The Dracopedia Project

Dracopedia Sketchbook #007

2011-12-04T12:29:00.000-08:00

More Dragon sketches....enjoy.

WOC

Dracopedia:The Great Dragons

2011-11-20T17:00:00.001-08:00

The second installment in the Dracopedia series is coming!

Dracopedia: The Great Dragons is due for release in June 2012. Following my around the world expedition to draw the dragons in their native environments the book is filled with sketches, drawings, and exciting history of the amazing dragons of the world.

This edition is filled with new drawings, paintings and tutorials for understanding these amazing creatures in more detail than ever before. Including in-depth tutorials for artists and dragon enthusiast alike!

Keep watching for updates for my appearances, demonstrations and discussions in the coming months.

Thank you.

WOC

Sketch DragonsBooks from IMPACT

2011-10-02T20:56:00.000-07:00

IMPACT books has recently released 2 fascinating workbooks for student artists interested in dragons. I am proud to be a part of these unique projects where ideas on dragons are explored and the reader is then encouraged to sketch directly inside the book. On sale Now at Amazon .Check it out by clicking on the images.

Enjoy.

WOC

Dracopedia Sketchbook #6

2011-08-30T04:51:00.000-07:00

New Dragon Sketch for The Dracopedia Project. Enjoy.

WOC

Ligurian Dragon Stantant
Pencil on Paper
11"x14"

Dragonlord

2011-06-21T05:05:00.001-07:00

"Dragonlord"
12"x16" digital
©2011 William O'Connor

Here is a piece that I was working some time ago and was able to return to and finish finally. There is a lot going on in this piece so it was fun to play with the varied elements.

Enjoy.

WOC

The Legend of The Golden Dragon

2011-04-10T07:33:00.000-07:00

Some readers of Dracopedia may know that I briefly mention the oldest known dragon in the world, The Golden Dragon of China, Tong Long Huo.

I have finished a painting depicting a climactic scene from his tale that I am currently writing. Keep following to read the story as it develops.

And don't forget to also visit William O'Connor Studios-blog
for a detailed demo on how the painting was made.

Enjoy

WOC

©2011 William O'Connor Studios/Dracopedia/Dracopedia Project. All Rights Reserved.

Dracopedia: Dragons of the World Poster

2011-04-03T17:29:00.001-07:00

Remember that every copy of Dracopedia comes with a 27" full color poster of all the Dragons of the World....

Check it out.

WOC

To view a selection from the book or purchase Dracopedia visit:
Amazon.com/Dracopedia

©2010William O'Connor/William O'Connor Studios/Dracopedia:A Guide to Drawing the Dragons of the World/The Dracopedia Project. All rights reserved.

Redcrosse Dragon II

2011-03-16T15:17:00.000-07:00

Revisiting the subject of the Fairie Queene with another sketch of the Redcrosse Dragon.....still a work in progress.

Enjoy.

WOC

"Redcrosse Dragon"
15"x21"
pencil on paper

Dragon Empress

2011-03-05T07:34:00.000-08:00

"Dragon Empress"
11'x17" Pencil on Paper
©2011 William O'Connor Studios

Thought I would share a recent sketch. Dragons and ladies are a theme that run throughout cultures and history. This one has a Chinese theme. No story yet, just developing ideas.

Enjoy

WOC

To view a selection from the book or purchase Dracopedia visit:
Amazon.com/Dracopedia

©2010William O'Connor/William O'Connor Studios/Dracopedia:A Guide to Drawing the Dragons of the World/The Dracopedia Project. All rights reserved.

Dragon Chalk

2011-02-17T17:35:00.000-08:00

Working using black and white pencil on brown paper has been a favorite way to draw since I was in college. Here are a pair of dragons drawn in this classic method....

Enjoy.

WOC

To view a selection from the book or purchase Dracopedia visit:
Amazon.com/Dracopedia

©2010William O'Connor/William O'Connor Studios/Dracopedia:A Guide to Drawing the Dragons of the World/The Dracopedia Project. All rights reserved.

The Redcrosse Knight and the Dragon

2010-12-06T08:59:00.001-08:00

I'm currently working on a new private commission of the Redcrosse Knight and the Dragon. As the digital sketch develops I will transition to a traditional oil medium. Still working on the design. It is also the subject of my new video sketch evolution on YouTube
To watch the video click here: Redcrosse Knight

Enjoy
WOC

To view a selection from the book or purchase Dracopedia visit:
Amazon.com/Dracopedia

©2010William O'Connor/William O'Connor Studios/Dracopedia:A Guide to Drawing the Dragons of the World/The Dracopedia Project. All rights reserved.

St. Margaret and the Dragon

2010-11-29T10:06:00.000-08:00

St. Margaret and the Dragon
William O'Connor ©2009

When we think of dragon slayers we always imagine brave strong knights in shining armor riding their chargers with lance in hand slaying a horrible dragon and rescuing a maiden in distress. St. George is a perfect example. Beowulf and the army of the 12 Lords, The Redcrosse Knight of Spencer's Fairie Queene is another, doing battle with a titanic 600' long flaming flying beast for three days. King Seigfried kills Fafnir and of course, as I'm sure we are all anticipating being brought to life in vivid digital 3-D CGI, Bard of Esgoroth who slays Smaug in The Hobbit.
There is however a great dragon slayer who tends to go overlooked, a 15 year old shepherdess girl who slays a dragon single handedly with nothing more than an iron cross from around her neck.

St. Margaret is an amazing story, and one that I had only very briefly mentioned in my book Dracopedia, and had gone mostly unnoticed in my research until I moved into St. Margaret's Parrish in Pearl River , NY. On the first day attending church in our new home there above the alter in vivid stained glass was St. Margaret standing on a dragon. Thinking this serendipitous, I began to do some research and became very impressed with this young lady!

Starting life as the daughter of a powerful 5th Century Roman priest, she converts to Christianity and refuses to marry and denounce her faith. She is cruelly tortured and (stories vary here), she becomes a shepardess living in the country. Here she encounters a dragon who swallows her whole. Some stories suggest that it is Satan in the form of a dragon, but the imagery and metaphor is still poignant. A young teenage girl tortured and violated by the minions of her own father is then devoured by a dragon. Instead of surrendering, instead of giving up, she fights back, and cuts and hacks her way out of the dragon with her iron cross. Eventually however she is put to death instead of renouncing her religion. (That is a really tough girl!!) She shows up again briefly as one of the Saints that appears to Joan of Arc.

The sketch above is a design I developed of St. Margaret and the Dragon, with the intention of finishing a full painting. (Do Churches still commission Alter pieces?) It recently was included in "Sketchbook Confidential" put out by Northlight Books, where I've included several of my dragon drawings and talk about my process. Below I've attached a few art history examples of Margaret and her encounter with the dragon.

Enjoy and Good Dragon Hunting!

WOC

To view a selection from the book or purchase Dracopedia visit:
Amazon.com/Dracopedia

©2010William O'Connor/William O'Connor Studios/Dracopedia:A Guide to Drawing the Dragons of the World/The Dracopedia Project. All rights reserved.

Dracopedia 2011 Calendar

2010-11-19T13:32:00.000-08:00

The Dracopedia 2011 Calendar is finally available!
Check it out for the holidays and enjoy the dragony-goodness all year long!

THanks.

WOC

Dracopedia Sketchbook #005

2010-10-31T05:40:00.001-07:00

Dragons love to sleep. Warming themselves in the sun is a big part of the day, using their wings as solar panels.
Two studies of dragons in Couchant pose.

Enjoy

WOC

To view a selection from the book or purchase Dracopedia visit:
Amazon.com/Dracopedia

©2010William O'Connor/William O'Connor Studios/Dracopedia:A Guide to Drawing the Dragons of the World/The Dracopedia Project. All rights reserved.

Dracopedia Sketchbook #004

2010-10-25T05:06:00.000-07:00

Pencil drawing of the Coatyl.....
feathered dragons are very interesting to draw, and studying dinosaurs is a big help.

WOC

To view a selection from the book or purchase Dracopedia visit:
Amazon.com/Dracopedia

©2010William O'Connor/William O'Connor Studios/Dracopedia:A Guide to Drawing the Dragons of the World/The Dracopedia Project. All rights reserved.

2010-10-13T17:30:00.000-07:00

Read this link today on the color trends of dragons in 2009. As a dragon artist myself I would have thought that Red Dragons were most popular, but it turns out that Green Dragons rule....

WOC

courtesy: Orbit Books

Dracopedia at ComicCon

2010-10-11T07:49:00.000-07:00

Thank you to everyone who came to NY ComicCon. What a great opportunity to to talk to all the fans of the book and meet new ones. I sold out my stock by Saturday afternoon, so to those of you who couldn't get a signed copy, I'm sorry but the book is available as always at the Amazon page link below....
I hope to see you all at the next signing, or con, and I look forward to hearing your comments and feed back.

Thanks.

WOC

To view a selection from the book or purchase Dracopedia visit:
Amazon.com/Dracopedia

©2010William O'Connor/William O'Connor Studios/Dracopedia:A Guide to Drawing the Dragons of the World/The Dracopedia Project. All rights reserved.

Dracopedia Sketchbook #003

2010-09-20T06:12:00.000-07:00

New Dracopedia Sketches for the week.....Keep watching and I love to hear your ideas and comments. I'm trying to keep up with new images more regularily so be sure to follow and share!

WOC

Great Welsh Dragon Head Study
9"x12" pencil on paper
©2010 William O"Connor

"Acadian Dragon Sejant"
8"x10" Pencil on paper
©2010 William O'Connor

To view a selection from the book or purchase Dracopedia visit:
Amazon.com/Dracopedia

©2010William O'Connor/William O'Connor Studios/Dracopedia:A Guide to Drawing the Dragons of the World/The Dracopedia Project. All rights reserved.

Dracopedia Sketchbook #002

2010-09-13T07:16:00.000-07:00

Foreshortening dragons is always difficult. This is a sketch started as just a head study, and kept getting bigger and bigger....I've included a detail so you can see all the pencil rendering, I love pencil rendering so I won't paint this one.

Enjoy!

WOC

"Great Icelandic Dragon" (#004)
12"x16 Pencil on Paper

(#004-detail)

To view a selection from the book or purchase Dracopedia visit:
Amazon.com/Dracopedia

©2010William O'Connor/William O'Connor Studios/Dracopedia:A Guide to Drawing the Dragons of the World/The Dracopedia Project. All rights reserved.

Dracopedia Sketchbook #001

2010-09-04T14:35:00.000-07:00

Some recent Dragon Sketches....Enjoy.

WOC

To view a selection from the book or purchase Dracopedia visit:
Amazon.com/Dracopedia

©2010William O'Connor/William O'Connor Studios/Dracopedia:A Guide to Drawing the Dragons of the World/The Dracopedia Project. All rights reserved.

Dragon Beacon

2010-07-06T05:04:00.000-07:00

In studying the Great Dragons of the World, biologists have debated the function of Fire Breathing. Today it is understood to have many functions, but none more spectacular than the mating displays by male dragons.
In this short Kinetic Sketch I demonstrate the dramatic displays given by dragons in their complex courting rituals.
Enjoy.

WOC

British Spitfire Dragonette

2010-05-28T07:14:00.000-07:00

British Spitfire Dragonette(Dragonel)
Volucrisus britainicus

Size: 25'
Wingspan: 30'
Recognition: Bipedal body with small fore limbs. Long tail and broad wings. Bright green and tan markings (male) Brown Markings (female)
Habitat: Highlands of the British Islands
Taxonomy: Draco/Aerodraciforme/Volucrisidae
/Volucrisus/V. britainicus

Soaring high over the lake district, or winging across the English Channel in bright formations, no sight in the dragon world conjures a more romantic image than the English Spitfire Dragonette. The Dragonette has a long history in Britain, beginning with its introduction by the Romans during the reign of Claudius in the 1st C. Although small breeds of wild dragonettes existed earlier, it is the Roman Dragonette that begins the proud tradition of riding dragons in England. When Rome abandoned its English provinces in the early 5th C. the English dragon riding tradition went fallow for hundreds of years during the reigns of the many saxon and viking warlords.

In 1066 William the Conqueror reintroduced the riding dragon to England where today's breeds begin their lineage. During the middle ages the monarchy prided itself on a formidable dragon force, and many knights used riding dragonettes as their mounts. During the crusades many knights returned to England with Arabian breeds that were additionally added to English breeding stock. King Henry V is known to have rode an early English dragonette into battle at Agincourt. Even Oliver Cromwell is documented as having used the riding dragon during his campaigns.

The modern riding dragonette that is today known as the British Spitfire was first documented in 1815 as the name of the mount of the Duke of Wellington at the Battle of Waterloo. The field marshal's fame led to the breeding of his personal dragonette into an seperate breed that became known as the Spitfire. The Spitfire became the most famous and popular riding dragonette breed during the nineteenth century, and in 1833 was adopted as the official breed of British Royal Dragon Guard, which was a small elite troop of British dragoniers, and is still to this day.

The Spitfire is most famous for coming into its own during WWI. At the height of the war in 1914 there were over 1000 Spitfires on active duty, performing reconnaissance missions over enemy held territory. Sadly however the slow flying, unarmored dragons were easy prey to the new weapons and by the end of the war only a few dozen still remained having been completely eclipsed by airplanes. In WWII it is no coincidence that the most beloved and famous fighter aircraft was dubbed The Spitfire.

Today the Royal Dragon Guard still uses Spitfires as their mounts, and are kept at the Royal Mews, near Hyde park in London. These Spitfires are used for ceremonial purposes only, but the Spitfire is still a favorite among breeders and racers.

Spitfire Overhead View

Wild Spitfire Habitat

To view a selection from the book or purchase Dracopedia visit:
Amazon.com/Dracopedia

©2010William O'Connor/William O'Connor Studios/Dracopedia:A Guide to Drawing the Dragons of the World/The Dracopedia Project. All rights reserved.

Dracopedia Signing

2010-03-22T17:22:00.000-07:00

William O'Connor will be signing copies of is book Dracopedia at the East Coast Art Expo Sat. 3/27/10.
Hope to see you all there!

WOC

North American Wyvern

2010-02-21T14:48:00.000-08:00

North American Wyvern
Wyvernus morcaudus

Size: 30'
Wingspan: 30'
Recognition: Bipedal body, with long barbed tail and broad wings. Bright wingspots (male)
Habitat: Alpine mountain North America
Classification: Draco/Aerodraciforme/Wyvernidae
/Wyvernus/W. morcaudus

The most dangerous species of the Wyvern family of dragons, the North American wyvern has become synonymous with danger. First recorded in 1805 in what is now Yellowstone National Park by the Lewis and Clark expedition. The animal has quickly become both hated and admired for its ferocity. Making its natural habitat in the North American Rocky Mountains stretching from Utah up into Canada, the NA wyvern is the largest predator in its environment hunting bison, elk, and caribou as it is available. The NA wyvern may live in packs of up to a dozen individuals hunting in teams, bringing down several prey at a time. The male wyvern is the primary hunter bringing kill back to the lair for females and hatchlings to feed. In the fall rutting season, the male wyvern's unmistakable wing spots grow more vibrant and are used in complex displays to attract females.

Scientists believe that the North American wyvern is a direct cousin of the extinct European wyvern, much depicted in medieval and gothic paintings. It is argued by some dragon-biologists that with the rise of humans in Europe throughout the middle ages and into the Renaissance, that the much-hunted wyvern migrated to North America. Abundant and larger game in America aloud the wyverns of the Rockies to grow to almost double their European counterparts size, becoming the largest member of the wyvern family.

The North American wyvern was hunted extensively throughout the 19th century during the expansion of the frontier. In 1913 Glacier National Park in Montana was designated the first protected habitat of the North American Wyvern, followed afterward by Yellowstone and Rocky Mountain National Parks. Illegal poaching by ranchers, as well as the decimation of the bison population (their primary food source), brought the NA wyvern to the brink of extinction. In 1965 the World Wildlife Organization placed the wyvern on the endangered species list. In 1998 the population of the wyvern had grown back to such a point that today the animal is legally hunted in certain places. There are over 100 reported wyvern attacks every year by hunters, hikers and ranchers throughout the Rocky Mountain States. Despite the dangers the North American wyvern is one of the most powerful and beloved animals in America and every year millions of people flock to National parks hoping to catch a glimpse of this magnificent animal.

Historical Imagery of the Wyvern....

To view a selection from the book or purchase Dracopedia visit:
Amazon.com/Dracopedia

©2010William O'Connor/William O'Connor Studios/Dracopedia:A Guide to Drawing the Dragons of the World/The Dracopedia Project. All rights reserved.

Dracopedia Video

2010-02-18T09:24:00.000-08:00

Don't forget to check out the video for Dracopedia at the
WocStudios YouTube Channel

More Dragons coming soon.

William O'Connor

Icelandic White Dragon

2010-01-20T16:22:00.000-08:00

Great Icelandic White Dragon
Dracorexus rekjavikus

Size: 50'
Wingspan: 75'
Recognition: Quadrapedal body, with long tail and broad wings. Markings vary by season.
Habitat: Maritime cliffs of Iceland
Classification: Draco/Aerodraciforme/Dracorexidae
/Dracorexus/D. rekjavikus

The White Dragon of Iceland was long considered to be a creature of mythology. In the medieval Welsh epic The Mabinogion, an invading White Dragon battles a Welsh Red Dragon, ravaging the kingdom in their wrath. This encounter is the earliest known account of the White Dragon until the 17th Century when the White Dragon of Iceland was documented by early explorers and naturalists.
The White Dragon makes its home in the high cliffs of Iceland overlooking the northern Atlantic ocean. Like other members of the Dracorexidae family this powerful dragon can grow to enormous sizes in excess of 75' wingspans. Using the high cliffs and strong ocean winds the White Dragon can soar for long periods of time surveying its territory which it will guard voraciously.

The White Dragon feeds primarily on large sea animals, such as seals, small whales and fish. The camouflage abilities of the Icelandic dragon are unique to its species, ranging in color from pure white to mottled browns and grays. These changes are similar to other arctic animals such as the arctic fox, and range widely from summer to winter.

Making lairs in the high cliffs near the ocean the White Dragon will hibernate through the winter awakening in the spring to court and mate. Once a female White Dragon has chosen a male and the eggs are laid, the male will abandon his family and search for a new territory. It is possible that the rare encounter mentioned in the Mabinogion was the instance of a White Dragon migrating from its home in Iceland to the cliffs of Wales.

Today there are very few specimens of White Dragons still alive. Like all of the Great Dragons, they are an endangered and protected animal, with their native habitats on the shores of Iceland kept as preserves. Visitors to Rekjavik Iceland often enjoy Dragon spotting cruises to try to catch a glimpse of this powerful and majestic animal in its natural environment.

To view a selection from the book or purchase Dracopedia visit:
Amazon.com/Dracopedia

©2010William O'Connor/William O'Connor Studios/Dracopedia:A Guide to Drawing the Dragons of the World/The Dracopedia Project. All rights reserved.

Firewing Amphiptere

2010-01-05T14:47:00.000-08:00

Firewing Amphiptere
Amphipterus viperapennigus

Size: 5'
Wingspan: 5'
Recognition: Long snake body, bright red and orange markings on wings
Habitat: North Eastern United States.
Classification: Draco/Aerodraciforme/Amphipteridae
/Amphipterus/a. viperapennigus

The Firewing Amphiptere is one of the hundreds of amphipterae that are native to North America, and has long been a common sight in its native habitats of the woods in the Appalachian mountains of New England. This medium sized amphiptere hunts for mice and insects in the woods stretching from the Blue Ridge mountains in the south to the Berkshire mountains in the North.

Today, with much of their natural habitat threatened by development the firewing has adapted to its new surroundings. In urban centers like New York City it has made a new home hunting the rats and pigeons that populate the city's streets and parks. Nesting in high eaves of skyscapers and apartment buildings, the firewing is a much beloved addition to city life.

below: Historic images of the Amphiptere:

To view a selection from the book or purchase Dracopedia visit:
Amazon.com/Dracopedia

©2010William O'Connor/William O'Connor Studios/Dracopedia:A Guide to Drawing the Dragons of the World/The Dracopedia Project. All rights reserved.

Storm Dragon

2009-12-28T07:54:00.000-08:00

Storm Dragon (Chinese Dragon)
Nimibiaquidus tempestus

Size: 50'
Recognition: Long serpentine body with broad fur mane. Markings vary by region.
Habitat: Northern Asian highlands and mountains.
Classification: Draco/Terradraciforme/Nimibiaquidae
/Nimibiaquidus/n. tempestus
Also Known As: ChineseDragon, Thunder Dragon

The Storm Dragon is a creature that has been imbued with centuries of powerful legend, but is today one of the rarest of the dragon species. A large predatory flightless dragon in the family Nimibiaquidae, the Storm Dragon lives in the alpine regions of the Asian continent stretching from the north in Siberia to as far south as the Tibetan Plateau. Its thick pelts of fur insulate the dragon in the harsh arctic climates it favors and the twin antlers, (unique to the male only) are used in mating competitions between rivals. In the winter months the Storm Dragon will migrate south to find nesting lairs. The long whiskers, tongue and unique nose structure give the storm dragon the ability to travel and hunt in blinding weather conditions, attacking prey undetected. This habit of moving silently and invisibly through the clouds of fog and snow that blanket the Asian highlands have led to the Storm Dragon's name and fed the mythology of many of its supernatural abilities.

Hunting for large game such as elk, caribou, and yak, the Storm Dragon is a powerful animal that has become the very symbol of power itself in many Asian cultures. In China the Storm Dragon is synonymous with the emperor and graces many works of art. Come to represent good fortune and prosperity the Storm Dragon is loved and feared around the region.

In the small Himalayan country of Bhutan, the Storm Dragon is known as the Thunder Dragon and is emblazoned on their flag. Such mythological importance is placed on the dragon there that the ruler of Bhutan is referred to as The Dragon King, and its inhabitants called The People of the Thunder Dragon. The Jigme Dorji Wildlife Sanctuary in northern Bhutan is the largest nesting grounds of the Storm Dragon.

Today, with the industrialization of much of its habitat,
and the loss of many of its natural hunting and breeding grounds, the Storm Dragon is endangered. It is believed that there may be as few as 500 specimens living in the wild. Efforts by the Chinese government to breed the dragon in captivity have all failed. With effort, this beautiful, majestic and powerful creature will hopefully survive for centuries to come.

Below: Historical images of the Storm Dragon:

To view a selection from the book or purchase Dracopedia visit:
Amazon.com/Dracopedia

©2009William O'Connor/William O'Connor Studios/Dracopedia:A Guide to Drawing the Dragons of the World/The Dracopedia Project. All rights reserved.

Sea Lion

2009-12-14T15:45:00.000-08:00

Sea Lion
Cetusidus leodracus

Size: 15'
Recognition: Long serpentine body with fin appendages. Broad fin and mane. Markings vary by region.
Habitat: Northern Atlantic Oceans and waterways.
Classification: Draco/Orcadraciforme/Cetusidae
/Cetusidus/c. leodracus

The Sea Lion Dragon is a predatory sea orc that makes its habitat in the northern waters of the Atlantic Ocean. Hunting in packs of up to a dozen animals the Sea Lion has been a known creature to fishermen and sailors for centuries. Existing in the Cetusidae family the Sea Lion shares many of the habits of its cousins the Sea Tigers and Sea Leopards.
Mainly hunting on fish and small sea mammals the Sea lions spend most of the winter and early spring months as far south as the coast of Spain and The United States where the females will lay eggs and tend to the young. In the summer months the packs of Sea Lions will migrate north to Greenland, Norway and Alaska to follow the food supply. Today the populations of the Sea Lions have diminished as their native nesting shores have been developed, but many can still be seen in the summer months off the coast of Maine and Washington, where the Sea Lion tourism business is booming.
The historic knowledge of the Sea Lion has been fairly well documented. In the classical period the Sea Lion was discovered by sailors encountering the animals on their long voyages into Europe. It was believed that a lost sailor could follow the Sea Lions to a safe harbor. This almost mystical understanding of the Sea Lion (and all members of the Cetusidae family) in nautical navigation led to the naming of a constellation after the animals. The Cetus Constellation.

below: A variety of historic depictions of the Sea Lion.

To view a selection from the book or purchase Dracopedia visit:
Amazon.com/Dracopedia

©2009William O'Connor/William O'Connor Studios/Dracopedia:A Guide to Drawing the Dragons of the World/The Dracopedia Project. All rights reserved.

Lernaen Hydra

2009-12-10T13:07:00.000-08:00

Lernaen Hydra
Hydrus lernaeus

Size:20'
Recognition: Snake body with multiple necks and heads.
Habitat: Mediterranean seas, marshes and lakes
Classification: Draco/Hydradracoforme/
Hydridae/Hydrus/ h. Lernaeus

The Lernaen Hydra is one of the most famous species in the dragon class. Once quite common along the Mediterranean sea coasts and rivers, today the Lernaen Hydra is a rare find. Similar to other species in the Hydra family the Lernaen Hydra possesses multiple heads with which it uses to hunt for its prey along the river beds and lake sides. Primarily feeding on small rodents, fish and eels the Lernaen Hydra is usually not a threat to the human populations nearby. However its poisonous bite can kill a man if consecutive bites are suffered. Because of a historic fear of all dragons the Lernaen Hydra has been hunted extensively throughout the centuries leaving their populations greatly decreased.

The most famous accounts of the Lernaen Hydra is that depicted in the classical Greek legend of Hercules, who traveled to Lake Lernae in Greece to slay a specimen that lived there. Thisa legend has produced a large number of works of art depicting the encounter.

The Lernaen Hydra
3rdC bc. Greek

The Lernaen Hydra
2nd C.ad. Roman Mosaic

Hercules and The Hydra
Gustave Moreau

To view a selection from the book or purchase Dracopedia visit:
Amazon.con/Dracopedia

©2009William O'Connor/William O'Connor Studios/Dracopedia:A Guide to Drawing the Dragons of the World/The Dracopedia Project. All rights reserved.

Jabberwocky

2009-12-10T08:24:00.000-08:00

Jabberwocky (Leafwing Feydragon)
Dracimexus pennafoliumus

Size:10"
Wingspan: 8"
Recognition: Earthtone markings, mottled brown.
Habitat:N.W. Europe/Forests
Also known as: Jabberwock
Classification:Draco/Aerodracoforme/
Dracimexidae/Dracimexus/d. Pennafoliumus

The Leafwing Fey Dragon is a rare dragon species that is contained within the family Dracimexidae, or Feydragon. This species was first recorded by a Roman historian Cassius Pompious in the 3rd C. ad during the Gaulish wars with the Germanic tribes, "A mysterious bird insect haunts the labyrinthine maze of dark forests, and seems to taunt our minds with its churlish chittering."
This famous call of the Jabberwocky is what gives it its name. (wok-wok-wok-wok-wok). This call is believed by some to be a mating call, or a communication that predators are nearby.
Over the centuries the Jabberwock has become a favorite subject of children's rhymes, fairy tales, and stories. Capturing a Jabberwock and keeping it as a pet was believed to be good luck by folk cultures in Germany, France and England. In fact it was believed that the young king Phillip of France kept a Jabberwocky in a menagerie.
It is this history that of course lead to the most famous depiction of the Leafwing Feydragon, in Lewis Carrol's "The Jabborwocky" and illustrated by Tenniel. below: You can imagine how frightening a jabbering creature in the dark woods could be to a small child.
Today the Jabberwocky is an endangered species throughout Europe, and its protection is taken very seriously. Sightings of them in the wild are extremely rare, but feydragon spotters are reporting having seen them in the deep forests of the Arden, and other ancient woods.

To view a selection from the book or purchase Dracopedia visit:
Amazon.con/Dracopedia

©2009William O'Connor/William O'Connor Studios/Dracopedia:A Guide to Drawing the Dragons of the World/The Dracopedia Project. All rights reserved.

The Dracopedia Project:Introduction

2009-12-09T16:59:00.000-08:00

The Dracopedia Project
by
William O'Connor
The Dracopedia Project is an ongoing work to help catalog, develop and concept all of the myriad dragons of world using my book: Dracopedia, as a template.

Because of the space limitations of the book, there was a great deal of information that had to be left out. Using the Dracopedia as a primer I plan on creating and exploring many more Dragon species.

The various posts that will follow will help to further create a comprehensive understanding of dragon-kind, their families, species and subspecies in depth. I hope that you will follow along and help add to this project with ideas of your own that will hopefully be included in future editions of the Dracopedia.

Become a part of what ImagineFX magazine calls:
"A great idea masterfully realized."

Thank you.

William O'Connor

To view a selection from the book or purchase Dracopedia visit:
Amazon.con/Dracopedia

©2009William O'Connor/William O'Connor Studios/Dracopedia:A Guide to Drawing the Dragons of the World/The Dracopedia Project. All rights reserved.