The mouth is an intricate facial feature that serves various functions such as breathing, speaking, eating, and expressing emotions. It is nearly impossible to cover all the nuances of its anatomy, structure, and movements in a single tutorial. However, we can certainly break down the basics of drawing lips to help you get started. So, keep reading and get ready to enhance your drawing skills!
What You Will Learn in This Guide:
- The anatomy behind the lips
- The fundamental structure of the lips
- Step-by-step process for drawing lips
Materials You Will Need:
- A 2H graphite pencil
- A 4B graphite pencil
- A ruler
- A blending stump
- A precision eraser
- A white gel pen
Below are the step-by-step instructions to help you draw fabulous lips:
Section 1: Understanding the Anatomy
As mentioned earlier, the lips are not solely composed of muscles; they also consist of fat, skin, and connective tissue, which give them their unique shape. Additionally, the jaw plays an essential role in the appearance of the lips. The distinct line separating the lips can be opened, stretched, or narrowed by the surrounding muscles, sometimes causing an overlap (underbite).
Section 2: Exploring the Basic Structure of the Lips
Since the mouth and lips are intricate features, we need to simplify their structure for better visualization while drawing. We can define the shape of the lips as a hexagon divided by a curved line, which represents the volume of the upper lip. The muscles pulling the bottom lip create small crevices on the sides, forming the characteristic “M” shape of the lips.
To represent the volume and dimension of the lips, imagine two circles when viewing them from the side. From the front, draw two small lines on each side of the lips to indicate their volume.
Now that we have a solid foundation, let’s dive into the step-by-step process of drawing lips.
How to Draw Lips: Step-by-Step Guide
Step 1: Divide your page
Begin by dividing your page into four equal parts or use a cross to create symmetry easily.
Step 2: Draw a modified V shape
Draw a flatter V shape, as this will be the center of the lips.
Step 3: Add four lines
Extend two long lines from the V shape, making them flatter and longer. Then, add two additional lines for the corners of the mouth.
Step 4: Draw the top lip
Sketch the first half of the hexagon shape for the top lip, aiming for symmetry.
Step 5: Draw the bottom lip
Complete the hexagon shape by drawing the second half for the bottom lip, ensuring symmetry.
Step 6: Define the volume of the top lip
Define the volume of the top lip by adding lines, adjusting the angle to create desired shapes.
Step 7: Define the volume of the bottom lip
Repeat the previous step for the bottom lip, adjusting the angles to achieve the desired look.
Step 8: Sketch the planes of the top lip
Sketch the planes of the top lip using angular lines, as it has a more defined shape compared to the bottom lip.
Step 9: Sketch the planes of the bottom lip
Connect the middle parts of the bottom lip with lines, giving it a rounded shape.
Step 10: Erase guidelines and emphasize the darkest areas
Using a 4B pencil, gently trace over the sketch with soft organic lines. Pay particular attention to the line separating the lips and the lower part of the bottom lip, as they are the most distinctive features.
Step 11: Shade the darker planes
With your 4B pencil, apply soft circular movements to shade the lower part of both the top and bottom lip. Layer two to three coats of graphite for the upper lip, as it tends to be darker.
Step 12: Shade the lighter planes
Repeat the shading process for the upper part of both lips, but apply only one layer of graphite.
Step 13: Add contrast
Add additional graphite to the line separating the lips and create a shadow where the top lip overlaps the bottom lip.
Step 14: Define the top lip
Enhance the sides of the top lip by adding more graphite. Be sure to avoid the cupid’s bow, the central part of the upper lip.
Step 15: Define the bottom lip
Apply a few layers of graphite to define the borders of the bottom lip, making it slightly lighter than the top lip.
Step 16: Blend and soften
Using a blending stump, gently blend the graphite to create a smoother transition between shades. The separation line between the lips will become less defined, but don’t worry, we will fix that later.
Step 17: Shade the highlighted area
Use the blending stump to move some graphite to the highlighted area where the facial muscles connect. This will create a subtle shadow.
Step 18: Define the borders
With your 4B pencil, darken the corners of the mouth and redefine the previously blended separation line. This step will add contrast to your lips. Repeat the process for the borders of the bottom lip.
Step 19: Add details
Using your 4B pencil, create delicate lines to represent the wrinkles on both the top and bottom lips. Refer to the diagram for guidance.
Step 20: Add highlights
Finally, use a precision eraser to remove some graphite from the base of the top lip, creating a reflective light effect. Add minor touches to the lip wrinkles with the eraser, and use a white gel pen to add brighter highlights.
Congratulations! You have successfully learned how to draw lips through this step-by-step tutorial. We hope you enjoyed the process and discovered new techniques to enhance your art. Until next time!
