About the Southern Copperhead Drawing
After decades of finding Copperheads (Agkistrodon contortrix) in the field, I am still struck by their beauty and remarkable camouflage. Their patterning can make them almost disappear among leaves, bark, and shadows, even when they are lying fully exposed.
In Ambush, I wanted to emphasize that combination of stillness, concealment, and quiet tension. The close composition places attention on the watchful eye, extended tongue, overlapping coils, and intricate textures of the scales. The pattern appears bold when viewed closely, yet it reflects the same markings that allow a Copperhead to remain hidden until the eye learns to see it.
Ambush is a graphite pencil wildlife drawing by Michael E. Dorcas for Tantilla Art. Reference photograph courtesy of W. W. Lamar.