{"id":11005,"date":"2021-03-19T15:05:14","date_gmt":"2021-03-19T19:05:14","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/thevirtualinstructor.com\/blog\/?p=11005"},"modified":"2023-11-21T08:47:15","modified_gmt":"2023-11-21T12:47:15","slug":"how-to-draw-animal-scales","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/thevirtualinstructor.com\/blog\/how-to-draw-animal-scales","title":{"rendered":"How to Draw Animal Scales"},"content":{"rendered":"
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\"How<\/div>\n
\nIn this drawing lesson, we’ll take a look at drawing animal scales like we see on snakes, fish, and reptiles.<\/p>\n

Some animals, such as fish and reptiles, can\u2019t be imagined without scales. These small rigid plates provide protection and coloration. In certain cases, they also aid in locomotion.<\/p>\n

These creatures boast beautiful scaly mosaics on their bodies. Butterflies and moths have membranous wings that are covered with delicate scales. Pangolin, also known as the scaly anteater, is a mammal with large scales protecting its body. Even birds have scales on their toes!<\/p>\n

As we can see, this type of covering is widespread in the natural world. If animals appear in your art quite often, it may be useful to learn more about this texture.<\/p>\n

Some artists find it difficult to draw scales, and for good reason. Simply observing all those small elements can be overwhelming!<\/p>\n

From a scientific standpoint, scales present an impressive variety in shape and structure. There are specific types of scales that belong to animals of a particular class.<\/p>\n

This tutorial is a summary of valuable information on the topic of drawing scales. We\u2019ll focus on the practical aspects that you can apply to your art. It doesn\u2019t matter what art medium you choose to use.<\/p>\n

In the first part of the lesson, we\u2019ll observe the most common types of scales. We\u2019ll also learn a few methods to analyze this texture. I\u2019ll show you a couple of ways to draw scales in rows. Achieving a realistic result may be easier than it seems!<\/p>\n

The second part of the tutorial is purely practical. We\u2019ll create two samples of texture using colored pencils<\/a>. The scales we’ll draw are those of a lizard and a snake.<\/p>\n

Reptilian scales are the focus of this lesson, but you\u2019ll also find some advice that is useful for other types of scales. It applies to drawing fish scales and, in general, any scales that you can imagine.<\/p>\n

The Shapes and Structure of Animal Scales<\/h2>\n

We’ll first take a look at the basic shapes and structures that we can observe with animal scales. Understanding what we’re seeing will help us when it’s time to draw.<\/p>\n

See also:<\/strong> Drawing Construction – Drawing with Shapes<\/a><\/p>\n

Mind Tricks<\/h3>\n

What animal appears in your mind when you think of scales? Most likely, your first association will be a fish. Usually, we imagine the pattern of fish scales as a set of close-fitting semicircles.<\/p>\n

\"Sketch<\/p>\n

This simplified model is true for the scales of cycloid<\/strong> type. Such scales resemble small disks that overlap each other.<\/p>\n

See also:<\/strong> How to Draw a Fish with Pen and Ink and Add Color Digitally<\/a><\/p>\n

This abstract example invites a couple of interesting conclusions…<\/p>\n

    \n
  1. The human mind has a great ability to simplify complex forms and patterns. Artists develop this skill to a high level, as it helps to create credible illusions on paper or canvas. We easily recognize real objects in stylized drawings. Adding details from memory or imagination also comes naturally.<\/li>\n
  2. Our mind has storage of visual images and ready-made associations. We often choose the first option that shows up and content ourselves with it. This method definitely helps us to save energy!<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

    However, the most obvious option usually isn\u2019t the only (or the correct) one. Further research and brainstorming may bring some surprising results!<\/p>\n

    The process of exploration broadens our horizons. It provides additional options and data, which often leads to a more credible result. Sometimes we don\u2019t learn<\/em> new things but rather refresh<\/em> our existing knowledge.<\/p>\n

    In this case, research suggests that fish scales exist in a variety of forms.<\/p>\n

    \"Additional<\/p>\n

    Ctenoid <\/strong>scales are similar to cycloid ones in shape, but their outer edges are toothed. (Cycloid scales have smooth outer edges.) Trout, herring, and carp scales belong to the cycloid type. Perch, bass, and sunfish present the ctenoid shape.<\/p>\n

    Ganoid<\/strong> scales are diamond-shaped. They can be found on gars and sturgeons.<\/p>\n

    Placoid<\/strong> scales are plate-like and have a small outgrowth. This type of scale belongs to sharks.<\/p>\n

    Reptilian scales present a similar variability. We\u2019ll talk about them in greater detail in the next section.\n<\/p><\/div>\n

    \n
    \n
    <\/div>\n
    Realistic Pencil Drawing<\/span>
    \n Explore the foundations and techniques for creating wonderful realistic drawings with pencil in this logically-sequenced video course.
    \n     <\/p>\n
    VIEW COURSE<\/div>\n

    <\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

    \n

    Variety of Scales in Nature<\/h3>\n

    Scales can be divided into several categories, depending on their visual appearance. My classification is derived from observation and is not rigorously scientific. This system is a practical attempt to categorize the abundance of natural textures.<\/p>\n

    By the way, observing a variety of references and then creating your <\/em>classification may be a great exercise.<\/p>\n

    The scales\u2019 size<\/strong> (and its consistency) is among the most important variables. The location of these elements also affects their size. Most often, bigger scales are found on the head, feet, and tail. Smaller ones cover the areas around the joints for flexibility.<\/p>\n

    Before you start drawing a sample of a texture, it may be useful to recognize what part of the animal\u2019s body you are attempting to depict. Are those big, diverse scales from the chameleon\u2019s neck or extra broad scales from the snake\u2019s belly? It\u2019s up to you to decide on the subject.<\/p>\n

    The shape<\/strong> characteristics vary, too. Here are some extremes:<\/p>\n