Greetings hivers artists, happy to be once again sharing a new drawing in the form of art, for this week of the weekly art contest of @Splinterlands, I decided to create my own version of the character Wilhelmdale Deputy, giving a visual twist that mixes the classic western style with a warmer and more expressive aesthetic, typical of my artistic approach. My version seeks to capture not only the essence of the sheriff, but also to convey a strong, elegant and symbolic feminine presence, which imposes itself with character in the midst of the desert dust and when working on this character I was transported to the well-known Dona Barbara, a woman of character and passion; fierce and very sure of herself; so for a moment I feel the sensation of working on her but then she reacts and continues with the character.

The process began with a digital sketch where I outlined the character's proportions, ensuring that the facial features had the air of determination and gentleness I wanted to convey. I opted for a broad, expressive gaze, typical of the anime style, which connects emotionally with the viewer. The long, loose hair adds movement and femininity, contrasting with the firmness of the sheriff's outfit.

As for the color palette, I chose shades that evoke the warmth of the West and the character's authority. The elegant, yet understated black hat bears a shiny gold star on the front, which not only identifies his role as deputy but also symbolizes his inner light, his leadership, and his commitment to justice. This detail was carefully highlighted with a glitter filter that gives it a metallic effect, making the star stand out as the focal point of the outfit.

The vest and pants were treated with a special filter that simulates the shine of leather, adding texture and realism. I want the viewer to almost feel the material when looking at the image, as if the character were about to step out of the illustration. The belt, meanwhile, was finished with an aged leather effect, which gives it character and depth; the buckle, with its added shine, becomes an attractive detail that balances the composition and adds sophistication. In short, the colors align with those of the original character on the card, only a few brighter.

The light clay-colored background was a deliberate choice; this earthy tone evokes the arid landscapes where sheriffs often patrol, creating a warm contrast with the character's dark attire. It also provides a sunset-like atmosphere, a calm before a confrontation, which reinforces the illustration's visual narrative.

Regarding the changes made compared to the original character from the @Splinterlands card, I decided to soften some elements to make them more in line with my style. The posture is more relaxed, less rigid, allowing the character's personality to flow more naturally. The facial expression was also modified; instead of a stern look, I opted for a firm but empathetic gaze, reflecting authority without losing humanity.

Another significant change was the addition of the blue scarf, worn in a more distinctive way, a personal touch that adds identity and authenticity to the piece. This detail not only adds color but also serves as a narrative element that connects the character to my creative universe.

Overall, this illustration seeks to convey strength, elegance, and symbolism. It's a version that honors the original character, but reinterprets it from a more emotional and aesthetic perspective. Every filter applied, every color chosen, every stroke of the sketch is intended to tell a story: that of a deputy who not only upholds the law but also represents the beauty of the authentic, the imperfect, and the deeply human.

Participating in this competition allows me to explore new forms of expression, and this particular piece is a reflection of my evolution as an artist, even though it appears quite simple yet deeply meaningful. I hope those who view it can feel the heat of the desert, the weight of duty, and the light emanating from a figure who, although fictional, carries a message of courage and authenticity.

Illustrative Steps

Wilhelmdale Deputy in the original version of the game card, which I used as a reference for my drawing and can be found in the game's market.

_{The program used for the illustration has been Inkscape.}

_{100% original content from @giocondina}

_{Translated with DeepL.com (free version)}