If you’re interested in learning how to draw a snake, you’ve come to the right place. With just a few simple steps, you can create your own snake masterpiece. Unlike mammals, snakes have fewer intricate details, making them easier to capture on paper.
Types of Snakes to Illustrate
Before starting your snake drawing, it’s important to identify the specific type of snake you want to depict. While some snakes may look similar, each has distinguishing characteristics that make them unique.
- Rattlesnake: Recognizable by its distinct rattling sound and pattern variations.
- Cobra: Known for the hood on its head, which sets it apart from other snakes.
- King Snake: Often brightly colored, yet harmless.
- Anaconda: The largest snake in the world.
- Python: Often found wrapped around tree branches.
- Banded Snake: Features a striped pattern.
- Tentacled Snake: Displays peculiar tentacles on its head.
Snake Poses to Portray
To add life to your snake drawing, consider experimenting with different poses. Each pose conveys a unique characteristic of the snake. Here are some poses to consider:
- Striking: Capture the snake with its mouth open and fangs visible.
- Coiled: Draw the snake in a nearly perfect circle shape.
- Straight: Depict the snake in a straight, elongated position.
- Wrapped: Show the snake wrapped around a tree branch.
- S-Pattern: Illustrate the snake in a winding, fluid motion.
- Half-Coiled: Portray the snake with its head raised, ready for action.
Scale Patterns for Realistic Snake Drawing
Snakes come in a variety of scale patterns, each requiring attention to detail. Understanding these patterns allows you to capture the essence of the snake accurately.
Plain
A plain snake pattern refers to the absence of stripes, diamonds, or other distinctive markings. However, be sure to depict each individual scale in your drawing.
Diamond
Diamondback snakes have diamond-shaped markings that can be arranged vertically or horizontally. Drawing diamondback snakes can be a fun challenge, as they create an impressive finish when done correctly.
Stripes
Striped or banded snakes have stripes running across their abdomen. However, it’s important to note that stripes can also appear along the back of the snake, so pay attention to these subtle variations.
Dots
Dotted patterns consist of tiny dots found on the sides of snakes, transitioning from the top color to the bottom color. Some seemingly plain snakes may actually possess these dots, so be mindful of this detail.
Blotches
Blotched snakes have irregularly shaped and sized markings, similar to diamonds but with a more unpredictable pattern. Drawing blotched snakes can be the most challenging due to their intricate nature.
Tips for Snake Drawing
To ensure your snake drawing captures the essence of these incredible creatures, here are some helpful tips to consider:
- Pay close attention to the pattern and markings of the snake you’re drawing.
- Take the time to depict each scale, as they contribute to the overall texture of the snake’s skin.
- Taper the tail of the snake to create a more natural and balanced appearance.
- Capture the unique accordion-like movement of the snake’s body.
- Familiarize yourself with different snake species to accurately depict their distinct characteristics.
How to Draw a Snake: 10 Easy Drawing Projects
Now that you’ve learned the basics of snake drawing, it’s time to put your skills to the test with these easy and fun drawing projects:
1. How to Draw a Realistic Snake
Drawing realistic snakes can be challenging, but with a step-by-step guide by Snake Artist, you’ll be on the right path.
2. How to Draw a Cartoon Snake
Cartoon snakes are simpler to draw, as you don’t have to worry about intricate scale patterns. Follow the tutorial by Draw So Cute for a fun cartoon snake drawing.
3. How to Draw a Snake for Kids
Kids can learn to draw snakes by closely observing them. However, a tutorial by Articco Drawing can provide helpful guidance.
4. How to Draw a Cute Snake
Overcome your fear of snakes by drawing an adorable, lovable snake. Learn step by step from the tutorial by “Learn to Draw.”
5. How to Draw a Cobra Snake
Capture the uniqueness of cobras with their distinctive hoods. “Art for Kids Hub” provides a great video tutorial on drawing a cobra.
6. How to Draw a Rattlesnake
Rattlesnakes may look similar to other snakes, but their rattle sets them apart. Draw a rattlesnake like a pro with “Art for Kids Hub.”
7. How to Draw a Snake in a Skull
Snakes in skulls are a popular tattoo and t-shirt symbol. Learn how to draw this striking image with Let’s To Learn for your next art piece.
8. How to Draw a Slytherin Snake
The emblem of the Slytherin House from Harry Potter is intricate. Follow “The Art of Billy’s” detailed tutorial to create the Slytherin Coat of Arms, perfect for beginners.
9. How to Draw a Sea Snake
Sea serpents are a popular subject, but drawing them emerging from the water adds a unique touch. Start drawing sea snakes with Emmylou’s Fine Art Workshops.
10. How to Draw a Chinese Snake
The Chinese snake symbolizes the year of the snake for individuals born in specific years. Shoo Rayner Drawing offers a tutorial to celebrate your birth year.
How to Draw a Realistic Snake Step-By-Step
Supplies
To draw a realistic snake, gather the following supplies:
- Paper
- 2B pencils
- 4B pencil
- 6B pencil
- Blending stump
Step 1: Draw the Segmented Ovals
Begin by sketching ovals along the snake’s body shape. These ovals serve as a guide to determine the snake’s natural posture.
Step 2: Smooth it Out
Outline the snake’s body with smooth lines, including shaping the head. Erase the interior of the outlined area.
Step 3: Add Vague Pattern
Decide on the type of snake and its specific pattern. Lightly sketch the pattern along the snake’s back.
Step 4: Deepen the Pattern
Once you’re satisfied with the initial sketch, deepen the pattern using a 2B pencil, applying more pressure to enhance the definition.
Step 5: Start Adding Scales
Add a few scales to provide texture to your drawing. At this stage, you’re primarily focusing on adding texture before blending. It’s also a good time to add the snake’s eyes and other facial features.
Step 6: Shade and Blend
Start shading beneath the snake and along the pattern. This initial shading helps the snake come alive on the page.
Step 7: Deepen Scales
Now, draw each individual scale. For a faded look, you can omit a few scales, but overall, visible scales create a more realistic effect.
Step 8: Finish Shading
Complete the shading while preserving the integrity of the scales. You can add additional definition to make specific scales stand out.
How to Draw a Snake FAQ
Are Snakes Difficult to Draw?
Drawing snakes is not as challenging as it may seem. While capturing a 3D appearance can be trickier, practice makes perfect, and you’ll soon master this skill.
What Do Snakes Symbolize in Art?
In art, snakes often symbolize deceit and sin. However, in certain cultures, snakes can also represent fertility and protection, signifying positive attributes.
Why Would You Want to Learn How to Draw a Snake?
Understanding how to draw a snake can be beneficial in various contexts, such as commissioned artwork or art classes. Moreover, the inspiration to draw a snake can stem from personal interest and creativity.
Conclusion
Now that you’ve acquired the knowledge of drawing snakes, you’ll soon be equipped to draw other reptiles effortlessly. With the ability to add legs, you can even venture into drawing lizards. While capturing the scales and contours may initially present challenges, you now possess the skills to overcome them. Snakes, though feared in real life, hold an undeniable artistic allure on paper. So grab your pencil, embrace your creativity, and start drawing snakes with confidence.
