Imagine the thrill of coloring in one of the most iconic dragons from literature, Smaug from J.R.R. Tolkien's "The Hobbit". With our printable Smaug coloring pages, you can transform into a little artist and bring this inaccurately-aged, gold-loving dragon to life with just a few crayons or markers.
Printing out these Smaug coloring pages is an excellent way to unwind, practice your coloring skills, or simply enjoy the company of this magnificent dragon, whose treasure hoard included "a mountain of gold" and "the city of Dale".
About Smaug's Design
Before you dive into coloring, let's appreciate the design of Smaug. J.R.R. Tolkien depicted Smaug with fiery eyes and a sinewy body, with scales that shimmered like a shield made of polished gold. Our Smaug coloring pages capture these intricate details.
With a printable coloring page, you can study Smaug's design up close, from his menacing eyes to the delicate ridges on his back. You might even find yourself inspired to create your own Smaug dragon artwork after mastering our printable pages!
The Eyes Have It
Smaug's menacing gaze is one of his most distinguishing features. Our coloring pages provide ample space to detail his slanted, fiery eyes, making for a captivating color challenge. Consider using warm shades of red, orange, and yellow to create the illusion of fire, then frame the eyes with darker shades to emphasize their intensity.
For added fun, you might try coloring Smaug with an entirely non-traditional color scheme, like a pastel blue or green, to create a unique and imaginative interpretation of the dragon's eyes.
Scales and Ridges
Smaug's golden scales offer an ideal opportunity to practice shading, hatching, and cross-hatching techniques. Print out our Smaug coloring pages and use different shades of the same color to create the illusion of depth and dimension. Consider using a darker color for the scales and a lighter color for the ridges to create a clear, distinct outline.
Alternatively, try your hand at a stained-glass or watercolor effect by coloring each scale or ridge with a different color. This latter method requires patience and a steady hand, but the end result is sure to be striking!
History of Smaug in Literature
Smaug's story is a classic tale of greed gone wrong. The dragon guards a treasure hoard accumulated from humans who stole the gold and jewels from the dwarves of Erebor, Smaug's original home. The dragon's wrath is a force to be reckoned with, yet it's his greedy nature that ultimately leads to his downfall.
Anyway, if Smaug had bothered to check under his claws, he might have realized that his treasure wasn't as secure as he thought. But fear not, you can secure your printable Smaug coloring pages with a little tape or glue to create a permanent keepsake.
The Hobbit's First Adventure
Smaug's story takes center stage in "The Hobbit," which follows the adventure of Bilbo Baggins as he helps a group of dwarves reclaim their heritage from Smaug. Along the way, Bilbo discovers his own courage and cleverness, skills he uses to outwit and eventually outsmart the dragon.
Coloring our printable Smaug pages might just inspire you to read or re-read "The Hobbit," and hire your own dwarves to help you reclaim your lost treasures. Or at least help you find those misplaced socks under the couch.
Smaug's Last Stand
Smaug's final battle with the men of Lake-town serves as a grim reminder that greed, no matter how well-guarded, can never truly satisfy. After his defeat, the dragon's treasure was divided among the men and dwarves who fought against him, while a portion was submerged in the newly-formed Lake-town's basements and cellars, leading to its eventual downfall.
Just as Smaug's greed led to his demise, so too can hoarding coloring pages lead to a messy craft room. Save yourself the headache and print out only the Smaug coloring pages you need, but by all means, indulge in a bit of treasure-hunting for the perfect colors to bring Smaug to life!