Fantasy · A drawing idea for little artists
How to draw a chinese dragon: a winding body and repeating belly segments
First use zigzag short lines to lengthen the mouth, horns and mane.
For iPad & iPhone · In-app purchases
These 3 pictures show selected moments from the drawing. For every step in between and a guide on your canvas, get the full lesson in LittlePaper.
What you will learn
Practice this visual check: First check the distance between the two body edges, and then let the abdominal segments follow the body's turning direction.
Shapes and proportions
First use zigzag short lines to lengthen the mouth, horns and mane. Two parallel curved lines behind the head extend up and down, the ventral side is segmented into short arcs repeatedly, and claws and dorsal fins are added to the outer side.
A common mistake
The curve of the long body suddenly becomes thinner, and the abdominal segments tend to turn in the wrong direction.
How to fix it
First check the distance between the two body edges, and then let the abdominal segments follow the body's turning direction.
These three images are key-stage previews: the starting shape, the completed outline, and a new crayon color study. Follow the complete drawing sequence in LittlePaper. On paper, leave room around the first shape for the parts added later.
A few things to start with
Paper, pencil or black drawing pen, eraser, and crayons or colored pencils for color matching for this lesson.
A little peek at the drawing
1 / 3
Selected stages · The complete drawing sequence is in the app.
Shapes, character & color
A look at the drawing stages.
Try the shape tips below on paper. When you’re ready to draw along with each small step, continue in LittlePaper.
- 01Selected stage
Position the basic shape first
First use zigzag short lines to lengthen the mouth, horns and mane. Observe the position of the starting shape on the paper, leaving space for subsequent outlines and additional components.
Position the basic shape first · Preview image 1 of 3 - 02Selected stage
Connect profiles and arrange parts
Two parallel curved lines behind the head extend up and down, the ventral side is segmented into short arcs, and claws and dorsal fins are added to the outer side. First check the distance between the two body edges, and then let the abdominal segments follow the body's turning direction.
Connect profiles and arrange parts · Preview image 2 of 3 - 03Selected stage
Select the color of the part to complete the crayon draft
Chinese dragon has a golden body, creamy yellow abdominal segments, red dorsal fin, and blue mane and tail fin. Apply the color first with light pressure, leaving the black outline, and then compare pairs of parts using the same color.
Select the color of the part to complete the crayon draft · Preview image 3 of 3
The next little step is yours
Like the idea?
Let’s make it together.
Open the “Chinese Dragon Drawing (easy)” drawing idea in LittlePaper for the complete sequence. Follow a guide, pause when you need, and add your own colors.
Download LittlePaper from the App Store, then open the drawing idea inside the app.
Every step, at your pace.
See the full drawing sequence. Pause, replay, and take another look whenever a shape needs practice.
A guide where you draw.
Trace on the canvas, then try your own lines with a finger or Apple Pencil on a compatible iPad.
Make it yours. Keep the making.
Add crayon color, replay your creation, and give your picture a home in a digital 3D book.
