Painting a snake may seem daunting, but with the right steps and techniques, you can make it look as easy as pie! Drawing a snake may seem like a tough undertaking if you haven’t done it before, but with a few simple tips, it’ll be surprisingly simple. Whether you are a beginner or seasoned pro, these guidelines to draw a snake will surely make it easier to create a realistic creature.
Start with the Essentials
First things first, you should know what type of snake you’re planning on drawing. Not all of them are created equal, so it’s important to know your species. Different snakes have different sizes and body types, so you need to plan accordingly. Once you have a clear idea of the physical characteristics of your chosen snake, it’s time to get creative. Begin by outlining the basic body, then begin to add details like eyes, scales and small markings.
Consider Color and Detail
Learn as much as you can about the coloring of your chosen species and study the patterns of their scales. If you want your snake to be as realistic as possible, accurately representing these markings and colors is essential. To make the details stand out, try adding shadows and highlights. This will give your snake an extra depth and make it look more lifelike. You may even want to consider where the light will be hitting the snake and how it affects the shading.
Create a Detailed Background
The background can be just as important as the snake itself when creating a realistic painting. To create the right atmosphere, think of the kind of environment that the snake inhabits. Desert landscapes, jungles and swamps will all have different kinds of foliage and plants that you can incorporate into your painting. Add in some rocks and other interesting objects to create depth and realism in your artwork.
Add Finishing Touches
Once you have the basic structure and detailing of the snake complete, it’s time to add the final touches. You may want to add some smaller details like a tongue or feathers, or make some modifications to the color and patterning. To properly emphasize the snake’s movements, you can preshadow areas where the scales are about to move. Finally, add some life to your snake by adding curved lines in different directions to mimic the movements of the creature.
Remember to Have Fun!
When it comes to creating your masterpiece, be sure to have fun. Challenge yourself to think outside of the box and come up with unique ways to capture the snake’s character. By experimenting with color and texture, you can create an exciting and vibrant painting, while also learning more about your chosen species. And remember, practice makes perfect, so don’t be afraid to try more than once before you get it right!
Scaling the Body
Before you dive too deep into the detail of your snake, it’s important to lay down the main structure. The main body should take up a large part of your canvas to maintain the perspective of the creature. Use a few curves and lines to define the overall shape of the snake, as well as adding its length and size. To make the proportions more accurate, use a ruler or a series of dots along the length of the animal.
Bringing Out the Features
One of the most important aspects of drawing a snake is capturing the features of the creature accurately. From its head to its tail, take your time to sketch out each part and pay attention to detail. Choose the right types of lines to give the creature a natural look, and use a variety of pencils and brushes to bring out its characteristics. Don’t forget to add the eyes, as they are very important in making the snake look realistic.
Adding the Scales and Skin Patterns
Scales and the patterns of the skin are what give the snake its realistic look. To recreate this look, study photographs of the species you are drawing and draw out the scales in an orderly fashion. Use a combination of light and dark shading to give the scales dimension and purpose. You may even want to consider using a few glittery paints or colored pencils to give your snake a special shimmer or shine.
Rounding Out the Final Touches
Finally, add in any other details you want to make your snake come alive. You can use a shader brush to make a few of the scales look more nuanced, or add a few highlights to accentuate the pattern of the skin. You may also want to add a few drips of water, or shadows, to bring out more depth in your artwork. Last but not least, add some details to the environment and limbs to make your snake look like it’s slithering away.
