

Cool briefing Lege and respect for keeping the "CHOW flame" alive!

The previous one was also dope especially for me since I used to skateboard a lot.
Sadly I couldnt draw smth muscular yet appealing for the challenge.

However for this one Im going to grind it out and draw until smth good comes out.
I personally like your 1. thumbnail the most but they are all interesting.
The 3rd one gives me some masters of the universe vibes,- in a good way.

Keep it up

[Lege1]

TrashPanda   Absolutely and its my honor. There is really nowhere online like this and what we have here is basically is the same as what Conceptart.org used to be. I don't know why its not as popular in the times, obviously social media, but it is still its own thing here and I just feel not enough people know about it. Either way, I'm glad you can appreciate it here and I know I'm grateful to have something like this to stay motivated and keep honing my skills. I'm glad you are liking the topics also, and I liked my #1 concept too, maybe if I have extra time I'll grind it out. Until then def try to do your best to produce where you can and for yourself first and foremost. I know life can be challenging and it can be super hard to find the time to put into these things, but its all about what you are willing to give up to make the time and create something nice. We'll never find the time, we must make it for anything that we want to do or maintain in life. The days go fast, so just stay calm and do best and I'm sure it will work out for you. Looking forward to what you may bring to this round of CHOW!

[TrashPanda]

A bit late, here is my first idea for the challenge.

The highkey value range is going to be challenging, but for now I have to fix perspective issues with the
boots and design some more staffs including different clothings. So far it looks too basic.
Gonna keep you updated soon.

[Lege1]

TrashPanda That is coming a long great! Def make additions and adjustments and proceed with mission. Glad you joined the party, late or not, let's RAWK! 100