As discussed in a previous blog post, Chinese Dragon Origins, the crocodile, and therefore, the Dragon have the power to control the weather. This means that Chinese Dragons move through the air, not by beating wings (which they do not have) but freely as if swimming, their incredibly flexible bodies twisting and turning without effort.
Their long bodies undulate, swirl and loop through the air while their legs can be seen to flail in all directions, almost as if disconnected from their bodies. Tip: This can make it easier to paint them. Their claws are hyperactive and wide open as if ready to take prey, or to grasp a huge pearl…
Dragon characteristics
There is some interpretation of a Dragon’s characteristics but here follows the essence of a Dragon, which may be drawn on, when creating your own. Below is an example of a Song Dynasty Dragon using the characteristics detailed below:
There are nine characteristics detailed here, some of which come from Zodiac animals. There could be more, or less, depending on which tradition you follow or how detailed you wish to make your painting. I have added examples of Dragon characteristics as I have come across them. They could have the:
- Head of a camel
- Eyes of a hare
- Ears of a Buffalo or Ox
- Antlers of a deer
- Neck of a serpent
- Paws of a tiger
- Talons of an eagle
- Scales of a carp
- Long whiskers…
More on Chinese Dragon symbolism is available on the blog post linked here.
Please note: The Calligraphy for Dragon, along with the other Zodiac Animals is available on the link here.
I wish you Happy Dragon painting. Should any of these blog posts inspire you to paint Chinese Dragons please do post back your creations as I would love to see them…
Paul
Double Happiness Studio MH 
2 thoughts on “Painting Chinese Dragons”