Creating a Fantasy Pixel Art Scene with Gradients

About

My goal was to create a mysterious fantasy pixel art environment. I wanted to show a ‘hidden object’ within the trees and revealed by moonlight. The gradient lighting I used for the rays draws the eye to the mystical sword.

Process

An overview of the process I developed to create pixel art in this style.

I began with blocking out the basic shapes, including the tree trunks, tree leaves, and grass. Then, I added smaller details and gradients to act as lighting in the environment.