How to Draw a Cobra
Today, we’re gonna get up close and personal with drawing one of nature's fiercest creatures, the cobra. Don't be intimidated, I got you every step of the way. Starting with simple shapes and building up from there, we're gonna make this cobra almost slither off the page.
Expect your skills to get a serious level up, one step at a time. We're gonna outline, texture, and shade till this cobra looks ready to strike! Remember, it’s all about practice, patience, and putting your own spin on things. Let’s get started learning how to draw a cobra!
Estimated Time: 60 minutes
Level: Intermediate
Materials
- Blank Paper
- Pencil
- Crayons or Colored Pencils
Lesson: How to Draw a Cobra
Ready to draw a fierce cobra in a step by step fashion? We'll start with basic shapes and build it up with details and textures. From its snout to its hood, you'll learn it all. And don't forget those rocks and ground texture adding that extra touch. Scroll down, grab your pencils, and let's get started!
Draw the Forehead
Start by making a bumpy line as shown to form the cobra’s forehead.
Add the Snout
Add the cobra’s snout by drawing a line as shown.
Attach the Jaw
Draw the cobra’s wide jaw by forming a thin shape attached to the base of its head.
Add the Fangs
Add the sharp pointy fangs on the top and bottom part of its mouth.
Outline the Side of its Mouth
Outline the side of the cobra’s mouth by drawing a sideways V-shaped line.
Draw the Nostril
Draw a small dot for the cobra’s nostril.
Add the Eye
Draw the cobra’s oval-shaped eye. Then, form its thin slit pupil in the middle.
Outline the Neck and Underbelly
Outline the elongated shape of its neck and underbelly.
Add the Tail
Add the wavy shape of its tapering tail.
Outline the Hood
Outline the curved shape of its hood around its head and neck.
Form the Hood Pattern
Form the spotted pattern on the cobra’s hood.
Add the Ribs
Add the ribbed texture by drawing curved lines along the cobra’s neck and underbelly.
Draw the Scales
Emphasize the cobra’s scaly body by drawing short bumpy lines.
Add Rocks
Add small oval rocks around the cobra. Then, draw short bumpy lines to add texture to the ground.
Shade the Cobra’s Scaly Body
Use a light orange color to shade the cobra’s scaly hood, body and tail. Next, fill in the spots on the underside of its hood with brown.
Shade the Head and Underbelly
Fill in the cobra’s head with a cream color. Then, shade its neck and underbelly with cream and light brown.
Fill in the Eyes and Mouth
Fill in the iris with orange. Next, color the pupil of the cobra’s eye with black, and add a small circular shimmer. Now, shade the inside of its mouth red. Then, color the fangs with white.
Add Shading to the Ground
Use shades of yellow to fill in the rocks and the ground. Then, add hints of light brown beneath the snake for some shadows.
Artist & Educator