This is the cover illustration and content sketches for the book “knights of virtue, book one of the guardians” by fantasy and science finction author Joseph Giunta.

The character on the picture is Magarius, the advisor to King Marik. He is a modest man with little in regards to fanfare. On this picture he releases the essence from an autumn leaf.
His familiar, Flicker, is a multi-hued faery dragon. Named so for his unique ability to flicker in and out of existence, like the snuffing of a candle flame. Rather than speak, Flicker sings out a trill in a language few understand. He often croons a soft melody into the ear of his master while resting on his shoulder. Flickers scales changes colour according to his mood.

There are a set of grey-scale illustrations inside the book which you can have a look at here: [link]
For close ups and step-by-steps, look here: [link]