 |
Drawing Dwarfs
By  Dmitry Terner
Let me start out by saying that this is a hint article. I do not present this as "the" way of looking at dwarfs. In fact it is very difficult to create a character article because of the varying views on what these creatures should look like. This image of the dwarf is the combination of many sources, starting with J.R.R. Tolkien and continuing through all the incarnations of dwarfs in fantasy literature. I am not talking of earlier concepts of dwarfs and not the lovable little men that befriended Snow White. Although I bet they would be fun to draw as well. Now then, let's get to it.
What is the essence of dwarfs then? Well according to Tolkien they were created before the children of Illuvatar came to earth, but put to sleep so they may awaken after their arrival. They were carved from stone, and bear close relation to it. They are short sturdy people. Great craftsmen, and Warriors. They are held by very rigid rules and understanding of the world around them. They love expensive shiny things and good craftsmanship, but they may be stingy. These beings are dwarfs.
Now in drawing these creatures, we have to question where they come from how they live, and what was the inspiration for creating them. Well it seems obvious that dwarfs rose out of Norse mythology. Therefore the look should be remotely Norse recalling the influence of the Vikings. This is underlined by the fact that they are also great warriors.
Proportions
In drawing anything proportion is essential, I looked at different references and came up with a sort of over generalized theory which I believe is the best way of tackling this problem.
- Dwarfs are between 3 and a half and four heads high.
- The neck is below the shoulder line
- They are twice as tall as they are wide
- The fingertips come down to their knees.
|
|
Clothing
If we continue along the Viking train of thought and exaggerate it ever so slightly, we come up with the perfect Dwarven fashions. Furs always have a great look (fig 2,3,5), for the detail oriented, it is a great idea to attach a lot of metal. Hammered disks serve as armor and decoration. The robes may be embroidered at the hem (fig 1,3). Bracelets and cuffs of metal and leather further support the look. Chains with massive golden decorations also look good(fig 1). I think dwarfs may or may not wear pants, if you choose pants make them believable by making them loose and tucked into the boot (fig 1) . Boots are a different point, there is the standard boot that seems to be preferred, but a different approach is a soft shoe with a hard sole, held up by leather laces like a sandal (fig 1). Dwarfs may also wear helmets these can be of varying design so use youe imagination. As always a picture is worth a thousand words bellow are some examples.
Hair Styles
Hair styles can vary greatly and be a great expression of the Dwarf, There is the uncombed look that is standard (fig 1), long hair beards. Although the more fashionable dwarf may want to go for that special look. Pony tails on the top of the head held up by metal bands look nice (fig 2), As well a forked beards (fig 4,5). Beards may be forked with accessories as well such as small rings with gemstones. Braids may suit the warrior, although avoid making them look like dread locks (fig 3,5). Again refer to the illustrations for examples.
Weapons
It is a well known fact that dwarfs prefer battle axes to other weapons, although for more variety broad -swords and war hammers may be added dwarfs may also carry daggers in addition to other weapons. These would all be highly decorated, handles being encrusted with gold and gem-stones.
Design elements
Decorations are of utmost important so here are some hints,hammered disks with rivets are great (fig 6a), Celtic Knots would work as embroidery, or on shield rims(fig 6b),abstract swirly designs recall the viking influence (fig 6c). Animal motifs can work as well (fig 6d) could be an elaborate butt of a sword or can actually serve as a hair band. Bird motifs can work as well try (fig 6e) on a shield. The rest are simply more examples adapted from the vikings(fig 6 f), experiment with their placement if you like, or try creating your own based on these.
Well that about covers what I think are fundementals of drawing dwarfs. I really hope this article is helpfull or at the very least inspirational. Happy Drawing.
FARP Article Guestbook
| Date | Name | Comment | | | 23 Sep 2006 |  CKC1323 | Ive been looking everywhere for ideas on female dwarves, if you know anywhere I would appreciate it | |
| 27 Sep 2006 | Yellowbox20 | Who cares about the Pronunciation, Grammar, or even Spelling for this piece. He offered a Drawing Tutorial. Stop whining about it and actually thank him. He could have just as easily said forget it, they don't need my help at all. Ungrateful bastards | |
| 18 Nov 2006 | Anonymous | This rocks!!!
I love dawves!!! | |
| 20 Nov 2006 | Monki | Here's my input:
One, this page is great! It's just what I was looking for. To the author/artist-GREAT JOB!
Two, to the person who was making those rude comments, you're just being a jerk. I hate to put it that way.
And three, please e-mail me if you know anything about mythical creatures!
Thanks!
~Monki | |
| 24 Dec 2006 | He that knows better | u people suck....u missed the point on all the dwarf concepts....read Tolkien u D&D infested freaks | |
| 1 Jan 2007 | timrfrench61 | Thanx for the the ratios and ideas on hammered disks and celtic knotwork. I notice from your croquis that you consider them to have thin short legs. Also: hands to the knees (hadn't thought of that).
I am always looking for things to varry in the drawings. Thanx, Thanx, Thanx | |
| 2 Jun 2007 | Fantasy Mind II | I'm very sorry for saying this but this tutorial didn't help me that much..they're just a bit...too cartoony. | |
| 11 Feb 2008 | Anon. | Love the 5th dwarf.
Nice tutorial =) | |
| 17 Feb 2008 |  Laura Cates | Hello. I’m new here and am basically a beginning level artist, so I have lots of questions, mistakes.....you know the drill. I don’t have internet access at home (working on it still) so I use the public library a lot. Therefore, I need to print a lot of this stuff to take home to practice with. Therein lies my problem. I can’t get the entire page to print on a lot of the tutorials. It cuts off the right hand side. What am I doing wrong?
Thanks for any help!
Laura | |
| 17 Feb 2008 |  Laura Cates | Oh, by the way.......Tolkien was not the first person to write about elves not being pixies. Long long ago, there were stories written about the Seelie and Unseelie courts. Those were around before Tolkien. Lord Dunsany had a lot to say about them. Then there’s Tam Lin.
Just putting in my 2 coppers worth.
L | |
| Page: [1] 2 3 4 5 6 7 |
 Back to the FARP main page.
 The collection of art and writing tutorials in the Elfwood Fantasy Art Resource (F.A.R.P.) is a part of Elfwood.
The FARP logo was created by  Miguel Krippahl (The muscular guy in the FARP-logo) and  Thomas F Abrahamsson (The text and general graphic design). Those sections written by volunteers are copyrighted to Thomas Abrahamsson and the respective writer. Elfwood is a project created by Thomas Abrahamsson. All rights reserved. Unauthorized Reproduction of the graphics, writings, and materials on these pages is absolutely prohibited! You may consider all material on these pages protected and copyrighted, unless otherwise noted. You may NOT use the images found at the FARP or Elfwood pages on your home pages! All of these images are copyright protected! Everything you see here represent the collaborative effort of the Elfwood community and Thomas Abrahamsson. Please read the Legal Disclaimer for more info on warranties/etc for these pages!
|
|
