This was an interesting and different workshop to attend.  Brett discussed the Japanese style of Asian Dragons used in tattooing and how to draw the various versions of whisker, horns, scales and claws.  We looked at and discussed the Japanese Artists, Horiyoshi III and Bill Canales style of dragon drawings.

Japanese dragon – (Ryu) are wingless Mythological creatures.  They feature in many Japanese folk law stories such as ‘Ryujin and the Sea Palace’. The Emperor descended from a dragon.  Western style dragons are quite different.

A dragon’s body is made up of the following parts: Snake like body and long neck, Eyes of a Rabbit, Head of a Camel, Horns of a Deer, Scales of a Carp, Ears of and Ox /cow, Claws of an Eagle drawn in opposing directions (Ying and Yang), and a Pearl represents Jewel or wisdom.   Japanese dragon have 3 claws, Chinese have 4 claws.

Dragons are often paired with clouds, water and flames.  They are associated with power, strength and wisdom.  They can also control clouds, rain and tides.

The colours of the dragon are also important and represent different attributes.

Red: Strength / Aggression
Blue: Water / Peace
Yellow: Knowledge
Brown / Green: Stability
Black / Grey: Wisdom / Balance

All in all a great variety of dragons were drawn by the group, a workshop thoroughly enjoyed.