How to Draw a Black Mamba Snake Step by Step

Drawing a black mamba snake can seem daunting to beginners, but with some simple steps and practice, anyone can create an impressive and lifelike illustration of this feared and revered serpent. The black mamba, known for its speed, agility, and venomous bite, is one of Africa’s most iconic and deadliest animals. Whether you want to showcase your artistic skills or simply learn more about this fascinating creature, this step-by-step guide will help you draw a black mamba snake with ease and confidence.

Before you begin, it’s helpful to have a reference photo or sketch of a black mamba snake to use as a guide. This will give you an idea of the snake’s proportions, markings, and texture. The key to drawing a black mamba successfully is to take your time, be patient, and pay attention to details. With the right tools and techniques, you can create a stunning and accurate portrayal of one of nature’s most exquisite predators.

Supplies Needed for Drawing a Black Mamba Snake

Before we start drawing the Black Mamba snake, let’s take a look at the supplies we need:

1. Drawing paper- You need to have a good quality drawing paper to begin your sketch.

2. Pencils and erasers- You will need at least three pencils to draw the black mamba snake. One should be an HB pencil for rough sketching, one should be a 2B pencil and the other one should be a 4B pencil for shading. Don’t forget to keep the eraser handy.

3. Reference image- You can search for the Black Mamba snake images on the internet as a reference for how it looks like.

4. Drawing board- You can use a drawing board to have a smooth surface to draw on.

5. Ruler- You will need a ruler to make precise measurements on your drawing.

6. Sharpener- Keep a sharpener handy to sharpen your pencils when necessary.

7. Light source- You can use natural light or a desk lamp to have good lighting on your drawing.

8. Patience- You need to be patient when drawing a Black Mamba snake as it requires a lot of attention to details.

9. Time- You need to dedicate enough time for this sketch as it may take some time to complete.

10. Practice- Keep on practicing to improve your skills.

Step by Step Guide on How to Draw a Black Mamba Snake

Now that we have all the supplies needed, let’s start drawing the Black Mamba snake step by step:

1. Draw the body parts- Begin with sketching the basic body parts of the Black Mamba snake shape, including the head, neck, body, tail, and curves.

2. Define the jawline- Sketch the jagged jawline of the Black Mamba snake, highlighting the disturbing-shaped mouth.

3. Add the eyes- Draw the two eyes on the head.

4. Sketch the scales- Sketch the hexagon-like scales covering the skin of the Black Mamba snake.

5. Detail the head- Add details to the head, like the nostril, the forked black tongue, and sharp-fanged teeth.

6. Define the neck- Add texture to the neck area.

7. Detail the body- Refine the look of the body, using the reference image, define the scales individually.

8. Add shading- Start shading the body of the Black Mamba snake, adding black and dark grey color to create a sense of depth.

9. Highlight central part- Use the sharp eraser to create a highlight in the center of the snake’s body.

10. Eliminate the errors- Remove any extra sketch lines you created while drawing by using the eraser.

Conclusion

Now that you have a step-by-step guide on how to draw a Black Mamba snake, it’s time to get started. Make sure to have all the supplies ready, and take your time throughout the process. Remember, practice makes perfect, so don’t be discouraged if your first attempt doesn’t turn out precisely as you envisioned it. Keep on practicing and remember to have fun!

How to draw a black mamba snake step by step: Section 2 – Techniques and Tips

1. Start with the basic shape

The first step in drawing a black mamba snake is to sketch out its basic shape. Begin by drawing a straight line for the snake’s spine, and then add a slightly curved line that connects to the spine at the head section. After that, draw a wavy line for the snake’s body. Make sure that the middle portion of the snake’s body is thickest and its tail grows slightly thinner.

2. Add the head and facial features

One of the most distinguishing features of a black mamba snake is its distinctive head. Sketch in a small triangular shape for its head at the top of the first curve, making sure to add details like the eyes, nose, and a forked tongue. This will give your drawing a fierce and deadly look.

3. Working on the body pattern

Now that you have the basic sketch of the snake’s body, it’s time to focus on creating the black mamba’s distinct pattern. The mamba’s skin is covered in small, irregular, geometric shapes that run the length of its body. Make quick short lines that will give the illusion of scales that grow narrower as they reach the tail leaving some blank spaces in-between.

4. Start shading the body

Once you’ve got a rough outline and pattern for your snake, gradually begin to add shadows and tonal features with your pencil. Use soft and subtle strokes instead of hard lines to give the impression of a gradient gradient shadow on the skin. Start with lighter shade and work up to a darker shade.

5. Creating 3D depth

To make your drawing more realistic, create subtle shadows and highlights on the black mamba’s body. Use a darker pencil or charcoal to shade the underside of the snake’s body and the creases on the skin. Then accentuate the lighter sections with a lighter pencil.

6. Scale pop-out technique

To enhance the effect of the scales, use a sharp pencil to sketch in texture lines on each section of each scale. Use bright strokes for the light areas and darker for the shadowed ones to create a 3D effect. This will bring the scales and the skin pop out more.

7. Adding color

If you prefer, you can add a bit of color to your drawing. Black mambas are named for their black coloration, but they can appear in shades of grey and brown too. Use your colored pencil to accentuate the scales with a light touch, using more pressure around the shadows.

8. Blending your colors

Using a blending tool like a q-tip, your finger or a blending stump to blend all the colors for a smooth finish. Start by blending the lightest color, and then gradually blend in the darker colors. Repeat the process until the shading is even and smooth.

9. Fixing and adjusting

Check your work and use erasers to remove any unwanted marks or to lighten any areas that need adjusting. Do so carefully as light marks on black shading can be permanent and tricky to erase. Work slowly and do a little at a time.

10. Signing and displaying your masterpiece

Once you’re satisfied with your work, sign your name or initials with a sharpied pencil or a marker. Then carefully frame it or display your artwork in a space where it will be appreciated. And don’t forget to take a picture of it for your social media account. Congratulate yourself, you have now learned how to draw a black mamba snake step by step!

Materials

Before we get started with the step by step guide on how to draw a black mamba snake, let’s first get our materials ready. You will need the following:

Step by Step Guide

Now that we have all the materials ready, let’s begin with the step by step guide on how to draw a black mamba snake:

Step 1: Sketching the Outline

Start by lightly sketching the outline of the black mamba snake on your paper. Make sure to take your time and pay attention to the proportions and shape of the snake. Don’t worry about adding any details yet.

Step 2: Adding Details

Once you’re done sketching the outline, start adding details to your drawing. Begin by drawing the head of the black mamba snake and its eyes. Remember, the eyes of the black mamba snake are quite small, so make sure to keep that in mind when you’re drawing them.

Step 3: Drawing the Scales

The next step is to draw the scales of the black mamba snake. Start from the head and work your way down the body, making sure to draw the scales in the right direction. Remember, the scales of the black mamba snake are quite distinct, so pay close attention to the shape and direction of each scale.

Step 4: Adding Texture and Shading

To add more texture and shading to your drawing, use a variety of pencil grades to create the illusion of depth and shadow. Make sure to blend the different shades together to create a smooth transition.

Step 5: Final Details and Coloring

Once you’re happy with your drawing, add any final details that you think will make your drawing look more realistic. You can also color your drawing if you want to. Use reference images to help you choose the right colors and shades for your black mamba snake.

Conclusion

Learning how to draw a black mamba snake step by step may seem like a daunting task, but with the right tools and patience, anyone can do it. Remember to take your time and pay close attention to the details, and don’t be afraid to make mistakes. The more you practice, the better you’ll get at drawing these incredible creatures.

Thanks for joining the adventure

We hope you enjoyed learning how to draw a black mamba snake step by step. Don’t forget to keep practicing and exploring your creative talents. Keep visiting us for more exciting and educational content. Who knows, maybe next time, you’ll be painting the black mamba in its natural habitat or even imagining a more thrilling adventure with it. Until then, stay creative and curious!