Draw Dragons and Other Fantasy Beasts

Thanks to the success of Harry Potter and Lord of the Rings in recent years, the fascination with imaginary worlds and mythical beasts continues to grow. Acclaimed graphic novelist James McKay and award-winning illustrator Gary Spencer Millidge show beginner artists how they can indulge that interest and create their own rich fantasy worlds on paper. The pair starts with the fundamentals, including advice on tools and materials and an introduction to drawing techniques. Would-be illustrators then receive a tour of basic dragon forms; specific tutorials teach how to draw different body parts, expressions, and poses so they can apply those building blocks to other creatures, including hippogryphs, basilisks, and gargoyles. Finally, Millidge and McKay explain how to create landscape and scenic backgrounds to give these fantastic beings room to roam.

Thanks to the success of Harry Potter and Lord of the Rings in recent years, the fascination with imaginary worlds and mythical beasts continues to grow. Acclaimed graphic novelist James McKay and award-winning illustrator Gary Spencer Millidge show beginner artists how they can indulge that interest and create their own rich fantasy worlds on paper. The pair starts with the fundamentals, including advice on tools and materials and an introduction to drawing techniques. Would-be illustrators then receive a tour of basic dragon forms; specific tutorials teach how to draw different body parts, expressions, and poses so they can apply those building blocks to other creatures, including hippogryphs, basilisks, and gargoyles. Finally, Millidge and McKay explain how to create landscape and scenic backgrounds to give these fantastic beings room to roam.

Fiona Goble is a craft writer and designer. She set up her own small textile business making woolen bags, cushions and throws. She regularly contributes to a number of craft magazines and partworks and is the author of Fleecie Pets. She resides in London,