First comes painting, Then comes sketching

While enjoying my new acrylics hobby, I started a painting and decided I wanted to include a dragon statue in one of them. There was, though, a hurdle I had to overcome. I don't know how to paint a dragon. I pondered a bit and realized I didn't know how to draw a dragon either.

So, I picked up Michael Dobrzycki's The Art of Drawing Dragons, Mythological Beasts, and Fantasy Creatures at Michael's. I opened its pages, grabbed a sketchbook, and took a very deep breath. I vowed to not cower before the intimidating task at hand.

Much to my astonishment, they turned out better than I expected. I've still not painted a dragon yet, but I have now drawn a few. And I will draw more. I can use the practice.

And for your amusement, here are the ones I've done, shown in the order I did them. (I've captioned each drawing with the title used by the book.)

Fire Dragon

Storm Dragon

Hatchling

Drake

Hydra

Amphitere

Lindworm

Wyvern

(Just a bare naked tree -- not from the book)

So, I guess I've acquired two new hobbies this year.

Challenge Met: Vow Kept

When dragons speak, Jeff listens. When dragons prod, Jeff complies. Or he runs incredibly fast.

The submissions packet is ready. I'll be supporting the United States Postal Service this morning.

Life should now begin to return to normal. Do not be surprised if you receive comments on posts you published a week or two ago. Jeff has much catching up to do.

On an unrelated note: Grandson #1 graduated from kindergarten last week. Paw Paw had to console the poor, distraught child. I just hope his scars will one day heal.

Congratulations, you little scholar you.