How to Draw a Dragon's Leg
Dragons have fascinated artists for centuries. Even though dragons do not exist, their anatomies are similar to real animals. Dragons have knees, claws and muscles. You can learn to draw a dragon's leg by following a step-by-step process.
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Instructions
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1
Sketch scaffolding lines connected by circles at the joints to map out the position of the leg. Draw straight lines to indicate the major sections of the leg: the thigh, the shin and the heel. Each is about the same length. The lines should form a "Z" shape if facing the right, or a backward "Z" if facing the left. The top right bend of the "Z" is the knee, and the bottom left is the heel. Like the legs of a dog, the heel joint pivots in the opposite direction as the knee. If the leg is extended, draw the sections at wider angles. If the leg is withdrawn and at rest, it should form more of a squashed "Z" shape.
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2
Outline the volumes of the major sections of the leg. Use ovals to shape the thigh, shin and heel areas. Use a quarter-circle shape to outline the foot and the spread of the claws. Sketch lightly and erase until you establish the major proportions and locations.
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3
Connect the shapes and refine the contours. Sketch the outer perimeter of the leg based on the reference lines and shapes you established. Indicate the bulge of the thigh and the upper calf muscles. Shape the claws using arced lines. You can also add the thumb claw midway up the heel. Erase obsolete reference lines from Steps 1 and 2.
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4
Shade to indicate three-dimensional volume. Shade the edges darker, especially in the crevices behind the knee and heel. Use gradation toward the center of the shapes to show rounded contours. Indicate tendons and variations in muscle on the thigh and heel by shading bands parallel to the length of each leg segment. If you want to draw scales or fur, draw them after you draw the shadows. Draw scales using rhythmically repeating small curve marks. Draw fur using quick short marks or zigzag lines to outline the areas of fur.
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Tips & Warnings
Study pictures of real animal legs to gain ideas for constructing unique dragon legs.
Be true to your imagination. If you feel like the legs should look a certain way, draw them the way you see them, and don't feel confined by what other artists have done.
References
Resources
- Photo Credit Hemera Technologies/Photos.com/Getty Images
