For this exercise you need cardstock paper, scissors, and tape. Cut your card into a rectangle about 3 inches by 4 inches for ease.
1-Cut a wavy line vertically down the card. Then flip the piece on the right and tape the two flat edges together.
KEY-DETAIL PRACTICE
Sketch a few different tessellation designs first to see which shapes work and which don’t.
2-Cut a horizontal wavy or shaped line. Flip the lower piece to the left, then tape the two flat edges together.
TECHNIQUE STUDY
Look at positive and negative space to get tessellations to align correctly. If there is a curve on one side, there should be an indent in the other in the exact same spot. (Think of it like fitting together pieces of a puzzle.) If there’s not, you’ll need to flip around your stencil.
3-Begin tracing your template in your sketchbook, starting at the top left of your page and continue through – out the page.
4-Go into each and lightly sketch dragon features.
5-Add color with colored pencils. To separate the puzzle, try to interchange color schemes to switch the colors in the opposite design.
6-Add some value and shadows. You can use a neutral, darker shade of brown or a cool complementary color. Continue gradually building up shadow.
7-Shade the shadows into mid-tones, then lightly render toward highlights.
8-With value established, add tiny details like textures. To make things pop, use a white gel pen or a paint marker and add some highlights.
Artist Trick
Don’t overcomplicate your tessellation subject; focus on overall basic shape and avoid tiny details or intricate edges.
