How To Draw A Dragon In 6 Easy Steps [Video + Illustrations]

Dragons have long been celebrated in stories and legends for their power, mystery, and mythical allure. Whether you’re a fan of Tony Stark’s nemesis White Dragon or the majestic creatures in Game of Thrones, there’s something captivating about these fantastical beings. If you’ve ever tried to draw a dragon, you know it can be quite challenging. But fear not! Our lead comic book artist has created a beginner-friendly tutorial to help you learn how to draw a dragon like a pro.

The Essential Tools for Drawing a Dragon

Before we dive into the step-by-step process, let’s talk about the tools you’ll need for this drawing adventure. If you enjoy drawing with a pencil, we recommend using the following:

• An H pencil: This type of pencil allows you to create light, easily erasable lines, perfect for outlining.
• An HB pencil: The golden mean of pencils, with a medium-hard lead that leaves moderately dark traces. Ideal for shading and creating prominent contours.
• A kneaded eraser: These erasers are highly malleable, allowing for precise erasing and highlighting.
• Lightly textured paper: Opt for smooth-surfaced paper that allows your pencil to glide effortlessly.

Don’t worry if you don’t have these specific tools; you can use your favorite pencil and adapt the pressure you apply accordingly. The goal is to have fun and unleash your creativity while drawing a dragon.

How to Draw a Dragon Step-by-Step: A Visual Guide

Dragons exist solely in our imaginations, and there are countless variations of them. Feel free to let your imagination run wild and create a dragon that fits your unique storyline. From Shrek’s whimsical red dragon to the epic CGI creatures in Game of Thrones, each representation is tailored to a specific story and environment. In this tutorial, we’ll guide you through the process of drawing a fierce dragon with wings in six simple steps.

Step 1: Sketching the Torso

To begin, use an H pencil to sketch the dragon’s chest. Place this shape roughly in the middle of your paper, allowing enough room for the wings, legs, and tail. The base of the dragon’s chest resembles a slanted rectangle with rounded edges, slightly wider on the left side. Refer to the visual guide below:

[Image: The base for the dragon’s chest that resembles a rectangle with round edges]

Next, add the base for the dragon’s hips, which should be about two-thirds the size of the chest. This shape resembles an outline of a house, with rounded edges and a pointy roof. Position the hips slightly above the chest, ensuring the top angle of the hips is just above the chest.

Continue by outlining the dragon’s neck, resembling a kidney bean. Overlap the neck with the chest, making it more than one-half the size of the chest. Your sketch should now include the dragon’s chest, hips, and neck.

Step 2: Outlining the Head

The dragon we’re illustrating is facing to the left. Use slightly curved lines to draw the head, which should slightly overlap with the neck outline. The head outline resembles a reversed capital B, but with sharp lines and without them meeting in the middle. This is where the dragon’s horns, eye, and mouth will later be positioned. Refer to the visual guide for a clearer understanding.

Step 3: Sketching the Arms and Legs

Now, let’s add guidelines for the dragon’s arms and legs. Begin with the left arm, joining together two almost oval shapes. The upper oval shape should touch the neck, slightly below the chest line. The bottom oval shape connects to the chest, forming the dragon’s front left thigh. The dragon’s forearm should match the shape of the forearm on the left side.

Moving to the right arm, sketch a triangle below the base of the neck outline. The forearm should match the shape of the forearm on the left side, ensuring they are parallel to each other. The dragon’s front legs are now taking shape.

For the back legs, start with the back left thigh, which should cover about two-thirds of the dragon’s hip. The thigh muscles should be slightly larger and wider than the front left thigh. Draw the shin, which is more rectangular than the front shin, and attach it to the thigh later when contouring. The back left foot consists of two mountain-like outlines, with claws representing the dragon’s feet.

Step 4: Outlining the Wings

Position a teardrop shape between the dragon’s neck and the top of its thigh. Extend an elongated spike from the teardrop shape, pointing it away from the body at a 45-degree angle. Add another spike, around one-third shorter than the previous one, pointing it toward the dragon’s head. Finish the left wing by drawing a shape resembling a scythe’s blade. Curve the wing above the tail and connect it to the dragon’s backside. Repeat the same process for the right wing, ensuring that not all of it shows from this perspective.

Step 5: Adding Details and Contours

Using an HB pencil, it’s time to add more definition to your dragon drawing. Start by going over the outline of the head and adding a small nostril. Draw an elongated, narrow eye above the mouth line to capture the dragon’s fierce appearance. Divide the face into left and right halves using a line from the nose to the top of the head.

Continue by contouring the dragon’s neck and chest, paying attention to the scale pattern that resembles that of crocodiles. Add details to the front arms, including the muscle definition and a tiny horn above the joint. Outline the back legs, emphasizing their strength and muscular structure. Complete the tail by adding shapes that gradually become narrower. Finally, contour the wings, claws, and spikes on the dragon’s back.

Step 6: Erasing the Sketch Guidelines

Grab your kneaded eraser and gently erase the guidelines that are no longer needed. Take care to maintain the integrity of the contours and details you’ve added. This step will give your dragon illustration a polished and finished look.

Congratulations! You’ve successfully completed your dragon drawing, bringing a magnificent creature to life on paper. Now, take a moment to admire your creation and appreciate the artistic journey you’ve embarked upon.

What’s Next?

Now that you’ve mastered the art of drawing dragons, why not explore your creativity further? Here are a few ideas to enhance your drawing skills:

• Learn how to draw other animals, such as dogs, cats, and horses, to expand your repertoire.
• Dive into the world of comic book creation and learn how to make your own thrilling stories come to life.
• Immerse yourself in the captivating adventures of BioWars, featuring our talented artist, Goncalo Lopes. Discover the unique characters and their battles against invading pathogens.

About the Artist

This dragon drawing tutorial, along with other art tutorials in our library, was brought to life by Goncalo Lopes, our resident comic book artist. With an impressive portfolio that includes GI-Joe, Godzilla, Transformers, TMNT, and Adventure Time, Goncalo is a master of his craft. He lends his artistic prowess to our BIOWARS characters, creating their distinct looks and captivating visuals. Be sure to check out his incredible work!

Recap: How to Draw a Dragon with Ease

To recap, here’s a brief summary of the steps for drawing a dragon:

1. Gather your tools: an H pencil, an HB pencil, lightly textured paper, an eraser, and a good guide.
2. Start by sketching the torso, including the chest, hips, and neck.
3. Outline the head, paying attention to the dragon’s horns, eyes, and mouth.
4. Sketch the arms and legs, ensuring symmetry and muscle definition.
5. Add wings to your dragon, taking care to create dynamic shapes and angles.
6. Enhance your drawing by adding details, contours, and finishing touches.
7. Use a kneaded eraser to remove the sketch guidelines, revealing the final dragon illustration.

Remember, practice makes perfect, so don’t be afraid to experiment with different styles and let your imagination soar. Follow us on Instagram for more drawing tips and inspiration. Happy drawing!