The kraken has been a scourge of the seas ever since man first set sail. More than 200 feet (61m) in length, this giant sea creature was able to attack and destroy vessels up to the size of a galleon. At one time, it is possible this giant squid was of such massive dimensions that it fed upon huge fish, sea orcs and ocean dinosaurs. Later in its history the kraken fed on whales that filled the seas, until the whaling industry decimated them as a food supply, relegating this monster to a realm of sea lore.
STEP 1: Concept and Design Stage
The kraken or titanic squid is a creature able to destroy large sailing vessels and grow to over 200 feet (61m) long. In order to grow to such huge proportions it would have to survive attacks by sperm whales during its childhood. Armored plating was added in my concept design to account for this defensive adaptation.
STEP 2: Skeletal Frame Sketch
Sketch loose, long thin lines to indicate the tentacles and giant head of the kraken. Place a circle to indicate its single eye.
STEP 3: Detailed Pencil Sketch
Study reference of cephalopods to detail the suction cups of the tentacles and shell. Indicate bubbles and the mast of a submerged sea vessel in the background.
STEP 4: Underpainting and Finishing Details
Complete the final details of the kraken. Small markings and intricate details such as plates and bubbles will give the kraken a great sense of size.
Kraken by William O’Connor
16″ × 12″ (41cm × 30cm)
ABOUT THE AUTHOR | William O’Connor
William O’Connor has been drawing monsters and dragons since he was a little boy, so he decided to make a career out of it. William is the artist of over 3,000 published illustrations for games, books and advertising over the past 20 years. Winning more than 30 awards for his work, William has contributed to Spectrum: The Best in Contemporary Fantastic Art seven times and has been nominated for several Chesley Awards for outstanding work in the field of fantasy illustration. Other titles in his bestselling Dracopedia series include Dracopedia and Dracopedia: The Great Dragons. Visit his website at wocstudios.com.
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