• | art tips & help | •

- dragon hands & feet -

" I've always had trouble with dragon hands/feet, so if you happen to have any tips that might help for either of those, it would be greatly appreciated :'^) "

ThisIsNotAJokeeee

I do! I've struggled with drawing hands and feet (of any kind) for a long time.

References 👏 are👏 your 👏 friend.

Pinterest is an amazing website for saving and finding references images for anything under the sun. I've saved a board for dragon anatomy, which includes talons and feet!

Here's one of the images that I saved, from the wonderful @ That-One-Midget on DA

These are only front paws, but this image gives a clear example of the most used front paw poses. Notice how far the wrist can bend, how each (finger?) moves and their limitations.

Here's what I do. I take a look at my collection of references images, pick one, and try to mimic how they've been draw. I advise you to find realistic depiction of dragon limb anatomy and try to at least get the jist of where everything fits. Now, I'm not saying to copy, that's why you gotta find somewhat realistic anatomy.

Break the hands / feet down to simple shapes. When you're sketching, don't worry about accuracy! Focus on key points, how the joints move, and where the bumps go.

Once you understand the limitations, and draw dragon hand/feet more often, it'll become easier to create!

Also, look up anatomically correct dragon sculptures / 3D renders for how the hand / feet muscles work.