I Can Draw Fantasy Art: Step by step techniques, characters and effects

By Juan Calle and William Potter

This stylishly packaged full-color art guide enables artists of all abilities to create their own fantasy worlds and characters. Produce the angular skeleton of a dragon's wing, the ornate armor of a fearsome samurai, and the careful point of a wood elf's ear by following clear, step-by-step instructions.

By completing an array of drawing projects, you will learn:
• Different materials and techniques
• Drawing proportions and poses
• How to create elaborate costuming
• And more!

Using the handy practice grids included in the book, you can then build up your own characters and creations, bringing your personal fantasy world to life.

ABOUT THE SERIES: I Can Draw teaches a variety of specialist drawing styles, aimed at beginners or those wishing to hone their skills. With step-by-step instructions and practice grids to try out new techniques, these drawing guides help artists bring their ideas into actuality.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Arcturus Publishing
• Release date: Dec 15, 2020
• ISBN: 9781398806351

Juan Calle

Juan Calle founded Liberum Donum Studios (Bogotá, Colombia) which works on TV, film, and video games. Juan created the children's book Good Dream, Bad Dream and illustrated The Year of the Rooster and The Asian Hall of Fame series: The Discovery of Ramen and The Discovery of Fireworks & Gunpowder.

Book preview

FANTASY COMES TO LIFE!

Welcome to the world of fantasy! From immortal tales of quests and steampunk adventure to Gothic magic and urban mystery, there are many thrilling adventures to be had.

Heroic adventurers

In this book, you’ll learn how to draw classic and modern characters, and create your own heroes. You’ll bring to life amazing Amazons, sword-slinging adventurers, pirates, and fairie queens, devious dwarves, noble samurai, and street wizards.

Fiendish villains

You’ll discover how to draw all kinds of villains: from dark wizards and vampire lords, to sinister scientists and evil enchantresses. Pick up tips on posing characters, costume details and settings, and drawing fabric, fur, furniture, and flames.

Knights in battle

Most of the artworks here are based on medieval European history. You could research other eras of history and cultures for your own story, perhaps medieval China or the plains of North America.

Research the background

What are the components of a suit of armour? How does an archer hold a bow? Fantasy objects need more research because they involve non-imaginary objects that are not familiar from the present day.

Meet the monsters

Fantasy is filled with fabulous creatures, from dragons to ogres, plus mythic monsters, such as minotaurs, fire demons, griffins, chimeras, giant spiders, and Medusa. With strange anatomies and hybrid features, these legendary beasts are enormous fun to design.

Weapons and wonderlands

Arm your heroes and villains with swords, axes, maces, or gas-powered pistols. Send them into battle in sailing ships and let them lay siege to fantastical fortresses and foreboding temple ruins.

TOOLS OF THE TRADE

You don’t need lots of expensive equipment to start creating comics. The most important tool is your own imagination!

Pencils

Soft (B, 2B) pencils are great for drawing loosely and are easy to erase. Fine point pencils are handy for adding detail.

Erasers

A kneaded eraser moulds to shape, so you can use it to remove pencil from tiny areas. Keep a clean, square-edged eraser to hand, too.

Pens

An artist’s pens are his or her most precious tools! Gather a selection with different tips for varying the thickness of your line work.

Paper

Good quality paper will make your artwork look professional, but you can draw your rough sketches on any scrap of paper to hand.

Fine line and brush pens

Fine line pens are excellent for small areas of detail. Brush pens are perfect for varying your line weight or shading large areas.

Circle templates

Very few people can draw a perfect circle freehand, so a set of circle templates is a good buy. If you don’t have any templates, you can draw round various everyday items such as coins, cups and bottle lids to create your circles.