Returning from FC2011, I thnk back to that convention where I was told several times that I should draw dragons, or at least add them to my list of species that I draw frequently. While that may just be a general request, it's one I've been thinking about and one of the reasons I've resisted is that I haven't studied them fully. Before I can take on a species, I have to figure out what features about the subject make it something I can do again and again without random success or failure.

Yes, that means you have to study.


So when I got home, I decided to draw up a few studies on dragon design for my own personal notes. How to draw a head repeatedly that looks good, small notes about this or that shape, feature, or option. I then realized that this very same study may be of interest to FA viewers so I have put it up here.

In case you're curious, I didn't draw one head and then copy it in Photoshop. This is all done on cardstock, so I really did draw the head eight times. Doing that helps get the shape down while letting me refine the design. I really like the results. I'm also uploading another tutorial on drawing legs starting with the hind which will be the next image.