If you’ve ever wondered how to draw a snake, you’ll be pleased to know that it can be done with just a few easy steps. Unlike mammals, snakes have fewer intricate details, making them quite accessible to draw.
Types of Snakes to Illustrate
Before you begin drawing, it’s essential to determine the type of snake you want to capture on paper. While some snakes may appear similar at first glance, they possess distinct characteristics that set them apart.
- Rattlesnake: Recognizable by its unique rattling tail pattern.
- Cobra: Distinguished by the hoods on their heads.
- King Snake: Often brightly colored and harmless.
- Anaconda: Known as the largest snake.
- Python: Known for its ability to wrap around tree branches.
- Banded Snake: Displaying a distant striped pattern.
- Tentacled Snake: Sporting strange tentacles on their heads.
Snake Poses to Master
To create dynamic snake drawings, it’s vital to explore various poses that snakes assume.
- Striking: Capture the snake with its mouth open and fangs visible.
- Coiled: Draw a near-perfect circle shape.
- Straight: Depict the snake in a rigid, straight position.
- Wrapped: Show the snake wrapped around a tree branch.
- S-Pattern: Capture the snake’s curvy, slithering movement.
- Half-Coiled: Illustrate the snake with its head raised, ready for action.
Scale Patterns for Snake Drawings
Snakes come in an array of patterns, each unique in its own way. However, these distinctive patterns may often go unnoticed by those unfamiliar with them.
Plain
A plain snake pattern depicts a lack of stripes, diamonds, or other markings. However, it’s crucial to draw each individual scale accurately.
Diamond
Diamondback snakes feature either vertical or horizontal diamond-shaped patterns. These patterns can be both challenging and rewarding to draw due to their intricate nature.
Stripes
Striped (or banded) snakes exhibit stripes that cross their abdomen. However, these stripes can also extend along their backs, so pay close attention to this distinction.
Dots
Dots are typically tiny and can be found on the sides of snakes, acting as a transitional pattern between the top and bottom colors. It’s worth noting that some seemingly plain snakes may actually possess dotted patterns.
Blotches
Blotches, unlike diamonds, are irregular in shape and size. Drawing blotched snakes can be the most challenging, given the complexity of their patterns.
Tips for Drawing Snakes
To enhance your snake drawing skills, here are a few valuable tips to keep in mind:
- Pay careful attention to the unique pattern of each snake.
- Take the time to draw each scale accurately.
- Taper the snake’s tail to maintain its natural shape.
- Capture the accordion-like movement of the snake’s body.
- Gain a comprehensive understanding of different snake species.
Explore 10 Easy Snake Drawing Projects
To help you master the art of drawing snakes, here are ten simple drawing projects you can try:
1. How to Draw a Realistic Snake
Drawing a realistic snake can be challenging, but with the step-by-step guide provided by Snake Artist, you’ll have a solid starting point.
2. How to Draw a Cartoon Snake
For a more lighthearted approach, follow the tutorial by Draw So Cute to create a whimsical cartoon snake.
3. How to Draw a Snake for Kids
Articco Drawing offers an excellent tutorial specifically designed for kids who want to learn how to draw snakes.
4. How to Draw a Cute Snake
Overcome your fear of snakes by drawing an adorable and charming one with the step-by-step guide from Learn Step by Step.
5. How to Draw a Cobra Snake
Art for Kids Hub provides a helpful video tutorial for drawing a cobra snake, emphasizing its characteristic hood.
6. How to Draw a Rattlesnake
Discover how to draw a rattlesnake with guidance from Art for Kids Hub, giving your drawing the essence of a true professional.
7. How to Draw a Snake in a Skull
Create a striking image with a snake entwined within a skull. Follow the tutorial by Let’s To Learn and let your creativity flow.
8. How to Draw a Slytherin Snake
Embark on a magical drawing journey with The Art of Billy, who offers a detailed tutorial for drawing the Slytherin Coat of Arms, perfect for beginners.
9. How to Draw a Sea Snake
Immerse yourself in the world of sea snakes with Emmylou’s Fine Art Workshops, where you’ll discover how to bring these fascinating creatures to life on paper.
10. How to Draw a Chinese Snake
Celebrate the Chinese Year of the Snake by drawing an emblematic Chinese snake. Shoo Rayner Drawing offers a perfect tutorial to commemorate your birth year.
Step-By-Step Guide: How to Draw a Realistic Snake
If you want to create an authentic and detailed snake drawing, follow these steps:
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, following its natural shape. These ovals will serve as your guidelines.
Step 2: Smooth it Out
Next, draw a smooth line around the ovals to outline the snake’s body. Shape the head accordingly and erase any unnecessary lines.
Step 3: Add a Vague Pattern
Lightly draw the corresponding pattern based on the type of snake you’re drawing along its back. Take your time to ensure accuracy.
Step 4: Deepen the Pattern
Once you’re satisfied with the initial pattern outline, start deepening and refining the pattern. Apply additional pressure with your 2B pencil to bring out the details.
Step 5: Start Adding Scales
Begin adding texture to the snake’s body by sketching a few scales. Be mindful not to overdo it at this stage. You can also add the eyes and other facial features.
Step 6: Shade and Blend
Start shading underneath the snake and along the pattern. This shading will add depth and make the snake appear three-dimensional.
Step 7: Deepen Scales
Now it’s time to draw every scale on the snake’s body. If you prefer a faded look, drawing every single scale may not be necessary. However, visible scales often enhance the overall appearance.
Step 8: Finish Shading
Complete the shading process while being careful not to disturb the scales. You can add definition to certain areas to make some scales stand out.
Frequently Asked Questions about Drawing Snakes
Are Snakes Challenging to Draw?
Drawing snakes may appear daunting at first, but with a little practice, they become much easier to recreate. Mastering the art of making them look three-dimensional may require extra effort but is certainly achievable.
What Do Snakes Symbolize in Art?
In various cultures, snakes symbolize deceit and sin. However, they can also represent fertility and protection, depending on the specific cultural context.
Why Should You Learn How to Draw Snakes?
Drawing snakes can serve multiple purposes, from commissions to art classes. However, the most compelling reason is the inspiration and desire to capture the beauty of these creatures on paper.
Conclusion
Learning how to draw a snake lays the groundwork for creating stunning reptile drawings. With the skills you acquire, you’ll soon find yourself able to draw other reptiles effortlessly. The challenging aspects, such as capturing the intricate scales and contours, have now become conquerable. While snakes can be a common fear in real life, they transform into works of art on paper.
