How I create… A dramatic moment

1 Decide on a theme and the visual angle

I begin by considering what visual angle to take, to push the storytelling aspect. It’s more interesting to see figures from a dragon’s point of view rather than the other way around. It goes against convention and might reveal a different side to the classic fantasy beast. Once I settle on the angle, I draw rough lines to set the image within a frame.

2 Develop believable characters in context

The look and dynamism of the dragon lies at the heart of this image, and needs to be enhanced within the scene. I imagine that my dragon has the characteristics of a snake and bat, and so its physical appearance has to reflect the sharpness and cunning of these two animals. Their traits suit the theme of hunting in the shadows.

3 Detail and enhance the general aesthetic

I paint the dragon’s wings and neck carefully. It’s crucial for me that the environment has an epic feeling, which I achieve by layering the light and enhancing the depth of the scene. The dark cliff faces contrast strongly with the bright waterfalls and mountains under the sun, which in turn clearly outline the dragon’s menacing form.