Before reading this, be sure to read the previous post, “The Dragon and His Grandmother, Part 1.

They went into a field, sat down, and the two pulled long faces. An old woman passed by, and asked them why they were so sad. ‘Alas! what have you to do with it? You cannot help us.’ ‘Who knows?’ she answered. ‘Only confide your trouble in me.’

Then they told her that they had become the servants of the Dragon for seven long years, and how he had given them money as plentifully as blackberries; but as they had signed their names they were his, unless when the seven years had passed they could guess a riddle.

The old woman said, ‘If you would help yourselves, one of you must go into the wood, and there he will come upon a tumble-down building of rocks which looks like a little house. He must go in, and there he will find help.’

The two melancholy ones thought, ‘That won’t save us!’ and they remained where they were. But the third and merry one jumped up and went into the wood till he found the rock hut.

In the hut sat a very old woman, who was the Dragon’s grandmother. She asked him how he came, and what was his business there. He told her all that happened, and because she was pleased with him she took compassion on him, and said she would help him.

She lifted up a large stone which lay over the cellar, saying, ‘Hide yourself there; you can hear all that is spoken in this room. Only sit still and don’t stir. When the Dragon comes, I will ask him what the riddle is, for he tells me everything; then listen carefully what he answers.’

At midnight the Dragon flew in, and asked for his supper. His grandmother laid the table, and brought out food and drink till he was satisfied, and they ate and drank together. Then in the course of the conversation she asked him what he had done in the day, and how many souls he had conquered.

‘I haven’t had much luck to-day,’ he said, ‘but I have a tight hold on three soldiers.’

‘Indeed! three soldiers!’ said she. ‘Who cannot escape you?’

‘They are mine,’ answered the Dragon scornfully, ‘for I shall only give them one riddle which they will never be able to guess.’

‘What sort of a riddle is it?’ she asked.

‘I will tell you this. In the North Sea lies a dead sea-cat—that shall be their roast meat; and the rib of a whale—that shall be their silver spoon; and the hollow foot of a dead horse—that shall be their wineglass.’

When the Dragon had gone to bed, his old grandmother pulled up the stone and let out the soldier.

‘Did you pay attention to everything?’

‘Yes,’ he replied, ‘I know enough, and can help myself splendidly.’

Then he went by another way through the window secretly, and in all haste back to his comrades. He told them how the Dragon had been outwitted by his grandmother, and how he had heard from his own lips the answer to the riddle.

Then they were all delighted and in high spirits, took out their whip, and cracked so much money that it came jumping up from the ground. When the seven years had quite gone, the Fiend came with his book, and, pointing at the signatures, said, ‘I will take you underground with me; you shall have a meal there. If you can tell me what you will get for your roast meat, you shall be free, and shall also keep the whip.’

Then said the first soldier, ‘In the North Sea lies a dead sea-cat; that shall be the roast meat.’

The Dragon was much annoyed, and hummed and hawed a good deal, and asked the second, ‘But what shall be your spoon?’

‘The rib of a whale shall be our silver spoon.’

The Dragon-made a face, and growled again three times, ‘Hum, hum, hum,’ and said to the third, ‘Do you know what your wineglass shall be?’

‘An old horse’s hoof shall be our wineglass.’

Then the Dragon flew away with a loud shriek, and had no more power over them. But the three soldiers took the little whip, whipped as much money as they wanted, and lived happily to their lives end.

Related posts

• The Dragon and His Grandmother, Part 1 (1)
• The Dragon and His Grandmother, Part 2 (0)

An engraving of Andrew Lang at work. Image via Wikipedia

Here is a story from the Yellow Fairy Book by Andrew Lang. It was written over 100 years ago and is now in the public domain.

What I wonder is where Andrew Lang found this story. It has the flavor of an ancient tale from an Eastern culture. If anyone knows the origin of the tale, please leave a comment with the information. Thanks.

The Dragon and His Grandmother

There was once a great war, and the King had a great many soldiers, but he gave them so little pay that they could not live upon it.  Then three of them took counsel together and determined to desert.

One of them said to the others, ‘If we are caught, we shall be hanged on the gallows; how shall we set about it?’ The other said, ‘Do you see that large cornfield there?  If we were to hide ourselves in that, no one could find us.  The army cannot come into it, and to-morrow it is to march on.’

They crept into the corn, but the army did not march on, but remained encamped close around them.  They sat for two days and two nights in the corn, and grew so hungry that they nearly died; but if they were to venture out, it was certain death.

They said at last, ‘What use was it our deserting?  We must  perish here miserably.’

Whilst they were speaking a fiery dragon came flying through the air.  It hovered near them, and asked why they were hidden there.

They answered, ‘We are three soldiers, and have deserted because our pay was so small.  Now if we remain here we shall die of hunger, and if we move out we shall be strung up on the gallows.’

‘If you will serve me for seven years,’ said the dragon, I will lead you through the midst of the army so that no one shall catch you.’  ‘We have no choice, and must take your offer,’ said they.  Then the dragon seized them in his claws, took them through the air over the army, and set them down on the earth a long way from it.

He gave them a little whip, saying, ‘Whip and slash with this, and as much money as you want will jump up before you.  You can then live as great lords, keep horses, and drive about in carriages.  But after seven years you are mine.’

Then he put a book before them, which he made all three of them sign.  ‘I will then give you a riddle,’ he said; ‘if you guess it, you shall be free and out of my power.’

The dragon then flew away, and they journeyed on with their little whip.  They had as much money as they wanted, wore grand clothes, and made their way into the world.  Wherever they went they lived in merrymaking and splendour, drove about with horses and carriages, ate and drank, but did nothing wrong.

The time passed quickly away, and when the seven years were nearly ended two of them grew terribly anxious and frightened, but the third made light of it, saying, ‘Don’t be afraid, brothers, I wasn’t born yesterday; I will guess the riddle.’

—End of Part 1 of the “Dragon and His Grandmother” Watch for Part 2 coming soon!—

Related posts

• No related posts.

While Europe’s shining knights spent their lives slaying dragons, the Chinese sought after and worshiped Eastern dragons as the most benevolent, wise, and generous of all creatures. Indeed, to be called “dragon face” was a great honor, and it was believed that emperors received counsel and aid from dragons in times of need.

A few emperors even proudly claimed to be direct descendants of dragons. Pairings between humans and dragons were thought possible, since dragons were capable of changing their shape and size to assume whatever form they desired.

Unlike the fierce western dragons who hoarded treasure and demanded virtuous young women as sacrifices, the dragons of Chinese legend showed tenderness toward humans, and even acted in their behalf many times, sometimes at great cost.

This is seen in one of the oldest legends about the Four Dragons. According to this legend, China once had no rivers. The people were dependent on the gods to send rain for their crops.

One year the ruler of the gods, Yu-Huang-Shang-Ti, or the Jade Emperor, did not send rain in due season. As the crops began to wither and die, the people turned to the heavens for help.

In the Eastern Sea lived four dragons which heard the cries of starvation, and were moved with compassion. Eagerly they left their comfortable underwater home and sought out the mighty Jade Emperor. In behalf of the starving people below, the dragons pleaded with the emperor to send rain and save the crops. But the emperor was not pleased with the dragons and he refused their request.

Ten days passed, and still no rain fell. The people were so hungry they were eating bark, grass roots, and white clay. Undeterred by the cruel and selfish emperor, the dragons devised a plan to create a rainstorm and thus save the villagers. Rushing to their home in the Eastern Sea, they scooped up the water and sprayed it into the sky. The water fell like raindrops over the crops, and the hopeful people leaped with joy.

But when the sea god told the Jade Emperor what the dragons had done, the emperor grew very angry. How dare the dragons rebel against his word! He was in charge of all the affairs of heaven, earth, and sea, and did not like his authority to be questioned. The dragons were arrested and taken to the heavenly palace. Then the Jade Emperor ordered the mountain god to separate the four dragons in different corners of the country and imprison each under a mountain.

The four dragons were unrepentant, and as the mountains were pressed upon them they thought of yet a new way they could help the people. So each dragon transformed itself into a river, winding out of its mountain prison back to the people and their crops.

The black dragon in the far north became the Heilongjian, the yellow dragon and the long dragon in central China became the Huanghe and the Changjiang (Yangtze), and the pearl dragon in the south became the Zhu. And this, according to legend, is how the four great rivers in China were formed.

As in the ancient telling of the four dragons, water and rain were often associated with Eastern dragons. It was believed at one time that dragons existed in every storm and pool of water. Although they sometimes caused severe rains that destroyed houses, uprooted trees, and flooded inhabitants, the Chinese never regarded the dragon as malevolent.

Because of the prevalent belief in yin and yang, it was accepted that to reap the benefit of the storm, one had to survive the horror of it. In this way Eastern dragons were seen as the givers of life while at the same time the cause of great death and destruction.

About the Author:

Francesca Black has long been interested in the history of dragon and lore http://www.dragon-gifts.com and http://www.mystical-creatures.com

Article Source: ArticlesBase.com – Dragons in the East

Related posts

• About (0)
• Chinese Dragons (4)

Image by ramon82 via Flickr

Author: Suzanne

The influence of symbolism in Vietnamese art has been in vogue since prehistoric times. One of the most supernatural of all creatures, dragons and fairies, symbolized various instances of Vietnamese art.

From the Dong Son civilization to the modern Nyugen Dynasty, the dragon motif has been used in various forms and shapes in sculptures, paintings, palaces, and different religious or architectural structures. The evolution of the dragon symbol portrayed the changing beliefs and culture of the people from time to time.

The Dong Son civilization (400BC to 200AD) saw the reptile version of the dragon, also known as the “Giao Long” dragon. This symbol was found etched on a number of bronze urns and weapon hatches.

The following period (Dai La) witnessed Vietnam under Chinese colonization from the first to the tenth century. This period had a profound impact on Vietnamese art. This is clearly evident from the decorative tiles found at Co Loa, where the Dai La dragon shows remarkable resemblance with its Chinese counterpart.

Vietnam breathed the air of independence with the dawn of the Ly Dynasty. This period can also be termed the ‘golden period’ for Vietnamese art as it reached the peak of excellence. Water dragons symbolizing the God of Rain found way into Vietnamese art during this period.

Some of the distinguishing features of this dragon in contrast to the Chinese creature were: thin and long body; undulated body contours of a serpent; small head with long whisker and mane and fine legs with small claws. The Chuong Son tower now showcases an extraordinary example of the Ly dragon carved on stone.

The heritage of the Ly Dynasty was transferred to the later Tran Dynasty (13-14th century). The fire-gurgling creature during this period still appeared with a small head and body; an instance of which can be found in the Pho Minh temple.

The influence of Chinese culture and heritage rose profoundly in the later Ly Dynasty, with Chinese emperors adopting Confucianism, Buddhism, and Taoism. As a consequence, the dragon symbol came to be associated with the emperor and his authoritative powers.

The dragon motif then began to be extensively used in tombs, and religious temples. Dragons of the later Ly Dynasty also owes greatly to the Chinese influence. Large head, gigantic body, thick scales, long sharp claws, thick mane, and a beastly glance summarize the appearance of the Ly dragon.

The modern Nyugen Dynasty hails from the “Tu Linh”- the four mythical Chinese creatures namely the phoenix, the dragon, the lion, and the tortoise. These creatures were collectively portrayed in numerous paintings, sculptures, royal palaces, and tombs in Hue.

These fiery dragon motifs have attracted the attention of connoisseurs all over the world. Art gallery in Vietnam showcases these mythical creatures in their changing moods. Imbibing the Chinese motif, Vietnamese art have become even more alluring.

About the Author:

Suzanne Macguire is an expert writer with keen interest in contemporary art.

You can also find this article here: http://www.goarticles.com/cgi-bin/showa.cgi?C=959440

Article Source: ArticlesBase.com – The Wrath of Dragons in Vietnamese Art

Related posts

• Dragon Art (0)
• Creating a Fire Breathing Dragon With Photoshop (0)

Cover of Reign of Fire

Author: John Hill

They fill the air with fire,
They soar above the tallest tower,
They glisten with emerald-scaled attire
They inspire awe and terror whenever they glower…Dragons!!

Dragons are more than just creatures of myth; they are beings of legend. They are even considered gods in some cultures. Dragons of ancient times garner fear and respect but dragons of modern times entertain and inspire the imagination.

Take a look at some of the more popular dragons of modern times:

Dragons in Movies

Dragonheart: Based on the concept that dragons were being hunted to extinction, this movie has heart. Literally. During this time, one lonely dragon was sought out to save the life of the king’s son. This noble dragon gave this young prince a piece of his dragon heart.

The problem was, with a dragon’s heart beating in his chest, he couldn’t die. This prince turns into one of the worst villains the world had ever known. He is eventually brought down when the dragon sacrifices himself to allow his dragon heart to die.

Dragons, in this film, are seen as noble, valiant creatures with true compassion.

Reign of Fire: This is one of those movies that does a splendid job of picturing dragons as vicious and hungry creatures. Twenty years after his mother inadvertently awakens a fire-breathing dragon, Fire Chief Quinn must do all he can to save the remaining human population from total eradication by the dragons.

Dragons in Literature

There are no cultures in the world that feature the dragon more prominently than the cultures of Japan and China. In Japanese and Chinese literature, dragons are spirits and gods of ancient times with untold power and supernatural wisdom.

Dragons feature greatly in their religious beliefs and cultural ceremonies and rituals. When written and drawn with an Eastern pen, dragons hold immense magic and fantastical power.

Dragons in Animation

Talented and imaginative, animators from all over the world have dipped their pens into the same ancient inkwell and have conjured for us fearsome creatures and loyal friends.

Disney animators have crafted generations of movies that either feature dragons as the main character, as in their movie Mulan or they have dragons as secondary characters as in Sleeping Beauty where Maleficent transforms into a dragon to keep Philip from Aurora and the Sword in the Stone wherein Madam Mim transforms into a dragon during her wizards duel with Merlin.

Everyone remembers the fire breathing dragon guarding the tower in which Aurora slept. Everyone giggles when they catch a glimpse of the laughable and delightful Mushu.

Overall, Disney has created a new look for the dragon that will last generations to come. Animators have a rare chance at crafting an image of dragons that is truly unique

Popular media is filled with all types of dragons little and large; ferocious dragons whose very breathe can fill you with dread. Since the very beginning, dragons have held man captive with their fiery breath and hair-raising tales; it is likely to be that way till the fire dies away, if it ever will.

About the Author:
Hedgepig Gifts offers dragon gift ideas including dragon figures, dragon collectables & many more dragon gift ideas.

Article Source: ArticlesBase.com – Dragons: Media Magic!

Related posts

• No related posts.

Image via Wikipedia

Author: Naveen Marasinghe

The Feast of the Drunken Dragon has an interesting history. Legend has it that during the Qing Dynasty, villagers of mainland China were attacked with a plague. They called upon the Buddha to protect them, by parading a large statue of the Buddha through village streets. During the procession, a python (believed to have been sent from heaven) blocked their way. A drunken monk is then said to have cut the python into three pieces, and dancing in glee, threw the pieces into the river.

The river water turned red from the python’s blood and then the python is said to have re-emerged from the river and flown in to the skies. This was assumed as a sacred omen, since the python was believed to be a sacred dragon sent from heaven. After this the villagers discovered that the weeds growing in the river had accrued certain medicinal values that could cure plague.

Since then, the Feast of the Drunken Dragon is celebrated in the Chinese cities of Macau, Zhuhai and Zongshan where people dance the ‘drunken dragon dance’, in processions, while drinking and spitting out Chinese rice wine.

In Macau, the Feast of the Drunken Dragon has been regularly held for the past fifty years, on the eight day of the fourth month of the Chinese Lunar calendar. This day also coincides with the birthday of the Buddha and the feast of God Tam Kung. It begins with the traditional Chinese custom of eye-dotting which takes place at the Kuan Tai Temple in Senado Square. After this, the procession progresses to every fresh food market in Macau.

Another tradition during the Feast of the Drunken Dragon involves giving out “longevity rice” in lunch boxes (for free of course). This rice is supposed to give a long life and many offspring to the eater. Such lunch boxes are given out at Iao Hon, Holland Garden, Toi San and Patene along with Red Market and Sao Domingos Food Market.

If you stay at a http://www.sands.com.mo/” luxury Macau hotel you can enjoy the festivities of this event first hand. The hotel will arrange all your itineraries if you so require, even allowing you to participate in the celebrations. The http://www.sands.com.mo/ Sands Macao Resort Hotel is especially recognized for its concierge services, besides the luxury accommodations and ultra-modern conveniences.

About the Author:

Naveen Marasinghe is an Online Marketing Executive at eMarketingEye which is a search engine marketing agency that offers integrated Internet marketing solutions and specializes in serving the online travel and hospitality industry. (http://www.emarketingeye.com/ )

Article Source: ArticlesBase.com – Do the Dragon Dance at the Feast of the Drunken Dragon in Macau

Related posts

• Dragon – the Ultimate Good Fortune Feng Shui Symbol (0)

Image by Getty Images via Daylife

Author: John Hill

Descriptions of dragons run the gamut from diabolical and vile to gentle and mild. However, no matter how cunning and cruel or naïve and good, one thing has remained unchanged throughout the long history of dragons – they are always depicted as majestic creatures and a force to reckon with.

Legend has it that while all dragons have a choice as to whether they want to be good or evil, there are some general predispositions based on type. Modern fantasy has grouped dragons into two main categories – the good, kindly and courageous metallic dragons and their evil counterparts, the chromatic dragons.

Hearts Of Gold – Metallic Dragons

There are 5 different kinds of metallic dragons: gold, silver, bronze, brass and copper, each of which is distinctly different in physical appearance as well as in nature.

- Gold Dragons: With large twin horns that are metallic and smooth gold dragons are resolute in their allegiance to quash evil and often embark on self-appointed missions to promote good.

- Silver Dragons: Extremely sensitive in nature, silver dragons are committed to protecting the innocent and helping the meek. They have strong chins, pointed tongues and beaklike noses.

- Bronze Dragons: With an innate sense of justice, bronze dragons are intolerant of any anarchy or cruelty and wage a constant battle against malicious sea creatures. They have smooth, flat scales; webbed feed and a beaklike snout.

- Brass Dragons: The most extroverted of all dragons, brass dragons are noted for their penchant for conversation and sunlight. The adult brass dragon has brass-like scales that have a warm, burnished appearance.

- Copper Dragons: Incorrigible pranksters, copper dragons love to ask riddles and tell jokes. Their enormous shoulders and thighs are good for jumping and climbing.

The Color of Evil – Chromatic Dragons

The five different kinds of chromatic dragons include black, white, red, blue and green.

- Black Dragons: Evil tempered, abusive and malevolent, with hearts as black as their slimy black scales, black dragons are obsessed with death. They have a grim, skeletal frame, two great horns that curve forward and down and eyes that lie deep in the socket. They breathe a venomous, sizzling acid and feel most powerful and confident in the darkest hour of the night.

- White Dragons: Small and intelligent, white dragons have sharp, intelligent eyes, wide feet with sharp claws and scales that resemble fur. They have an aura of icy coldness around them and even breathe a chilling frost. White dragons have a strong proclivity for chilled food and will pack their victims away in the snow until they are properly frozen.

- Red Dragons: Insatiably avaricious and fiercely territorial, red dragons are obsessed with increasing their hoards of treasure. They have extended wings, two long horns and a long, red forked tongue. Smelling of sulfur and smoke, red dragons breathe a deadly fire and love to dine on blood. Tiny flames often dance in their nostrils when they are angry and their eyes gleam with unrepressed greed upon spotting any treasure.

- Blue Dragons: Large and vibrant, blue dragons have frilly ears, glossy eyes and a single horn upon their head. They are brooding, vain and have an air of regality around them as they sit and reflect. They are good at tracking and prefer to ambush caravans and lone travelers as they cross the land.

- Green Dragons: Belligerent and cruel, green dragons are champions of intrigue and politics. They are not overtly aggressive; preferring instead to devise elaborate schemes to acquire wealth and power with minimal fuss and effort. Acutely envious and obsessed with life, green dragons aspire to live eternally. They have an elongated neck and multiple hornlets on their head and breathe a toxic gas.

Whether large or little, sinner or saint; there’s nothing drab or dreary about dragons. Fiery and feisty, dragons are brimming with charisma and intrigue.

About the Author:
Hedgepig.co.uk offers a range of dragon gifts including dragon figures, dragon collectables and many more dragon gift ideas.

Article Source: ArticlesBase.com – Do You Really Know Your Dragons?

Related posts

• No related posts.

Image via Wikipedia

Author: Jenny Lin

The mighty and magnificent Dragon of mythical folklore never ceases to enchant or stir the imagination. The Dragon is one of the four celestial animals and is important and powerful symbols in Feng Shui.

The Dragon represents the ultimate ‘Yang’ symbol, male vigor, courage and bravery. It is magnanimous and full of vitality and strength. Affiliated with the cardinal direction “East” based on Landscape Feng Shui, the Dragon becomes a very powerful and potent symbol when placed in this sector, although it can be placed in any other directions.

In Chinese culture and in Feng Shui, the dragon is the most auspicious and magnificent, mightiest and most sacred of all creatures and to be treated with great respect. Through generations, the dragon has been the ultimate symbol of power, abundance, good luck and honor. In ancient times, the Emperors of China regarded themselves as the Dragons and the symbol of Dragons can only be used by the them and no one else.

The Dragon is said to create the precious cosmic Chi or known as the ‘Sheng Chi’ which brings good fortunes into our homes and workplaces, making it an all-rounder bringer of good luck. The Dragons are a powerful cure and enhancer for business luck, brings foresight and wisdom for the elderly, brings honor to the family, protects the wearer and paves the way for more accolades in coming years.

The Dragon frequently appears in carvings or statues holding a ball, or pearl. This can symbolize success and victory in wealth attainment and career achievement..

In Chinese Astrology, the Dragon is the fifth sign of the Chinese Zodiac and its intrinsic element is earth. The compass direction of the Dragon is 97.5 degrees to 127.5 degrees. Its allies are the Rat and the Monkey and the Rooster is its secret friend.

In Feng Shui, Dragons can be placed in many areas of the home or office to guard, protect, bring strength and fortune, and to activate masculine energy. Here is how you can use the Dragon to Feng Shui your way to a better life.

1. For people born in the year of Dragon, place the Dragon on your work or study desk, in the sector between 97.5 degrees to 127.5 degrees of your house, or in the Rat or the Monkey sector (allies of Dragon) to energize your personal good wealth luck.

2. Based on the Pakua’s 8 Life Aspirations Method, place the Dragon in the Northwest sector of your home to favor patriarch’s luck. This will also bring powerful friends, mentors and advisors into your life.

3. Place the Dragon near your water features like aquarium or fountains for those craving for good fortune, advancement in their career or seeking fame and recognition. You will experience new opportunities and better luck.

4. Place the Dragon in the North sector to enhance your career luck. It will help you up a few prongs of your career ladder.

5. It is an excellent idea to activate the dragon by placing a dragon in the East sector of your home or living room to bring good health and harmony to the residents of the house.

6. For career luck and those seeking continuous achievement, place a Dragon figurine on the table, cabinet or in the East sector of your office or study. Your professional luck will look rosy.

7. In Flying Star Feng Shui, the Dragon made from metal (brass, bronze, pewter, cloisonné etc.) can be used to ward-off the evil influences of the malignant #5 yellow star and #2 black star. The #2 black star is also known as the ‘Sickness Star’ which brings illnesses and ailments to occupants while the #5 yellow star is the ‘Disaster Star’ that instigates fights, accidents and death. Placing the metallic Dragon in the affected sectors will dissolve these adverse energies.

* Do not place any representation of the dragon inside the bedroom as the Dragon is the ultimate ‘yang’ symbol and is not suitable for a place of rest where ‘yin’ is preferred.

** Try not to place the Dragon higher than our eye level to ensure they are under our control.

** Never place the Dragon in the toilet of bathroom.

About the Author:

Jenny Lin is the author of Feng Shui Products for a Better Life, an online Feng Shui Shop offering a wide variety of Feng Shui Dragon.

Article Source: ArticlesBase.com – Dragon – the Ultimate Good Fortune Feng Shui Symbol

dra

Related posts

• Fire Dragons (0)
• Do the Dragon Dance at the Feast of the Drunken Dragon in Macau (0)

When I was young I constantly doodled. I doodled a lot of things…but mainly I doodled dragons. Fast forward a number of years…well…a whole lot of years…and my twin brother is showing me pictures of his pet iguana…pretty cool looking creature…. Then it occurs to me…what a perfect dragon the iguana would make…and now I had the ultimate doodle tool…Photoshop!

With PhotoSshop pictures of an iguana become a photograph of a fire breathing dragon!

Photoshop is an incredibly powerful tool of alchemy…given the right raw materials any new photographic reality can be created. Without those raw materials Photoshop can be an exercise in frustration and a road to mediocrity.

To make sure that I have the raw materials to create my photographic visions it helps to begin with a sketch. Once I have the sketch I can systematically photograph those raw materials, comparing them with the sketch, until I know I have the parts to complete my stock image.

My brother brought in his iguana to my studio and we did the necessary photography. I also had a pile of cobblestones that had been dug up form the street in my San Francisco studio (I have since re-located to Sausalito). I used those to create a “perch” or “roost” for my dragon.

For the background I went through my own stock files and found an image of the Teton mountain range shot near Jackson Hole, Wyoming while on a family vacation. For a final detail I found an image of a castle I shot in Spain to put in the distant background.

With all the raw materials shot and scanned (this project was before digital capture had reached it’s now exalted state) I set to work.

To create the long neck of the dragon the tail can be manipulated by creating a clipping path around it, converting the clipping path to a selection, creating a new layer from that selection, and then using the warp tool and the liquefy brush to reshape it.

Free Transform can be used to position and size the new “neck”. The same tools can be used to stretch the jaws of the iguana into a more “dragonesque” look.

Once again those tools can be used to convert the spines of the iguana’s back into dagger-like teeth and fangs. The flap of skin under the iguana’s jaw can be selected (again with a clipping path…I believe the most important selection tool in Photoshop), turned into a new layer, and then reshaped to become the dragon’s wings.

Each element, be it a leg, claw, tail or whatever, can be selected with an appropriately hard edge (usually a 1-pixel feather when converting the clipping path to a selection) and then “faded” into it’s new adjoining part by using large soft brushes and a layer mask.

I find it truly increases the effectiveness of an image by using adjustment layers and their accompanying masks to add shadow and lightness to enhance the dimensionality of a given part. I mostly use “curves” (usually again with an adjustment layer) to adjust the density of a part in order to match the part with its new neighboring parts and environment.

An adjustment layer using Color Balance can help with fine-tuning color variations…and sometimes Hue/Saturation for major color changes. Of course, throughout the project I use the clone tool as necessary. A wonderful new feature of PhotoShop CS4 is the “preview” that is shown through the brush as it is moved over the area to be cloned. That alone might be worth the upgrade!

Once the image is looking complete I “Merge Visible Layers” with the option (Mac) key held down thereby creating a new layer that is a composite of all the visible layers. This gives me a final image in one layer facilitating dust-spotting and other touch up work without losing the ability to go back and revisit the underlying layers if need be.

The final result is a realistic photograph of a dragon breathing fire, a professional grade high-quality stock photo. You’d swear it was real.

About the Author:

Stock Photos of dogs, cats, elephants, Lions, baboons, snakes, and more: Animal Stock Photos Also Travel, people, animal, and concept stock photos and Fine Art Prints.

Photographers: Make money with your website!Free SEO for Photographers Professional SEO and monetization for your website.

Article Source: ArticlesBase.com – Creating a Fire Breathing Dragon With Photoshop

Related posts

• The Wrath of Dragons in Vietnamese Art (0)
• Dragon Art (0)

Dragons have taken on many forms in our world, so it is only right that they have also become a very common subject for art. There are so many different designs today featuring dragons that this is where most of us get our images of them.

These common images have been passed down for centuries and that is why some people believe that dragons may have once roamed the Earth. Yet there is no real evidence to show that this indeed happened.

Paintings are the most common types of dragon art. You can often tell the type of culture and the time frame when it was done too. For those cultures such as the Chinese that have a strong bond with the dragon, this type of art work is even more common. In addition to drawings they also make masks and kites that feature amazing artistic abilities.

Sculptures of dragons are also found around the world. Some of them are very large to help symbolize the size and power that the images of dragons often give. They can be found at museums and art galleries. Some people display them in their homes as well. They are also symbolic in front of restaurants and other types of businesses operated by the Chinese.

On a smaller scale in size but still very common is dragon art in the form of tattoos. While men generally are the recipients of such art work, some women have been known to feature them as well. If you decide to get a dragon tattoo you want to make sure it is done by someone well qualified. You donít want to regret getting it later on because you donít like how it looks.

Dragon jewelry is always popular as well—and much easier to change than a dragon tattoo. Rings, pendants, earrings, and pins portray both Chinese and European winged dragons in silver or gold, often with precious stones for eyes.

Dragon images adorn dinnerware, glassware, linens, and other household items, too. People around the world are in love with dragons.

If you are interested in capturing the ability to draw dragons, you can take some lessons. Not everyone has the natural ability to do this. There are classes you can take as well as online videos that will show you the basics.

There is a great deal of room to explore your personal creativity in dragon art. It can be a great deal of fun, though, so make sure you find an avenue of art that you really enjoy for it.

Related posts

• The Wrath of Dragons in Vietnamese Art (0)
• Creating a Fire Breathing Dragon With Photoshop (0)