Now first off, we're going to discuss the different types and shapes of shields. Over the next two steps, we'll go over them and their functions. A buckler is a small round shield and was used my infantry groups and those who prefer smaller weapons such as knives and daggers because they were light weight and allowed the user to get up in close to a target without the large bulky shield that would slow them down and get in their way. Parmas were used more on the battlefield, they were round and lightweight and easy for the troops to carry and use in combat. Kite shields were used to cover more of the wielder's body and give more of a contour to the user during melee combat. They were normally shaped like an upside-down teardrop, only to later on be designed with flat tops.
Next up we have heater shields. They were much like the parma shields. They are called heater shields because they are sort of shaped like the bottom of a flat iron. Ans scutum shields. Also known as tower shields, these were designed to cover most of the user's body and were handy for the front line because they could march in while protecting their body and the bodies behind them.
Most shields are just the body of the the shield and a set of en armes (a set of straps on the backside of the shield to hold onto or slip your arm though. Some shields however, have something called a boss. This is a round protrusions found in the middle of round shields meant to catch weapons and to also make the shield sturdier.
Another part that some shields have is called a bouche. This is a part of the shield at the top, that is cut out in order for someone to rest a lance or spear while charging in with an attack, making it easier to keep the weapon lifted and straight through the rush.
The three main things that shields were normally made from are wood, hide or leather, and metal. Wood and hide shields were light and easy to carry and make. Wooden shields were made from one or several pieces of wood, held together with metal supports. Hide and leather shields were made from a frame on which a leather or hide was stretched over and secured with rivets or nails. And metal shields were made from metal, save for the en arms on the back.
Normal decorations for a shield would often consist of either painting or etchings or a family crest or would be painted with bright colors to draw aim from range weapons more towards the shield instead of the body because it was easier to hit a bright target than it was to hit a body in a sea of bodies and other bright colors. Sometimes they would be painted or etched to look more intimidating or to tell a tale.
Now how about we do a practice piece. We'll do a heater shield because it's a common one and it can be fun to draw. We'll start with a square that will be the main part of the body.
Then we'll draw out the top and the bottom parts of the shield, bringing each to a point.
Then we'll add the lines that will represent the boarder from the rest of the shield where the metal has been folded over.
From there we'll add reinforcements at each corner, bringing each one to a point and riveting each one into place.
Next we can start on the design on the center of the shield. You can do something different if you choose, but I'm going to show you how to draw a bird on the shield face. We'll draw a circle with a triangle to the side for the head, an egg shape for the body and two lines coming up to show the curve of the wings.
Next we'll add more details, giving the bird and eye and feet while bringing the body to more of a point where the tail will meet.
Finally we'll add the shape of the feathers and tail.
And there you have it. How do draw a shield. I hope you enjoyed this tutorial and I can't wait to see how yours came out!
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