Fantasy · A drawing idea for little artists
How to draw a dragon tail: a tapering tail and graduated spikes
The upper and lower long arcs meet at the right end to form a pointed tail.
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: Two long arcs converge toward the tip of the tail, making the spikes gradually smaller along the back.
Shapes and proportions
The upper and lower long arcs connect at the right end to form a pointed tail. Add another long parallel arc on the ventral side and cut it into segments. Repeat the spikes on the back from large to small, and finally use short lines to show the thickness of the spikes.
A common mistake
If the tip of the tail is the same width as the base of the tail, and the back spines are the same size, the gradient direction will be lost.
How to fix it
Two long arcs converge toward the tip of the tail, making the spikes gradually smaller along the back.
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
The upper and lower long arcs meet at the right end to form a pointed tail. 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
Add a long parallel arc on the ventral side and cut it into segments. Repeat the spikes on the back from large to small, and finally use short lines to show the thickness of the spikes. The two long arcs converge toward the tip of the tail, making the spikes gradually smaller along the back.
Connect profiles and arrange parts · Preview image 2 of 3 - 03Selected stage
Select the color of the part to complete the crayon draft
The back of the dragon tail is raspberry red, the abdominal segments are light orange, the dorsal spines are golden, and the overall curve is consistent. 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 “How to Draw a Dragon Tail” 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.
