In 2015 I finished illustrating the Raising Dragons Graphic Novel and the book was finally published in December. It took me 2 1/2 years to complete and I want to share with you the making of one of my favorite 2-page spreads in the book. I call this piece RAMA REGIS, which is Latin and it means "Acts of the King". It's the name of a book handed down to Billy Bannister, the protagonist of the story. Fama Regis was written by King Arthur's scribe.

The Line Art

In Raising Dragons, the novel by Bryan Davis, there is a page in the book that depicts a dragon breathing out fire at a medieval knight who is protecting a fair maiden in white. Because the novel doesn't describe style or composition for the illustration, I had the freedom to make it my own. I could have made it look more like tapestry style art or something that matched the style of old England art. But I really did enjoy drawing this scene the way I would normally without restraints.

The Flat Colors

Drawing the Raising Dragons Graphic Novel presented a few challenges and firsts for me. Never before had I ever illustrated common things like castles, mountains, trees, and rocks. My art from before was usually character profiles or simple backgrounds, nothing quite "scenic". I quickly learned through repetitive drawing and researching referencing how to make background scenery fit with my style, simple but colored just right where it fits with the mood instead of being an eye sore or distraction.

The Finished Illustration

I'll admit I don't have a "single method" of illustrating fire. Even within the graphic novel, the are several instances where I draw flames and they don't always look consistent. The fire in this piece was drawn using the G-Pen and a simple gradient. I don't know why I added negative space by creating strokes with the eraser in the body of the flame, but I really like the effect. This fire kind of has a "splash" effect, almost like a hot liquid. Adding a glow to the whole thing is what make it look hot.

As Seen In The Graphic Novel

This is what the illustration actually looks like in the graphic novel. Billy Bannister is holding the book while conversing with his father. He's just learned that his has dragon genetics, which explained why Billy woke up with extremely hot breath that morning. Early in the story he discovers that he's not the only teenager who has "dragon traits" as he meets the fan favorite, Bonnie Silver, a girl with dragon wings. She keeps them hidden in a backpack, but when meeting Billy someone discovers their true identities and they have to flee for their lives...

To learn what happens next, please consider picking up a copy of the Raising Dragons Graphic Novel and read the rest of the story for yourself!