To draw lips effectively, follow these key steps and tips:
Basic Steps to Draw Lips
- Start with a Guideline
Draw a horizontal line to represent the mouth opening. This line can be straight or slightly curved depending on the expression you want
- Mark the Corners of the Mouth
Place two small marks or ticks at the ends of the guideline to indicate the corners of the lips. Make sure they are evenly spaced
- Shape the Upper Lip
From the center of the guideline, draw a soft heart shape or a shallow 'M' curve to form the Cupid’s bow of the upper lip. The peaks should be level and the width should not exceed about one-third of the total mouth width
- Shape the Lower Lip
Draw two rounded shapes or circles side by side under the guideline to represent the fullness of the lower lip. Connect them smoothly to the corners of the mouth
- Outline the Lips
Connect the shapes with smooth, flowing lines to form the outline of the lips. Adjust curves to create different lip shapes and expressions
- Erase Construction Lines
Lightly erase the initial guidelines so they don’t interfere with shading and detailing
Adding Details and Shading
- Use a pencil on its side to shade the lips evenly, leaving the lightest areas untouched to create highlights
- Gradually build up darker tones in the shadow areas, such as the corners of the mouth and under the lower lip, to add volume and depth
- Add subtle wrinkle lines along the lips by drawing thin strokes that follow the natural curve of the lips
- Use an eraser to lift highlights on the Cupid’s bow, the center of the lower lip, and other areas where light naturally hits
Tips for Realistic Lips
- Avoid drawing a harsh outline around the lips; instead, use shading to define edges softly
- Check symmetry by looking at your drawing in a mirror or flipping it digitally
- Experiment with lip shapes and thickness by adjusting the curves and distances between landmarks
- Use reference photos or videos for better anatomical understanding and practice
By following these steps and practicing regularly, you can draw realistic and expressive lips with confidence
