The ever-increasing popularity of mythological and fantasy creatures in film, graphic novels, and television creates high demand for instruction books on drawing these fantastic beasts. In this new edition, aspiring artists will find 144 pages of clear, step-by-step instructions for drawing everything from fire-breathing dragons to seven-headed monsters and magical fairies. Information on the origin and history of mythological creatures gives this book an extra-special appeal. The author's helpful tips on shading and drawing techniques show readers everything they need to know to create their own impressive beasts. This book is unique because it features a wide range of fantasy subjects rather than focusing on only one type of creature. It also sets itself apart from similar books with its helpful information on combining graphite pencil with other media, such as charcoal and black watercolour paint or ink. In addition, this extraordinary book features dragons and other mythological creatures from around the world, including those originating in Egyptian, Irish, Norse, and Greek mythology.

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Michael Dobrzycki is an accomplished painter, carpenter, puppet maker, and sketch artist whose work has been featured in children's books and small press publications. In 2001, Michael was inducted into the Disneyland Entertainment Hall of Fame.

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DOBRZYCKI, Michael. "The Art of Drawing Dragons: Mythological Beasts and Fantasy Creatures." illus. by author. 144p. photos. index. Walter Foster. 2007. pap. $19.95. ISBN 978-1-60058-012-3.

Gr 8 Up-This comprehensive collection, which includes black-and-white photographs of supplies and illustrations of the creatures to be drawn, is divided into five sections. "Getting Started" discusses supplies such as sketch pads, pencils, and watercolor paint. All of the techniques are covered: shading (light and shadow), creating textures (scales, feathers, hair), combining references (putting wings, heads, and claws on real people or animals drawn from photographs), constructing creatures (basic shapes, forms, depth), placing the features, and shifting proportions (from normal to exaggerated). A few boxed areas provide additional tips. Next come the step-by-step drawing instructions. "Types of Dragons" illustrates l6 creatures ranging from the familiar to the obscure, each one progressively mor