"Grae is a former Commodore in the navy, forced into early retirement by external circumstances outside of his control. He is also a former mercenary and vigilante, having disillusioned with his military service. During the events of the campaign, he was an adventurer and the party’s unofficial leader/team dad. He later became emperor of the empire whose navy he was a member of in the decades after the events of the D&D campaign I participated in. For the purposes of this commission, I would like him to be depicted during his tenure as an Emperor."

- Noah

Meet Grae, a former naval commodore turned emperor, a battle-worn leader shaped by war, duty, and destiny. Noah, the client behind this commission, wanted to capture Grae in his later years as an Emperor—an imposing yet noble figure adorned in regal armor with the weight of his empire resting on his shoulders.

The Initial Concept

Noah provided a detailed background on Grae’s journey, from his early days as a naval officer to his rise as the ruler of an empire. With a request for a dragon-scale cloak, a gold dragon in the background, and a halberd with a built-in rifle, the goal was to encapsulate his authority and legend in a single portrait.

Reference & Inspiration

Noah provided a sketch of Grae along with detailed character notes. The challenge was to blend his rugged, battle-hardened past with the regal presence befitting an emperor.

My Approach

When planning Grae’s portrait, my first priority was balancing his hardened warrior past with his current role as an Emperor. He wasn’t just a ruler—he was a leader forged through fire, someone who carried the weight of his empire in both his expression and posture. I wanted to capture that depth of character in the artwork.

The dragon-scale cape was an important element, symbolizing both his personal connection to the gold dragon and his legendary status. I envisioned the scales catching the light with an iridescent shimmer, making them stand out while still blending harmoniously with the rest of his regal ensemble. For the dragon itself, I aimed to create a sense of movement—something that felt alive rather than just a static backdrop.

The weaponry was another focal point. His halberd-rifle hybrid needed to feel weighty and functional, not just ornamental. I also wanted his dragon-head sword pommel to be distinct, making sure it reflected a more Western-style dragon as per Noah’s later request. The challenge here was in the details—ensuring each piece contributed to the storytelling without overwhelming the composition.

With these considerations in mind, I developed two variations, each emphasizing a different stage of Grae’s reign.

Variation Choices

• Variation 1: A dignified, older Grae, showing his experience and authority. His hair has more white, his expression carries deep wisdom, and his dragon-scale cape drapes regally over his shoulders. The gold dragon in the background soars protectively over him.
• Variation 2: A younger version of Grae at the beginning of his reign, with darker hair, fewer wrinkles, and a fiercer expression. The dragon appears slightly smaller, symbolizing the start of his empire’s growth.

Final Adjustments

Noah appreciated both versions and opted to purchase both with minor refinements. He requested that the burn scar be extended further down his face in V2 and that the dragon head pommel be adjusted to reflect a more European-style dragon rather than an Eastern one in V1.

The Finished Portrait

With the final adjustments complete, Grae’s portrait now fully embodied the vision Noah had in mind. The Emperor stands tall, his battle-worn features exuding resilience and power, while the golden dragon in the background cements his status as a legendary ruler.

Client Feedback

A huge thanks to Noah for trusting me with this commission! If you're looking to bring your own character to life, feel free to start your custom portrait today.