Snakes are fascinating creatures that have captured the imagination of humans for centuries. Their sinuous movements, striking patterns, and venomous fangs have made them both feared and revered. If you’re interested in capturing the beauty and mystery of snakes in your artwork, you’ll need to master the art of drawing them. While it may seem daunting at first, drawing a snake is actually quite simple once you break it down into a few basic steps. In this article, we’ll provide you with a step-by-step guide on how to draw a snake, complete with detailed instructions and helpful tips. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced artist, you’ll be able to create realistic and lifelike snakes with ease.
To begin, you’ll need to gather a few basic supplies. You’ll need a pencil, a piece of paper, and an eraser. You may also want to use a ruler or protractor to help you draw straight lines and curves. Once you have your supplies, you can start by sketching the basic shape of the snake’s body. The body of a snake is typically long and slender, with a tapered head and tail. You can use a pencil to draw a curved line for the body, and then add a circle for the head and a triangle for the tail.
Once you have the basic shape of the snake’s body sketched out, you can start to add details. Draw two small circles for the eyes, and then add a curved line for the mouth. You can also add scales to the snake’s body by drawing small, overlapping circles. Once you’re happy with the details, you can erase any unnecessary pencil lines. Finally, you can add color to your snake using crayons, markers, or paint. Snakes come in a wide variety of colors and patterns, so feel free to get creative with your design.
Materials and Preparation
Before embarking on the artistic adventure of drawing a snake, it is essential to gather the necessary materials and prepare for the task. Here’s a comprehensive guide to ensure a smooth and successful drawing experience:
Choosing the Right Paper
Selecting the appropriate paper is crucial for a satisfying drawing experience. The ideal paper should possess a smooth surface that allows for effortless pencil strokes, yet sturdy enough to withstand multiple erasures without tearing. Acid-free paper is recommended for longevity, ensuring the preservation of your artwork over time.
For beginners, a medium-weight paper (120-140 gsm) is advisable. It provides sufficient resistance for precise linework while forgiving minor errors. Smooth-surfaced papers, such as drawing paper or Bristol board, are ideal choices.
| Paper Type | Characteristics |
|---|---|
| Drawing Paper | Smooth surface, moderate weight, suitable for pencils and charcoal |
| Bristol Board | Thin, smooth surface, can withstand multiple erasures |
| Sketchbook Paper | Lightweight, portable, suitable for quick sketches |
Once the paper is selected, ensure it is securely secured on a work surface to prevent it from moving during the drawing process.
Sketch the Head and Neck
Draw the Head
Start by drawing an oval shape for the head. Add a curved line at the bottom of the oval to create the jawline. Draw small dots for the eyes and add a forked tongue.
Create the Neck
Connect the head to the body with a long, curved line. This line should taper slightly towards the body. Add faint lines along the neck to suggest scales or wrinkles.
Refine the Head Shape
To create a more realistic snake head, draw a curved line along the top of the head, resembling a cobra hood. Add details such as nostrils, scales, and a pattern on the back of the head. Experiment with different shapes and textures to customize the snake’s appearance.
Shape the Jaw and Teeth
Draw a curved line along the bottom of the jaw to create a slightly open mouth. Add sharp, pointed teeth inside the mouth, giving the snake a menacing expression. You can also include details such as fangs or venom glands if desired.
Add Depth and Texture
Use shading techniques to add depth and texture to the head and neck. Darken the areas around the eyes, nostrils, and mouth to create shadows. Add faint lines or patterns to the scales or wrinkles, giving the snake a more realistic appearance. Experiment with different shades and textures to create a unique and captivating snake design.
Define the Body Shape
Snakes come in a variety of shapes and sizes, but they all share a few basic characteristics. The body of a snake is typically long and slender, and it is covered in scales. Snakes have a flexible backbone that allows them to move in a variety of ways, and they use their scales to grip surfaces and to protect themselves from predators.
The body of a snake can be divided into three main sections:
- The head
- The neck
- The tail
The head of a snake is triangular in shape, and it is home to the snake’s eyes, nose, and mouth. The neck of a snake is short and thick, and it connects the head to the body. The tail of a snake is long and thin, and it tapers to a point at the end.
The body shape of a snake is determined by its environment and its diet. Snakes that live in trees tend to have long, slender bodies that allow them to move easily through the branches. Snakes that live in burrows tend to have short, thick bodies that allow them to dig through the ground. Snakes that eat small prey tend to have small, narrow mouths, while snakes that eat large prey tend to have large, wide mouths.
| Snake Species | Body Shape | Diet |
|---|---|---|
| Tree snake | Long and slender | Small prey |
| Burrowing snake | Short and thick | Small prey |
| Constrictor snake | Long and muscular | Large prey |
| Venomous snake | Long and slender | Large prey |
Add Eyes and Features
Now that the snake’s body is drawn, it’s time to add some details to bring it to life. Start by drawing the eyes. Snakes have two large, round eyes that are located on the top of their head. To draw the eyes, simply draw two small circles and fill them in with black. You can also add a small white dot in the center of each eye to add some detail.
Scales
Once the eyes are drawn, you can add some scales to the snake’s body. Scales are what give snakes their distinctive texture. To draw scales, simply draw a series of small, overlapping lines along the length of the snake’s body. You can make the scales as large or as small as you want, depending on the type of snake you’re drawing.
Tongue
No snake is complete without its tongue. Snakes use their tongues to taste the air and to sense their surroundings. To draw a tongue, simply draw a thin, forked line that extends from the snake’s mouth. You can make the tongue as long or as short as you want, depending on the type of snake you’re drawing.
Fangs
Some snakes have fangs. Fangs are used to inject venom into prey. To draw fangs, simply draw two small, pointed lines at the tip of the snake’s mouth. You can make the fangs as long or as short as you want, depending on the type of snake you’re drawing.
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Eyes | Two large, round eyes that are located on the top of the head |
| Scales | Small, overlapping lines along the length of the snake’s body |
| Tongue | Thin, forked line that extends from the snake’s mouth |
| Fangs | Two small, pointed lines at the tip of the snake’s mouth |
Draw Coils and Undulations
Coils and undulations are two important aspects of drawing a snake that give it a realistic and dynamic look. Here’s how to draw them:
Step 1: Establish the Basic Coil Shape
Start by drawing a curved line for the base of the coil. Then, draw another curved line that intersects the first line at a point. This creates the basic “S” shape of the coil.
Step 2: Add Undulations
To give the coil more depth and movement, add undulations to its edges. Draw small, wavy lines that extend from the main curved lines. These undulations create a sense of texture and make the coil appear more realistic.
Step 3: Connect the Coils
If you’re drawing multiple coils, connect them by drawing additional curved lines that overlap and intersect. Make sure the coils flow smoothly into each other and don’t appear detached.
Step 4: Vary the Coil Sizes
To add visual interest, vary the sizes of the coils. Draw some coils larger and others smaller. This creates a sense of rhythm and movement in the snake’s body.
Step 5: Practice Different Coil Patterns
There are many different coil patterns that you can use to draw snakes. Experiment with different combinations of shapes, sizes, and undulations to create unique and visually appealing snake bodies.
| Coil Pattern | Description |
|---|---|
| Tight and Close | Coils are tightly packed and overlap significantly. |
| Loose and Flowing | Coils are more spaced out and flow smoothly into each other. |
| Zigzag | Coils form a zigzag pattern, creating a sense of movement and energy. |
| Spiral | Coils are arranged in a spiral formation, creating a dynamic and eye-catching effect. |
Refine Details and Lines
The next step is to refine the details and lines of your snake drawing. Start by adding some texture to the snake’s skin using short, curved lines. Then, add some shading to the snake’s body and head to give it depth. Finally, go over the lines of the snake’s body and head with a darker pencil or marker to make them stand out more.
Adding Texture to the Snake’s Skin
To add texture to the snake’s skin, use a pencil or marker to draw short, curved lines along its body and head. The lines should follow the direction of the scales, and they can be of varying lengths and widths. You can also add some small dots or dashes to the scales to create a more realistic look.
Adding Shading to the Snake’s Body and Head
To add shading to the snake’s body and head, use a pencil or marker to draw darker lines in the areas where the snake is in shadow. The darkest lines should be placed in the recesses of the snake’s body and head, such as the undersides of the coils and the inside of the mouth. You can also add some lighter shading to the areas where the snake is in light, such as the top of the coils and the outside of the head.
Going Over the Lines of the Snake’s Body and Head
Finally, go over the lines of the snake’s body and head with a darker pencil or marker to make them stand out more. This will help to define the snake’s shape and give it a more polished look. You can also add some additional details, such as eyes, nostrils, and a tongue, to make your snake drawing more lifelike.
| **Step 1:** Add texture to the snake’s skin. | **Step 2:** Add shading to the snake’s body and head. |
| **Step 3:** Go over the lines of the snake’s body and head. | **Step 4:** Add additional details, such as eyes, nostrils, and a tongue. |
Add Scales and Patterns
Now it’s time to add some life to your snake by adding scales and patterns. This will help bring out its texture and make it look more realistic. Scales are essential for snakes, as they provide protection and help them move. Patterns, on the other hand, can vary depending on the type of snake, and they often serve to camouflage them or intimidate predators.
Creating Scales
To create scales, start by drawing small, overlapping lines along the snake’s body. These lines should be curved and should follow the contours of the snake’s shape. You can vary the size and spacing of the lines to create different textures. For example, larger scales can create a bolder look, while smaller scales can give a more delicate appearance.
Adding Patterns
Adding patterns to your snake is a great way to make it stand out. Snakes come in a wide variety of colors and patterns, so there are endless possibilities when it comes to designing your own. You could try creating stripes, spots, or even geometric shapes. If you’re not sure where to start, you can look up different types of snakes online for inspiration.
| Shape | Description |
|---|---|
| Stripes | Long, parallel lines that run along the length of the snake’s body. |
| Spots | Circular or oval shapes that are evenly distributed over the snake’s body. |
| Checkered | A pattern of alternating light and dark squares or rectangles. |
| Geometric | Patterns that are composed of lines, triangles, circles, or other geometric shapes. |
Enhance with Shading and Highlights
Once your line drawing is complete, you can add depth and realism by incorporating shading and highlights. Follow these steps:
8. Start with Base Shading
Apply a light gray base shade to the entire snake’s body, except for the areas that will receive highlights. Use a soft pencil (HB or 2B) and draw in the direction of the scales. This will create a subtle foundation for the shading.
9. Darken the Shadows
Identify the areas where shadows naturally fall, such as under the belly, folds in the skin, and the sides facing away from the light source. Gradually darken these areas using a softer pencil (4B or 6B). Blend the transitions smoothly to avoid harsh lines.
10. Build Up the Contrast
To create a greater sense of depth, apply a darker shade to the deepest areas of shadow. Use a pencil with a softer grade (8B or 9B) and concentrate on the edges of the scales and crevices. This will enhance the three-dimensional effect of the snake’s form.
11. Add Highlights
Locate the areas where light hits the snake directly, such as the top of the head, the back, and any prominent scales. Use a light-colored pencil (2H or 3H) to gently apply highlights to these areas. Blend the highlights into the surrounding shades to create a natural transition.
12. Refine the Highlights
To further enhance the highlights, use a white pencil or eraser to add finer details and create a more intense glow. Focus on the edges of the scales and the most protruding areas to accentuate the snake’s texture and volume.
13. Smooth and Blend
Once you have added both shading and highlights, use a blending tool (such as a tortillon or tissue paper) to smooth out any rough transitions. This will help to create a seamless and realistic finish to your snake drawing.
Finalize and Outline
To complete your snake drawing, follow these steps:
1. Erase Excess Lines
Gently erase any unnecessary lines or guide marks to make the final image cleaner.
2. Darken and Thicken Lines
Using a darker pencil or pen, trace over the snake’s outlines to add boldness and definition.
3. Add Texture and Detail
Draw scales on the snake’s body by making small, overlapping circles or lines along its length.
4. Highlight and Shade
Use a light source to determine where the snake’s highlights and shadows would fall. Shade the areas with darker pencil strokes to create depth.
5. Draw Eyes
Add small circles for the eyes and draw pupils and irises to give the snake expression.
6. Color
If desired, use colored pencils, markers, or paint to add color and bring your snake to life.
7. Add Tongue
Draw a forked tongue protruding from the snake’s mouth to add a dynamic element.
8. Background
If you wish, sketch a background to complement the snake drawing, such as a desert landscape or vegetation.
9. Final Touches
Take a step back and observe your completed snake drawing. Make any final adjustments or additions to ensure it looks exactly as you envisioned.
Add Background and Embellishments
Once your snake is complete, you can add a background and embellishments to make it truly stand out.
For the background, you can use any color or pattern you like. If you want a simple look, you can use a solid color. If you want something more complex, you can use a patterned paper or even a photo.
To attach the background, you can use glue, tape, or even just fold it over the edges of the paper. Once the background is in place, you can start adding embellishments.
There are endless possibilities when it comes to embellishing your snake. Here are a few ideas:
- Add glitter or sequins to make your snake sparkle.
- Use markers or paint to add details, such as scales, eyes, and a tongue.
- Cut out shapes from construction paper or fabric and glue them to your snake to create a unique look.
- Add pom-poms or buttons to give your snake a fun and playful touch.
Once you’re finished adding embellishments, your snake is complete! You can now proudly display your artwork or give it as a gift to someone special.
Here are some additional tips for adding background and embellishments to your snake drawing:
Don’t be afraid to experiment. There are no rules when it comes to adding background and embellishments. Let your creativity flow and see what you come up with.
Use different materials. Embellishments can be made from a variety of materials, such as paper, fabric, glitter, and sequins. Don’t be afraid to mix and match different materials to create a unique look.
Have fun. Adding background and embellishments to your snake drawing should be a fun and enjoyable experience. So relax, let loose, and create something truly special.
How To Draw A Snake Easy
snakes are often depicted as having long, slender bodies, no limbs, and large eyes. Their scales are usually smooth and shiny, and they come in a variety of colors and patterns. To draw a snake, start by sketching a long, curved line for the body. Then, add a small circle for the head and a larger circle for the tail. Next, draw two small eyes on the head, and a forked tongue sticking out of the mouth. Finally, add some scales to the body by drawing small, overlapping circles.
People Also Ask About How To Draw A Snake Easy
What is the best way to draw a snake?
The best way to draw a snake is to start with a long, curved line for the body. Then, add a small circle for the head and a larger circle for the tail. Next, draw two small eyes on the head, and a forked tongue sticking out of the mouth. Finally, add some scales to the body by drawing small, overlapping circles.
What are some tips for drawing a snake?
Here are some tips for drawing a snake:
– Use a light touch when drawing the scales, so that they look natural.
– Add some shading to the body to create depth.
– Experiment with different colors and patterns to create a unique snake.
