How to Draw a Perched Dragon

STEP 1.

Start the first step by drawing three shapes, the head, torso and body guides. When that is done add the lining for the wings and tail.

STEP 2.

 Use the head guide to sketch in the shape or structure for the dragon's head. As you can see this dragon has a more block style head and muzzle which is a nice change. The sharp frills or horns along the jaw line and face should be different in shape and size.

STEP 3.

 We will fill in the mouth with small sharp little teeth, then sketch in the nostril, crinkle on the muzzle where the eyes are, and then sketch in the eyes. There should also be some fine definition too to add texture to the dragon's face.

STEP 4.

Here we can draw in the long slender neck as it curls in an arched pose. The back and shoulders or arms should be sketched in next. Make sure the arm is muscular.

STEP 5.

Sketch in the talons or hands of the dragon as well as the other arm which is sort of hidden on the other side.

STEP 6.

 Next, sketch out the belly which has vertical scales, then draw in the detailing on the dragon's neck that also has the same style scales.

STEP 7.

 Sketch out the muscle detailing on the arm, then draw a small dash for the belly.

STEP 8.

 Dragons have wings attached to their backs while having a set of arms too, and there are also dragons that just have wings with no arms. This dragon has both arms and wings. Begin drawing the wings with a strong, limb like structure that is also muscular and lean.

STEP 9.

 You will now draw in the skeletal fingers which will be the guides that the skin based wing tissue will attach to.

STEP 10.

 Sketch out the dragon's back, along with the hind leg, and clawed foot. The nails should be sharp and clutching the rock or hill when you draw that aspect of the image in.

STEP 11.

Continue to work on the wing by completing its form. The skin should be torn between each finger of the wing like so, then sketch in detailing to the back part of the wing where it attaches to the dragon's back.

STEP 12.

 Before you draw the rock that the dragon is perched on, you will need to draw in the long, slender tail that will be wrapped around the rock.

STEP 14.

Here you will now sketch out the rugged rock that the dragon is perched on. The lining should be detailed to add texture to the rock. It should actually look more like a cliff.

STEP 15.

Almost done people. Now all you have to do is sketch out the other wing. You don't have to really worry about detailing the skin because the skin is hidden from the wing facing the opposite direction.

STEP 16.

Lastly, draw the spiny spikes on the dragon's neck and back like so, then start erasing the mistakes and guides.

STEP 17.

 Here is the line art now that you are done. You can color in your perched dragon any way you see fit.