Holy freaking crap.
This is pretty much the most complex thing I've had the (mis)pleasure of working on.

Originally, this was an entry for *PearlEden's contest before I hit myself in the head, realizing that ice wasn't one of the elements allowed.
Fortunately, it looked good enough in the sketch that I wanted to continue working on it, regardless.

So this is my ice elemental deity-ish creature, Animagelata. (which in Italian, means "frozen soul")
Its neck, back, and legs are coated in tiny ice platelets that never melt, while its body is rumored to be made from snow. And its flowing mane is said to be the roots of both the Northern and Southern Lights.
He lives within the tallest mountain range of the Antarctic, awaiting a sole chosen rider. If you're the chosen rider, you'll have the power and might of the ice element at your side. (how you use it is entirely up to you, as Animagelata will not dare disagree with his master)
However, if you're NOT the chosen rider, once you get on his back, the icy quills on the back of his neck will shoot out, impaling whoever is attempting to ride him.

EDIT: The background has been fixed MUCH MORE to my liking. :}

Image drawn in Adobe Photoshop Elements.
Total layers: 17
Total time: 1+ days.
Aurora brushes found here: [link]
Animagelata is © me.