Inspired by the art project from Mrs. Walker. Step 4. Mythological Creature.

https://fwalker5.wixsite.com/drawing-mhs/texture

Let's take your creativity to another level! Your creativity will take you to the next level by using your imagination along with applying the elements of art to this project.

You are going to design and illustrate your very own mythological creature. We will start with an overview of the history of mythological creatures, reviewing some of the things they have in common. You will then brainstorm, and try to come up with some ideas. You will draw a few thumbnail sketches to try out your ideas, then you'll choose one and draw it out, full size, with a complete background. Obviously, these final drawings will have a full range of values, and will have texture everywhere.

Let's learn about mythological creatures! The video on the left is my powerpoint presentation. The video on the right describes the animal combinations of some of the most well known mythological creatures. It's full of inspiration, but the guy who narrates it is a little cheesy. Sorry!

Please watch both videos. (F.Walker)

Step 1.

Watch the two videos below to learn more about mythical creatures:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KH-NXK0P0PA&t=1s

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jlgaDcETQYM&t=1s

STEP 2.

Time to brainstorm. Get a new sheet of paper in your sketchbook. Divide it into four, and try out some ideas. (You must combine at least 3 animals.) A rough sketch is all you need. Remember, we are practicing TEXTURE, so plan what you will do in each area. (fur, scales, hair, slime?)

Anything goes!

-When you are done sketching out some ideas, come and show me what you've come up with. I will ask you what textures you plan to use, and what background you will include.

Tips:

-Remember to consider your composition. Don't draw your creature in the middle of your paper, facing the viewer! That would be too basic. A 3/4 view is always best (in between a profile and straight-on view).

-Use a pose that suggests movement.

-Create a background that works with your

composition.

Step 3.

Collect reference images to draw from. (DO NOT SKIP THIS STEP OR I WILL MAKE YOU START OVER!) For example, if you are going to draw a lion/slug/pig, find pictures of each of those animals, preferably from the same angles as you would like to draw them.

​

Helpful idea: Put your pictures together in a Google Doc like this example:

​ -Use a new sheet of paper in your sketch book and draw everything in. You will use graphite for this assignment. Sketch first, keep it light, then build up your values and textures. Fill in the background.

Challenge Level Ideas:

-Work bigger

-Use a different medium.

-Use mixed mediums.

-Have another idea? Let me know and discuss it with me.

STEP 4. You will now write a little, one-page, story about your creature.

Tell me everything about it! Some questions you can answer are...

Where does it live?

What is its history?

What does it eat?

What does it do? Is it good or bad? Is it friendly?

This story does not have to be serious. It can be completely silly.

(I just want you to exercise your creativity).

30 points

10 points - Complete composition with value, texture, line, and color.

10 points - Reference images of your three animals

10 points - Story of your mythological creature.