About the Common Snapping Turtle Drawing
I have encountered some very large Common Snapping Turtles (Chelydra serpentina) over the years, and few reptiles appear more dinosaur-like at close range. Large males can exceed fifty pounds, with massive heads, powerful jaws, long claws, and heavy bodies that seem almost too large for their shells.
In Old Snap, I wanted to capture that combination of ancient appearance, immense strength, and watchful stillness. The close composition places the turtle beneath the arch of its rugged shell, drawing attention to the sharply focused eye, hooked beak, folded skin, and powerful claws. Graphite allowed me to emphasize the weathered textures and quiet presence of an animal that looks as though it has endured for a very long time.
Old Snap is a graphite pencil wildlife drawing by Michael E. Dorcas for Tantilla Art.