Ten steps on how to draw armor and knights in Dark Fantasy

1. **Research and Reference** - **Gather References**: Look at various medieval and fantasy armor designs. Pay attention to details like plates, rivets, and textures. - **Study Dark Fantasy Art**: Observe how armor and knights are portrayed in dark fantasy settings. Note elements like weathering, decay, and elaborate designs.

2. **Sketch Basic Shapes and Silhouette** - **Draw the Basic Form**: Start with a rough sketch of the knight’s silhouette. Focus on the overall posture and proportions. - **Outline Armor Sections**: Sketch the basic shapes of the armor pieces—chest plate, shoulder guards, gauntlets, and helmet.

3. **Design and Add Details** - **Refine Armor Design**: Add details to each section of the armor. Include elements like engravings, rivets, and segmented plates. - **Incorporate Gothic Elements**: Use gothic motifs like spiked edges, ornate patterns, or skulls to give the armor a dark fantasy feel.

4. **Define the Helmet and Visor** - **Draw the Helmet**: Focus on the design of the helmet. Dark fantasy helmets often have menacing features, such as sharp edges or exaggerated shapes. - **Detail the Visor**: Add intricate designs or glowing elements to the visor, enhancing the dark and mysterious look.

5. **Add Textures and Weathering** - **Introduce Textures**: Use cross-hatching or stippling to indicate textures like metal, leather, or worn-out areas. - **Show Wear and Tear**: Include signs of damage, such as scratches, dents, and rust. This adds to the dark fantasy aesthetic.

6. **Create Contrast with Light and Shadow** - **Establish Light Source**: Determine where the light is coming from and apply shadows accordingly. Dark fantasy art often features strong contrasts. - **Add Shadows**: Shade the areas of the armor that are away from the light. Emphasize deep shadows in crevices and under overlapping pieces.

7. **Enhance with Atmospheric Effects** - **Add Fog or Mist**: Use soft brush strokes or shading to create atmospheric effects around the knight. This helps to blend the character into a dark and mysterious setting. - **Include Glowing Elements**: Incorporate subtle glows or magical runes on the armor to give it a fantastical touch.

8. **Detail the Background and Setting** - **Design a Dark Background**: Place the knight in a dark, ominous setting—like a ruined castle or a shadowy forest. - **Add Environmental Effects**: Include details like falling rain, drifting mist, or overgrown vegetation to enhance the dark fantasy atmosphere.

9. **Finalize Armor Details** - **Refine Details**: Go over the armor and refine any remaining details. Ensure the textures and shadows are consistent and well-defined. - **Adjust Proportions**: Make any necessary adjustments to the proportions or design to ensure everything looks cohesive and dramatic.

10. **Review and Iterate** - **Check Overall Composition**: Review the entire artwork to ensure all elements are balanced and contribute to the dark fantasy theme. - **Make Final Adjustments**: Apply any final touches or corrections based on your observations or feedback from others. By following these steps, you should be able to create a knight in dark fantasy armor that looks both imposing and intricately detailed. Enjoy the process and let your creativity shine!