Stock Photosfrom Irina Alexandrovna/Shutterstock
No fairytale setting is really complete without the presence of a grand and monstrous dragon.
As a popular character in both Western and Eastern mythologies, many versions of this creature have been illustrated.
Some have wings, and others are sea-based; some are ferocious, and others more cuddly.
Stock Photosfrom Irina Alexandrovna/Shutterstock
With so many varieties it can be hard to pin down which one you want to draw.
That’s why it’s important to settle the basics of a dragon first.
So set aside your doubts and pick up your drawing tools.
Photo & Art: Margherita Cole / My Modern Met
Let’s draw a dragon!
To do this, usebasic shapes and linesto measure out the proportions of your dragon’s body.
It’s important to get this step right, so it’s okay if it takes a few tries.
Photo & Art: Margherita Cole / My Modern Met
Step 2: Connect your preliminary shapes.
Now that you have the body and wing mostly sketched, focus on the tail.
Step 3: Refine the outline.
Photo & Art: Margherita Cole / My Modern Met
With the basics in place, you’ll want to slowlyadd and editas you see fit.
when you obtain the outline more or less settled,erase the guidelinesfrom earlier.
Step 4: Pay attention to the details.
Photo & Art: Margherita Cole / My Modern Met
Now that you’ve done the grunt work, it’s time for some fun!
Think about whatcomponentsyou want your dragon to have, like horns, teeth, and scales.
Depending on how you want to finish your drawing (in color, ink, graphite, etc.
Photo & Art: Margherita Cole / My Modern Met
), you might add less detail at this stage.
Still, it’s good to have a few features in place to help with the last step.
Optional: Give the dragon a hoard of gold and a courageous foe.
Photo & Art: Margherita Cole / My Modern Met
Step 5: Go over the drawing in ink and/or add color.
If you decide tofinish your drawing in pen, you have the option to commit to a full-scale look.
It won’t look promising at first but keep going and it’ll get better.
Photo & Art: Margherita Cole / My Modern Met
Once you’ve finished, give yourself a pat on the back!
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Photo & Art: Margherita Cole / My Modern Met
