- 1). Collect images of the phoenix to display while you work. Search the "Medieval Bestiary" website and books such as "The Girl Who Drew a Phoenix" or "Wonder Beasts" for depictions.
- 2). Sketch each portion of the creature's body in-motion and at rest for practice. Make the head sharp and powerful, the wings spread wide and the talons long and menacing. Include details and contrasts on the feathers and eyes.
- 3). Complete a basic sketch with your chosen aspects and re-sketch if necessary. Once satisfied, continue shading and adding minute details to round out the drawing. Add fire or flames in the background to make the bird more formidable.
- 4). Work on the outer portions of the phoenix and the surrounding section within the drawing. If desired, place the beast in an appropriate landscape such as a medieval wilderness.
- 5). Shade areas to contrast with other portions that appear more important. For example, make the eyes glow or stand out along with other physical features like the talons, wings, face or chest. Pay close attention to your flames so that they accentuate the power and mystical nature of the phoenix.
- 6). Create an impressive sketch by adding lively color to the bird and its background. Keep in mind that the bird and the flames contain both light and dark colors that play off of one another. Highlight the actionable sections of your phoenix if the sketch depicts a moving bird.
Source...