How to Draw a Dragon's Head: Shading & Details

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Visit my channel for KZbin’s #1 most-viewed drawing videos!

[@magdalena19731]

When i saw this video I was like "no way I could draw like this".But after 3,5 hours of trying and erasing I did it and I was very happy about it. After that I kept drawing and drawing it and I got really good at it.Thank you Mark , you are the best, really helpful video. And great dragon head design btw.

[@markcrilley]

Glad I can help!

[@napsterblook6052]

I..I LOVE IT now draw me!!!

[@tinshriekersirola2758]

bog i hrvati , drago mi je što si sretan, mene isto to smiruje na neki naćin. Već dugo crtam i mogu ti reći da je ključ uspjeha u posvećenosti crtežu i detaljima. ;(

[@solivagent5556]

Adrijan Mihic very inspiring lol

[@Laraj-cy9kg]

Adrijan Mihic drew*

[@AITF045]

Lately, I've been feeling sad for no reason. I feel almost like I'm worthless. I don't know if it's depression or not. This video has reignited my love for drawing. It makes me feel a lot better. Thank you Mark. I love your relaxed, yet cheerful and humorous way of making videos. (I'm not thinking of anything that could harm me, I'm just sad)

[@markcrilley]

Douglas Ito Thank you Douglas; very glad my vids are helping you through these times.

[@oliviamason6336]

DUDE IDK?! HIS VOICE IS LIKE A YOUNGER BOB ROSS! O o O

[@star.stevens]

Douglas Ito AITF dame tho

[@vichitravastu]

Draw Ninjago and garmadon 🇦🇪

[@lordpepy]

Douglas Ito AITF are you still feeling sad?

[@jonniesm]

Omg finaly someone who acually breaks stuff down!!!!!!!! Your amazing.

[@markcrilley]

Thank you

[@emmanuel268]

*you’re :3

[@aidanapker3154]

Noob Lol

[@3li3lite42]

@@aidanapker3154 effin nub

[@skyrimordieeee7585]

Amazing!!

[@sn3k131]

You are so amazing and so prominent in my life. I went from being the epitome of inexperience to having great artists say "Wow...that's actually pretty good!" And that's all thanks to you. I finally got my first Wacom tablet, amd resurrected ye 'ol sketchbook, the one filled with sketches of pictures that, at this point, burn my eyes and make me laugh at my past self. I've improved so so much thanks to you and your fantastic (and hilarious) videos. Thank you.

[@markcrilley]

+Assassin EnderGirl Thank you! Glad I can help :)

[@MamaSoulWeaver]

+markcrilley your my idol!

[@MamaSoulWeaver]

+markcrilley wish u were my brother lol

[@oliviamason6336]

ArE YOu A PoET?

[@Dragonightess]

I love dragon's, I love skyrim, I love this video. Thanks, Mark!👍

[@lunamoon5657]

I watched the video and I Loved it! It's so cool and amazing I also tried following along but then decided to go for some other styles.I did the same horns and stuff but added some of my own things. I've heard you say in the video that u look at other drawings and other references that resemble a dragon so I did the same. My drawing actually turned out pretty good! Thank you for making these awesome videos!

[@somerandomdragon558]

Mrawwr? :)

[@ashestoashes568]

@PinkBaguette it's a video game full of dragons ;)

[@bluemoontheblackdragon]

Yes Skyrim! Drem yol lok, fellow dov!!!

[@LilNotoe]

The one place on youtube where every comment is nice! Thank you Mark for being a great artist! :)

[@markcrilley]

LilNotoe You're very welcome ^^

[@aidanapker3154]

Yup

[@felfous1569]

That's true

[@mastermill79]

By far your best Dragon Mark; just the right balance between realism and style.

[@squids._.7320]

Even at the very beginning before any scales or ridges were added was 100 times better than anything I could do. This is amazing.

[@OspreyEye]

Hey Mr. Crilley. I just wanted to say thank you for doing the videos you do. I'm am 33 and loved drawing as a kid and teenager. With adult life stepping in I pretty much hadn't drawn in years. When I found your videos it sparked something in me to start drawing again and really take it seriously as an adult. I'm taking classes in my spare time and it's really given me something to concentrate and practice on that isn't work. Haha. So thank you! Very much appreciated!

[@markcrilley]

J Dogorilla You're very welcome-- glad I can help!

[@SilentGaming10]

markcrilley I just bought white guache and I have no clue how to use it... Do I need water or do I just add it by it self

[@bumbleberryanimations5629]

Wow I remember watching this when it first came out. That was when I got into drawing, now I'm pursuing my career of fantasy art. Thank you for being there for my childhood self :)

[@sunnydrawings9810]

Beautiful turned dragon, realistic. There is something to learn from you. Drawing is my passion since childhood. Thank you for your art!!!

[@illicitbike2782]

Mark I know this was made 1 year ago but I wanna say that you actually inspired me to go into a art and design college after high school and do art and see where I can go with it. I wanna say thank you so much for teaching me this stuff. If I didn't knew you were around I would not be where I am at now. I know which college I want and when I look back at what I did I feel impressed about what I did from then to now. Markcrilley thank you so so so so much for inspiring me to do art and post what I draw on the internet even if I have days where I do bad. I gotta do this but all my love from my drawings to you mark!

[@markcrilley]

Thank you for your kind words!

[@illicitbike2782]

+markcrilley no thank you for helping me get this far

[@phongha7661]

You are in inspiration

[@manofleipe]

I love how the Like-to-Dislike ratio is 1000+:9 right now. Mark's fanbase is by far the nicest fanbase in all of KZbin.

[@bonniecameron3432]

I am amazed how your art goes from just simple lines to three dimensional realism. So many techniques rolled into one piece. It is giving me a lot to work with. I am looking forward to trying the techniques. I had my Chinese Water Dragon pass away last Thursday after eight years, and eventually, I want to draw him from the photographs I have of him. Thank you so much for taking the time to provide such beautiful works for us to learn from. Blessed Be!

[@jameskirk771]

Great work Mark. I learned a lot on how to refine my own art to show more detail.

[@CocoLocoMocoLatte]

I saw this time lapse video yesterday and I was so excited to see this today

[@getinwizard2877]

MARK PLEASE SEE :) I walked into my english teachers room and I saw your very own drawings signed by you. I asked him where he got it and he said it was from you personally. I asked him how he knew you and he said from when he teaches in an elementary school you did a assembly sort of thing and you have seen him around. I told my friends and they were like I WANT TO MEET HIM!!! I doubt that will happen but I still can't believe you've been local this whole time and I've never seen you. 😱😭 by the way I love the video 😃😃😃😃

[@rubydhar2223]

Hahahahaahah

[@DoMeat2014]

Please post a video of your setup and equipment please

[@icsmoothie]

Hello Mark. I just want to say thank you so much. 4-3 years ago, back when I couldn't draw, didn't have good drawing skills, and wanted to draw anime and be a good artist, I found your account. I thought I couldn't do half the stuff you do. I gave up a few times, but managed to come back and practiced day in day out to learn from your videos to draw better. Now, I've been making manga for about 2 years, have MUCH better art skills than I EVER would have imaged, and it's all thanks to you. I even use your mastering manga book still. Thank you so much for you videos. Your the reason why I am who I am today. Keep on motivating young artists, and keep changing lives, Mark. Thank you so much :)

[@markcrilley]

WynterBear2002 Glad I can help; Thank you!

[@bleachichigo9623]

The way u use mix media on ur drawing is really effective and amazing. Thank you for this video man

[@linzertube]

Hi Mark! Loved this dragon! You really pull together an array of resources into one fine drawing! Your "Snake Belly" group, with their "Tectonic Plate" album remarks, had me laughing out loud.😄 By the way, it's so kind of you to respond to my last comment on your "Making Comics" video. You said that I give supportive comments, and I just want to say that you inspire positivity, due to your generous sharing of time, talent, tips and endlessly entertaining commentary. My best wishes for your continued success. You deserve it.

[@violetmeow6723]

I subed because seeing this video has helped me learn more on shading and simple ways to help with texture and realism of my art. Thank You Mark

[@jeremypatterson5814]

I don’t know how many times ive watched this. But im still amazed at how good it looks

[@fouggiisann3084]

Just bought your Mastering Manga book. I'm so hyped to learn👌

[@rocker761001]

I've been a fan of you for years now, and your videos have really helped me with my art. I want to say thank you for getting my skill to where it is today.

[@markcrilley]

***** You're very welcome :)

[@ausomeaspie]

So Awsome! And that voice! It is just so soothing and relaxing, I love it! Reminds me of my old Neurologist. (Which is a complement by the way)

[@ilselangnar507]

They had Mikki Falls in my school's library, and one day I was bored and started to read them because it said you were the author. I actually learned manga from one of your books, that was fun. I was definitely not disappointed, it's a great series there!

[@Entity9009]

YES! I was waiting for a new 'how to draw dragons' video! Thanks so much!

[@13Moondancer]

Terrificly informative tutorial - as always.

[@sandracaraballo9830]

Aaaaaaawwwww man Snake Belly was my jaaaaaammmm. Tectonic Plates was the beeeeessssst. They're totally washed out now. Guache was their last good album. ;D

[@markcrilley]

Sandra Caraballo ^_^

[@tomawade566]

markcrilley mark how many times did u say indicate xD?

[@jacksparrowismydaddy]

snakebelly forever man!

[@rheaharidas9591]

I loved blushies

[@oliviamason6336]

**snort**

[@hexxgamer2786]

Hey Mark, you are such an amazing teacher! Your youtube drawing tutorials have helped me so much! I had a horrible art teacher for 2 years straight, (I could not get out of her class! Trust me I tried!) you have re-inspired me and got me back into art. Thank you mark!

[@ImFrelled]

Cool looking Dragon, cool tips. Thank you Mark.

[@yashbarodekar4244]

Excuse me, You are responsible for the replacement of my jaw! 😂

[@cheetahgirlplays2272]

It was my best drawing that I ever drew ever thank you.

[@pacificsiren3773]

This is a great tutorial. I'll be working on the detail work. Thanks Mark, for teaching so well.

[@danielwhiteley4821]

I have followed your videos for a while now, and the way you explain and demonstrate things is second to none! pictures that at first glance make us think 'I can't do that' when it is actually quite simple if we follow you. I would also like to say that I have just purchased your book about the realism challenge! I find it difficult to put down 5 stars. Thanks Mark. keep up the good work.

[@RobertMarzullo]

Great work Mr. Crilley! Thanks for sharing once again!

[@artworld1977]

M.omprakash

[@JustJosiAcevedo]

Boom! mind blown. I dont know why im surprised, #Crilleyforthewin

[@rafaelfmolina]

Mark, can you do a video on textures? The dragon scales and rocky plates gave such a good tone, so learning those would help a lot to diversify and add detail to our drawings.

[@lyecon2771]

Love the drawings, fan of the Manga/Anime art you do aswell. Thanks for the uploads!

[@LinekeLijn]

Great tip on greyish paper! I am running to the store right now ^^ Oh, and I love your video's and lessons a lot ;) - Lineke

[@kennisonparker5943]

Mark you are one of the best artists I know and you make the best tutorials.

[@markcrilley]

+Kennison Parker Thank you!

[@paridotariel8057]

+markcrilley your amazing I love watching your videos keep up the great drawing's.

[@realmagicskeleton7172]

This is amazing. Even I'm not at a stage that I can draw so beautifully!!! Well done man

[@CadenBankerMorgan]

Thank you SO much Mark, i use to STINK at drawing a year ago but ever since i started watching your videos i got much better. Now days im the BEST in my class and my family! Thanks so much.

[@RandomPersonUniverse]

I found out that my Highschool has Miki falls in the library!

[@eddiebear34]

I'd love to see you do a full dragon. Tattoo style. The kind you might see on the back of someones shoulder kinda thing? Or a skull with a snake slithering through the eye socket...

[@xercei2]

I could try to draw that. ;u;

[@barbaram.7442]

I love following your videos! I just got your book in the mail today.... The Realism Challenge. I went first to the table of contents, and right away saw.... Patience, the importance of. That is my biggest challenge, and your words have already helped! I look forward to the day when I can draw the dragon that you started shading for a more 3 D effect. I can't wait to get started with the lessons in your book! (patience, patience)

[@markcrilley]

Thank you for your support, Barbara! Hope you're pleased with the book :)

[@jackieturner4402]

I had to do this with just pencils, and it looks pretty darn good. Thanks Mark!!!!

[@ericfields6595]

u r so gud at drawing dragons! that was soooooo cool!

[@ElderScrollsEnjoyer]

Could you possibly do a video where you draw Alduin from "The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim"?

[@patentes8463]

You have a new fan, Mr. Crilley. Thank you for the amazing lessons!

[@jacksparrowismydaddy]

man I miss Snakebelly's good stuff. wish they'd make a comeback.

[@markcrilley]

jacksparrowismydaddy ^_^

[@midevilmonkeyterd]

markcrilley I find myself learning way more from your guidelines then anything else. plus I refuse to copy another artist work. keep it up man your great.

[@goranperssonfanaccount1956]

Yeah man, I hope they don't get too mainstream

[@KewlKat3006]

Who else's drawing story is like this?: ·Watch markcrilley draw it ·Get a paper and pencil last minute ·Fail horribly ·Ends up being trash and you get discouraged ·Watch more of his videos and repeat all steps the next day

[@ok-sj7bx]

You still drawing? If so how bad is it?

[@EvyDevy]

You got amazing art talent!! (You've heard that before, but this really shows.) I've been making dragons myself and I felt they could look better, but I think this helps!! :)

[@pumkin54]

Are you kidding me? This is so awesome. :D Been watching you for a couple years and this is my favorite drawing you've done so far.

[@juwhamu8600]

I'd preorder snakebelly's new album >.>

[@shawnwolf892]

i think mark was hungry during this video since he kept refering to food good vid mark and thats amazing chicken ..... i mean dragon ... damn i want chicken now !

[@huntercherrydemonking6837]

Hi

[@zdklin]

+Shawn Wolf you said i wrong instead of I

[@anoranoc2903]

Kaya Petters

[@brendaevangelista7783]

Finally able to watch this after a hectic weekend! Yay! Mr. Crilley, you came through again, in such a huge way. This is spectacular :)

[@markcrilley]

Brenda Patterson Thank you Brenda ^^

[@sarax9178]

So excited to try this out

[@StormDreams]

You always make me laugh.

[@markcrilley]

Storm Nation Thank you :)

[@StormDreams]

markcrilley :)

[@aidanapker3154]

Lol

[@LightW]

God damnit mark, the blushies! You forgot the blushies! Again!!! XD No srsly, great video :)

[@jimshockey1448]

He wouldn't forget a thing like that! It's all about choices. Right? At about 24:27 he "indicated" that, in this video, he was going to substitute "gouachies" for "blushies." I imagine this is partly to not disappoint us and partly to not embarrass the dragon. :)

[@LightW]

Jim Shockey Thx Captain Obvious, i wouldn't have guessed myself.... -_-

[@thearchers8417]

three years later and I'm still doing this. Amazing drawing skills, Mark.

[@sssssss3501]

you're a great teacher, I am so inspired by your humor and serious ways!

[@elliottsims3921]

I Love to draw and I'm good at it. But not that good. Yet I'm looking for easy yet complex step by step on how to draw. And I love Dragons! so This video is Awesome keep it up! Liked!

[@echoingpenelope7199]

I like how this is a legit dragon, not some cartoon thing

[@valenguajardo2757]

Thank you so much for your wonderful art instructions I love that you tell us the materials you're using it makes it so much More exciting I love that you revisiting this lesson again this is great thank you so much.

[@jfoster1980]

Fantastic Mark, love your work man you have inspired me after many years of being away from my one true love...art.

[@MrSpectacularJR]

Teach me, Senpai *-* This is soo cool :D Btw, you have an awesome voice to listen to. Sometimes I start your videos and just here you talking, while doing school stuff or surfing on the waves of the world wide web ;) That doesn't mean, I do not like your videos, but it is just relaxing listen to you talking :D

[@SmokeyAmp]

Sounds like you'd be interested in ASMR videos.

[@MrSpectacularJR]

Smokey Amp I had to google "ASMR-Videos" :D Nope, sorry sir, not interested, sell your partnerships somewhere else ;P But I would love to have a "Mark Crilley Podcast". That would be cool :D

[@SmokeyAmp]

Not trying to sell anything, your comment just sounded like you enjoy listening to soft speaking and such. I was just being friendly. Fuck me, right? One look at my channel and you'd see I don't have any partnerships or anything like that. I don't even have any subscribers. Lol

[@MrSpectacularJR]

Smokey Amp Dude, I was making a joke. I thought the ";P"-Smiley would express that, but I doesn't always work I guess. I hate Smileys :D Never tried to piss you of or something, just share the love ;)

[@nelliekarlsson2356]

haha your are hilarious, im im crying of laughter over here. even my dragon turned out kind of smieyfacey. guess its a happy dragon.

[@filipfedorisin5376]

+Nellie Karlsson * you are *

[@somerandomdragon558]

Dragons usually are quite friendly creatures. c:

[@lautattoo3050]

Thank you so much for helping us aspiring artists to improve our drawings.. ¡¡Sos un genio!!

[@stevenholt5692]

I'm learning more from you than was I was learning at night classes doing art.

[@SunitaSharma-rc7bo]

Mark sir you are best you are daring impressively great you are legend you are awesome you are hero you are god you rare you are smart you are superb you are best manga artist you are best you have patience you have great sense of humor you are awesome you are truly great you are ....best in the world you taught me how to draw you are a teacher ..a best teacher

[@markcrilley]

Sunita Sharma Thank you; you're very kind!

[@oliviamason6336]

Oh look I found another POeT! (I’m sorry, but I basically have a comedy career at age.... œï... (*hah*)

[@crisantocedilla8642]

It came early usually I watching your video 3:00 am in the morning here in the Philippines ^^,

[@markcrilley]

crisanto cedilla I'm trying to upload the Saturday video at least 3 hours earlier than I used to, so you can count on this as a permanent change.

[@crisantocedilla8642]

markcrilley thank you very much! ^_^

[@tarpnarp]

crisanto cedilla Or you could just sleep and watch it later in the morning?

[@crisantocedilla8642]

Your Mother yeah I do that but I always wake up early

[@jovanbuncic2936]

Best artist i have seen so far,so talented,my idol,thank you sir!

[@sabrinabethers8370]

I'm actually optimistically speechless about that dragon. :) Thanks for another amazing video and will be looking forward to your next one.

[@sandhya2124]

this is really cool and I love the dragon

[@markcrilley]

Thank you!

[@sandhya2124]

😋

[@herobrine809]

ur a rlly good artist

[@Mynewestrandomz]

Make snakebelly happen

[@xiballisticsix6942]

Your talent is absolutely astounding!

[@slushpuppydevil]

Amazing as usual, good job mark:D can't wait until Tuesday when I'm back at my mums and can have a go at drawing this myself (all my sketchbooks and pencils are there)

[@silvered399]

3:06 already looks better than 90% of my drawings

[@dinara_k170]

_*Same*_!

[@nymeriakorianthyl7035]

wtf guys I cant believe this drawing has dislikes 0.0

[@tds_nexis2988]

Its Becaus Of The 5year Olds Which Thin Their Drawing Isn't *Good Enough*

[@stevenholt5692]

Ordered your your Manga book last night on Amazon UK, Mark. I'm from Glasgow. I have no idea what Manga is & never seen any of the cartoons, but if I'm going to learn from your book, I'll happily buy it as I'm a complete beginner. I'll look forward to that being delivered this week. I was looking for a new hobby anyway, I might have just found a new hobby now I enjoy.

[@m.i.miller8008]

This was awesome...my first 3 dragons sucked... will give it another go tomorrow...love how to teach in these videos... so fun and no stress or pressure to get it exact... thank you for sharing.

[@alou2585]

#STOPTIMELAPSE, I am trying to follow along and you timelapse everything that takes time OUT!! I want to draw but i cant because you time lapse every thing out!!!

[@markcrilley]

Here's my "no time lapse" series-- Four videos, not a single second of time lapse: kzbin.info/www/bejne/haKWloZqaKeWhtU

[@CyntrastGamersChannel]

Here is my thanks to you, since the original comenter did not supply one.

[@alou2585]

CyntrastGamer me? why thanks to me? ???

[@CyntrastGamersChannel]

Th3b33 Gamer it was directed towards mark.

[@stopscreenshootingme1234]

Th3b33 Gamer same whith me to

[@DragonGateDesign]

Awesome work as always. Spikes along the back of the mandible could also act as protection for the neck, or just to attract attention from a possible mate

[@brittanniadias9853]

I am a part of a drawing for kids at my school. My friends made it up. I am not the teacher but I draw better than the members. I am going to draw and shade that with markers on the next assignment. Thank you Mark !

[@vibbyridge]

so talented, combining details of different creatures of reference and creating something unique, his own creation. hats off to you keep on rocking!!!! (oh and BTW your vids have thought me SOOOOO much about art ty for that)

[@strawberryszzssz7543]

WOW you are absolutely amazing at drawing! 😘📝

[@AakolickGP]

Not only are you a great person (and drawer), but this community is so nice!! There are no hate comments or anything! You are one amazing person.

[@markcrilley]

Thank you; yes I'm very lucky, my viewers are the best!

[@AakolickGP]

markcrilley yes, they are!

[@eileenvilaca]

This is really cool! Thanks for the help with shading/proportions etc. Could you do a video comparing the different styles dragons are portrayed in, and how to change certain proportions to make dragon more unique (e.g. Spyro Dragons look very different from Skyrim Dragons.)?

[@anroeenayo5972]

wow! very nice mark!

[@timfoulger2544]

Thank you SO much for making this wonderful video! I have had loads of fun drawing it, as well as an amazing result! Thank you Mark!

[@markcrilley]

+Tim Foulger Glad I could help. Tim :)

[@FatPeanutsFat]

So I drew my first dragon head today and I am so proud of myself I just keep looking at it lol thank you mark

[@caseykidtwo]

Looks so cool mark! Wish to be as good as you at some stage

[@MGShadow1989]

markcrilley Horns, spikes and ridges on lizards and some amphibians are not merely decorative, they're typically used as some sort of defence - either as some form of aggressive display to look bigger and meaner or in the case of say crocodiles, their scutes along their back and tail act like armour. Same principle as studded armour. So, in the case of those spikes on the jaw, in theory they could protect the neck.

[@swaginic2780]

Wow Thanks Mark, i thoroughly enjoyed watching and drawing this piece, btw ur are very pleasent to listen to

[@user-kc1gm4xi4x]

*Markcrilley* you're an amazing artist and I always improve my drawings by seeing your wonderful videos!This dragon is flawless,but I think that you did very much time lapse and especially in the shading part which,for me,is the most important!I adore your work but try to cut down on time lapse! Kisses from Greece! ❤ ❤

[@edgarreyes4647]

Excellent work!!! Love it...

[@Mad_Jax]

This is really amazing, I'm learning a lot with you, thank you!

[@gaaraartist]

Hey mark I was wondering If you happened to have a video on how your recording equipment is set up. I like to record my art but can never seem to get a good set up for my traditional art