Griffin graphite study

One seated griffin in three-quarter view, eagle head and beak, two folded wings, two front bird legs, lion haunches and complete tail. Practice clear contours and a few local shadows in graphite.

A way into the drawing

1. Establish the main shapes

   Place the eagle head above the chest and lion haunches.

2. Connect the structure

   Attach two front legs, folded wings and the full tail.

3. Develop the drawing

   Refine the clear outer contour, add only the most useful interior details and place a few small local shadows. Leave most of the paper open.

A small thing to tryKeep the bird and lion parts joined through one coherent torso.