04 | Snakes

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04 | Snakes

Snakes combine two things we've explored already.

  • Drawing along forms (lines & ribbons)
  • Drawing over forms (volume & cross sections)

If this task feels intimidating, just imagine you're drawing a simple tube or an extra curvy doughnut.

Step-by-Step

Draw a round head and pull out a line.
Feel it coming closer or further away in your paper.


Draw supporting lines to create ribbons. The ribbons will become the 'top' and the 'sides' of the snake's body.


Add cross sections to create thickness.
The snake's body has to keep its even thickness - pinching it hurts the snake.

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This step concludes our sketch, don't advance if you can't clearly feel the volume.

Draw the snake over your sketch, referring to photographs as needed.

  1. Do you see the doughnut? Another can be found in the snake's bottom loop.
  2. Note the cross section cross section - don't lose all the volume in this step!
  3. The head's side is also ribbon-shaped.


A snake looks a bit plain without its scales, so let's dress him up.

  • Concentrating scales around the overlaps helps turn the form - same principle as when we added hatching to ribbons.
  • There's no need to texture everything, a few bursts around the head is enough to create a finished look while guiding the viewer's eye straight to the interesting parts.
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Want cooler scales for your snake? See our article on texturing.

Summary

  • When drawing something you don't know (eg. a snake's head), use a photo reference.
  • All animals (including people) can be constructed with two types of lines:
    • Drawing along ("through") the form
    • Drawing over ("across") the form
  • Note the simple process in this chapter:
    1. Use lines, ribbons and cross sections to build your sketch.
    2. Use reference to fill the drawing on top of your sketch.
    3. Use texture to detail the drawing.

Assignment

  • Draw a doughnut, then see if you can wrap it in a scaly texture.
  • Draw 2 snake sketches from photo reference and 2 more in a pose other than the one provided by your ref. (4 x 15 minutes).
    • Bonus points for snakes wrapping over objects or each other.
  • Draw one finished snake piece (30 - 40 minutes) with texturing and a focal point.
  • Share your danger tubes in the Discord study group! 🐍