Drawing lips can be a challenging but rewarding part of portrait drawing, as it requires a balance of shape, proportion, and expression. Here’s a comprehensive guide to help you master the art of drawing lips.
Starting with the Basics
To begin, it is essential to understand the fundamental shape of the lips. One effective method is to use an isosceles triangle as the base shape. Draw a long isosceles triangle with the base being the shortest side, and near the top, add a shallow “u” shape to form the Cupid’s bow. Halfway down the triangle, draw a horizontal line that will determine the width of the lips; the longer this line, the wider the lips will be, and the shorter, the more plump they will appear[1][5].
Defining the Lip Outlines
Next, create the outlines for the top lip by connecting the Cupid’s bow to the corners of the mouth, which can be marked with small ticks. Ensure these ticks are evenly spaced on either side of the mouth to maintain symmetry. For the bottom lip, draw a curved line that follows the base of the triangle but does not connect to the corners of the mouth. This separation allows for better shading and definition[1][5].
Adding Depth and Expression
Determine the light direction to add depth and realism to your drawing. Identify where the light source is coming from and shade the lips accordingly, leaving the highlighted areas light and adding shadows where necessary. For example, if the light source is from the top right, you would shade the left side of the lips more and leave the right side lighter[1].
Shading and Texture
Shade both the top and bottom lips, ensuring to leave the highlighted areas untouched. Use a blending stump or a tissue to soften the shading and create a natural blend with the surrounding skin. Add a shadow underneath the bottom lip to give the impression of depth. Use thin lines that follow the shape of the lips to add texture and make the lips look more realistic[1][3].
Final Details
To complete your drawing, add fine details such as lip wrinkles and highlights. Use a putty eraser to brighten the highlights on the bottom lip and along the top lip. Build up dark gray values on the top lip while keeping the textures visible through the shading. Finally, lighten the Cupid’s bow and add highlights to prominent wrinkles on the lower lip[3].
Experimenting with Expressions
One of the joys of drawing lips is the ability to create various expressions. By making small changes to the initial triangle and the placement of the Cupid’s bow, you can draw lips that smile, smirk, frown, or even pout. For example, to draw an open mouth, place the Cupid’s bow higher and connect the dots with curved lines to give the mouth an open appearance. For a frown, draw a curve that droops down, and for a pout, shorten the horizontal line significantly[5].
Most Important Facts About Drawing Lips
Use an isosceles triangle as the base shape, with a “u” shape near the top to form the Cupid’s bow[1][5].
Draw a horizontal line halfway down the triangle to determine the width of the lips[1][5].
Create the top lip outline by connecting the Cupid’s bow to the corners of the mouth[1][5].
Draw the bottom lip as a curved line following the base of the triangle without connecting to the corners[1][5].
Determine the light direction and shade accordingly to add depth and realism[1].
Use blending techniques to soften shading and create natural blends with the surrounding skin[1][3].
Add texture and details such as lip wrinkles and highlights to enhance realism[3].
Experiment with different expressions by adjusting the initial shape and placement of the Cupid’s bow[5].
