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.
Step-by-step guide to draw a rattlesnake
How To Draw A Rattlesnake
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.
Final steps
You're almost there! Complete all the steps, bring your creation to life, post it, and conquer the challenge!
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.
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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.
