The Looe Dragon Commission
This is a commission for a full-colour digital artwork inspired by the Cornish legend of the Looe Dragon. The piece should feel mythic, atmospheric, and grounded in the Cornish landscape, while paying tribute to the fantasy tradition of Larry Elmore (Wizards of the Coast) and other classic fantasy artists. The influence is a reference point, but the work must ultimately reflect the selected artist’s own unique style.
an Droll (the Tale)
The legend of the Looe Dragon is one of those stories that slips quietly beneath the surface of Cornish folklore, not as widely known as giants or mermaids, but still carrying its own weight of wonder. The tale speaks of a monstrous dragon that once lurked in the hills above the town, its scales said to be as strong as iron, its eyes glowing like burning coals. It terrorised the countryside, scorching fields, destroying livestock, and making life almost unbearable for the people of Looe.
As the story goes, many knights tried their luck against the beast, but none returned. Hope was fading until a nameless knight arrived, guided either by a saintly vision or some otherworldly force. Armed with an enchanted sword and shield that could withstand fire and strike through the dragon’s armour, he faced the creature in a battle that raged for hours. In the end, it was the knight’s decisive blow to the dragon’s heart that ended the terror and brought peace back to the town.
The aftermath of the dragon’s death was just as significant as the battle itself. Its lair, hidden in the hills, was found to be full of treasures, spoils from raided ships and plundered villages. These riches were said to have been poured back into the town, helping Looe prosper. Though the monument once built to honour the knight has long vanished, fragments and whispers of its existence still circulate, and the story of the dragon is retold during festivals and gatherings. It remains a symbol of courage, resilience, and the enduring spirit of Looe’s people.
An Ragdres (the project)
Core Themes
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Cornish folklore and myth
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Heroism, bravery, and the clash of good and evil
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Magic and medieval legend
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Local landscape and atmosphere
Key Imagery to Include
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The dragon: vast, fearsome, with armoured scales, ember-like eyes, and fire-breath.
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The knight: unnamed hero in medieval armour, wielding an enchanted sword and shield (both glowing faintly with mystical energy).
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The confrontation: the knight resisting the torrent of dragon fire with his shield while striking towards the beast.
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Cornish setting: cliffs, wooded valleys, or a hint of Looe’s landscape to root the piece in place.
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Optional: hints of treasure within a dark cavern, ruined monument fragments, or saintly light as subtle symbolic detail.
Style & Tone
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Full colour, painterly digital style.
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Tribute influence: Larry Elmore (Wizards of the Coast) — bold, heroic, fantastical, but not pastiche.
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Overall mood: epic and dramatic, but rooted in folklore rather than high fantasy cliché.
Core Deliverables
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Final Artwork: Full-colour digital painting, minimum 4K resolution (landscape orientation).
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Detail Crops: Close-ups of selected areas (dragon’s face, shield, sword, treasure cave) for promotional use.
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Sketch/Linework: A rough composition sketch to be provided early in the process for approval.
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Colour Palette Reference: Tones and highlights to guide the final piece.
Process
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Initial submission of three past examples of work plus a rough concept sketch of how this piece might look.
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Approval of rough before moving forward to final.
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Revisions: up to two rounds of feedback on the final piece.
Budget & Rights
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£300 fee, inclusive of full buyout rights.
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Artist retains credit as creator, but all reproduction, commercial, and derivative rights transfer to commissioner upon completion and payment.
Deadline
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Final delivery by 5th September.
Audience
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Folklore enthusiasts
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Fantasy art and illustration fans
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Cornwall’s cultural community
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Dark Cornwall audience
Kampollansow (Reference points)
