How to Draw a Snake: 15 Steps
Step 1: Gather materials
To start drawing a snake, gather your drawing materials. You will need a pencil, an eraser, a sheet of paper, and coloring tools like colored pencils or markers.
Step 2: Draw a small oval
Begin by drawing a small oval for the snake’s head. This will be the foundation of your snake drawing.
Step 3: Add two lines for the body
From the head, extend two curved lines outwards. These lines represent the snake’s body and should curve in opposite directions to create an S-shape.
Step 4: Connect the body lines
Begin connecting the body lines by drawing curved segments back and forth between them. Continue this pattern until you reach the end of your desired snake length.
Step 5: Create the tail
Once you’ve reached the desired length, create the tail by tapering the body lines together and adding a slight curve at the end.
Step 6: Add eyes and details to the head
Draw two small circles for eyes on the head. You can also add nostrils or other facial features you’d like your snake to have.
Step 7: Draw in overlapping scales
Starting at the head and working down towards the tail, draw rows of overlapping arch shapes to represent scales along the top of the snake’s body. Follow the curve of its body as you add these details.
Step 8: Add belly scales
Draw larger rectangular-shaped scales along the bottom part of its body. These belly scales should run lengthwise along with your snake.
Step 9: Complete scale pattern
Continue drawing overlapping and belly scales down the entire length of your snake until you reach its tail.
Step 10: Erase excess lines
Use your eraser to clean up any excess or unwanted lines, neatening up your snake drawing in preparation for coloring.
Step 11: Add depth
To give your snake depth, add some shading in areas where the scales overlap or around the snake’s facial features.
Step 12: Prepare coloring tools
Gather your desired coloring tools, such as colored pencils or markers.
Step 13: Color the scales
Choose a color for the top scales and begin adding color along the top of your snake’s body. Use multiple colors if desired to create patterns or highlights.
Step 14: Color the belly scales
Choose another color, generally lighter than that used for the top scales, for the belly scales.
Step 15: Finalize your drawing
Add any final shading or highlights and make sure you’re happy with your creation. If necessary, use an eraser to remove mistakes in coloring.
There you have it! With these fifteen steps, you now know how to draw a snake. Practice and experiment with different shapes, colors, and patterns to create various snake species or your own unique serpent designs.