Drawing Dragons! -- Design and Draw Your Own Dragon

Learners in this class will be able to interact with one another in brainstorming the characteristics, abilities, and special powers of their dragon character, developing a backstory for that dragon, and then creating what their dragon might look like. Students are welcome to use any materials they're inspired to use; I'll demonstrate introductory basics of penciling and inking, and show them some illustration tools, but students should feel free to try out whatever techniques they like, use whatever materials they have at hand, and work at whatever pace is most comfortable for them. 

In this class, we usually start with a conversation about dragons -- what they can look like, what characteristics they could have -- and talk about specific examples. I show them a few images of dragons they might recognize (Wings of Fire, Toothless from How To Train Your Dragon, and others) and we talk about different elements of the dragons and how a dragon's habitat might affect how that dragon looks or moves. We talk about brainstorming different ideas (things a dragon might breathe, for example) and how to get started on a drawing (basic shapes, etc.) and then I show examples of various characteristics and things they can try (different dragon body types, wings and claws, eyes and scales, etc.). as they create their own dragon drawings. Sometimes students will want to share other drawings of dragons, or show one another dragon toys or books they might have -- all of that is totally OK! Each class is a little different, depending on the learners in it -- some classes like to draw quietly, and others might want to chat with one another -- but learners are not required to share their drawings if they do not wish to do so.  

This class is designed to be fun and low-pressure; there is no wrong way to draw a dragon! This class is also not a step-by-step dragon drawing tutorial; this class is instead designed so that learners can draw any kind of dragon that they like -- one from Wings of Fire, or How To Train Your Dragon, or one that they've designed themselves!

Learners are also able to take this class multiple times as each class meeting will be different depending on the different learners in the class. The introductory examples I use are the same, but as this class is not a step-by-step drawing class and students are encouraged to draw at their own pace and use their imaginations to create their own dragons, students can retake the course and create different dragons each time. Some classes enjoy sharing their drawings and talking with one another about their favorite dragon books, movies, or toys; some others include students who prefer to draw quietly. Learners are encouraged to participate in whatever way they feel most comfortable. 

My teaching style has been described as interactive, enthusiastic, and supportive. Learners are encouraged but not required to share their work and ideas. My goal is for them to have fun drawing, meet other dragon fans, and possibly try out a new technique or two for their drawing.

I also have a "Dragon Drawing Hangout" class where learners who like to draw dragons and share their dragon drawings and other dragon-related things like books or toys can share with one another while also drawing. The emphasis there is on brainstorming drawing ideas, peer social interaction, and working on specific learner-centered requests (how to draw wings, for example, or eyes), but is a shorter class meeting. In addition, my other class "Create a Watercolor Dragon" shows learners basic watercolor techniques that they can use to paint a mixed-media dragon (they'll use a permanent marker to outline the dragon and then use watercolor to add detail to the dragon they've created); the goal in that class is for students to try out a more challenging art medium (watercolor) with a familiar and fun subject (dragons).