Dragons for All

In Dragons for All, art teacher Tina Cintron demonstrates how to make decorative dragons, beginning with a list of supplies and the suggestion to make a preliminary drawing to try out ideas (Asian or a Western-style dragon? Horns or wings?) before the actual modeling takes place. Using overhead camera angles and good close-ups, the program follows Cintron, who uses household objects, newspaper, wire, and plaster-of-paris tape (gauze with plaster coating) to construct her dragon, first making the body, neck, and tail, and then moving on to the feet, horns (elegant, gazelle-like ones), wings, head (with tips on sculpting the face), and ruff to go down the spine. After smoothing and finishing, Cintron discusses painting and decorating the completed dragon. She also shares some of the drawings and finished projects of older children who have taken her class along with some of her own dragon variations. Apparently this is only available in VHS, which is disappointing for public libraries that are no longer purchasing new titles in that format. Recommended, otherwise. Aud: I, J, P. (R. Reagan)