Your guide's pick of dragon and fantasy drawing books, from step-by-step instructions to more general books on drawing dragons, mythical beasts, knights and castles. Some are more suited to younger artists while others will suit older children and adults.
1. Learn to Draw Like the Masters: Dragons
Eugene Caine / Walter Foster
I'm a sucker for these books that look like old parchment journals, something found in an old artist's treasure-chest in the attic. I also love hand-drawn sketches - drawings with real life and creativity. This is a lovely book that looks at dragon art throughout history. It's ideal for young artists who have some basic skills and want to learn how to give a historical character to their drawings.
2. The Fantasy Figure Artist's Reference File with CD-ROM
Peter Evans / Barrons Educational Series
I've had this book out of the library for so long that I could have bought my own copy with the overdue fines. If you're into traditional 'swords and sandals' figurative fantasy art, you need this book. Hunting for good reference material is so frustrating! The poses, expressions and costumes in this book are fantastic, and there is plenty of extra material on the CD. My only small criticism is that some of the camera angles - even for the supposedly 'low' viewpoint shots - perhaps the wrong choice of lens - occasonally makes the legs look too short. But it's not a dealbreaker.
3. 1-2-3 Draw Knights Castles & Dragons: A Step by Step Guide
Freddie Levin - Peel Productions. Like others in the '1-2-3 Draw!' series, Levin uses basic shapes and lines to build the drawings, making these drawings quite achievable for younger artists in the 5-9 age range. Great for those who have a fledgeling interest in Medieval life, with snippets of information about custom and dress here and there.
4. Draw! Medieval Fantasies
Peel Productions. Damon J. Reinagle's simple structures build quickly to detailed drawings, so some prior knowledge of drawing and shading is helpful. Includes basic perspective drawing of castles, and covers parts of armour and saddlery, and use of pattern. The inventive approach to fave themes will be a hit with fantasy fans and imaginative kids approx 9 and up.
5. The Art of Drawing Dragons, Mythological Beasts, and Fantasy Creatures
Michael Dobrzycki / Walter Foster
Michael Dobrzyck, Walter Foster Publishing. Walter Foster always cover the basics well. This author does a great job of covering some of the fundamentals for good dragon drawing, introducing simple shading and textures, as well as looking at various real-life sources for heads, claws and wings. He uses structure well in developing these creatures as three-dimensional, although some have a more 'cartoony' feel. You can also find a sample on the Walter Foster website - dragon foreshortening lesson.
