Hydra Final Process

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Hydras are essentially a mutant form of dragon which appear in bodies of water, most notably based on the mythical Greek legend of Lernaean Hydra. The main difference of the hydra is the presence of multiple heads instead of only one head. Most other features stay relatively the same, but perhaps due to the nature of the hydra originating from a lake makes the creature appear more like a sea monster than an airborne creature.

Heracles, Iolaus and the Hydra | Athenian red-figure stamnos C5th B.C. | Regional Archeological Museum Antonio Salinas, Palermo

The Hydra of Lernaea is a Greek tale which told the story of a nine-headed water serpent which haunted the lake of Lernaea. Heracles was sent to slay this creature, however, with every head that was cut two more grew in its place. With the help of Iolaus, he slayed the beast by cauterising the hydra's wounds to prevent its regeneration.

Final Process
Sketch

Lineart

Block Colour and water fade

Shaders and fading

Volumetrics, luminosity layers


Much like the eastern dragon outcome, I am not so satisfied with the appearance of this piece. However it does communicate the origin of the beast, being in a body of water. I would need to resolve the lineart and rethink the design of the hydra to make it more convincing as a mythical beast.

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