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  Whichever method you use, you can save your custom color as a swatch for easy reuse as follows: Choose Window menu > Swatches, click the triangle button to open the Swatches menu, then choose New Swatch.

  Palette of Color Swatches

  In my digital palette, I’ve arranged my custom swatches from light to dark horizontally. I can choose any hue, and sixteen tonal variations are immediately available. By moving vertically through the palette, I can change hues without altering the tone.

  AMPHIPTERE

  Draco amphipteridae

  SPECIFICATIONS

  Size: 6" to 6' (15cm to 183cm)

  Wingspan: 6" to 10' (15cm to 305cm)

  Recognition: Serpent body with batlike wings. Pattern and color vary by region and species

  Habitat: Temperate to tropical climates, wooded and forested regions

  Common names: Swallowtail amphiptere, firewing amphiptere, vulcan amphiptere, mothwing amphiptere, starburst amphiptere, golden amphiptere, striped amphiptere, rock amphiptere, garden amphiptere

  Also known as: Winged serpent, flying serpent

  Striped Amphiptere

  Pencil and digital

  14" × 22" (36cm × 56cm)

  BIOLOGY

  The winged serpent is a common dragon consisting of a legless serpent with leather wings. Ranging in size from tiny 6"(15cm) garden asps to larger specimens of 6' (183cm). The batlike wings of the amphiptere allow the creature a range of large distances, but the amphiptere does not usually soar like a bird; rather, it uses short flying and gliding to cover its ground. The amphiptere’s coloration varies greatly from species to species, and it feeds primarily on small creatures such as insects, bats, birds and mice. Coming in hundreds of varieties, in various sizes, colors and shapes, and ranging in habitat all over the world, the winged serpent is one of the most common wild members of the dragon class. The amphiptere is found in all temperate to tropical countries (except Ireland). Today, amphiptere are commonly kept as pets. Rare and beautiful species of winged serpents wiThexotic patterns are popular in the black markets of Malaysia and India and imported to Europe and North America. This illegal trade has introduced amphipteridae into ecosystems not intended to support them.

  Vulcan Amphiptere

  Amphipterus viperavulcanus

  Wingspan: 8' (244cm)

  Firewing Amphiptere

  Amphipterus viperapennignus

  Wingspan: 5' (152cm)

  Garden Amphiptere

  Amphipterus viperahortus

  Wingspan: 1' (31cm)

  Starburst Amphiptere

  Amphipterus viperacometus

  Wingspan: 4' (122cm)

  Golden Amphiptere

  Amphipterus viperaurulentus

  Wingspan: 10' (305cm)

  Rock Amphiptere

  Amphipterus viperapetrus

  Wingspan: 4' (122cm)

  Striped Amphiptere

  Amphipterus viperasignus

  Wingspan: 3' (91cm)

  Mothwing Amphiptere

  Amphipterus viperablattus

  Wingspan: 1' (31cm)

  Swallowtail Amphiptere

  Amphipterus viperacaudiduplexus

  Wingspan: 6' (183cm)

  BEHAVIOR

  Amphipteridae spend most of their lives in trees and forests. Nesting in high branches, the amphiptere glides between trees, catching insects and small rodents. In this respect the amphiptere is a welcome creature to most farmers. Unfortunately, some amphiptere will find their way into the nests of other birds, looking for eggs. In the hen-houses of domesticated chickens, often cross-fertilization will occur, which can result in the hatching of a half amphiptere, half chicken, known commonly as a cockatrice.

  Amphiptere Egg, 4" (10cm)

  The amphiptere makes its nests high in trees, but also has been known to use the nests of other birds.

  Amphiptere Habitat

  Deep woods and forests are the natural habitat of the amphiptere, but some may also be found living in urban environments.

  HISTORY

  The amphiptere has historically been regarded as a creature of mixed fortune, and today it’s a greatly misunderstood animal. Since they live on a diet of vermin, the amphiptere is a welcome addition in cities, and there are many amphiptere that live in New York City, making their nests in the high perches of skyscrapers. The endless supply of rats, mice and pigeons help keep urban areas free of the diseases that are spread by vermin. However, the crossbreeding of the amphiptere with domesticated fowl is responsible for the cockatrice, which is viewed as a scourge and killed on sight all over the world. Its terrible appearance is responsible for the mythology that its gaze can paralyze its prey to stone, thus erroneously placing it in close relationship to the basilisk (see Basilisk).

  Amphiptere were commonly depicted in bestiaries of the middle ages.

  Amphipterae Glide

  Amphipterae glide between trees in seach of small rodents.

  The amphiptere’s slender body can be wrapped around tree limbs, allowing it to snatch its unsuspecting prey.

  The Cockatrice

  The cockatrice is a hybrid between the amphiptere and domesticated fowl.

  DEMONSTRATION

  STRIPED AMPHIPTERE

  The amphiptere is a beautiful and elegant animal with colorful patterning. When designing a painting of an amphiptere, refer to your references and the field sketches that you’ve made. Remember, the amphiptere has:

  • A snake body

  • Colorful wing patterns

  • Live in a forest landscape

  1 Sketch the Composition Make a rough design sketch of the amphiptere to properly establish the elements of the composition. The curving shape of the amphiptere helps suggest movement.

  2 Create a Finished Drawing Do a fresh final drawing with an HB pencil on bristol board. Use an eraser to lift out tone and clean up stray lines, then scan the drawing.

  3 Establish the Underpainting Open the scanned drawing in your paint program. Create a new layer in Multiply mode (see “Layer Modes”), then do a monochromatic underpainting. Using Multiply mode allows the drawing to show through this layer.

  I did my underpainting using a range of lighter and darker greens from my palette. When you use Multiply mode for the underpainting layer, brushing repeatedly over the same area darkens the color; use this to help create the shadows.

  This is also the time to start blocking in textures. For instance, I created the background texture of leaves using a brush with the Scattering option turned on (Window menu > Brushes). In a traditional medium, you might use a sponge or stencil to create texture.

  4 Refine the Color Create a new layer in Normal mode with an opacity setting of 50%. Refine the colors and details of the amphiptere and its background using semiopaque brushes. Introduce bright colors in the face to attract the viewer’s attention to that area. Use the markings of birds and reptiles as design ideas.

  Even with the semiopaque brushes, this step will obscure the underpainting a bit, but that’s why it’s called an Underpainting. Don’t worry too much about details at this point; much of the painting you do in this step will be painted over as well.

  5 Add the Final Details Finish the painting by adding a red wing pattern to create more visual interest. Since red and green are complementary colors, the amphiptere will stand out against the background.

  UNDERSTANDING OPACITY

  I often refer in this book to a color’s opacity. With traditional paint, opacity is controlled by mixing in more or less medium, be that water, turpentine or an oil. The analogous adjustment in Photoshop is the opacity setting of the brush you are using. This setting is located in the Options bar (Window menu > Options) whenever the Brush tool is selected. You can also change the setting quickly using the number pad on the keyboard: 1 = 10%, 2 = 20%, and so on.

  ARCTIC DRAGON

  Draco nimibiaquidae

  SPECIFICATIONS

  Size: 8' to 24' (244cm to 7m)

  Wingspan: None


  Recognition: Serpentine, flightless dragon with heavy fur. Coloration and patterning vary by species

  Habitat: Arctic, northern Alpine areas and polar regions

  Common names: Cook’s dragon, cloud dragon, storm dragon, luck dragon, zmey dragon, kilin

  Also known as: Polar dragon, snow serpent, ice dragon, frost drake, temple dog

  Cloud Dragon

  Nimibiaquidus nebulus

  Pencil and digital

  14" × 22" (36cm × 56cm)

  BIOLOGY

  The Nimibiaquidae family of dragons includes all of the northern, flightless, furred dragon species. They are serpentine creatures that ply the frozen wastes north of the Arctic circle, hunting seals, small whales and even polar bears. Although greatly resembling the Asian dragon species (see Asian Dragon), Arctic dragons differ significantly in their biology in that they all grow fur, and do not have the wing frills particular to the Asian dragon. Covered in a sheath of thick fat and a coat of fur, the Arctic dragon blends into its environment to ambush its prey. Despite fur covering all Arctic dragon species, they, too, have a hide of intricate scales common to all dragons. Ranging across the globe, the Arctic dragon species are found from northern Canada and the tundras of Siberia and migrating as far south as China and the northern United States.

  Arctic Dragon Heads

  Cloud Dragon

  Nimibiaquidus nebulus, 35' (11m)

  Arctic Dragon Scale

  Unique only to the Arctic dragon species, each scale grows a fine tuft of fur that insulates the dragon against the harshest environments.

  Movement of the Arctic Dragon

  The Arctic dragon travels easily over snow and ice as if it were flying.

  Cloud Dragon Egg, 8" (20cm)

  In the fall, Arctic dragons venture south to lay their eggs and wait out the winter in milder regions. Once hatched in the spring, the dragonlings travel with their mother to the northern hunting grounds.

  SUBGENUS

  THE KILIN

  The kilin (or kylin, quilin) genus of Arctic dragons more greatly resemble bighorn sheep in size and habitat, and are particular only to the continent of Asia. The kilin is often referred to as the Chinese unicorn.

  The kilin species of Arctic dragon will migrate south, following the food supply from the eastern provinces of Russia and into China and Mongolia. Staying high in their Alpine mountains for safety, kilin are adept mountain climbers, leaping agilely from promontories in pursuit of food, or evading larger predators. This behavior is believed to have created the imagery of the kilin’s flight. Kilin are one of the few dragon species that live in herds, often gathering in tight groups on high mountains for warmth.

  Kilins Migrate

  Herds of kilin can migrate hundreds of miles to winter in milder climates.

  HISTORY OF THE KILIN

  Since the kilin species of Arctic dragons migrate south in winter, their contact with human civilization is fairly common. Although they are a shy and elusive animal, they are seen as good luck by many Asian communities. The kilin are also famous as being the traditional mounts or familiars of wizards in Asia. This probably holds some historical truth. Since sorcerers, monks, or hermits would live secluded in the mountains, they would come in contact with kilin, and would domesticate them in rare instances. Today, kilin herds are reduced in Northern Asia and Russia, but in the fall, they can still be seen leaping in the mountain passes.

  An example of a kilin from Chinese art.

  Kilin (Chinese Unicorn)

  Nimibiaquidus dracocaperus, 5' (1½m)

  BEHAVIOR

  Survival in the northern climates of the Arctic is harsh. Most species of the Arctic dragon are omnivorous to take advantage of any food available. The larger species of Arctic dragons will hibernate in the winter, burrowing deep into the polar snows to make its lair. Snow serpents are cunning hunters, artfully using the concealment of Arctic fog and cloud-shrouded peaks to camouflage itself. With reduced eyesight, snow serpents hunt by smell and the feel of their long whiskers. This allows the animals to hunt effectively, even in blizzard conditions. This ability to seemingly float silently through the clouds has lead to many of the beautiful images of Arctic dragons in Asian art.

  Arctic Dragon Habitat

  The frozen wastes of northern China, Russia and America are the Arctic dragon’s natural home.

  Storm Dragon (Chinese Dragon)

  Nimibiaquidus tempestus, 50' (15m)

  Common in Asian art, the storm dragon is a symbol of prosperity, good fortune and the Chinese emperor. Today the storm dragon is extremely rare in the wild.

  HISTORY

  The fur of the Arctic dragon is prized for its beauty, softness and ability to insulate. Northern tribes, particularly Inuit cultures, throughout the world have elevated the Arctic dragon to supernatural status. In China, the storm dragon is believed to bring prosperity and good luck because their presence frightens off other large predators such as wolves and wyverns. Arctic dragons have played prominently in pop culture. Falkor the Luck Dragon in The NeverEnding Story, as well as Appa in the animated series Avatar, could be Arctic dragons. Despite these roles as pets or companions, the Arctic dragon is one of the most dangerous animals in the world.

  The storm dragon is considered good luck in China and is prominent in Chinese art.

  Manchurian Sceptre, Circa 1750

  The fur of the Arctic dragon has been considered magical and prized for its beauty and warmth. Courtesy of Beijing Museum of Natural Science.

  DEMONSTRATION

  CLOUD DRAGON

  Before starting on a complicated painting, make a list of all the most important elements that should be included, such as:

  • Arctic habitat

  • Serpentine body

  • Fur

  In this painting, the color is very monochromatic. Compared with some other dragons, the cloud dragon is white set against a white environment. The limited palette is expanded by using a warm light against the cool shadows, enhancing the dimension and depth of the painting.

  Artist’s Note

  Dragons with fur are unique in the dragon world and offer the possibility of a wide variety of species with interesting manes, markings and colorations. Use the Internet and your public library to research animals with interesting fur and hair, then try creating your own Arctic dragon. Remember, each element you design needs to have a reason for having evolved in your dragon.

  1 Complete Thumbnail Sketches

  Do a series of thumbnail sketches like this one to work out the composition.

  2 Draw the Finished Composition

  Using your thumbnail sketches as a reference, do a fresh, final drawing with an HB pencil on bristol board. Use an eraser to lift out tone and/or clean up stray lines, then scan the drawing. The windswept fur accentuates the harsh environment of the cloud dragon and shows how the fur behaves, creating a sense of movement.

  3 Start the Underpainting

  Create a new layer in Multiply mode. Begin an underpainting using large-diameter, soft-edged brushes set to 100% opacity. I used cool blue hues to create the feeling of a frigid climate.

  4 Complete the Underpainting Using somewhat smaller and harder-edged brushes, finish the underpainting. Be sure your placement of lighter colors clearly indicates the direction of the light source. Keep the background soft to contrast against the more defined dragon and the rocky foreground.

  TRY THE SMUDGE TOOL

  If you’re using Photoshop, try using the Smudge tool to soften the edges of the fur areas. Click and drag from the colored area outward. (To create realistic windblown fur, be sure to drag the Smudge tool in the same direction and at the same approximate angle throughout.)

  5 Refine the Color and Add Texture

  The final details in this painting are only a matter of textures. Use different types of brushes (see sidebars) to simulate the textures of the Arctic dragon’s fur. As you work, add warm grays for highlights and cool grays to refine the s
hadow areas.

  MAKE YOUR OWN CUSTOM BRUSH SHAPES IN PHOTOSHOP

  Depending on the type of brush you select from your Brush palette, you’ll be able to create different textures to simulate the look of the dragon’s fur. These are brushes I’ve customized in Photoshop. To make your own brushes in Photoshop:

  1. Open the image you want to make a texture from. It could be anything: a digital photo, a digital painting, or even a handmade texture that you draw, stamp or paint yourself and then scan.

  2. Convert the image to gray scale (Image menu > Mode > Gray scale).

  3. Using the rectangular Marquee tool, select a square area to turn into a custom brush. Some tips:

  • To easily select a square, hold down the Shift key while selecting. (If you select an area that isn’t square, it may get stretched into a square, which might not be what you want.)

  • The area you select can be as large as 2500 × 2500 pixels.

  • The selection will stay the same size when turned into a brush, so if you want the brush to be smaller, copy and paste the selection into a new grayscale document, then scale it down to the size you want (Edit menu >