Learning how to draw a ball python is easier than it looks when you break it down into simple shapes. In this step-by-step guide, you’ll start with basic lines and curves, then gradually add details like the head, patterns, and shading to create a realistic snake drawing.

Step 1: Draw the Head and Body Guideline

Start by drawing a small oval for the ball python’s head. Then sketch a long, flowing curved line to represent the snake’s coiled body. Keep the lines light, as these will act as guidelines.

Short tip: Keep your pencil strokes light so you can easily adjust the curves.

Make sure the body line flows smoothly in an “S” shape to create a natural coiled look.

Step 2: Outline the General Body Shape

Using smooth, curved lines, begin outlining the thickness of the snake’s body around the guideline you created. Follow the flow of the original curve to build the snake’s rounded form.

Short tip: Snakes have thick, rounded bodies—avoid sharp corners.

Keep the body width fairly consistent, slightly tapering toward the tail.

Step 3: Draw the Back, Belly, and Mouth

Refine the top and bottom edges of the body to clearly define the back and belly. Add a short curved line on the head to show the snake’s mouth.

Short tip: The belly line should be slightly flatter than the back.

This helps give the snake a more realistic and three-dimensional appearance.

Step 4: Shape the Head and Add the Eyes

Now shape the head more clearly by refining the snout and jawline. Draw a round eye and adjust the curves around the head to make it look natural and smooth.

Short tip: Place the eye slightly above the middle of the head for a realistic look.

Add gentle contour lines to show the head’s structure.

Step 5: Add the Lower Jaw and Details

Draw the lower jaw carefully to define the mouth area. Refine the curves along the body and add small lines around the face for more detail.

Short tip: Use small, controlled strokes when drawing facial details.

Make sure the jawline connects smoothly with the rest of the head.

Step 6: Add Patterns and Final Details

Draw the characteristic irregular patterns along the ball python’s body. Add light shading and vary your line thickness—some lines darker, others lighter—to create depth. Finally, draw a few simple ground lines beneath the snake and erase all remaining guidelines.

Short tip: Keep the patterns organic and uneven—avoid making them perfectly symmetrical.

Once you clean up the sketch, your ball python drawing will look complete and realistic.