Cleopatra character concept

One of my final pieces for my concept art course.

My task was to create a 'proof of concept' around my subject, which was Ancient Egypt in the late Ptolemaic Period. I had to make a character concept, and environment concept and a keyframe piece, from start to finish. I researched the subject first, noting down all the information I can use from the sketch phase to creating a final, polished piece.

The brief for the character concept was to create a concept of Cleopatra. After the initial sketching and choosing the final design, made a photobashed base in grayscale which was later painted over and coloured. I wanted it to have a more traditional look, not the usual extravagant portrayal of Cleopatra. I was inspired by the white and gold colour combination, the gemstone beads, and the use of henna.