Here's a record of a portrait study. This time, I experimented with adding variation to the hair flow, giving the golden-haired model in a sea-green outfit a bit of a princess-like feel
During the drawing process, I became curious about the muscle structure around the lips, so I took the opportunity to organize some related structures and techniques. If you're interested, feel free to follow along, and pair it with the second image for better understanding!
The structure of the lips is divided into:
● Upper Lip:
The central protruding part of the upper lip is called the "Cupid's bow." As it moves toward the sides, the lips gradually tighten and narrow.
By observing the angular side view of the lips, it becomes easier to notice the shape transitions and clearly see the changes in surface area.
● Lower Lip:
Compared to the upper lip, the lower lip is usually fuller but varies slightly from person to person. It tends to be smooth and rounded, with the most prominent part just below the Cupid's bow.
We can further divide both the upper and lower lips into inner and outer layers. The outer layer receives more light, while the inner layer transitions into the shadow. The boundary line between these layers can be seen in the middle diagram—a line following the natural curve of the lips.
How to Draw Lips:
1.Simplify the lip shape and determine the proportions
Look at the small diagram in the bottom right corner. Simplify the Cupid's bow and lip shapes into circles and ovals, paying attention to the size relationships between them. Draw the outline of both the upper and lower lips, ensuring that the center line is aligned.
After completing the outer shape, refine the details of the lips' surface and add shading to create a sense of depth.
2.Muscle contour lines
After finishing the lips, use soft lines to represent the muscles and skin around the lips. Refer to the small diagram in the lower middle section for specific directions of the curves.
I hope this structural overview helps you better understand and grasp the key points about drawing lips. If there’s a topic you’d like to explore or drawing techniques you’re curious about, feel free to leave a comment or message me. Happy drawing!
Other Related Portrait Sketching Articles:
How to Use Two-Tone Shading: Simple Shadow Techniques
How to Sketch Facial Muscles: Capture Realism and Expression
How to Accurately Master Hand Proportions and Joint Structure
Mastering Nose sketch Structure and Perspective Techniques
