Creating a Fire Breathing Dragon With Photoshop

Posted on January 18, 2012 by Dragon Mystic

Author: John M. Lund

When I was young I constantly doodled. I doodled a lot of things…but mainly I doodled dragons. Fast forward a number of years…well…a whole lot of years…and my twin brother is showing me pictures of his pet iguana…pretty cool looking creature…. Then it occurs to me…what a perfect dragon the iguana would make…and now I had the ultimate doodle tool…Photoshop!

With PhotoSshop pictures of an iguana become a photograph of a fire breathing dragon!

Photoshop is an incredibly powerful tool of alchemy…given the right raw materials any new photographic reality can be created. Without those raw materials Photoshop can be an exercise in frustration and a road to mediocrity.

To make sure that I have the raw materials to create my photographic visions it helps to begin with a sketch. Once I have the sketch I can systematically photograph those raw materials, comparing them with the sketch, until I know I have the parts to complete my stock image. Continue reading →


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Dragons in the East

Posted on January 16, 2012 by Dragon Mystic

Author: Fran Black

While Europe’s shining knights spent their lives slaying dragons, the Chinese sought after and worshiped Eastern dragons as the most benevolent, wise, and generous of all creatures. Indeed, to be called “dragon face” was a great honor, and it was believed that emperors received counsel and aid from dragons in times of need.

A few emperors even proudly claimed to be direct descendants of dragons. Pairings between humans and dragons were thought possible, since dragons were capable of changing their shape and size to assume whatever form they desired.

Unlike the fierce western dragons who hoarded treasure and demanded virtuous young women as sacrifices, the dragons of Chinese legend showed tenderness toward humans, and even acted in their behalf many times, sometimes at great cost.

This is seen in one of the oldest legends about the Four Dragons. According to this legend, China once had no rivers. The people were dependent on the gods to send rain for their crops. Continue reading →


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The Wrath of Dragons in Vietnamese Art

Posted on January 14, 2012 by Dragon Mystic
Vietnam dragon

Image by ramon82 via Flickr

Author: Suzanne

The influence of symbolism in Vietnamese art has been in vogue since prehistoric times. One of the most supernatural of all creatures, dragons and fairies, symbolized various instances of Vietnamese art.

From the Dong Son civilization to the modern Nyugen Dynasty, the dragon motif has been used in various forms and shapes in sculptures, paintings, palaces, and different religious or architectural structures. The evolution of the dragon symbol portrayed the changing beliefs and culture of the people from time to time.

The Dong Son civilization (400BC to 200AD) saw the reptile version of the dragon, also known as the “Giao Long” dragon. This symbol was found etched on a number of bronze urns and weapon hatches.

The following period (Dai La) witnessed Vietnam under Chinese colonization from the first to the tenth century. This period had a profound impact on Vietnamese art. This is clearly evident from the decorative tiles found at Co Loa, where the Dai La dragon shows remarkable resemblance with its Chinese counterpart.

Vietnam breathed the air of independence with the dawn of the Ly Dynasty. This period can also be termed the ‘golden period’ for Vietnamese art as it reached the peak of excellence. Water dragons symbolizing the God of Rain found way into Vietnamese art during this period.

Some of the distinguishing features of this dragon in contrast to the Chinese creature were: thin and long body; undulated body contours of a serpent; small head with long whisker and mane and fine legs with small claws. The Chuong Son tower now showcases an extraordinary example of the Ly dragon carved on stone. Continue reading →


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Feng Shui Dragon Information, Symbols, Universal Balance, Chi

Posted on January 11, 2012 by Dragon Mystic
The dragon statue is one of the 12 Chinese Zod...

Image via Wikipedia

Feng Shui dragon information -  the mighty and mystical

Feng shui dragon symbols, their power and purpose are enchanting and yes, it is real. Some call it a myth. Some call it nothing more than a useless belief.

Is it something that is brought upon from Chinese mythology? Or is it something that does have a reality and has been proven to provide worth, value and acceptance.

The results have been seen and successful outcomes have been and will be currently utilized through out the world today. It isn’t fake and it isn’t just a dream from some Chinese prophecy.

Feng Shui is NOT about religion, astrology, philosophy or superstition. It is the Study of ENERGY  (Quantum Physics), Parallel Universe and how that energy “effects” lives, homes, offices and careers.

Will Feng Shui Interfere with my Religious Beliefs?

No. Feng Shui was developed by the Chinese people who happened to be Buddhists, but it is not related to any religion or spiritual belief system — it is an Earth Science. The foundation of Quantum Physics and Relativity.

More than just the Chinese culture believes that this force is real and does exist. The United States, the western world believes in this practice and philosophy and yes are using it because it is real and it does work. It enchants and stirs the imagination. Continue reading →


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I Miss my Mom

Posted on January 10, 2012 by GuestBlogger

Guest post of the week by Brittany Booker

The hardest part about my family’s recent move was leaving my mom. I previously lived ten minutes from her, and we saw each other multiple times a week. I’ll admit that I have cried on multiple occasions thinking about how long it will be before my next trip “home” to see her. We do our best to stay in touch, though. Like most people, we don’t have a landline phone in our house anymore, and our cell phone reception can be a bit spotty thanks to our rural location. We’ve decided that emailing is the best way for us to stay in touch. We had a bit of a panic initially upon moving here, when we discovered that none of the internet providers offered service based upon on our location. We were so fortunate one of my husband’s coworkers recommended that we check out Hughesnet. It turns out they offer internet even in very rural locations, so I’m able to converse with my mom via email as much as I want. It’s definitely not the same as sitting down over coffee together, but we’re doing our best to make it work.


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Dragon Sand Timer – Collectible Figurine Statue Figure Sculpture

Posted on December 22, 2011 by Dragon Mystic

Dragon Sand Timer - Collectible Figurine Statue Figure Sculpture

This gorgeous Dragon Sand Timer – Collectible Figurine Statue Figure Sculpture has the finest details and highest quality you will find anywhere! Dragon Sand Timer – Collectible Figurine Statue Figure Sculpture is truly remarkable.Dragon Sand Timer – Collectible Figurine Statue Figure Sculpture Details:Condition: Brand NewItem SKU: SS-Y-6017Dimensions: W: 4.5 x H: 6 (inches)Crafted with: ResinMore Information: Time: Approx. 4.5

Sale Price:$14.09

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Maiden Flight: Dragon Knights, Book 1

Posted on December 22, 2011 by Dragon Mystic

Maiden Flight: Dragon Knights, Book 1

War is coming for the knights, dragons, and a damsel who is not quite in distress, but finds her heart’s desire in the strong men of the Border Lair. A chance meeting with a young male dragon seals the fate of one adventurous female poacher. The dragon’s partner, a ruggedly handsome knight named Gareth, takes one look at the shapely woman and decides to do a little poaching of his own. Sir Gareth not only seduces her, but falls deeply in love with the girl who is not only unafraid of dragons

Sale Price:$4.50

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Dragon Storm: Dragon Knights, Book 6

Posted on December 20, 2011 by Dragon Mystic

Dragon Storm: Dragon Knights, Book 6

Their love will span the ages…and two very different worlds. Dragon Knights, Book 6 Caught in a magical storm and deposited on modern-day Earth, twin dragon princes Darius and Connor are looking for a way home. Instead they find something most unexpected—their mate. The one woman who holds both their hearts in the palm of her healing hand—along with secrets about her origins that link their shared destinies. When Josie patches up the injured man on her doorstep, her snowcat instincts

Sale Price:$5.50

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Safari LTD Forest Dragon

Posted on December 20, 2011 by Dragon Mystic

Safari LTD Forest Dragon

Even though we now know that what were once thought to be dragon bones turned out to be dinosaur fossils, these mythical creatures still capture the imagination! Each replica comes with 5-language educational hangtag. All our products are hand-painted, phthalate-free and thoroughly safety

Sale Price:$8.86

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Stainless Steel 5/16 in. (8 mm) Flat Band w/ Dragon Pattern (Available in Sizes 7 to 14), size 10

Posted on December 18, 2011 by Dragon Mystic

Stainless Steel 5/16 in. (8 mm) Flat Band w/ Dragon Pattern (Available in Sizes 7 to 14), size 10

This Quality Stainless Steel Band is made of Low Nickel 316L Hypo Allergenic Surgical Steel and is no different than the ones you pay for $60.00 to $200.00 each. It is about 5/16″ (8mm) Wide. It is a Flat Band with Dragon Design and a combination of polished and brushed satin finish to create a very nice look. Available from sizes 8 to

Sale Price:$5.95

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