How to Draw Koschei

In previous lessons, we drew such famous Slavic characters as a Matryoshka doll and Cheburashka. In this drawing tutorial, we will show you how to draw Koschei.

Koschei, or Kashchey, in East Slavic mythology, is an evil sorcerer whose death is hidden inside several nested magical animals and objects.

Koschei prototypes appear in the folklore of nearly every Eastern European country, and in all of these versions he is portrayed as a very thin, angry old man who uses powerful magic.

In Slavic folk tales, Koschei (often called “Bag of Bones”) is one of the most terrifying characters. He steals other people’s wives, destroys living things, and takes all the gold he can find.

How to draw Koschei step by step

Step 1: Sketch the stick figure with a bent spine

In our drawing tutorials, we usually start by drawing a man made of sticks and circles. So, first, draw an oval as a guide for the head of Koschei. Then using a simple lines sketch out the shoulders, spine, arms, and legs. Pay attention to the posture of Koschei. A very noticeable feature is his stoop. The spine should be slightly bent and his head should be pulled into his shoulders. As a result, you have to get a stickman as in our example.

Step 2: Add the torso and arm mass

Start adding volume to the figure of Koschei. Begin with the upper part of Koschei. First, sketch out the torso using a figure, similar to an elongated rectangle. Then using cylinders draw the arms. After that draw shoulders and elbow using circles. Draw a long line in his right hand as the guide for the cane.

Step 3: Sketch the legs of Koschei

Add volume to the lower part of Koschei’s body. Using cylinders sketch out the legs and using circles draw the knees. Sketch out the feet. This character look very strange and creepy. He has very thin limbs and an arched back, just like the character we sketched in the plague doctor drawing lesson.

Step 4: Mark facial guidelines and outline the cape

First draw a vertical line which will divide the face into two parts and will help to find the center of the face. Then draw a horizontal line that will help you to draw the eyes. Slightly below this line sketch out the lines of nose and mouth. After that sketch out the cape. First draw a buckle which located under the chin of Koschei. Then draw the cape using curved lines. Add some folds to the upper part of the cape.

Step 5: Draw out the head and crown of Koschei

Start drawing the details. First draw the eyes using the eye line from the previous step. Illustrate the frown using curved lines. Using the lines from the previous step draw the sharp nose and mouth. Start illustrating the crown. It is not as hard as it seems. Above the eyes, in the middle of the forehead, draw two lines. Then draw elongated triangles around the head. Then erase the guidelines from the head and move to the next step.

Step 6: Add details to the head and torso

Continue to add details to the head of Koschei. First, draw the wrinkles on the forehead and temple. Then draw circles under the eyes. Mark the outlines of the cheekbone and nasolabial folds. At the same stage draw the torso of Koschei. Using wavy lines illustrate the ribs. Now erase all the supporting and guiding lines of the body from the previous steps and proceed to the next stage.

Step 7: Draw the skinny arms and long cane

Since Koschei is very thin, all the outlines of his muscles appear very clearly. Sketch the outlines of the skinny deltoids, biceps and forearm. Then start sketching palms. First draw the long, thin, and bony fingers. Then using short lines add the knuckles and tendons. After that, using two long and straight lines draw the cane.

Step 8: Draw out the lower body of Koschei

Sketch the belt using two simple lines. Then trade the cape. After that illustrate, the ragged bottom line and using circles of different sizes add the holes. Then add some folds to the cape. After that, start detailing the legs. Erase all the guidelines from the legs and draw the armor, which covers the entire lower part of the leg, from the knees to the feet. After that darken the lines of the legs and erase all unnecessary strokes.

Step 9: Draw details on the cape of Koschei

This step is very simple. Here it is necessary to add numerous holes on the cape of Koschei and add folds of fabric. After that, add a few smooth horizontal lines on the part of the cape, which hangs from his right hand. Then, add some vertical folds and holes to the internal side of the cape. Koschei is almost ready. Erase all unnecessary guidelines and darken the lines. Look at your drawing. If something seems not as perfect as you want – erase it and redraw.

Step 10: Add smooth shadows to the Slavic character

It’s time to add some shadows and give the Koschei drawing more dimension. Unlike the comic book style, this drawing won’t feature highly contrasting shadows. All shadows should be applied with soft, smooth shading. Start with the darkest places and add deep shadows. Then move to the mid-tones and add lighter shades, trying to convey the shape. Finish by adding highlights.

Koschei the Deathless is one of the most distinctive figures in Eastern European – and especially Slavic – mythology.

His appearance and behavior are unusual, and the character itself reflects many symbolic elements of ancient local beliefs.

Despite his archaic nature, he has survived in folklore to the present day as a classic villain and remains an interesting subject for drawing.

Modern games often feature similar antagonists, such as the Lich King or characters from The Witcher series and Oblivion.

Koschei shares certain traits with these figures, yet he also possesses unique features that make him even more intriguing.

In your own version, you can include additional Slavic details and ornamental elements, or draw a candle in his second hand, giving the character a more personalized look.

Another appealing addition would be a background scene, for example drawing a skeletal warrior guarding Koschei.