How to Draw a Hippogriff

In this lesson we want to show you how to draw a hippogriff – a magical creature: a horse-griffin (while the griffin itself is a cross between a lion and an eagle). This interesting and unusual creature that appeared in the legends of the Middle Ages became especially popular after it appeared in a series of books about Harry Potter.

 

Step 1

Let’s start with the unusual skeleton of our unusual creature. With the help of circles and ovals sketch out the head, thorax and pelvis. With the help of simple lines sketch out the neck, spine, limbs and wings.

Step 2

In the second step, by tradition, we will deal with the volume. First of all, draw the neck and torso of the hippogriff. Next, add some volume to the limbs and wings as in our example. Do not forget that the fore and hind legs are quite different from each other.

Step 3

Starting with this step, we will use clear and dark lines to work with the final details. As parts are drawn, we will erase unnecessary guidelines from the first two steps. Thus we draw a sharp beak and eye of the hippogriff.

Step 4

We continue to draw out the head of the hippogriff. Using short and clear strokes, draw out the contours of the head and neck. Note that the contours should be “fluffy”, as in our example.

Step 5

Now let’s move on to the wings. With the help of long and smooth lines accurately draw the outlines of the wings. Next, using light lines draw the feathers on the wings. Note that the feathers on the edges of the wings should be longer than the rest.

Step 6

Now let’s draw the forelimbs. Recall that they are similar to the paws of the eagle, so they will be drawn appropriately. Draw the outline of the paws with long fingers and sharp, curved claws.

Step 7

Now we will deal with the back of the hippogriff. It, unlike the front part, looks like the back of a horse. Therefore, draw out the shape of the torso, hind legs with hoofs. With the help of numerous long and slightly curved lines draw out the tail. By the way, erase all the remaining unnecessary lines and strokes.

Step 8

We got to the last step of the lesson about how to draw a hippogriff, in which, by tradition we will draw shadows. They will be drawn using hatching of different density, depending on the intensity of the shadows. That is, for darker shadows we need to use dense hatching, and for light shadows, respectively light hatching.

Hippogriff is a classic creature from medieval legends. We really love to create drawing lessons about such creatures and other beings from myths and legends. If you liked this drawing lesson, write to us about it. If you have any comments or ideas about new drawing lessons – then just write to us about it in the comments.