Learn how to draw dragons

Introduction:

A fun skill to have is the ability to draw, and drawing mystical creatures is even better. Dragons have been talked about and had stories told about them for years. They are a symbol of terrors, both real and imagined. They are considered evil by some, good by others, some are said to contain magical ability, breathe fire, etc. So how do you draw a dragon?

Follow the instructions:

Difficulty rating:
Moderate

Steps:

Step one:

Recognize that dragons are not real, they are make believe, imagined, thought up, so you do not have to draw them any certain way. You can have complete creative freedom.

Step two:

Decide what sort of dragon you want. You will probably have an idea in your head, so now you want to take some time looking at history and at folklore, and decide what historical sources and fantasy creations you are going to include in your design of your dragon. Will you make the dragon fire breathing? Will you make it have shiny scales or horns?

Step three:

Sketch your rough ideas, whether it is a slender lizard like dragon, or a huge beast with barrel chest.

Step four:

Use a real animal to get a feel for how the dragon should fit together and flow. You want to make sure that the anatomy of your dragon is proportionate and makes sense.

Step five:

Start drawing your actual dragon by using geometric shapes to come up with the basic outline of your dragon. You want to put a big circle for the chest if it will be barrel, triangles for wings, etc.

Step six:

Now combine the shapes to create a flow to the outline of your dragon. Use an eraser to get rid of some of the original shape lines.

Step seven:

Start to add detail to your dragon. Study pictures of reptiles, etc. to get an idea of how to make scales look realistic. You will also want to have a light source, and draw from that angle. So if you are going to draw a sun, draw your dragon as if it is being hit by the sun from whatever direction you need it to be from.

Step eight:

Add the individual detail of the scales, flame, claws, tongue, eyes, etc. You may want to make the eyes like those of a cat, or something fierce. You can give it claws like those on a jaguar, etc. Use real life creatures for inspiration while adding details.

Step nine:

Add color. A lot of times a dragon really comes to life when color is added, so use the power of color to breathe life into your dragon. It does not matter if you use crayons, colored pencils, markers, or some other method.

Tips and warnings:

• When drawing dragons it is a good idea to look online at other people's renditions for ideas. You might get a few good ideas for technique and strategy. Just remember that everything has copy write so, stick with the laws and do not copy someone's ideas, just learn from them.
• When you draw a dragon it is a good idea to put them in their habitat to help explain your choice of dragon. For example, a mountain dragon would need strong legs and a big chest to take down deer, bear, etc. A dragon who lives in the sea eats fish would need longer front arms, or strong talons to catch fish with.

 
Things you will need:

• Paper
• Pencil
• Ideas
• Eraser
• Coloring items