Step by step drawing Fierce Griffin

1-Draw this mythical creature using your imagination, attaching multiple animal parts where you think they should go. Using line and shape, lightly sketch your creature’s form.

When choosing reference photos, make sure they all have the light source coming from the same direction.

2-Define your sketch beyond simple shapes by including some anatomical structure. I like to start with the head and build downward.

TECHNIQUE STUDY
Traditionally, the Chimera had a lion’s head, a goat’s body, and a serpent’s tail. It is more broadly defined as a creature made up of different animal features. Design your own chimeras in your sketchbook.

3-Lightly rough in the mid-tone and some shadow areas. Try smudging to soften the texture, if applicable, to your creature.

4-Define darker shadow areas and blend them into the mid-tones, then blend into lighter values.

5-Render in facial elements, body texture, and using a light, soft stroke, add a bit of muscle structure in the arms, chest, and legs.

6-To ground your animal, add a shadow beneath it or scenery like a tree or rock. Use a variety of strokes and pressure for some abstract texture that indicates enough organic elements without having to draw each detail.

7-Detail things like fur or feather texture using short, defining strokes. Boost shadows for more dramatic lighting. Add details like pupils, claws, teeth, and horns.

KEY-DETAIL PRACTICE
Use varied strokes to create a setting. You can re-create grass with short dashes, sand with dots, and leaves on trees with rough scribbles of different value.

8-Add a mythical sword or figure to the scene to create a narrative.