In this next part of the series “Portraits” I will break down the steps when drawing a mouth. *Keep in mind that this is used as a guide only and everyone has unique features, only to themselves, when drawing lips. As with anything you prepare to draw, make sure you are always using the “Check Back Method.”
Step 1– Draw the crease of the mouth. Make sure it is not to curved and has a slight indent in the middle with the edges curved up a little.
Step 2- Draw the upper lip beginning right before the edges of the mouth that are curved up. Make the lip more rounded and clearly establish a Cupid’s Bow.
Step 3- Draw the bottom lip starting at the point you drew the upper lip. The bottom lip will be fuller than the upper lip. Straighten the line at the bottom of the lip.
Step 4- Draw the creases of the upper lip. Notice the line is darker and is straight in the middle. The creases on the right will be slightly curved to the left but grow smaller and curve to the right. Repeat the steps on the left side slightly curving to the right, then towards the left. Make sure you stop drawing the creases before you reach the edges of the mouth.
Step 5- Lightly shade in curved lines coming down from the top lip varying in length and size.
Step 6- Continue to shade lightly in curved strokes. Overlapping the strokes will produce the value you want. *Don’t just draw them darker. Darken the crease and the lines in the crease. Notice the lines vary in length and they’re just enough to achieve the illusion of form. Remember less is best.
Step 7- Lightly draw curved lines on the bottom lip varying in length and size. Notice the direction of the curves in each direction.
Step 8- Start to adjust your values. Notice the upper lip is darker than the lower lip. Darken the line at the bottom of the lip to show the shadow cast by the lip. Use your kneaded eraser to pop out any highlights. Pay attention to the direction the light is coming from and shade your shadows accordingly. The Vermillion Border ( right above the upper lip) highlights can be created by erasing the area carefully. Shade in the Philtrum ( the indent between your nose and upper lip and erase the Cupid’s Bow with a shaped kneaded eraser as well as the edges of the Vermilion Border to show it is protruding not receding. Lightly shade below the lower lip, keeping the light source in mind.
Step 9- Adjust by shading and popping out highlights with your kneaded eraser. Use a stump to blend the crease of the mouth and a stiff synthetic brush to lightly blend. To create a soft and more polished look, don’t overdo highlights, shadows, blending, and curved lines. Variations in value (Hint… Hint… A “Value Finder” works great!) and highlights coupled with clean edges, curved lines, and shadows accurately depict realistic mouths.
Next Class I will begin “Portraits” Part 4- The Ear