If you’re interested in drawing animals or reptiles, a rattlesnake can be an exciting and challenging subject to tackle. Follow these step-by-step instructions to create a rattlesnake drawing that captures the reptile’s distinctive features.
Materials Needed
Before you start, make sure you have the following supplies:
- Pencil
- Paper
- Eraser
- Colored pencils or markers (optional)
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step One: Sketch the Basic Shapes
Begin by sketching a large oval for the snake’s body, with a smaller circle at one end for the head. Extend a line from the head circle to mark where the snake’s tail will be. Add a slightly rounded triangle at the head for the nose.
Step Two: Add the Details
Draw two almond-shaped eyes and a small dot for the pupil. Sketch in the lower jaw and add a row of triangles for teeth. Draw a curved line from the nose to the jaw to define the snake’s mouth.
Step Three: Outline the Body Sections
Using the basic shape you drew earlier, outline the body sections with curved lines. The sections are what make up the rattlesnake’s pattern, so you’ll want to pay close attention to the placement of each curve.
Step Four: Add the Rattles
Sketch a series of small circles at the end of the tail to create the rattles. The number of rattles will depend on the length of the tail section.
Step Five: Shade and Add Depth
Shade the areas between the body sections and the rattles, creating the dark and light sections of the snake’s pattern. Use lighter shading on the lower jaw and throat area.
Step Six: Finalize the Details
Add final touches like the nostrils, scales along the underside of the rattlesnake’s body, and any features specific to the type of rattlesnake you are drawing.
Pro Tips
- Study photos of real rattlesnakes to get a feel for their shapes and patterns.
- Start light with your pencil and build your drawing up gradually to avoid making mistakes.
- Use your eraser to adjust any mistakes you’ve made, but beware that too much erasing can smudge your paper and make it harder to draw on.
- If you’re using colored pencils or markers, choose realistic colors to make your drawing more accurate.
FAQs
1. What type of paper is best for drawing a rattlesnake?
Any type of sketch paper will do, but choose one that is thick enough to prevent bleeding if you choose to use markers.
2. Can I use a reference image for my drawing?
Yes, a reference image can be helpful for getting an accurate look at the snake’s features.
3. How can I practice drawing snakes?
Practice sketching different snake species or studying photos of snakes in different positions or coiled shapes.
4. Do I need to add color to my drawing?
No, color is optional. A nicely shaded black and white drawing can be just as impressive.
5. Can I add a background to my rattlesnake drawing?
Yes, a simple or detailed background can add more interest to your drawing. Consider drawing a desert landscape with rocks and cacti.
6. How long will it take to complete a rattlesnake drawing?
The time it takes will depend on your skill level and the level of detail you want to achieve. A basic drawing can take an hour or less, while a more detailed drawing could take several hours or more.