Next to the human form, drawing and painting animals is another favorite of mine. Perhaps it’s because they share moods and emotions not unlike us.
I’ve gathered second hand books as references for stance and realistic qualities when I’m portraying different figures. And often I will work from photos I’ve taken. This designer gouache painting was initiated by several beautiful photos of Impalas. As I was drawing their lovely curving horns I allowed myself to get a little creative with their curvature and my creature suddenly became a magical beast.
As I was looking for information on antlers and horns I came upon more articles about fantastical beasts and eventually to this article on Fantastic Beasts and Where to find them. It brings up the upcoming trilogy by JK Rowlings and at the end of the article lists a grouping of the fantastical beasts which this imaginary book chronicles.
Wouldn’t it be fun to take some of those given names and create your own Fantastical Beast to go with it?