How To Draw Snake Scales Correctly

Learn the geometry of snake scales to help you sketch in the field.

Don't drive yourself nuts trying to copy every scale exactly. You can suggest scales with the Ten technique (demonstrated below), add a few details and yous are good.

Draw an x pattern over the back of the ophidian. Each of the scales will fit into one of the spaces between the lines. The torso scales of the Ring-necked Snake below are simply an 10 hatch overpainted with watercolor and little highlights added on each scale with a white colored pencil. The issue is convincing and fast.

X hatch lines are often at an oblique angle forming small diamonds instead of squares.

scale rows b — Flattened section of ophidian skin showing rows of shingle-like back scales and long belly scales (scutes).

X hatch scales turn to interlocking S curves when they foreshorten and wrap around a cylinder. However, many snakes are more triangular than round in cantankerous-department and the scutes or abdomen scales interrupt the S design on the lesser of the body. Still, you often see a subtle deflection of the hatch lines every bit they approach the dorsum. You can also just stop the X design just short of the edge as the foreshortened scales are more than hard to see.

Some snakes are relatively triangular in cross section.

Snakes have broad scales or scutes beyond their bellies. This interrupts the S curve on the underside. The triangular body shape reduces the S curve defection on the tiptop.

Notation how the scales fit into the scutes on the underside of the serpent.

Having realistic expectations of what you can go in the field will help y'all work more than efficiently and be happier with what you do. The snake heads on this page are scientific illustrations. They were drawn over several days with extensive reference material and a comfy chair. In contrast, the studies beneath, showing the torso colors and patterns from the dorsal line to the scutes, took simply minutes to complete and convey lots of information almost patterns on the snakes. This is a nifty approach for field sketching.

My favorite website for reference material is California Herps. I am grateful to Gary Nafis for letting me use some of his photographs for reference and step-by-step tutorials.