Dracopedia
Page 5
Dragon Depections Vary
The vast majority of people never had seen a dragon and their renderings are based on secondhand accounts and hearsay.
Red Welsh Dragon Egg, 16" (41cm)
Finding unattended red dragon eggs are extremely rare.
Dragon Fire
Of all the dragon species only the Dracorexus family is able to “breathe” fire. The dragon’s ability to breathe fire is actually a misnomer. More accurately, the dragon spits fire. Dragons are able to secrete a highly volatile liquid in a gland behind the mandible. The dragon is able to spit this liquid up to 100' (31m). Once in contact with oxygen, the liquid quickly oxidizes and bursts into flame. This attack is only possible about once a day, and usually as a last resort defense, allowing the dragon to escape a dangerous situation.
DEMONSTRATION
GREAT WELSH RED DRAGON
Gather up as much reference as you can for your painting before you begin. Make a list of each of the elements you want to include:
• Massive wingspan
• Maritime habitat
• Breathing fire
• Coloration and markings
• Body design and wing anatomy
I have always envisioned dragons as animals that could fly. Use references of large birds like the albatros to conceptualize how they would look while flying.
1 Sketch the Composition
Plan your painting with a series of rough thumbnail sketches. I settled on a view from the side and slightly underneath to show off this dragon’s muscular body as well as its fire-spitting ability.
2 Complete a Detailed Drawing
Do a detailed final drawing with an HB pencil on bristol board. As you work, pay attention to how each element works with the overall anatomy, and strive for a natural look. Using reference photos of other animals, such as bats and birds such as herons, may help you with both inspiration and accuracy.
3 Adjust the Color of the Drawing
After you have scanned the final drawing into the computer, use Image menu > Adjustments > Color Balance to give the drawing a different hue that will easily blend into the underpainting.
4 Establish the Underpainting
Create a new layer in Multiply mode for the underpainting. Use soft-edged transparent brushes and start roughing in the forms with light and dark values of a deep violet.
5 Refine the Underpainting
Continue to build the underpainting using smaller brushes and the same monochromatic scheme as in the Step 4 until the level of detail is sufficient to define the form, space and lighting. It’s best to get these key elements correct now, as they are the basis for the remainder of the painting
As you can see, the area of greatest contrast involves the head and the fire, making this area the focal point. The dark smoke further adds contrast and makes the fire appear brighter. Add some reflected light to the dragon’s breast to define the shape.
What Color Is a Dragon?
Like the colors and patterning of a dinosaur, dragon coloration is open to interpretation, and there are a lot of references you can take coloring cues from. In looking at traditional heraldry, you’ll notice the dragon is usually depicted as a single color, with red being the most popular choice. Think about why your dragon is the color it is. Its coloration could help it blend into its surroundings, it could indicate it is a poisonous creature or it could be used to attract a mate.
6 Add Color
Create a new layer in Normal mode at an opacity of 50%. Begin blocking in the basic colors.
7 Refine the Background
Create a new 100% opaque layer in Normal mode. Starting in the background and working forward in space, carefully paint the rocks and waves behind the dragon.
8 Punch Up the Contrasts
At this stage, I noticed that the background was too strong and was competing with the foreground for attention. I decided to soften it by adding a white haze of fog as follows.
Create a new layer at 35% opacity in Normal mode. Choose a soft brush and enable Airbrush mode by clicking the airbrush icon in the Options bar. Select a white hue, then brush in haze or fog over the entire background.
9 Refine the Details
Create a new layer in Normal mode. Use smaller brushes and brighter, less transparent colors to refine the details on the dragon.
PHOTOSHOP TIP
Another option for adjusting the contrast in Step 8 would be to simply brighten the whole layer using Image menu > Adjustments > Levels. However, I prefer not to permanently alter anything I’ve painted and this allows me to remove the layer at any time.
10 Add the Final Touches
Adding new layers as needed, paint the final details, shadows and highlights. End with opaque colors and detail brushes. Work in stages and take your time; the attention to detail will bring the dragon to life.
11 Detail the Head Remember to zoom in to add the fine details to the head. Notice the reflected light of the fire reflecting back into the dragon’s mouth, lips and even neck.
DRAGONETTE
Draco volucrisidae
SPECIFICATIONS
Size: 3' to 16' (91cm to 5m)
Wingspan: 6' to 25' (183cm to 8m)
Recognition: Bipedal torso, large hind legs, broad wings, avian head
Habitat: Temperate to tropical climates, including plains and grasslands
Species: English spitfire dragonette, American Appaloosa dragonette, Abyssinian dragonette, messenger dragonette, Waynesford dragonette
Also known as: Dragonelle, dragonel, dragonet
British Spitfire Dragonette
Pencil and digital
14" × 22" (36cm × 56cm)
BIOLOGY
Few images evoke more romance and excitement than that of the dragon rider on his “steed.” For centuries the dragonette has been bred by civilizations all over the world for a variety of purposes, from the diminutive courier dragonette to the powerful war dragonettes.
A bipedal dragon with powerful back legs and small front legs used for digging and nest building wiThexpansive batlike wings for graceful and agile flying. The dragonette usually stands about 6' (183cm) at the shoulder, and is 12' (4m) feet in length with a 20' (6m) wingspan. A vegetarian herd species from the open plains, and much less intelligent than their larger dragon cousins, the dragonette has been domesticated by early civilizations and today is common throughout most of the world. Bred into many hundreds of breeds, the dragonette can be found in a variety of patterns and sizes to fit their many functions.
American Appaloosa Dragonette
Volucrisus cheyennus, 12' (4m)
Dragonette, Overhead View
Wingspan: 25' to 30' (8m to 9m) Since they are prey to wyverns, the pale undermarkings of the dragonette camouflage it against the sky.
Dragonette Foot
The foot of the dragonette is built like a large bird’s, allowing for agile running in the open plains.
Dragonette Head
Dragonettes have large eyes that allow for peripheral vision while grazing. The short muzzle and small teeth are designed for biting and chewing grass.
Courier Dragonette
Small courier dragonettes are used to carry messages over long distances.
BEHAVIOR
Dragonettes are unique within the dragon class in that they are a vegetarian herd animal living within flocks (or flights) that can grow into thousands of animals. A very social and docile creature, they commonly build their nests on the high plateau mesas of the central United States, eastern Europe and Australia. A whole flight of dragonettes may migrate thousands of miles between seasons to follow the food supply and reach their breeding grounds.
Dragonette Locomotion
This sequence of wire-frame drawings illustrates how the dragonette runs on its powerful hind legs. Notice how its center of gravity is kept over its knees.
Dragonette Eggs 10" 25cm), 1½" (38mm)
A Dragonette Flight
Dragonettes gather in
large flights, containing hundreds of individual animals for protection along the tall cliffs in the plains.
Dragonettes Are Easily Trained
During World War I, the German Drachwaffe became such a threat to English civilians that advisories such as this one were commonly displayed throughout much of the country. Notice the wide variety of dragonettes that were developed and try imagining all of the possible wing designs.
HISTORY
Varieties and breeds of the dragonette can be found in almost all regions of the world and the dragonette ranges in size from the small (3' [91cm]) to the large working breeds, (16' [5m]). Although not as intelligent or easy to train as horses, dragonettes have long been used for transportation and military use, allowing for a flying cavalry in use in ancient Egypt and the American Civil War. Famous legions of dragoniers include Napoleon’s Dragoniers, the British Royal Dragon Guard, the German Drachwaffe and the American Dragon Express Mail Service.
Most dragonettes have been used by military commanders to survey the battlefield and carry messages, although using bombs dropped from the air has been attempted from the Chin Dynasty in China up to World War I. After WWI, the dragonette was replaced by the airplane, and today the dragonette is solely kept by breeders and racers. For more information visit the International Dragonette Breeders Association (IDBA).
Wild dragonettes in their native habitats are rare, but attempts to reintroduce the animal to these areas are currently under way by conservation societies.
Dragonettes have been used in the military for centuries. Here you see William Duke of Normandy and his knights astride dragonettes during the Battle of Hastings in 1066.
WWI British Dragonier, Circa 1915
The apex of the dragon rider took place in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. The advent of airplanes and technology made the dragonier obsolete. This illustration shows all the gear and clothing of a WWI-era British dragonier officer.
DEMONSTRATION
BRITISH SPITFIRE DRAGONETTE
The dragonette is a complex animal with many possible variations. The painting needs to show these variations to best illustrate its uniqueness. For this image, I decided to highlight the following details:
•The ability of the dragonette to be ridden
•The tack and harness needed
•The gear worn by the dragonier
•The camouflage
•The use of dragonettes in groups
•The range of dragonettes in size and function.
Designing the dragonette’s color and markings should begin in the concept stage. I was inspired by raptors and warplanes, which are camouflaged against the ground from above and against the sky from below. The markings on the dragonette are very similar to those seen on World War I German airplanes.
1 Sketch the Composition
Develop several thumbnail sketches in your sketchbook that include all the elements you want in the image.
Establishing Proper Anatomy and Posture
The human dragonier and the two with the two dragonettes of different sizes may make this drawing seem complicated. Reduce the possibility of confusion by creating an armature to establish the figures’ basic structure and form. An armature is the foundation the drawing (or sculpture) will be built upon. In this case, the rough, skeletal outline of the dragonette serves as the armature for the drawing.
1. With your pencil, start with a rough outline to ensure you’ve established the proper anatomy and posture.
2. Building upon the armature, draw the muscles of the dragonette, using the basic anatomical diagram of a dragon.
2 Complete a Final Drawing
Do the final drawing with an HB pencil on bristol board, using your thumbnail sketches and armature drawings to guide you. Scan the drawing.
3 Establish the Underpainting.
Create a new layer in Multiply mode for the underpainting. Block in the underpainting using transparent brushes and a monochromatic green color scheme. Establish the forms and lighting. Keep the background elements lighter than the foreground dragonettes and rider. This will add depth to the painting.
4 Add the Color
Create a new layer in Normal mode with an opacity setting of 50%. Following the patterns and colors established in the drawing and underpainting, punch up the colors of the dragonette everywhere except the underside, where the colors should remain lighter and duller. Paint the small carrier dragonette red so it stands out against the dark green background, and reinforces the wide range of colors and markings dragonettes could be. Paint the dragonier and the dragonette’s harness and saddle using smaller semitransparent brushes.
REVISIONS IN PHOTOSHOP
If you find that you’d like to rework an area where you’ve added a brushstroke or a color, you can simply just apply the new color or brushstroke right over the old one. Because the previous color or brushstroke will not show through, you can easily work out the color of your composition at this stage.
5 Refine the Color and Background
Refine the background dragonettes and dragoniers. Remember to use less detail, color and contrast to allow the background elements to recede from the image and enhance the illusion of depth.
Keep the Background in the Background
As you finalize the background elements, remember to keep the edges soft and the contrast low. You don’t need to add much detail. All these measures will help these elements look distant.
6 Refine the Dragonier and Red Dragonette
Using smaller brushes and more opaque colors, apply the greatest amount of detail to the rider and messenger dragonette. Add bright, saturated blues along the dragonette’s body and wings for interest. Add oranges to the red wings and wattle, creating the appearance of light shining through a thin membrane.
Refine the dragonier, developing his ruddy appearance and adding highlights and shadows to suggest the texture of his jacket, scarf and leather straps.
7 Refine the Dragonette’s Head
Refine the dragonette’s head, adding reds and oranges to make the face stand out. As in Step 6, create the appearance of light shining though the wattle with orange. Add bright, sharp highlights on the rivets and rings on the riding gear. Add vibrant colors around the eyes, and gold inlay on the leather bridle. Add a few highlights to make the bridle shine.
8 Refine the Feet
Use a variety of brush textures to create the dragonette’s feet. Brushes that resemble traditional, painterly techniques such as splattering, scumbling and drybrushing will create interesting marks and textures on the dragonette. Add highlights to the scales and claws to create the appearance of shiny, reptilian skin.
9 Add the Finishing Touches
Using small brushes and opaque color, add the remaining details to the composition. Use bright blue-green and orange-yellow to refine the green dragonette’s ridges. Touch up the scales. Notice how much more detail is rendered in the face compared to the wing behind it.
DRAKE
Draco drakidae
SPECIFICATIONS
Size: 3' to 12' (91cm to 4m)
Wingspan: None
Recognition: Quaduripedal stocky body; flightless
Habitat: Temperate to tropical climates and open plains
Species: St. Cuthbert’s drake, pit drake, racing drake, draft drake, Wyeth’s drake, Pyle’s drake, war (siege) drake, Ishtar drake (extinct)
Also known as: Gargoyle, drakoyle, gorgon, draggonne, drak
Common Drake
Pencil and digital
14" × 22" (36cm × 56cm)
BIOLOGY
The drake is a common, flightless dragon that was domesticated by many early civilizations. The drake comes in hundreds of species and breeds, but all are four-legged animals with short, compact bodies allowing for swift running. The great advantage to the drake is its ability to adapt to its environment and create hundreds of subspecies that are specially designed for almost any function. The drake’s powerful jaws and sharp teeth are des
igned to effectively capture and kill its prey.
Racing Drake
Drakus properitus, 6' (183cm) Small, swift racing drakes are still bred today. Their speeds can rival those of a cheetah.
The Common Drake
Drakus plebeius, 8' (244cm)
War (Siege) Drake
Drakus bellumus, 16' (5m) Large drakes like this siege drake were bred until the nineteenth century for use in warfare. They often pulled chariots and cannon.
St. Cuthbert’s Drake
Drakus eruous, 10' (3m) Domesticated in the middle ages by the monks of St. Cuthbert’s Abbey in Bavaria, their sturdy build allowed them to climb rocky landscapes to aid pilgrims lost in the snow.
Pit Drake
Drakus barathrumus, 4' (122cm) While many drakes have been bred for fighting, the pit drake is the most nortorious. It is illegal to breed pit drakes in many countries.
BEHAVIOR
Drakes are naturally a pack-hunting animal living in the grasslands and open savannahs around the world. Groups of drakes can grow to several dozen, bringing down large game such as elk, moose and dragonettes. Today there are very few wild species of drake in the world, having been hunted to near extinction. Yet, the drake is a very popular animal amongst breeders, and there are hundreds of breeds throughout the world.