The Art of Drawing Dragons

November 1, 2007
Gr 8 Up-This comprehensive collection, which includes black-and-white photographs of supplies and illustrations of the creatures to be drawn, is divided into five sections. "Getting Started" discusses supplies such as sketch pads, pencils, and watercolor paint. All of the techniques are covered: shading (light and shadow), creating textures (scales, feathers, hair), combining references (putting wings, heads, and claws on real people or animals drawn from photographs), constructing creatures (basic shapes, forms, depth), placing the features, and shifting proportions (from normal to exaggerated). A few boxed areas provide additional tips. Next come the step-by-step drawing instructions. "Types of Dragons" illustrates l6 creatures ranging from the familiar to the obscure, each one progressively more detailed. "Legendary Dragons" provides guidance for creating l7 creatures from diverse cultures. "Mythological Beasts" focuses on creatures from Greece, and includes a sphynx, the Minotaur, and Pegasus. The 18 "Fantasy Creatures" (leprechaun, troll, ogre) are equally intriguing. Like Christopher Hart's "Drawing Dragons and Those Who Hunt Them" (Watson-Guptill, 2007), this detailed and sophisticated title for serious artists will be a popular addition."Augusta R. Malvagno, Queens Borough Public Library, NY"

Copyright 2007 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.