Learn how to develop the sense of three dimensional character
This extensive drawing is part of Ian’s series entitled Chinese Dragons. This tutorial explores how he develops the sense of three dimensional character and atmospheric shading to reach such an imposing final conclusion.
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The Emperor’s Dragons – mysterious and dramatic
“A recurring theme over the last few years has been my sketches of the figures and creatures that populate many pagoda roof lines and temple entrances.
The character and strength of the sculpture is always prominent and thought provoking, almost enticing your mind to discover their true significance.”
Ian Murphy
Dragons are referred to as the divine mythical creature that brings with it ultimate abundance, prosperity and good fortune. As the emblem of the Emperor and the Imperial command, the legend of the Chinese Dragon permeates the ancient Chinese civilization and shapes their culture even today. The Chinese Dragon is often seen as the symbol of divine protection and vigilance, and is regarded as the Supreme Being amongst all creatures. It has the ability to live in the seas, fly up into the heavens and coil up in the land taking the form of mountains.
Being the divine mythical animal, the Dragon can ward off wandering evil spirits, protect the innocent and bestow safety to all that hold his emblem.
What will you learn from this tutorial?
This extensive drawing tutorial starts with the design and layout process
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- The initial drawn line is critical to the success of the final image, it is important to follow the first decisions in the life of a drawing.
- Ian illustrates the movement he creates from the roofline in the background to the dominant, powerful dragon figure that engulfs the foreground space.
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Creating Mood and Atmosphere
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- Tone is the formal element in drawing terms that is fundamental to this stage of the image. Ian shows you how to initiate the sense of light and dark and start to create a sense of mystery.
- Discover the techniques Ian uses to enhance the dramatic lighting qualities, these are a focal point on the Dragon and builds up its imposing character.
- The dramatic mood and atmosphere is created in layers, Ian talks you through, and describes each step to show the amazing distance across the pagoda roof tiles.
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Strong, powerful and mysterious structure
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- The character of the Dragon relies on understanding scale, proportion and volume, Ian illustrates the best marks to use to create this sense of structure.
- The age and surface decay of the Dragon is enhanced by the surface texture; at this stage of the tutorial Ian guides you through the essential process.
- The Chinese Dragon’s pose is majestic and powerful, Ian describes how to create the amazing symbolic head and the menacing claw
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The finishing touches
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- The all-important defining features that really enhances the powerful character of the Dragon and the distinctive perspective of the Chinese temple.
- Completing the mysterious and atmospheric character of the drawing, the final marks that capture the dramatic lighting.
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Who is this tutorial for?
Drawing is the fundamental skill that underpins all our creativity and is always a main focal point to Ian’s live workshops. This tutorial will be perfect for anyone who has a desire to learn how to produce a strong and dramatic image.
Requests have come from:
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- 3D students wanting to see the techniques Ian uses to develop the powerful form and structure of the dragon.
- Fine Art students eager to embrace the methods used to create dramatic lighting
- Art & Design students wanting to incorporate surface texture in their own drawing.
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Dragon Drawing Tutorial Outlined
WEEK ONE
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Part 1: Introduction
Part 2: Starting the drawing
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WEEK TWO
[simple_box]Part 3: The first tones
Part 4: Developing the atmosphere
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WEEK THREE
[simple_box]Part 5: The head of the dragon
Part 6: Starting the character of the body
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WEEK FOUR
[simple_box]Part 7: Establishing character throughout the body
Part 8: Placing the dragon on the roofline
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WEEK FIVE
[simple_box]Part 9: The Foreground Plint
Part 10: The Pagoda Roof Tiles
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WEEK SIX
[simple_box]Part 11: Developing the ridged character of the roof
Part 12: Creating the atmosphere of the roof
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WEEK SEVEN
[simple_box]Part 13: Merging the dragon into the roof
Part 14: The dominant claw
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WEEK EIGHT
[simple_box]Part 15: Pagoda roof details
Part 16: The background dragon
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WEEK NINE
[simple_box]Part 17: The dragon’s tail
Part 18: The distant pagoda roof
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WEEK TEN
[simple_box]Part 19: The dragon’s spine
Part 20: The dragon’s head
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WEEK ELEVEN
[simple_box]Part 21: Developing the ornate features
Part 22: The finishing touches
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