Ask Movie Slate - How to Train your Dragon

Ask Movie Slate - Episode 176

Commissioned by

Featuring the awesome in her pony form.

You guys won't believe how happy I am to finally draw Toothless. I've been wanting forever to sit down and draw Toothless, ever since I saw the very first movie, and it was so much fun! Not often do I get the chance to draw dragons, and this one was a joy ride. He is both a cutie and a total badass. I really like Toothless, but after this drawing I have the compulsion to get my hands on a toy of him. That and I have to draw him (and many other dragons) more.

"How to Train your Dragon" is one of the best movies I've ever seen. I guess that comes as no surprise, since pretty much every single person on the planet has sang its praises towards it, but it really is genuinely great. It starts up with all the typical tropes of the genre, and then slowly plays around with them until it turns them inside out like a sock full of pellets. The characters are likable, the visuals are gorgeous, the flying scenes are amazing, the music is fantastic, and it has one of the most brutal endings I've seen in a kid's movie in quite some time (even to this day). Give it a watch if you haven't already, and if you have then watch it again. It deserves it.

I feel particularly proud of the shadows on this drawing. This is one of the first times that I tried to emulate outdoors lighting, and with a setting such as the dragon arena from the Island of Berk there were all sorts of issues involved. That jail cell barred ceiling above it proved to be more of an obstacle, but I thrive in the challenge so I went into it and I think the result is pretty alright. Once again a good layer of soft light makes wonders for the depth of field, and it saved the drawing from feeling flat. Also drawing Mad Munchkin's OC was a total riot. I don't know what it is, but drawing an angry fluffy pony getting mad at Movie Slate for being too much of a wuss is just hilarious.

I hope you guys enjoy the picture!

Please, let me know what you think of it in the comments. I appreciate and every single one I receive.

Thank you!

You can check the update on Movie Slate's blog right here.

Art by James Corck