Divine Beast Dancing Lion

As a massive Elden Ring fan, tackling its incredible creature designs through art has become one of my favorite creative challenges. The Divine Beast Dancing Lion, in particular, always stood out to me. There’s something about its majestic yet savage presence that just begs to be captured on paper. That's why I decided to embark on this detailed black and white pen art drawing project. I wanted to pay homage to its unique aesthetic, and working solely in pen truly pushes my attention to detail. My process usually begins with countless screenshots and concept art studies to truly understand the creature's anatomy and unique features. For this fierce, beast-like creature, getting the initial proportions right was crucial. Its powerful stance and dynamic form are key to its character. Then came the real fun – diving into the intricacies of its design. The shaggy mane, for instance, isn't just a block of fur; it's a cascade of individual strands, each contributing to its wild, untamed look. Capturing that texture with intricate cross-hatching and scribbled lines was a meditative, albeit time-consuming, process. The dark eyes and open mouth with teeth were another focal point. These elements are what give the Divine Beast its expressive ferocity. I found myself spending extra time ensuring the gaze felt intense and that the individual teeth conveyed its predatory nature. It’s amazing how subtle shifts in line weight and shading can completely change the mood of a drawing. And then there's the ornate, patterned armor. This was perhaps the most challenging part. Translating those complex patterns and metallic textures into a black and white medium without losing their richness required careful planning and execution. I used varying densities of cross-hatching to suggest different materials and how light might interact with them, trying to give the illusion of depth and polish. One of the biggest lessons I've learned from this Elden Ring art piece is the importance of patience and observation. Every single line contributes to the final impact, especially when you're relying solely on ink. There's no erasing, so confidence in each stroke is paramount. For anyone else looking to draw complex creatures or pen art, my advice is always to break down the subject into smaller, manageable parts. Don't be intimidated by the whole; conquer it piece by piece. Start with the overall form, then move to major features, and finally, get lost in the tiny details that bring it to life. Now, after all that work, I’m at a crossroads, and it's where my original question comes in: should I add a background? On one hand, a background could further immerse the Divine Beast in the Lands Between, perhaps hinting at its domain or a dramatic battle scene. It could provide context and enhance the overall narrative of the drawing. On the other hand, keeping it isolated allows the viewer's full attention to remain on the creature itself, highlighting the detailed work on its patterned armor and formidable features. I’m truly torn, as both options have their merits. What do you all think would make this Divine Beast Dancing Lion truly shine? Your feedback is incredibly valuable as I consider the next steps for this artwork!