A Basic Guide: How to Draw the Mouth!

It is because the mouth itself is a feature of continual change. Unlike the eyes, the nose, and the ear, the mouth will have the most drastic changes based on the emotions you would like to portray in your character.

Due to the various positions we draw the mouth, there is an endless array of things to consider that extends beyond what you can learn in one sitting.

Thus, for this particular lesson, we will only deal with the basic structure of the mouth so you can have a feel of this facial feature.

1. The sections

The lips can be divided into three different sections: underneath the nose, the upper lip, and the lower lip.

When you’re looking underneath the nose, you will see a groove in the center followed by two planes on either side. There is a definite crease that separates the section underneath the nose and the beginnings of the upper lip.

While the areas underneath the nose and the upper lips are crisp creases, the lower lip is not however.

This means there really is no definite transition between the lower lip’s color and the color of the skin surrounding the mouth.

Keep this in mind as it is a very important point!

2. The planes underneath the nose

One thing to learn how to draw properly is to understand the planes. You have discovered this when drawing the nose. It’s the same thing when you draw the mouth.

There are three shapes possible underneath the nose. The most important shape is the groove found in the middle just before it gets connected to the mouth.

To either side is a flat plane that connects to the groove. This creates the lip bridge. Use your digital brush to create these drawing planes. Again, just draw it in digitally.

The end result should be a nice plane to both sides and a groove in the middle. Make sure the planes are separated.

3. The upper lip

Usually, thin upper lips results in masculine type characters while thicker upper lips results in feminine type characters. It really is up to you and how far you want to expand on this.

However, the upper lips have the same general planes just with different variations. It is these variations that create different style lips.

There are three planes of the upper lip when you draw the mouth. The central plane protrudes out and at an angle while the sides taper off.

Try to draw the same shapes in your digital art canvas.

As well, see if you can continue those angles. Again, upper lips on humans will have the same planes regardless of what type of characters you are planning.

4. The lower lip

Of course, to draw the mouth in its complete state, you need the lower lip. Most of us make the mistake of assuming that it’s just an oval lining completing it. However, that is not true.

The lower lip contains two bulges on either side that most of us don’t really notice. But trust me, it’s there!

You will draw these two bulges on either side. If you can, segment these two bulges in a circular manner so you can get a feel for the overall shape of the bulges.

If everything is done correctly, you will draw the mouth in its most basic form. Obviously, it’s not done yet. You need to blend things together so it looks like a real mouth instead of this 2d outline.

Regardless, what you have done in this lesson is to get yourself set up for how you will paint the mouth in your digital art application.

Having the basic shapes are crucial to getting the right foundation needed for digital painting in general.

For now, keep practicing the basic shapes. Give it a bit of modification so you can draw the mouth correctly to simulate other different mouth variations. As well, keep up the motivation to learn!

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