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how to draw a rattlesnake

How to draw a rattlesnake - a free rattlesnake drawing guide

Draw a rattlesnake step-by-step using simple shapes, adding scales, patterns, shading, and a rattle to practice proportion, texture, and observation skills.

Table of contents

Step-by-step guide to draw a rattlesnake

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How To Draw A Rattlesnake

What you need

Paper, pencil, eraser, black marker or pen, colouring materials such as crayons markers or colored pencils

Step 1

Gather your materials and find a flat spot to draw.

Step 2

Lightly draw a rounded oval near one end of the paper for the rattlesnake’s head.

Step 3

From the head, draw a long S-shaped curved line for the center of the snake’s body.

Step 4

Draw a second curved line parallel to the first to make the body look thick and snake-like.

Step 5

At the tail end draw two small connected rounded shapes to make the segmented rattle.

Step 6

Draw a small circle on the head for the eye.

Step 7

Draw a short forked tongue coming from the mouth with two thin lines.

Step 8

Lightly draw a row of diamond shapes along the middle of the body to create the main scale pattern.

Step 9

Add small curved lines between the diamonds to give extra scale texture.

Step 10

Draw a curved line along the underside of the body to show the belly.

Step 11

Trace over the lines you like best with a black marker or pen to make the drawing bold.

Step 12

Erase the pencil guide lines gently so only the bold outline and patterns remain.

Step 13

Colour the main body with your chosen colours.

Step 14

Add darker shading under the belly and behind scales to show depth and texture.

Step 15

Take a photo of your finished rattlesnake and share it on DIY.org.

Help!?

What can I use if I don't have a black marker, pencil, or colouring supplies listed in the instructions?

Use a dark crayon or fine-tipped washable marker instead of the black marker or pen, any pencil for the light guide oval and S-shaped line, and crayons, watercolour paints, or coloured markers to colour the main body.

My snake's S-shaped body or diamond scale row looks uneven—what should I do?

Draw the rounded oval head and the first S-shaped center line very lightly, add the parallel body line and the row of diamond shapes before tracing with the black marker, then wait for the ink to dry and gently erase pencil guide lines to avoid smudging.

How can I change the activity for different ages?

For younger kids simplify by drawing the rounded oval head, one S-shaped body line, and broad stripes instead of diamonds using crayons, while older kids can add the small curved scale lines, segmented rattle details, and darker shading under the belly and behind scales for realism.

How can we extend or personalise the rattlesnake drawing after finishing the basic steps?

Personalise the drawing by varying the row of diamond shapes into different patterns, adding a desert background with rocks and plants, experimenting with two-tone shading under the belly and behind scales for depth, and then take a photo to share on DIY.org.

Watch videos on how to draw a rattlesnake

0:00/0:00

Here at SafeTube, we're on a mission to create a safer and more delightful internet. 😊

How to Draw a Snake Drawing Easy Step by Step for Kids and Toddlers

4 Videos

Facts about drawing reptiles

🐍 Rattlesnakes are venomous pit vipers that use heat-sensing facial pits to detect warm-blooded prey.

🔔 A rattlesnake's rattle is made of keratin (the same material as your fingernails) and gains segments when the snake sheds.

🎨 Many rattlesnake species have bold scale patterns that act as camouflage to hide from predators and sneak up on prey.

🧩 Snake scales overlap like roof tiles, which helps protect the skin and makes slithering smooth and efficient.

🐣 Baby rattlesnakes are born with a tiny 'prebutton' on their tails that can become the first rattle segment.

How do you draw a rattlesnake step-by-step?

Start with a light S-shaped guideline for the snake’s body and a small oval for the head. Block in simple shapes: a tapering cylinder for the body and a rounded rectangle for the rattle. Add eyes, a forked tongue, and a curved jawline. Sketch rows of scales or diamond patterns along the body, then refine with darker outlines. Draw segmented rings on the rattle. Finish with light shading along the belly and edges to show volume and erase guidelines for a clean final drawing.

What materials do I need to draw a rattlesnake?

Use plain drawing paper, a pencil (HB or 2B), and a good eraser for guidelines. Bring colored pencils, markers, or crayons for patterns and color. A sharpener, ruler or blending stump (or tissue) helps with crisp lines and smooth shading. Optional: a reference photo of a rattlesnake and a sponge or cotton swab for soft shading. Keep non-toxic, kid-safe supplies and a flat surface to work on.

What ages is drawing a rattlesnake suitable for?

This activity works for many ages: preschoolers (4–6) can trace simple snake shapes and add basic patterns with adult help. Elementary children (7–10) can follow step-by-step shapes, add scales and simple shading. Tweens and teens (11+) can focus on realistic proportions, detailed texture, and advanced shading. Adjust the level of detail and supervision for scissors or sharp tools as needed for safety.

What are the benefits of drawing a rattlesnake?

Drawing a rattlesnake helps children practice proportion, observation, and pattern recognition by breaking the animal into simple shapes. It builds fine motor skills through detailed scales and shading, and encourages patience and focus. Use the activity to teach respect for wildlife and safety—remind kids a real rattlesnake is dangerous and should only be observed from a distance. Variations can include cartoon styles, colorful patterns, or mixed-media textures.

Ready to create?

All Activities

how to draw a rattlesnake

How to draw a rattlesnake - a free rattlesnake drawing guide

Draw a rattlesnake step-by-step using simple shapes, adding scales, patterns, shading, and a rattle to practice proportion, texture, and observation skills.

Table of contents

Step-by-step guide to draw a rattlesnake

0:00/0:00

Here at SafeTube, we're on a mission to create a safer and more delightful internet. 😊

How To Draw A Rattlesnake

What you need

Paper, pencil, eraser, black marker or pen, colouring materials such as crayons markers or colored pencils

Step 1

Gather your materials and find a flat spot to draw.

Step 2

Lightly draw a rounded oval near one end of the paper for the rattlesnake’s head.

Step 3

From the head, draw a long S-shaped curved line for the center of the snake’s body.

Step 4

Draw a second curved line parallel to the first to make the body look thick and snake-like.

Step 5

At the tail end draw two small connected rounded shapes to make the segmented rattle.

Step 6

Draw a small circle on the head for the eye.

Step 7

Draw a short forked tongue coming from the mouth with two thin lines.

Step 8

Lightly draw a row of diamond shapes along the middle of the body to create the main scale pattern.

Step 9

Add small curved lines between the diamonds to give extra scale texture.

Step 10

Draw a curved line along the underside of the body to show the belly.

Step 11

Trace over the lines you like best with a black marker or pen to make the drawing bold.

Step 12

Erase the pencil guide lines gently so only the bold outline and patterns remain.

Step 13

Colour the main body with your chosen colours.

Step 14

Add darker shading under the belly and behind scales to show depth and texture.

Step 15

Take a photo of your finished rattlesnake and share it on DIY.org.

Help!?

What can I use if I don't have a black marker, pencil, or colouring supplies listed in the instructions?

My snake's S-shaped body or diamond scale row looks uneven—what should I do?

How can I change the activity for different ages?

How can we extend or personalise the rattlesnake drawing after finishing the basic steps?

Watch videos on how to draw a rattlesnake

0:00/0:00

Here at SafeTube, we're on a mission to create a safer and more delightful internet. 😊

How to Draw a Snake Drawing Easy Step by Step for Kids and Toddlers

4 Videos

Facts about drawing reptiles

🐍 Rattlesnakes are venomous pit vipers that use heat-sensing facial pits to detect warm-blooded prey.

🔔 A rattlesnake's rattle is made of keratin (the same material as your fingernails) and gains segments when the snake sheds.

🎨 Many rattlesnake species have bold scale patterns that act as camouflage to hide from predators and sneak up on prey.

🧩 Snake scales overlap like roof tiles, which helps protect the skin and makes slithering smooth and efficient.

🐣 Baby rattlesnakes are born with a tiny 'prebutton' on their tails that can become the first rattle segment.