(3330,2,'2016-09-06 20:28:21','2016-09-07 03:28:21','sketches of lips - hook intro\r\n\r\nnot a step-by-step tutorial on how to draw a mouth. will analyze various sketches of lips by first describing their characteristics and then comparing and contrasting those characteristics. by carefully studying this sketches, you should get some insight as to what you want or don\'t want to do when you sketch lips of your own\r\n<h2>How a Simple Lips Drawing Might Look Before It Has Shading</h2>\r\nTo start things off, we will look at four examples of drawings of simple lips. Each simple lips drawing that follows is actually <a href=\"http://www.letsdrawpeople.com/are-you-a-lazy-artist-if-you-just-make-line-drawing-portraits/\">a line drawing</a> before any tones are added for shading. Look for what each lip line drawing has in common with the others and what is different about each one.\r\n\r\nIn this first very simple drawing, you can see a rough outline of the lips of a person turned slightly to the right. There is a little indication of the white border that traces the upper lip. There is also an indication of shadow under the lower lip. This lip sketch has the vertical lines that are characteristic of lips in real life but often missing in many drawn lips. Additionally, you can see some oval-shaped areas that help place highlights on the lips.\r\n\r\n<span style=\"line-height: 1.5;\"><a href=\"http://www.letsdrawpeople.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/sketches-of-lips-simple-lips-drawing-01.jpg\"><img class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-3303\" src=\"http://www.letsdrawpeople.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/sketches-of-lips-simple-lips-drawing-01.jpg\" alt=\"sketches of lips simple lips drawing 01\" width=\"600\" height=\"350\" /></a></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThis pair of lips belongs to a mouth that is facing forward and slightly open. As in the previous example, it shows the vertical lines, but in this case the lines are more subtle and only on the bottom lip where they are more prominent. There are two highlight spots on the lower lip. The line along the upper lip helps to signify a darker shadowy area where the lip curves inward.\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.letsdrawpeople.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/sketches-of-lips-simple-lips-drawing-02.jpg\"><img class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-3304\" src=\"http://www.letsdrawpeople.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/sketches-of-lips-simple-lips-drawing-02.jpg\" alt=\"sketches of lips simple lips drawing 02\" width=\"600\" height=\"228\" /></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nHere we have another pair of lips belonging to a forward-facing mouth, but in this case the lips are closed. There are a few indications of the lips\' vertical lines on the top and bottom lip. Notice again in this lip line drawing that highlights and shadow areas are carefully placed to prepare for shading later on.\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.letsdrawpeople.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/sketches-of-lips-simple-lips-drawing-03.jpg\"><img class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-3305\" src=\"http://www.letsdrawpeople.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/sketches-of-lips-simple-lips-drawing-03.jpg\" alt=\"sketches of lips simple lips drawing 03\" width=\"600\" height=\"249\" /></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThe sketch below is of a pair of lips belonging to a face that is looking slightly downward. For this reason, the top lip looks a bit more pronounced than the bottom lip. This lip sketch includes details placed in the corners of the mouth, which add to any expression (however little) the mouth may be giving.\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.letsdrawpeople.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/sketches-of-lips-simple-lips-drawing-04.jpg\"><img class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-3306\" src=\"http://www.letsdrawpeople.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/sketches-of-lips-simple-lips-drawing-04.jpg\" alt=\"sketches of lips simple lips drawing 04\" width=\"600\" height=\"229\" /></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nLet\'s now consider the four drawings we just saw in this section and see how they are alike. Since all four drawings are line drawings, they are at the beginning stages of a final piece of work. Each line drawing has careful placement of lip highlights on the bottom lip and shadow under the bottom lip.\r\n\r\nAs for differences, some have highlights on the top lip while others have shadow along the top lip. While each lip drawing has the vertical lines characteristic of all lips in real life, you will have to judge for yourself if it\'s best to go with more detail or take the \"less is more\" approach and just subtly indicate them, as in the second example.\r\n<h2><span style=\"line-height: 1.5;\">Lip Shading Characteristics</span></h2>\r\nNow let\'s take our simple sketches of lips from the last section and examine what they might look like with a little shading. For the most part, these rough sketches have graphite tones applied for shading that are not blended with a tortillion. Each lip shading example below will have the corresponding lip line drawing for comparison purposes.\r\n\r\nThe first example has some evidence of crosshatching, especially along a small part of the top lip and under the bottom lip. Notice how the tones are applied carefully around the highlighted areas to preserve them. There are darker tones where the lips meet, at the corners, and just under the bottom lip\'s reflected light.\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.letsdrawpeople.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/sketches-of-lips-lip-shading-01.jpg\"><img class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-3297\" src=\"http://www.letsdrawpeople.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/sketches-of-lips-lip-shading-01.jpg\" alt=\"sketches of lips lip shading 01\" width=\"1401\" height=\"392\" /></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nRemember how in the second example there was a guideline drawn for a shadow along the top lip? You can see below how that area is now filled in with darker tones. The lower lip is also darker along the bottom, below the highlights. Again, notice the reflected light along the edge of the lower lip. The shading for this sketch could be characterized as more hatching than crosshatching.\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.letsdrawpeople.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/sketches-of-lips-lip-shading-02.jpg\"><img class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-3298\" src=\"http://www.letsdrawpeople.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/sketches-of-lips-lip-shading-02.jpg\" alt=\"sketches of lips lip shading 02\" width=\"1405\" height=\"405\" /></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nVertical lip lines are preserved in this example without being too harsh or prominent. There are also a range of values present. Most of the lips\' surface area has a midtone value, while the highlights remain white and the corners have darker shadow areas.\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.letsdrawpeople.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/sketches-of-lips-lip-shading-03.jpg\"><img class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-3299\" src=\"http://www.letsdrawpeople.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/sketches-of-lips-lip-shading-03.jpg\" alt=\"sketches of lips lip shading 03\" width=\"1410\" height=\"426\" /></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThis example has a similar base value of shading for the lips and the skin surrounding the lips. Since these lips are viewed slightly from above (since the face is tilted downward), there are some darker tones along the lower part of each lip and under the bottom lip. Darker tones also exist to better portray the medial cleft between the nose and upper lip (also known as the philtrum).\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.letsdrawpeople.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/sketches-of-lips-lip-shading-04.jpg\"><img class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-3300\" src=\"http://www.letsdrawpeople.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/sketches-of-lips-lip-shading-04.jpg\" alt=\"sketches of lips lip shading 04\" width=\"1410\" height=\"414\" /></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThis final example does not have a line drawing preview like the others in this section, but I thought it still deserved some attention for some interesting lip shading characteristics. The graphite tones are also more blended together here.\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.letsdrawpeople.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/sketches-of-lips-lip-shading-05.jpg\"><img class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-3301\" src=\"http://www.letsdrawpeople.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/sketches-of-lips-lip-shading-05.jpg\" alt=\"sketches of lips lip shading 05\" width=\"600\" height=\"327\" /></a>\r\n\r\nThe above sketch shows the lips slightly darker than the surrounding skin and the top lip slightly darker than the bottom. A good reason for this is that the bottom lip has more highlighted area. I also find it noteworthy that the highlight is broken up at various spots by the vertical lip lines, some soft lines and some sharper lines, for a more natural look.\r\n\r\nAs you see from the last few lip sketches, lips can be shaded a number of ways. Tones can be applied with hatching, crosshatching, or blended together. You should always preserve highlights by making darker tones around them, and you should keep the vertical lines of the lips implied on some level.\r\n<h2>What Can Enhance a Subtle Smiling Lips Sketch</h2>\r\nHow can you pull off a sketch of smiling lips when the lips are not smiling a big smile? What if the smile is only a subtle smirk? The examples in the previous sections focused on only the lips. However, what creates the perception of a smile in a sketch or drawing is as much in the skin surrounding the lips than in the lips themselves. Now let\'s look at three sketches of smiling lips and the characteristic details found around the lips that help us to better notice the smile.\r\n\r\nThis first sketch is a very rough line drawing sketch. It is of a subtly smiling mouth that is turned in a profile view. It has hatching lines to indicate shading on and around the lips. The lines on the skin directly above and below the lips help to give form to the protrusion of the lips. Look in the corner of the mouth, and you can see the dark line that serves as a fold in the skin when the cheek is just beginning to help form a smile.\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.letsdrawpeople.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/sketches-of-lips-smiling-lips-sketch-01.jpg\"><img class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-3307\" src=\"http://www.letsdrawpeople.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/sketches-of-lips-smiling-lips-sketch-01.jpg\" alt=\"sketches of lips smiling lips sketch 01\" width=\"600\" height=\"403\" /></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThis next example is much more detailed than the previous line sketch. Still, there are some commonalities. The crosshatch shading above the top lip helps to form the three-dimensional appearance of this part of the mouth, including the philtrum. The shading below the bottom lip helps to distinguish the space between the bottom lip and the chin. The difference in angles between the lines on the corners of the mouth, along with the dimple on the man\'s left cheek, tell us that the man is smirking more on the left side of his face than the right side.\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.letsdrawpeople.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/sketches-of-lips-smiling-lips-sketch-02.jpg\"><img class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-3308\" src=\"http://www.letsdrawpeople.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/sketches-of-lips-smiling-lips-sketch-02.jpg\" alt=\"sketches of lips smiling lips sketch 02\" width=\"600\" height=\"325\" /></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nHere is another piece of work that is on the more detailed side of lip sketches. Even though this drawing does not have the vertical lines on the corners of the mouth that are noticeable in the previous two examples, you can still tell there is a slight smile with the subject. How so? Look at how the crosshatch shading implies sunken-in cheeks. Darker areas on either side of the mouth that do not touch the mouth help to achieve this appearance.\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_3309\" align=\"aligncenter\" width=\"600\"]<a href=\"http://www.letsdrawpeople.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/sketches-of-lips-smiling-lips-sketch-03.jpg\"><img class=\"wp-image-3309 size-full\" src=\"http://www.letsdrawpeople.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/sketches-of-lips-smiling-lips-sketch-03.jpg\" alt=\"sketches of lips smiling lips sketch 03\" width=\"600\" height=\"400\" /></a> <center><b> © <a href=\"https://www.dreamstime.com/guernica_info\">Safa Sami</a> | <a href=\"https://www.dreamstime.com/\">Dreamstime.com</a></b></center>[/caption]\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nWith these three examples, we learned that a smiling lips sketch can have more than just the details on the lips themselves to better portray that the lips are actually smiling. Just as important are the details on the areas of the face immediately surrounding the lips. Different subjects\' faces have different characteristics. Some people smile with dimples, some have sunken in cheeks when they smile, and everyone has variations in cheek lines that form in the corners of their mouths when they smile. Keeping these traits in mind when you sketch smiling lips will help to better enhance your sketches, too.\r\n<h2>How Lips Can Look on a Smiling Mouth Sketch Showing Teeth</h2>\r\nNext, we will take a look at two very different sketches of lips. Unlike the sketches in the last section, these lips are part of less subtle, more obvious smiles that also show the teeth.\r\n\r\nThis sketch is another rough line drawing sketch. It is a picture of a noticeable smile, viewed from the front. Since this is a much more noticeable smile than the smiles from the last section, you can see a sizeable portion of the subject\'s teeth. There are some characteristics surrounding the lips that we noticed before as well, such as the cheek lines at the corners of the lips and shading to show protrusion of the lips.\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.letsdrawpeople.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/sketches-of-lips-smiling-mouth-sketch-01.jpg\"><img class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-3310\" src=\"http://www.letsdrawpeople.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/sketches-of-lips-smiling-mouth-sketch-01.jpg\" alt=\"sketches of lips smiling mouth sketch 01\" width=\"600\" height=\"282\" /></a>\r\n\r\nLooking at the lips themselves, this line sketch has what resembles vertical hatch lines to indicate shading. There are fewer lines in the front, especially on the bottom lip where you can expect some highlighting. There are more lines near the corners, where the lips curve around the face and retreat toward the back.\r\n\r\nThis next mouth sketch is certainly not your traditional sketch by any means. You can tell it was created with the assistance of some sort of digital means. Possibly due to the type of software used and its capabilities, there is a slightly unnatural shape to the overall mouth, especially the way the top lip curves downward in the middle and how the corners curve upward. Nevertheless, there is some interesting shading going on that enhances the appearance of the lips and the overall mouth.\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.letsdrawpeople.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/sketches-of-lips-smiling-mouth-sketch-02.jpg\"><img class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-3311\" src=\"http://www.letsdrawpeople.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/sketches-of-lips-smiling-mouth-sketch-02.jpg\" alt=\"sketches of lips smiling mouth sketch 02\" width=\"600\" height=\"434\" /></a>\r\n\r\nLook first at the lower lip and the range of values present. The values are much darker along the edges. Then there are some midtone values between the edges and the highlight in the middle.\r\n\r\nSecondly, the creator of this sketch remembered something very important for a smiling mouth sketch that shows teeth. The lips cast a small shadow upon the teeth. You can see this shadow along the upper portions of the top teeth, the lower portions of the bottom teeth, and more shadow values present in the teeth that are farther back. This crucial detail was missing from the first, simpler example. The artist also remembered the dark shadow tones that the teeth should cast upon the tongue.\r\n<h2>A Close Examination of a Biting Lip Sketch</h2>\r\nThis is a sketch of an open mouth where the teeth are biting down on the lower, right side of the lips. It is a pen and ink sketch with lots of crosshatching used for the shading.\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.letsdrawpeople.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/sketches-of-lips-biting-lip-sketch-01.jpg\"><img class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-3296\" src=\"http://www.letsdrawpeople.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/sketches-of-lips-biting-lip-sketch-01.jpg\" alt=\"sketches of lips biting lip sketch 01\" width=\"600\" height=\"415\" /></a>\r\n\r\nWhat kind of pertinent characteristics should we gather from this example if we wanted to make a biting lip sketch of our own? First of all, the part of the lower lip that is bitten by the teeth is hidden behind those teeth. More importantly, there should be focus on where the teeth meet the lip. The teeth are pulling the skin of the lower lip, thus causing \"folds\" in the skin. In the drawing above, there are three teeth making contact with the lip. If you examine very closely, you will notice one of these fold lines coming from the center of each of the three teeth. You should also notice fold lines coming from between the teeth.\r\n\r\nOther lip characteristics of this sketch are less about the biting part and more about what should be found in many other lip sketches. The lips consist of lighter tones where the light strikes them and darker tones surrounding the lighter areas and the corners of the mouth where the lips recede. You can also see reflected light along the bottom edge of the top lip.\r\n\r\nThe main thing to remember when making a biting lip sketch is to focus on the location of the bite and include the details on the lower lip that will make the appearance of the bite believable.\r\n<h2>How Lips Can Complement Other Parts of an Open Mouth Sketch</h2>\r\nAlthough this appears to be a rough sketch of an open mouth that might be considered an unfinished piece of work, it consists of more than one medium, and the entire piece (not shown in this excerpt) is done in what appears to be a similar, deliberate style by the artist.\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.letsdrawpeople.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/sketches-of-lips-open-mouth-sketch-01.jpg\"><img class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-3302\" src=\"http://www.letsdrawpeople.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/sketches-of-lips-open-mouth-sketch-01.jpg\" alt=\"sketches of lips open mouth sketch 01\" width=\"665\" height=\"565\" /></a>\r\n\r\nAssuming this is a finished piece, the style suggests that the artist was not going for a realistic look. For example, the lips in the sketch have a heavy outline (perhaps in ink) that are not characteristic of natural-looking lips.\r\n\r\nEven so, you can tell that the artist strived to include some three-dimensional elements on the lips themselves. There are two carefully placed highlights on the top lip and two more on the bottom. These highlights, along with the darker tones receding from the front of the lips to the corners of the mouth, help to convey the appearance of form and roundness in the lips.\r\n\r\nSo how does this three-dimensional feel of the lips complement the rest of the mouth sketch? It gives the sense that the lips are protruding forward, as they should if a mouth is opened wide. The lack of detail in the tongue and other more distant parts of the inside of the mouth help the lips to \"stick out\" even more (that is, become more noticeable).\r\n<h2>sketch of lips - sketches of lips</h2>\r\nintro\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.letsdrawpeople.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/sketches-of-lips.jpg\"><img class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-3312\" src=\"http://www.letsdrawpeople.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/sketches-of-lips.jpg\" alt=\"sketches of lips\" width=\"1600\" height=\"751\" /></a>\r\n\r\nclosing - compare and contrast - sketch of lips\r\n\r\nconclusion - sketches of lips','Lip Study: Sketches of Lips','','inherit','closed','closed','','3294-revision-v1','','','2016-09-06 20:28:21','2016-09-07 03:28:21','',3294,'http://www.letsdrawpeople.com/3294-revision-v1/',0,'revision','',0),(3332,2,'2016-09-07 05:49:49','2016-09-07 12:49:49','sketches of lips - hook intro\r\n\r\nnot a step-by-step tutorial on how to draw a mouth. will analyze various sketches of lips by first describing their characteristics and then comparing and contrasting those characteristics. by carefully studying this sketches, you should get some insight as to what you want or don\'t want to do when you sketch lips of your own\r\n<h2>How a Simple Lips Drawing Might Look Before It Has Shading</h2>\r\nTo start things off, we will look at four examples of drawings of simple lips. Each simple lips drawing that follows is actually <a href=\"http://www.letsdrawpeople.com/are-you-a-lazy-artist-if-you-just-make-line-drawing-portraits/\">a line drawing</a> before any tones are added for shading. Look for what each lip line drawing has in common with the others and what is different about each one.\r\n\r\nIn this first very simple drawing, you can see a rough outline of the lips of a person turned slightly to the right. There is a little indication of the white border that traces the upper lip. There is also an indication of shadow under the lower lip. This lip sketch has the vertical lines that are characteristic of lips in real life but often missing in many drawn lips. Additionally, you can see some oval-shaped areas that help place highlights on the lips.\r\n\r\n<span style=\"line-height: 1.5;\"><a href=\"http://www.letsdrawpeople.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/sketches-of-lips-simple-lips-drawing-01.jpg\"><img class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-3303\" src=\"http://www.letsdrawpeople.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/sketches-of-lips-simple-lips-drawing-01.jpg\" alt=\"sketches of lips simple lips drawing 01\" width=\"600\" height=\"350\" /></a></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThis pair of lips belongs to a mouth that is facing forward and slightly open. As in the previous example, it shows the vertical lines, but in this case the lines are more subtle and only on the bottom lip where they are more prominent. There are two highlight spots on the lower lip. The line along the upper lip helps to signify a darker shadowy area where the lip curves inward.\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.letsdrawpeople.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/sketches-of-lips-simple-lips-drawing-02.jpg\"><img class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-3304\" src=\"http://www.letsdrawpeople.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/sketches-of-lips-simple-lips-drawing-02.jpg\" alt=\"sketches of lips simple lips drawing 02\" width=\"600\" height=\"228\" /></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nHere we have another pair of lips belonging to a forward-facing mouth, but in this case the lips are closed. There are a few indications of the lips\' vertical lines on the top and bottom lip. Notice again in this lip line drawing that highlights and shadow areas are carefully placed to prepare for shading later on.\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.letsdrawpeople.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/sketches-of-lips-simple-lips-drawing-03.jpg\"><img class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-3305\" src=\"http://www.letsdrawpeople.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/sketches-of-lips-simple-lips-drawing-03.jpg\" alt=\"sketches of lips simple lips drawing 03\" width=\"600\" height=\"249\" /></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThe sketch below is of a pair of lips belonging to a face that is looking slightly downward. For this reason, the top lip looks a bit more pronounced than the bottom lip. This lip sketch includes details placed in the corners of the mouth, which add to any expression (however little) the mouth may be giving.\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.letsdrawpeople.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/sketches-of-lips-simple-lips-drawing-04.jpg\"><img class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-3306\" src=\"http://www.letsdrawpeople.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/sketches-of-lips-simple-lips-drawing-04.jpg\" alt=\"sketches of lips simple lips drawing 04\" width=\"600\" height=\"229\" /></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nLet\'s now consider the four drawings we just saw in this section and see how they are alike. Since all four drawings are line drawings, they are at the beginning stages of a final piece of work. Each line drawing has careful placement of lip highlights on the bottom lip and shadow under the bottom lip.\r\n\r\nAs for differences, some have highlights on the top lip while others have shadow along the top lip. While each lip drawing has the vertical lines characteristic of all lips in real life, you will have to judge for yourself if it\'s best to go with more detail or take the \"less is more\" approach and just subtly indicate them, as in the second example.\r\n<h2><span style=\"line-height: 1.5;\">Lip Shading Characteristics</span></h2>\r\nNow let\'s take our simple sketches of lips from the last section and examine what they might look like with a little shading. For the most part, these rough sketches have graphite tones applied for shading that are not blended with a tortillion. Each lip shading example below will have the corresponding lip line drawing for comparison purposes.\r\n\r\nThe first example has some evidence of crosshatching, especially along a small part of the top lip and under the bottom lip. Notice how the tones are applied carefully around the highlighted areas to preserve them. There are darker tones where the lips meet, at the corners, and just under the bottom lip\'s reflected light.\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.letsdrawpeople.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/sketches-of-lips-lip-shading-01.jpg\"><img class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-3297\" src=\"http://www.letsdrawpeople.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/sketches-of-lips-lip-shading-01.jpg\" alt=\"sketches of lips lip shading 01\" width=\"1401\" height=\"392\" /></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nRemember how in the second example there was a guideline drawn for a shadow along the top lip? You can see below how that area is now filled in with darker tones. The lower lip is also darker along the bottom, below the highlights. Again, notice the reflected light along the edge of the lower lip. The shading for this sketch could be characterized as more hatching than crosshatching.\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.letsdrawpeople.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/sketches-of-lips-lip-shading-02.jpg\"><img class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-3298\" src=\"http://www.letsdrawpeople.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/sketches-of-lips-lip-shading-02.jpg\" alt=\"sketches of lips lip shading 02\" width=\"1405\" height=\"405\" /></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nVertical lip lines are preserved in this example without being too harsh or prominent. There are also a range of values present. Most of the lips\' surface area has a midtone value, while the highlights remain white and the corners have darker shadow areas.\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.letsdrawpeople.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/sketches-of-lips-lip-shading-03.jpg\"><img class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-3299\" src=\"http://www.letsdrawpeople.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/sketches-of-lips-lip-shading-03.jpg\" alt=\"sketches of lips lip shading 03\" width=\"1410\" height=\"426\" /></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThis example has a similar base value of shading for the lips and the skin surrounding the lips. Since these lips are viewed slightly from above (since the face is tilted downward), there are some darker tones along the lower part of each lip and under the bottom lip. Darker tones also exist to better portray the medial cleft between the nose and upper lip (also known as the philtrum).\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.letsdrawpeople.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/sketches-of-lips-lip-shading-04.jpg\"><img class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-3300\" src=\"http://www.letsdrawpeople.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/sketches-of-lips-lip-shading-04.jpg\" alt=\"sketches of lips lip shading 04\" width=\"1410\" height=\"414\" /></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThis final example does not have a line drawing preview like the others in this section, but I thought it still deserved some attention for some interesting lip shading characteristics. The graphite tones are also more blended together here.\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.letsdrawpeople.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/sketches-of-lips-lip-shading-05.jpg\"><img class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-3301\" src=\"http://www.letsdrawpeople.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/sketches-of-lips-lip-shading-05.jpg\" alt=\"sketches of lips lip shading 05\" width=\"600\" height=\"327\" /></a>\r\n\r\nThe above sketch shows the lips slightly darker than the surrounding skin and the top lip slightly darker than the bottom. A good reason for this is that the bottom lip has more highlighted area. I also find it noteworthy that the highlight is broken up at various spots by the vertical lip lines, some soft lines and some sharper lines, for a more natural look.\r\n\r\nAs you see from the last few lip sketches, lips can be shaded a number of ways. Tones can be applied with hatching, crosshatching, or blended together. You should always preserve highlights by making darker tones around them, and you should keep the vertical lines of the lips implied on some level.\r\n<h2>What Can Enhance a Subtle Smiling Lips Sketch</h2>\r\nHow can you pull off a sketch of smiling lips when the lips are not smiling a big smile? What if the smile is only a subtle smirk? The examples in the previous sections focused on only the lips. However, what creates the perception of a smile in a sketch or drawing is as much in the skin surrounding the lips than in the lips themselves. Now let\'s look at three sketches of smiling lips and the characteristic details found around the lips that help us to better notice the smile.\r\n\r\nThis first sketch is a very rough line drawing sketch. It is of a subtly smiling mouth that is turned in a profile view. It has hatching lines to indicate shading on and around the lips. The lines on the skin directly above and below the lips help to give form to the protrusion of the lips. Look in the corner of the mouth, and you can see the dark line that serves as a fold in the skin when the cheek is just beginning to help form a smile.\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.letsdrawpeople.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/sketches-of-lips-smiling-lips-sketch-01.jpg\"><img class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-3307\" src=\"http://www.letsdrawpeople.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/sketches-of-lips-smiling-lips-sketch-01.jpg\" alt=\"sketches of lips smiling lips sketch 01\" width=\"600\" height=\"403\" /></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThis next example is much more detailed than the previous line sketch. Still, there are some commonalities. The crosshatch shading above the top lip helps to form the three-dimensional appearance of this part of the mouth, including the philtrum. The shading below the bottom lip helps to distinguish the space between the bottom lip and the chin. The difference in angles between the lines on the corners of the mouth, along with the dimple on the man\'s left cheek, tell us that the man is smirking more on the left side of his face than the right side.\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.letsdrawpeople.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/sketches-of-lips-smiling-lips-sketch-02.jpg\"><img class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-3308\" src=\"http://www.letsdrawpeople.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/sketches-of-lips-smiling-lips-sketch-02.jpg\" alt=\"sketches of lips smiling lips sketch 02\" width=\"600\" height=\"325\" /></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nHere is another piece of work that is on the more detailed side of lip sketches. Even though this drawing does not have the vertical lines on the corners of the mouth that are noticeable in the previous two examples, you can still tell there is a slight smile with the subject. How so? Look at how the crosshatch shading implies sunken-in cheeks. Darker areas on either side of the mouth that do not touch the mouth help to achieve this appearance.\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_3309\" align=\"aligncenter\" width=\"600\"]<a href=\"http://www.letsdrawpeople.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/sketches-of-lips-smiling-lips-sketch-03.jpg\"><img class=\"wp-image-3309 size-full\" src=\"http://www.letsdrawpeople.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/sketches-of-lips-smiling-lips-sketch-03.jpg\" alt=\"sketches of lips smiling lips sketch 03\" width=\"600\" height=\"400\" /></a> <center><b> © <a href=\"https://www.dreamstime.com/guernica_info\">Safa Sami</a> | <a href=\"https://www.dreamstime.com/\">Dreamstime.com</a></b></center>[/caption]\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nWith these three examples, we learned that a smiling lips sketch can have more than just the details on the lips themselves to better portray that the lips are actually smiling. Just as important are the details on the areas of the face immediately surrounding the lips. Different subjects\' faces have different characteristics. Some people smile with dimples, some have sunken in cheeks when they smile, and everyone has variations in cheek lines that form in the corners of their mouths when they smile. Keeping these traits in mind when you sketch smiling lips will help to better enhance your sketches, too.\r\n<h2>How Lips Can Look on a Smiling Mouth Sketch Showing Teeth</h2>\r\nNext, we will take a look at two very different sketches of lips. Unlike the sketches in the last section, these lips are part of less subtle, more obvious smiles that also show the teeth.\r\n\r\nThis sketch is another rough line drawing sketch. It is a picture of a noticeable smile, viewed from the front. Since this is a much more noticeable smile than the smiles from the last section, you can see a sizeable portion of the subject\'s teeth. There are some characteristics surrounding the lips that we noticed before as well, such as the cheek lines at the corners of the lips and shading to show protrusion of the lips.\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.letsdrawpeople.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/sketches-of-lips-smiling-mouth-sketch-01.jpg\"><img class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-3310\" src=\"http://www.letsdrawpeople.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/sketches-of-lips-smiling-mouth-sketch-01.jpg\" alt=\"sketches of lips smiling mouth sketch 01\" width=\"600\" height=\"282\" /></a>\r\n\r\nLooking at the lips themselves, this line sketch has what resembles vertical hatch lines to indicate shading. There are fewer lines in the front, especially on the bottom lip where you can expect some highlighting. There are more lines near the corners, where the lips curve around the face and retreat toward the back.\r\n\r\nThis next mouth sketch is certainly not your traditional sketch by any means. You can tell it was created with the assistance of some sort of digital means. Possibly due to the type of software used and its capabilities, there is a slightly unnatural shape to the overall mouth, especially the way the top lip curves downward in the middle and how the corners curve upward. Nevertheless, there is some interesting shading going on that enhances the appearance of the lips and the overall mouth.\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.letsdrawpeople.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/sketches-of-lips-smiling-mouth-sketch-02.jpg\"><img class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-3311\" src=\"http://www.letsdrawpeople.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/sketches-of-lips-smiling-mouth-sketch-02.jpg\" alt=\"sketches of lips smiling mouth sketch 02\" width=\"600\" height=\"434\" /></a>\r\n\r\nLook first at the lower lip and the range of values present. The values are much darker along the edges. Then there are some midtone values between the edges and the highlight in the middle.\r\n\r\nSecondly, the creator of this sketch remembered something very important for a smiling mouth sketch that shows teeth. The lips cast a small shadow upon the teeth. You can see this shadow along the upper portions of the top teeth, the lower portions of the bottom teeth, and more shadow values present in the teeth that are farther back. This crucial detail was missing from the first, simpler example. The artist also remembered the dark shadow tones that the teeth should cast upon the tongue.\r\n<h2>A Close Examination of a Biting Lip Sketch</h2>\r\nThis is a sketch of an open mouth where the teeth are biting down on the lower, right side of the lips. It is a pen and ink sketch with lots of crosshatching used for the shading.\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.letsdrawpeople.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/sketches-of-lips-biting-lip-sketch-01.jpg\"><img class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-3296\" src=\"http://www.letsdrawpeople.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/sketches-of-lips-biting-lip-sketch-01.jpg\" alt=\"sketches of lips biting lip sketch 01\" width=\"600\" height=\"415\" /></a>\r\n\r\nWhat kind of pertinent characteristics should we gather from this example if we wanted to make a biting lip sketch of our own? First of all, the part of the lower lip that is bitten by the teeth is hidden behind those teeth. More importantly, there should be focus on where the teeth meet the lip. The teeth are pulling the skin of the lower lip, thus causing \"folds\" in the skin. In the drawing above, there are three teeth making contact with the lip. If you examine very closely, you will notice one of these fold lines coming from the center of each of the three teeth. You should also notice fold lines coming from between the teeth.\r\n\r\nOther lip characteristics of this sketch are less about the biting part and more about what should be found in many other lip sketches. The lips consist of lighter tones where the light strikes them and darker tones surrounding the lighter areas and the corners of the mouth where the lips recede. You can also see reflected light along the bottom edge of the top lip.\r\n\r\nThe main thing to remember when making a biting lip sketch is to focus on the location of the bite and include the details on the lower lip that will make the appearance of the bite believable.\r\n<h2>How Lips Can Complement Other Parts of an Open Mouth Sketch</h2>\r\nAlthough this appears to be a rough sketch of an open mouth that might be considered an unfinished piece of work, it consists of more than one medium, and the entire piece (not shown in this excerpt) is done in what appears to be a similar, deliberate style by the artist.\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.letsdrawpeople.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/sketches-of-lips-open-mouth-sketch-01.jpg\"><img class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-3302\" src=\"http://www.letsdrawpeople.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/sketches-of-lips-open-mouth-sketch-01.jpg\" alt=\"sketches of lips open mouth sketch 01\" width=\"665\" height=\"565\" /></a>\r\n\r\nAssuming this is a finished piece, the style suggests that the artist was not going for a realistic look. For example, the lips in the sketch have a heavy outline (perhaps in ink) that are not characteristic of natural-looking lips.\r\n\r\nEven so, you can tell that the artist strived to include some three-dimensional elements on the lips themselves. There are two carefully placed highlights on the top lip and two more on the bottom. These highlights, along with the darker tones receding from the front of the lips to the corners of the mouth, help to convey the appearance of form and roundness in the lips.\r\n\r\nSo how does this three-dimensional feel of the lips complement the rest of the mouth sketch? It gives the sense that the lips are protruding forward, as they should if a mouth is opened wide. The lack of detail in the tongue and other more distant parts of the inside of the mouth help the lips to \"stick out\" even more (that is, become more noticeable).\r\n<h2>What Can We Learn from These Sketches of Lips?</h2>\r\nintro; variety; realistic traits even among the differences; for example, vertical lines and no lines\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.letsdrawpeople.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/sketches-of-lips.jpg\"><img class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-3312\" src=\"http://www.letsdrawpeople.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/sketches-of-lips.jpg\" alt=\"sketches of lips\" width=\"1600\" height=\"751\" /></a>\r\n\r\nclosing - compare and contrast - sketch of lips\r\n\r\nconclusion - sketches of lips','Lip Study: Sketches of Lips','','inherit','closed','closed','','3294-revision-v1','','','2016-09-07 05:49:49','2016-09-07 12:49:49','',3294,'http://www.letsdrawpeople.com/3294-revision-v1/',0,'revision','',0),(3333,2,'2016-09-07 20:33:14','2016-09-08 03:33:14','sketches of lips - hook intro\r\n\r\nnot a step-by-step tutorial on how to draw a mouth. will analyze various sketches of lips by first describing their characteristics and then comparing and contrasting those characteristics. by carefully studying this sketches, you should get some insight as to what you want or don\'t want to do when you sketch lips of your own\r\n<h2>How a Simple Lips Drawing Might Look Before It Has Shading</h2>\r\nTo start things off, we will look at four examples of drawings of simple lips. Each simple lips drawing that follows is actually <a href=\"http://www.letsdrawpeople.com/are-you-a-lazy-artist-if-you-just-make-line-drawing-portraits/\">a line drawing</a> before any tones are added for shading. Look for what each lip line drawing has in common with the others and what is different about each one.\r\n\r\nIn this first very simple drawing, you can see a rough outline of the lips of a person turned slightly to the right. There is a little indication of the white border that traces the upper lip. There is also an indication of shadow under the lower lip. This lip sketch has the vertical lines that are characteristic of lips in real life but often missing in many drawn lips. Additionally, you can see some oval-shaped areas that help place highlights on the lips.\r\n\r\n<span style=\"line-height: 1.5;\"><a href=\"http://www.letsdrawpeople.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/sketches-of-lips-simple-lips-drawing-01.jpg\"><img class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-3303\" src=\"http://www.letsdrawpeople.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/sketches-of-lips-simple-lips-drawing-01.jpg\" alt=\"sketches of lips simple lips drawing 01\" width=\"600\" height=\"350\" /></a></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThis pair of lips belongs to a mouth that is facing forward and slightly open. As in the previous example, it shows the vertical lines, but in this case the lines are more subtle and only on the bottom lip where they are more prominent. There are two highlight spots on the lower lip. The line along the upper lip helps to signify a darker shadowy area where the lip curves inward.\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.letsdrawpeople.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/sketches-of-lips-simple-lips-drawing-02.jpg\"><img class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-3304\" src=\"http://www.letsdrawpeople.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/sketches-of-lips-simple-lips-drawing-02.jpg\" alt=\"sketches of lips simple lips drawing 02\" width=\"600\" height=\"228\" /></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nHere we have another pair of lips belonging to a forward-facing mouth, but in this case the lips are closed. There are a few indications of the lips\' vertical lines on the top and bottom lip. Notice again in this lip line drawing that highlights and shadow areas are carefully placed to prepare for shading later on.\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.letsdrawpeople.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/sketches-of-lips-simple-lips-drawing-03.jpg\"><img class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-3305\" src=\"http://www.letsdrawpeople.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/sketches-of-lips-simple-lips-drawing-03.jpg\" alt=\"sketches of lips simple lips drawing 03\" width=\"600\" height=\"249\" /></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThe sketch below is of a pair of lips belonging to a face that is looking slightly downward. For this reason, the top lip looks a bit more pronounced than the bottom lip. This lip sketch includes details placed in the corners of the mouth, which add to any expression (however little) the mouth may be giving.\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.letsdrawpeople.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/sketches-of-lips-simple-lips-drawing-04.jpg\"><img class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-3306\" src=\"http://www.letsdrawpeople.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/sketches-of-lips-simple-lips-drawing-04.jpg\" alt=\"sketches of lips simple lips drawing 04\" width=\"600\" height=\"229\" /></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nLet\'s now consider the four drawings we just saw in this section and see how they are alike. Since all four drawings are line drawings, they are at the beginning stages of a final piece of work. Each line drawing has careful placement of lip highlights on the bottom lip and shadow under the bottom lip.\r\n\r\nAs for differences, some have highlights on the top lip while others have shadow along the top lip. While each lip drawing has the vertical lines characteristic of all lips in real life, you will have to judge for yourself if it\'s best to go with more detail or take the \"less is more\" approach and just subtly indicate them, as in the second example.\r\n<h2><span style=\"line-height: 1.5;\">Lip Shading Characteristics</span></h2>\r\nNow let\'s take our simple sketches of lips from the last section and examine what they might look like with a little shading. For the most part, these rough sketches have graphite tones applied for shading that are not blended with a tortillion. Each lip shading example below will have the corresponding lip line drawing for comparison purposes.\r\n\r\nThe first example has some evidence of crosshatching, especially along a small part of the top lip and under the bottom lip. Notice how the tones are applied carefully around the highlighted areas to preserve them. There are darker tones where the lips meet, at the corners, and just under the bottom lip\'s reflected light.\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.letsdrawpeople.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/sketches-of-lips-lip-shading-01.jpg\"><img class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-3297\" src=\"http://www.letsdrawpeople.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/sketches-of-lips-lip-shading-01.jpg\" alt=\"sketches of lips lip shading 01\" width=\"1401\" height=\"392\" /></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nRemember how in the second example there was a guideline drawn for a shadow along the top lip? You can see below how that area is now filled in with darker tones. The lower lip is also darker along the bottom, below the highlights. Again, notice the reflected light along the edge of the lower lip. The shading for this sketch could be characterized as more hatching than crosshatching.\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.letsdrawpeople.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/sketches-of-lips-lip-shading-02.jpg\"><img class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-3298\" src=\"http://www.letsdrawpeople.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/sketches-of-lips-lip-shading-02.jpg\" alt=\"sketches of lips lip shading 02\" width=\"1405\" height=\"405\" /></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nVertical lip lines are preserved in this example without being too harsh or prominent. There are also a range of values present. Most of the lips\' surface area has a midtone value, while the highlights remain white and the corners have darker shadow areas.\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.letsdrawpeople.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/sketches-of-lips-lip-shading-03.jpg\"><img class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-3299\" src=\"http://www.letsdrawpeople.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/sketches-of-lips-lip-shading-03.jpg\" alt=\"sketches of lips lip shading 03\" width=\"1410\" height=\"426\" /></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThis example has a similar base value of shading for the lips and the skin surrounding the lips. Since these lips are viewed slightly from above (since the face is tilted downward), there are some darker tones along the lower part of each lip and under the bottom lip. Darker tones also exist to better portray the medial cleft between the nose and upper lip (also known as the philtrum).\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.letsdrawpeople.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/sketches-of-lips-lip-shading-04.jpg\"><img class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-3300\" src=\"http://www.letsdrawpeople.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/sketches-of-lips-lip-shading-04.jpg\" alt=\"sketches of lips lip shading 04\" width=\"1410\" height=\"414\" /></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThis final example does not have a line drawing preview like the others in this section, but I thought it still deserved some attention for some interesting lip shading characteristics. The graphite tones are also more blended together here.\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.letsdrawpeople.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/sketches-of-lips-lip-shading-05.jpg\"><img class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-3301\" src=\"http://www.letsdrawpeople.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/sketches-of-lips-lip-shading-05.jpg\" alt=\"sketches of lips lip shading 05\" width=\"600\" height=\"327\" /></a>\r\n\r\nThe above sketch shows the lips slightly darker than the surrounding skin and the top lip slightly darker than the bottom. A good reason for this is that the bottom lip has more highlighted area. I also find it noteworthy that the highlight is broken up at various spots by the vertical lip lines, some soft lines and some sharper lines, for a more natural look.\r\n\r\nAs you see from the last few lip sketches, lips can be shaded a number of ways. Tones can be applied with hatching, crosshatching, or blended together. You should always preserve highlights by making darker tones around them, and you should keep the vertical lines of the lips implied on some level.\r\n<h2>What Can Enhance a Subtle Smiling Lips Sketch</h2>\r\nHow can you pull off a sketch of smiling lips when the lips are not smiling a big smile? What if the smile is only a subtle smirk? The examples in the previous sections focused on only the lips. However, what creates the perception of a smile in a sketch or drawing is as much in the skin surrounding the lips than in the lips themselves. Now let\'s look at three sketches of smiling lips and the characteristic details found around the lips that help us to better notice the smile.\r\n\r\nThis first sketch is a very rough line drawing sketch. It is of a subtly smiling mouth that is turned in a profile view. It has hatching lines to indicate shading on and around the lips. The lines on the skin directly above and below the lips help to give form to the protrusion of the lips. Look in the corner of the mouth, and you can see the dark line that serves as a fold in the skin when the cheek is just beginning to help form a smile.\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.letsdrawpeople.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/sketches-of-lips-smiling-lips-sketch-01.jpg\"><img class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-3307\" src=\"http://www.letsdrawpeople.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/sketches-of-lips-smiling-lips-sketch-01.jpg\" alt=\"sketches of lips smiling lips sketch 01\" width=\"600\" height=\"403\" /></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThis next example is much more detailed than the previous line sketch. Still, there are some commonalities. The crosshatch shading above the top lip helps to form the three-dimensional appearance of this part of the mouth, including the philtrum. The shading below the bottom lip helps to distinguish the space between the bottom lip and the chin. The difference in angles between the lines on the corners of the mouth, along with the dimple on the man\'s left cheek, tell us that the man is smirking more on the left side of his face than the right side.\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.letsdrawpeople.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/sketches-of-lips-smiling-lips-sketch-02.jpg\"><img class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-3308\" src=\"http://www.letsdrawpeople.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/sketches-of-lips-smiling-lips-sketch-02.jpg\" alt=\"sketches of lips smiling lips sketch 02\" width=\"600\" height=\"325\" /></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nHere is another piece of work that is on the more detailed side of lip sketches. Even though this drawing does not have the vertical lines on the corners of the mouth that are noticeable in the previous two examples, you can still tell there is a slight smile with the subject. How so? Look at how the crosshatch shading implies sunken-in cheeks. Darker areas on either side of the mouth that do not touch the mouth help to achieve this appearance.\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_3309\" align=\"aligncenter\" width=\"600\"]<a href=\"http://www.letsdrawpeople.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/sketches-of-lips-smiling-lips-sketch-03.jpg\"><img class=\"wp-image-3309 size-full\" src=\"http://www.letsdrawpeople.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/sketches-of-lips-smiling-lips-sketch-03.jpg\" alt=\"sketches of lips smiling lips sketch 03\" width=\"600\" height=\"400\" /></a> <center><b> © <a href=\"https://www.dreamstime.com/guernica_info\">Safa Sami</a> | <a href=\"https://www.dreamstime.com/\">Dreamstime.com</a></b></center>[/caption]\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nWith these three examples, we learned that a smiling lips sketch can have more than just the details on the lips themselves to better portray that the lips are actually smiling. Just as important are the details on the areas of the face immediately surrounding the lips. Different subjects\' faces have different characteristics. Some people smile with dimples, some have sunken in cheeks when they smile, and everyone has variations in cheek lines that form in the corners of their mouths when they smile. Keeping these traits in mind when you sketch smiling lips will help to better enhance your sketches, too.\r\n<h2>How Lips Can Look on a Smiling Mouth Sketch Showing Teeth</h2>\r\nNext, we will take a look at two very different sketches of lips. Unlike the sketches in the last section, these lips are part of less subtle, more obvious smiles that also show the teeth.\r\n\r\nThis sketch is another rough line drawing sketch. It is a picture of a noticeable smile, viewed from the front. Since this is a much more noticeable smile than the smiles from the last section, you can see a sizeable portion of the subject\'s teeth. There are some characteristics surrounding the lips that we noticed before as well, such as the cheek lines at the corners of the lips and shading to show protrusion of the lips.\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.letsdrawpeople.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/sketches-of-lips-smiling-mouth-sketch-01.jpg\"><img class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-3310\" src=\"http://www.letsdrawpeople.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/sketches-of-lips-smiling-mouth-sketch-01.jpg\" alt=\"sketches of lips smiling mouth sketch 01\" width=\"600\" height=\"282\" /></a>\r\n\r\nLooking at the lips themselves, this line sketch has what resembles vertical hatch lines to indicate shading. There are fewer lines in the front, especially on the bottom lip where you can expect some highlighting. There are more lines near the corners, where the lips curve around the face and retreat toward the back.\r\n\r\nThis next mouth sketch is certainly not your traditional sketch by any means. You can tell it was created with the assistance of some sort of digital means. Possibly due to the type of software used and its capabilities, there is a slightly unnatural shape to the overall mouth, especially the way the top lip curves downward in the middle and how the corners curve upward. Nevertheless, there is some interesting shading going on that enhances the appearance of the lips and the overall mouth.\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.letsdrawpeople.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/sketches-of-lips-smiling-mouth-sketch-02.jpg\"><img class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-3311\" src=\"http://www.letsdrawpeople.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/sketches-of-lips-smiling-mouth-sketch-02.jpg\" alt=\"sketches of lips smiling mouth sketch 02\" width=\"600\" height=\"434\" /></a>\r\n\r\nLook first at the lower lip and the range of values present. The values are much darker along the edges. Then there are some midtone values between the edges and the highlight in the middle.\r\n\r\nSecondly, the creator of this sketch remembered something very important for a smiling mouth sketch that shows teeth. The lips cast a small shadow upon the teeth. You can see this shadow along the upper portions of the top teeth, the lower portions of the bottom teeth, and more shadow values present in the teeth that are farther back. This crucial detail was missing from the first, simpler example. The artist also remembered the dark shadow tones that the teeth should cast upon the tongue.\r\n<h2>A Close Examination of a Biting Lip Sketch</h2>\r\nThis is a sketch of an open mouth where the teeth are biting down on the lower, right side of the lips. It is a pen and ink sketch with lots of crosshatching used for the shading.\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.letsdrawpeople.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/sketches-of-lips-biting-lip-sketch-01.jpg\"><img class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-3296\" src=\"http://www.letsdrawpeople.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/sketches-of-lips-biting-lip-sketch-01.jpg\" alt=\"sketches of lips biting lip sketch 01\" width=\"600\" height=\"415\" /></a>\r\n\r\nWhat kind of pertinent characteristics should we gather from this example if we wanted to make a biting lip sketch of our own? First of all, the part of the lower lip that is bitten by the teeth is hidden behind those teeth. More importantly, there should be focus on where the teeth meet the lip. The teeth are pulling the skin of the lower lip, thus causing \"folds\" in the skin. In the drawing above, there are three teeth making contact with the lip. If you examine very closely, you will notice one of these fold lines coming from the center of each of the three teeth. You should also notice fold lines coming from between the teeth.\r\n\r\nOther lip characteristics of this sketch are less about the biting part and more about what should be found in many other lip sketches. The lips consist of lighter tones where the light strikes them and darker tones surrounding the lighter areas and the corners of the mouth where the lips recede. You can also see reflected light along the bottom edge of the top lip.\r\n\r\nThe main thing to remember when making a biting lip sketch is to focus on the location of the bite and include the details on the lower lip that will make the appearance of the bite believable.\r\n<h2>How Lips Can Complement Other Parts of an Open Mouth Sketch</h2>\r\nAlthough this appears to be a rough sketch of an open mouth that might be considered an unfinished piece of work, it consists of more than one medium, and the entire piece (not shown in this excerpt) is done in what appears to be a similar, deliberate style by the artist.\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.letsdrawpeople.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/sketches-of-lips-open-mouth-sketch-01.jpg\"><img class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-3302\" src=\"http://www.letsdrawpeople.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/sketches-of-lips-open-mouth-sketch-01.jpg\" alt=\"sketches of lips open mouth sketch 01\" width=\"665\" height=\"565\" /></a>\r\n\r\nAssuming this is a finished piece, the style suggests that the artist was not going for a realistic look. For example, the lips in the sketch have a heavy outline (perhaps in ink) that are not characteristic of natural-looking lips.\r\n\r\nEven so, you can tell that the artist strived to include some three-dimensional elements on the lips themselves. There are two carefully placed highlights on the top lip and two more on the bottom. These highlights, along with the darker tones receding from the front of the lips to the corners of the mouth, help to convey the appearance of form and roundness in the lips.\r\n\r\nSo how does this three-dimensional feel of the lips complement the rest of the mouth sketch? It gives the sense that the lips are protruding forward, as they should if a mouth is opened wide. The lack of detail in the tongue and other more distant parts of the inside of the mouth help the lips to \"stick out\" even more (that is, become more noticeable).\r\n<h2>What Can We Learn from These Sketches of Lips?</h2>\r\nintro; variety; realistic traits even among the differences; for example, vertical lines and no lines\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.letsdrawpeople.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/sketches-of-lips.jpg\"><img class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-3312\" src=\"http://www.letsdrawpeople.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/sketches-of-lips.jpg\" alt=\"sketches of lips\" width=\"1600\" height=\"751\" /></a>\r\n\r\nclosing - compare and contrast - sketch of lips\r\n\r\nconclusion - sketches of lips','How These Very Different Sketches of Lips Can Help You Draw Lips','','inherit','closed','closed','','3294-revision-v1','','','2016-09-07 20:33:14','2016-09-08 03:33:14','',3294,'http://www.letsdrawpeople.com/3294-revision-v1/',0,'revision','',0),(3334,2,'2016-09-07 20:41:01','2016-09-08 03:41:01','sketches of lips - hook intro (lips are sealed)\r\n\r\nnot a step-by-step tutorial on how to draw a mouth. will analyze various sketches of lips by first describing their characteristics and then comparing and contrasting those characteristics. by carefully studying this sketches, you should get some insight as to what you want or don\'t want to do when you sketch lips of your own\r\n<h2>How a Simple Lips Drawing Might Look Before It Has Shading</h2>\r\nTo start things off, we will look at four examples of drawings of simple lips. Each simple lips drawing that follows is actually <a href=\"http://www.letsdrawpeople.com/are-you-a-lazy-artist-if-you-just-make-line-drawing-portraits/\">a line drawing</a> before any tones are added for shading. Look for what each lip line drawing has in common with the others and what is different about each one.\r\n\r\nIn this first very simple drawing, you can see a rough outline of the lips of a person turned slightly to the right. There is a little indication of the white border that traces the upper lip. There is also an indication of shadow under the lower lip. This lip sketch has the vertical lines that are characteristic of lips in real life but often missing in many drawn lips. Additionally, you can see some oval-shaped areas that help place highlights on the lips.\r\n\r\n<span style=\"line-height: 1.5;\"><a href=\"http://www.letsdrawpeople.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/sketches-of-lips-simple-lips-drawing-01.jpg\"><img class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-3303\" src=\"http://www.letsdrawpeople.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/sketches-of-lips-simple-lips-drawing-01.jpg\" alt=\"sketches of lips simple lips drawing 01\" width=\"600\" height=\"350\" /></a></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThis pair of lips belongs to a mouth that is facing forward and slightly open. As in the previous example, it shows the vertical lines, but in this case the lines are more subtle and only on the bottom lip where they are more prominent. There are two highlight spots on the lower lip. The line along the upper lip helps to signify a darker shadowy area where the lip curves inward.\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.letsdrawpeople.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/sketches-of-lips-simple-lips-drawing-02.jpg\"><img class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-3304\" src=\"http://www.letsdrawpeople.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/sketches-of-lips-simple-lips-drawing-02.jpg\" alt=\"sketches of lips simple lips drawing 02\" width=\"600\" height=\"228\" /></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nHere we have another pair of lips belonging to a forward-facing mouth, but in this case the lips are closed. There are a few indications of the lips\' vertical lines on the top and bottom lip. Notice again in this lip line drawing that highlights and shadow areas are carefully placed to prepare for shading later on.\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.letsdrawpeople.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/sketches-of-lips-simple-lips-drawing-03.jpg\"><img class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-3305\" src=\"http://www.letsdrawpeople.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/sketches-of-lips-simple-lips-drawing-03.jpg\" alt=\"sketches of lips simple lips drawing 03\" width=\"600\" height=\"249\" /></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThe sketch below is of a pair of lips belonging to a face that is looking slightly downward. For this reason, the top lip looks a bit more pronounced than the bottom lip. This lip sketch includes details placed in the corners of the mouth, which add to any expression (however little) the mouth may be giving.\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.letsdrawpeople.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/sketches-of-lips-simple-lips-drawing-04.jpg\"><img class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-3306\" src=\"http://www.letsdrawpeople.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/sketches-of-lips-simple-lips-drawing-04.jpg\" alt=\"sketches of lips simple lips drawing 04\" width=\"600\" height=\"229\" /></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nLet\'s now consider the four drawings we just saw in this section and see how they are alike. Since all four drawings are line drawings, they are at the beginning stages of a final piece of work. Each line drawing has careful placement of lip highlights on the bottom lip and shadow under the bottom lip.\r\n\r\nAs for differences, some have highlights on the top lip while others have shadow along the top lip. While each lip drawing has the vertical lines characteristic of all lips in real life, you will have to judge for yourself if it\'s best to go with more detail or take the \"less is more\" approach and just subtly indicate them, as in the second example.\r\n<h2><span style=\"line-height: 1.5;\">Lip Shading Characteristics</span></h2>\r\nNow let\'s take our simple sketches of lips from the last section and examine what they might look like with a little shading. For the most part, these rough sketches have graphite tones applied for shading that are not blended with a tortillion. Each lip shading example below will have the corresponding lip line drawing for comparison purposes.\r\n\r\nThe first example has some evidence of crosshatching, especially along a small part of the top lip and under the bottom lip. Notice how the tones are applied carefully around the highlighted areas to preserve them. There are darker tones where the lips meet, at the corners, and just under the bottom lip\'s reflected light.\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.letsdrawpeople.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/sketches-of-lips-lip-shading-01.jpg\"><img class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-3297\" src=\"http://www.letsdrawpeople.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/sketches-of-lips-lip-shading-01.jpg\" alt=\"sketches of lips lip shading 01\" width=\"1401\" height=\"392\" /></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nRemember how in the second example there was a guideline drawn for a shadow along the top lip? You can see below how that area is now filled in with darker tones. The lower lip is also darker along the bottom, below the highlights. Again, notice the reflected light along the edge of the lower lip. The shading for this sketch could be characterized as more hatching than crosshatching.\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.letsdrawpeople.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/sketches-of-lips-lip-shading-02.jpg\"><img class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-3298\" src=\"http://www.letsdrawpeople.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/sketches-of-lips-lip-shading-02.jpg\" alt=\"sketches of lips lip shading 02\" width=\"1405\" height=\"405\" /></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nVertical lip lines are preserved in this example without being too harsh or prominent. There are also a range of values present. Most of the lips\' surface area has a midtone value, while the highlights remain white and the corners have darker shadow areas.\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.letsdrawpeople.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/sketches-of-lips-lip-shading-03.jpg\"><img class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-3299\" src=\"http://www.letsdrawpeople.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/sketches-of-lips-lip-shading-03.jpg\" alt=\"sketches of lips lip shading 03\" width=\"1410\" height=\"426\" /></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThis example has a similar base value of shading for the lips and the skin surrounding the lips. Since these lips are viewed slightly from above (since the face is tilted downward), there are some darker tones along the lower part of each lip and under the bottom lip. Darker tones also exist to better portray the medial cleft between the nose and upper lip (also known as the philtrum).\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.letsdrawpeople.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/sketches-of-lips-lip-shading-04.jpg\"><img class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-3300\" src=\"http://www.letsdrawpeople.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/sketches-of-lips-lip-shading-04.jpg\" alt=\"sketches of lips lip shading 04\" width=\"1410\" height=\"414\" /></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThis final example does not have a line drawing preview like the others in this section, but I thought it still deserved some attention for some interesting lip shading characteristics. The graphite tones are also more blended together here.\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.letsdrawpeople.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/sketches-of-lips-lip-shading-05.jpg\"><img class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-3301\" src=\"http://www.letsdrawpeople.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/sketches-of-lips-lip-shading-05.jpg\" alt=\"sketches of lips lip shading 05\" width=\"600\" height=\"327\" /></a>\r\n\r\nThe above sketch shows the lips slightly darker than the surrounding skin and the top lip slightly darker than the bottom. A good reason for this is that the bottom lip has more highlighted area. I also find it noteworthy that the highlight is broken up at various spots by the vertical lip lines, some soft lines and some sharper lines, for a more natural look.\r\n\r\nAs you see from the last few lip sketches, lips can be shaded a number of ways. Tones can be applied with hatching, crosshatching, or blended together. You should always preserve highlights by making darker tones around them, and you should keep the vertical lines of the lips implied on some level.\r\n<h2>What Can Enhance a Subtle Smiling Lips Sketch</h2>\r\nHow can you pull off a sketch of smiling lips when the lips are not smiling a big smile? What if the smile is only a subtle smirk? The examples in the previous sections focused on only the lips. However, what creates the perception of a smile in a sketch or drawing is as much in the skin surrounding the lips than in the lips themselves. Now let\'s look at three sketches of smiling lips and the characteristic details found around the lips that help us to better notice the smile.\r\n\r\nThis first sketch is a very rough line drawing sketch. It is of a subtly smiling mouth that is turned in a profile view. It has hatching lines to indicate shading on and around the lips. The lines on the skin directly above and below the lips help to give form to the protrusion of the lips. Look in the corner of the mouth, and you can see the dark line that serves as a fold in the skin when the cheek is just beginning to help form a smile.\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.letsdrawpeople.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/sketches-of-lips-smiling-lips-sketch-01.jpg\"><img class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-3307\" src=\"http://www.letsdrawpeople.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/sketches-of-lips-smiling-lips-sketch-01.jpg\" alt=\"sketches of lips smiling lips sketch 01\" width=\"600\" height=\"403\" /></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThis next example is much more detailed than the previous line sketch. Still, there are some commonalities. The crosshatch shading above the top lip helps to form the three-dimensional appearance of this part of the mouth, including the philtrum. The shading below the bottom lip helps to distinguish the space between the bottom lip and the chin. The difference in angles between the lines on the corners of the mouth, along with the dimple on the man\'s left cheek, tell us that the man is smirking more on the left side of his face than the right side.\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.letsdrawpeople.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/sketches-of-lips-smiling-lips-sketch-02.jpg\"><img class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-3308\" src=\"http://www.letsdrawpeople.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/sketches-of-lips-smiling-lips-sketch-02.jpg\" alt=\"sketches of lips smiling lips sketch 02\" width=\"600\" height=\"325\" /></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nHere is another piece of work that is on the more detailed side of lip sketches. Even though this drawing does not have the vertical lines on the corners of the mouth that are noticeable in the previous two examples, you can still tell there is a slight smile with the subject. How so? Look at how the crosshatch shading implies sunken-in cheeks. Darker areas on either side of the mouth that do not touch the mouth help to achieve this appearance.\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_3309\" align=\"aligncenter\" width=\"600\"]<a href=\"http://www.letsdrawpeople.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/sketches-of-lips-smiling-lips-sketch-03.jpg\"><img class=\"wp-image-3309 size-full\" src=\"http://www.letsdrawpeople.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/sketches-of-lips-smiling-lips-sketch-03.jpg\" alt=\"sketches of lips smiling lips sketch 03\" width=\"600\" height=\"400\" /></a> <center><b> © <a href=\"https://www.dreamstime.com/guernica_info\">Safa Sami</a> | <a href=\"https://www.dreamstime.com/\">Dreamstime.com</a></b></center>[/caption]\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nWith these three examples, we learned that a smiling lips sketch can have more than just the details on the lips themselves to better portray that the lips are actually smiling. Just as important are the details on the areas of the face immediately surrounding the lips. Different subjects\' faces have different characteristics. Some people smile with dimples, some have sunken in cheeks when they smile, and everyone has variations in cheek lines that form in the corners of their mouths when they smile. Keeping these traits in mind when you sketch smiling lips will help to better enhance your sketches, too.\r\n<h2>How Lips Can Look on a Smiling Mouth Sketch Showing Teeth</h2>\r\nNext, we will take a look at two very different sketches of lips. Unlike the sketches in the last section, these lips are part of less subtle, more obvious smiles that also show the teeth.\r\n\r\nThis sketch is another rough line drawing sketch. It is a picture of a noticeable smile, viewed from the front. Since this is a much more noticeable smile than the smiles from the last section, you can see a sizeable portion of the subject\'s teeth. There are some characteristics surrounding the lips that we noticed before as well, such as the cheek lines at the corners of the lips and shading to show protrusion of the lips.\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.letsdrawpeople.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/sketches-of-lips-smiling-mouth-sketch-01.jpg\"><img class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-3310\" src=\"http://www.letsdrawpeople.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/sketches-of-lips-smiling-mouth-sketch-01.jpg\" alt=\"sketches of lips smiling mouth sketch 01\" width=\"600\" height=\"282\" /></a>\r\n\r\nLooking at the lips themselves, this line sketch has what resembles vertical hatch lines to indicate shading. There are fewer lines in the front, especially on the bottom lip where you can expect some highlighting. There are more lines near the corners, where the lips curve around the face and retreat toward the back.\r\n\r\nThis next mouth sketch is certainly not your traditional sketch by any means. You can tell it was created with the assistance of some sort of digital means. Possibly due to the type of software used and its capabilities, there is a slightly unnatural shape to the overall mouth, especially the way the top lip curves downward in the middle and how the corners curve upward. Nevertheless, there is some interesting shading going on that enhances the appearance of the lips and the overall mouth.\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.letsdrawpeople.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/sketches-of-lips-smiling-mouth-sketch-02.jpg\"><img class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-3311\" src=\"http://www.letsdrawpeople.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/sketches-of-lips-smiling-mouth-sketch-02.jpg\" alt=\"sketches of lips smiling mouth sketch 02\" width=\"600\" height=\"434\" /></a>\r\n\r\nLook first at the lower lip and the range of values present. The values are much darker along the edges. Then there are some midtone values between the edges and the highlight in the middle.\r\n\r\nSecondly, the creator of this sketch remembered something very important for a smiling mouth sketch that shows teeth. The lips cast a small shadow upon the teeth. You can see this shadow along the upper portions of the top teeth, the lower portions of the bottom teeth, and more shadow values present in the teeth that are farther back. This crucial detail was missing from the first, simpler example. The artist also remembered the dark shadow tones that the teeth should cast upon the tongue.\r\n<h2>A Close Examination of a Biting Lip Sketch</h2>\r\nThis is a sketch of an open mouth where the teeth are biting down on the lower, right side of the lips. It is a pen and ink sketch with lots of crosshatching used for the shading.\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.letsdrawpeople.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/sketches-of-lips-biting-lip-sketch-01.jpg\"><img class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-3296\" src=\"http://www.letsdrawpeople.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/sketches-of-lips-biting-lip-sketch-01.jpg\" alt=\"sketches of lips biting lip sketch 01\" width=\"600\" height=\"415\" /></a>\r\n\r\nWhat kind of pertinent characteristics should we gather from this example if we wanted to make a biting lip sketch of our own? First of all, the part of the lower lip that is bitten by the teeth is hidden behind those teeth. More importantly, there should be focus on where the teeth meet the lip. The teeth are pulling the skin of the lower lip, thus causing \"folds\" in the skin. In the drawing above, there are three teeth making contact with the lip. If you examine very closely, you will notice one of these fold lines coming from the center of each of the three teeth. You should also notice fold lines coming from between the teeth.\r\n\r\nOther lip characteristics of this sketch are less about the biting part and more about what should be found in many other lip sketches. The lips consist of lighter tones where the light strikes them and darker tones surrounding the lighter areas and the corners of the mouth where the lips recede. You can also see reflected light along the bottom edge of the top lip.\r\n\r\nThe main thing to remember when making a biting lip sketch is to focus on the location of the bite and include the details on the lower lip that will make the appearance of the bite believable.\r\n<h2>How Lips Can Complement Other Parts of an Open Mouth Sketch</h2>\r\nAlthough this appears to be a rough sketch of an open mouth that might be considered an unfinished piece of work, it consists of more than one medium, and the entire piece (not shown in this excerpt) is done in what appears to be a similar, deliberate style by the artist.\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.letsdrawpeople.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/sketches-of-lips-open-mouth-sketch-01.jpg\"><img class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-3302\" src=\"http://www.letsdrawpeople.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/sketches-of-lips-open-mouth-sketch-01.jpg\" alt=\"sketches of lips open mouth sketch 01\" width=\"665\" height=\"565\" /></a>\r\n\r\nAssuming this is a finished piece, the style suggests that the artist was not going for a realistic look. For example, the lips in the sketch have a heavy outline (perhaps in ink) that are not characteristic of natural-looking lips.\r\n\r\nEven so, you can tell that the artist strived to include some three-dimensional elements on the lips themselves. There are two carefully placed highlights on the top lip and two more on the bottom. These highlights, along with the darker tones receding from the front of the lips to the corners of the mouth, help to convey the appearance of form and roundness in the lips.\r\n\r\nSo how does this three-dimensional feel of the lips complement the rest of the mouth sketch? It gives the sense that the lips are protruding forward, as they should if a mouth is opened wide. The lack of detail in the tongue and other more distant parts of the inside of the mouth help the lips to \"stick out\" even more (that is, become more noticeable).\r\n<h2>What Can We Learn from These Sketches of Lips?</h2>\r\nintro; variety; realistic traits even among the differences; for example, vertical lines and no lines\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.letsdrawpeople.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/sketches-of-lips.jpg\"><img class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-3312\" src=\"http://www.letsdrawpeople.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/sketches-of-lips.jpg\" alt=\"sketches of lips\" width=\"1600\" height=\"751\" /></a>\r\n\r\nclosing - compare and contrast - sketch of lips\r\n\r\nconclusion - sketches of lips','How These Very Different Sketches of Lips Can Help You Draw Lips','','inherit','closed','closed','','3294-revision-v1','','','2016-09-07 20:41:01','2016-09-08 03:41:01','',3294,'http://www.letsdrawpeople.com/3294-revision-v1/',0,'revision','',0),(3335,2,'2016-09-08 05:46:41','2016-09-08 12:46:41','What can 16 dissimilar sketches of lips tell you about how to draw lips?\r\n\r\nWell, if you look at each one of the sketches in this article closely enough, it turns out that these lips have a lot to say.\r\n\r\nOne of the best ways to learn how to sketch lips is to carefully study a selection of lips that have already been sketched for you. If you carefully examine enough examples of the end result, you will start to notice some interesting similarities and differences that give you insight into the process leading up to the end result.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThis article is not the usual step-by-step tutorial on how to sketch a pair of lips or even <a href=\"http://www.letsdrawpeople.com/how-to-turn-your-plainly-drawn-lips-into-realistic-lips/\">how to draw lips realistically</a>. The goal of this post is to carefully analyze various sketches of lips. First, we will seek to describe the characteristics of the lips that are present in each sketch. Then, we will move on to compare and contrast those characteristics.\r\n\r\nThe sketches of lips you will find here are of many different styles. The first section looks at the first step of drawing lips (or anything else for that matter) - the initial line drawing. Then you will see how those lips change once they have some shading. Moving on from there, we will look at lip sketches that are rough and simple as well as detailed and thorough. You will notice pencil, pen and ink, and even colored and digital media. We will look at the lips of subtle smiles as well as larger, more open smiles showing teeth. You will also study the lips of a biting mouth as well as the lips of an open mouth.\r\n\r\nBy carefully studying these sketches, you should get some insight as to what you want or don\'t want to do when you sketch lips of your own.\r\n<h2>How a Simple Lips Drawing Might Look Before It Has Shading</h2>\r\nTo start things off, we will look at four examples of drawings of simple lips. Each simple lips drawing that follows is actually <a href=\"http://www.letsdrawpeople.com/are-you-a-lazy-artist-if-you-just-make-line-drawing-portraits/\">a line drawing</a> before any tones are added for shading. Look for what each lip line drawing has in common with the others and what is different about each one.\r\n\r\nIn this first very simple drawing, you can see a rough outline of the lips of a person turned slightly to the right. There is a little indication of the white border that traces the upper lip. There is also an indication of shadow under the lower lip. This lip sketch has the vertical lines that are characteristic of lips in real life but often missing in many drawn lips. Additionally, you can see some oval-shaped areas that help place highlights on the lips.\r\n\r\n<span style=\"line-height: 1.5;\"><a href=\"http://www.letsdrawpeople.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/sketches-of-lips-simple-lips-drawing-01.jpg\"><img class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-3303\" src=\"http://www.letsdrawpeople.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/sketches-of-lips-simple-lips-drawing-01.jpg\" alt=\"sketches of lips simple lips drawing 01\" width=\"600\" height=\"350\" /></a></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThis pair of lips belongs to a mouth that is facing forward and slightly open. As in the previous example, it shows the vertical lines, but in this case the lines are more subtle and only on the bottom lip where they are more prominent. There are two highlight spots on the lower lip. The line along the upper lip helps to signify a darker shadowy area where the lip curves inward.\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.letsdrawpeople.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/sketches-of-lips-simple-lips-drawing-02.jpg\"><img class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-3304\" src=\"http://www.letsdrawpeople.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/sketches-of-lips-simple-lips-drawing-02.jpg\" alt=\"sketches of lips simple lips drawing 02\" width=\"600\" height=\"228\" /></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nHere we have another pair of lips belonging to a forward-facing mouth, but in this case the lips are closed. There are a few indications of the lips\' vertical lines on the top and bottom lip. Notice again in this lip line drawing that highlights and shadow areas are carefully placed to prepare for shading later on.\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.letsdrawpeople.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/sketches-of-lips-simple-lips-drawing-03.jpg\"><img class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-3305\" src=\"http://www.letsdrawpeople.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/sketches-of-lips-simple-lips-drawing-03.jpg\" alt=\"sketches of lips simple lips drawing 03\" width=\"600\" height=\"249\" /></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThe sketch below is of a pair of lips belonging to a face that is looking slightly downward. For this reason, the top lip looks a bit more pronounced than the bottom lip. This lip sketch includes details placed in the corners of the mouth, which add to any expression (however little) the mouth may be giving.\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.letsdrawpeople.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/sketches-of-lips-simple-lips-drawing-04.jpg\"><img class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-3306\" src=\"http://www.letsdrawpeople.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/sketches-of-lips-simple-lips-drawing-04.jpg\" alt=\"sketches of lips simple lips drawing 04\" width=\"600\" height=\"229\" /></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nLet\'s now consider the four drawings we just saw in this section and see how they are alike. Since all four drawings are line drawings, they are at the beginning stages of a final piece of work. Each line drawing has careful placement of lip highlights on the bottom lip and shadow under the bottom lip.\r\n\r\nAs for differences, some have highlights on the top lip while others have shadow along the top lip. While each lip drawing has the vertical lines characteristic of all lips in real life, you will have to judge for yourself if it\'s best to go with more detail or take the \"less is more\" approach and just subtly indicate them, as in the second example.\r\n<h2><span style=\"line-height: 1.5;\">Lip Shading Characteristics</span></h2>\r\nNow let\'s take our simple sketches of lips from the last section and examine what they might look like with a little shading. For the most part, these rough sketches have graphite tones applied for shading that are not blended with a tortillion. Each lip shading example below will have the corresponding lip line drawing for comparison purposes.\r\n\r\nThe first example has some evidence of crosshatching, especially along a small part of the top lip and under the bottom lip. Notice how the tones are applied carefully around the highlighted areas to preserve them. There are darker tones where the lips meet, at the corners, and just under the bottom lip\'s reflected light.\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.letsdrawpeople.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/sketches-of-lips-lip-shading-01.jpg\"><img class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-3297\" src=\"http://www.letsdrawpeople.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/sketches-of-lips-lip-shading-01.jpg\" alt=\"sketches of lips lip shading 01\" width=\"1401\" height=\"392\" /></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nRemember how in the second example there was a guideline drawn for a shadow along the top lip? You can see below how that area is now filled in with darker tones. The lower lip is also darker along the bottom, below the highlights. Again, notice the reflected light along the edge of the lower lip. The shading for this sketch could be characterized as more hatching than crosshatching.\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.letsdrawpeople.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/sketches-of-lips-lip-shading-02.jpg\"><img class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-3298\" src=\"http://www.letsdrawpeople.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/sketches-of-lips-lip-shading-02.jpg\" alt=\"sketches of lips lip shading 02\" width=\"1405\" height=\"405\" /></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nVertical lip lines are preserved in this example without being too harsh or prominent. There are also a range of values present. Most of the lips\' surface area has a midtone value, while the highlights remain white and the corners have darker shadow areas.\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.letsdrawpeople.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/sketches-of-lips-lip-shading-03.jpg\"><img class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-3299\" src=\"http://www.letsdrawpeople.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/sketches-of-lips-lip-shading-03.jpg\" alt=\"sketches of lips lip shading 03\" width=\"1410\" height=\"426\" /></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThis example has a similar base value of shading for the lips and the skin surrounding the lips. Since these lips are viewed slightly from above (since the face is tilted downward), there are some darker tones along the lower part of each lip and under the bottom lip. Darker tones also exist to better portray the medial cleft between the nose and upper lip (also known as the philtrum).\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.letsdrawpeople.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/sketches-of-lips-lip-shading-04.jpg\"><img class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-3300\" src=\"http://www.letsdrawpeople.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/sketches-of-lips-lip-shading-04.jpg\" alt=\"sketches of lips lip shading 04\" width=\"1410\" height=\"414\" /></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThis final example does not have a line drawing preview like the others in this section, but I thought it still deserved some attention for some interesting lip shading characteristics. The graphite tones are also more blended together here.\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.letsdrawpeople.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/sketches-of-lips-lip-shading-05.jpg\"><img class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-3301\" src=\"http://www.letsdrawpeople.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/sketches-of-lips-lip-shading-05.jpg\" alt=\"sketches of lips lip shading 05\" width=\"600\" height=\"327\" /></a>\r\n\r\nThe above sketch shows the lips slightly darker than the surrounding skin and the top lip slightly darker than the bottom. A good reason for this is that the bottom lip has more highlighted area. I also find it noteworthy that the highlight is broken up at various spots by the vertical lip lines, some soft lines and some sharper lines, for a more natural look.\r\n\r\nAs you see from the last few lip sketches, lips can be shaded a number of ways. Tones can be applied with hatching, crosshatching, or blended together. You should always preserve highlights by making darker tones around them, and you should keep the vertical lines of the lips implied on some level.\r\n<h2>What Can Enhance a Subtle Smiling Lips Sketch</h2>\r\nHow can you pull off a sketch of smiling lips when the lips are not smiling a big smile? What if the smile is only a subtle smirk? The examples in the previous sections focused on only the lips. However, what creates the perception of a smile in a sketch or drawing is as much in the skin surrounding the lips than in the lips themselves. Now let\'s look at three sketches of smiling lips and the characteristic details found around the lips that help us to better notice the smile.\r\n\r\nThis first sketch is a very rough line drawing sketch. It is of a subtly smiling mouth that is turned in a profile view. It has hatching lines to indicate shading on and around the lips. The lines on the skin directly above and below the lips help to give form to the protrusion of the lips. Look in the corner of the mouth, and you can see the dark line that serves as a fold in the skin when the cheek is just beginning to help form a smile.\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.letsdrawpeople.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/sketches-of-lips-smiling-lips-sketch-01.jpg\"><img class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-3307\" src=\"http://www.letsdrawpeople.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/sketches-of-lips-smiling-lips-sketch-01.jpg\" alt=\"sketches of lips smiling lips sketch 01\" width=\"600\" height=\"403\" /></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThis next example is much more detailed than the previous line sketch. Still, there are some commonalities. The crosshatch shading above the top lip helps to form the three-dimensional appearance of this part of the mouth, including the philtrum. The shading below the bottom lip helps to distinguish the space between the bottom lip and the chin. The difference in angles between the lines on the corners of the mouth, along with the dimple on the man\'s left cheek, tell us that the man is smirking more on the left side of his face than the right side.\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.letsdrawpeople.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/sketches-of-lips-smiling-lips-sketch-02.jpg\"><img class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-3308\" src=\"http://www.letsdrawpeople.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/sketches-of-lips-smiling-lips-sketch-02.jpg\" alt=\"sketches of lips smiling lips sketch 02\" width=\"600\" height=\"325\" /></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nHere is another piece of work that is on the more detailed side of lip sketches. Even though this drawing does not have the vertical lines on the corners of the mouth that are noticeable in the previous two examples, you can still tell there is a slight smile with the subject. How so? Look at how the crosshatch shading implies sunken-in cheeks. Darker areas on either side of the mouth that do not touch the mouth help to achieve this appearance.\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_3309\" align=\"aligncenter\" width=\"600\"]<a href=\"http://www.letsdrawpeople.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/sketches-of-lips-smiling-lips-sketch-03.jpg\"><img class=\"wp-image-3309 size-full\" src=\"http://www.letsdrawpeople.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/sketches-of-lips-smiling-lips-sketch-03.jpg\" alt=\"sketches of lips smiling lips sketch 03\" width=\"600\" height=\"400\" /></a> <center><b> © <a href=\"https://www.dreamstime.com/guernica_info\">Safa Sami</a> | <a href=\"https://www.dreamstime.com/\">Dreamstime.com</a></b></center>[/caption]\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nWith these three examples, we learned that a smiling lips sketch can have more than just the details on the lips themselves to better portray that the lips are actually smiling. Just as important are the details on the areas of the face immediately surrounding the lips. Different subjects\' faces have different characteristics. Some people smile with dimples, some have sunken in cheeks when they smile, and everyone has variations in cheek lines that form in the corners of their mouths when they smile. Keeping these traits in mind when you sketch smiling lips will help to better enhance your sketches, too.\r\n<h2>How Lips Can Look on a Smiling Mouth Sketch Showing Teeth</h2>\r\nNext, we will take a look at two very different sketches of lips. Unlike the sketches in the last section, these lips are part of less subtle, more obvious smiles that also show the teeth.\r\n\r\nThis sketch is another rough line drawing sketch. It is a picture of a noticeable smile, viewed from the front. Since this is a much more noticeable smile than the smiles from the last section, you can see a sizeable portion of the subject\'s teeth. There are some characteristics surrounding the lips that we noticed before as well, such as the cheek lines at the corners of the lips and shading to show protrusion of the lips.\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.letsdrawpeople.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/sketches-of-lips-smiling-mouth-sketch-01.jpg\"><img class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-3310\" src=\"http://www.letsdrawpeople.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/sketches-of-lips-smiling-mouth-sketch-01.jpg\" alt=\"sketches of lips smiling mouth sketch 01\" width=\"600\" height=\"282\" /></a>\r\n\r\nLooking at the lips themselves, this line sketch has what resembles vertical hatch lines to indicate shading. There are fewer lines in the front, especially on the bottom lip where you can expect some highlighting. There are more lines near the corners, where the lips curve around the face and retreat toward the back.\r\n\r\nThis next mouth sketch is certainly not your traditional sketch by any means. You can tell it was created with the assistance of some sort of digital means. Possibly due to the type of software used and its capabilities, there is a slightly unnatural shape to the overall mouth, especially the way the top lip curves downward in the middle and how the corners curve upward. Nevertheless, there is some interesting shading going on that enhances the appearance of the lips and the overall mouth.\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.letsdrawpeople.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/sketches-of-lips-smiling-mouth-sketch-02.jpg\"><img class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-3311\" src=\"http://www.letsdrawpeople.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/sketches-of-lips-smiling-mouth-sketch-02.jpg\" alt=\"sketches of lips smiling mouth sketch 02\" width=\"600\" height=\"434\" /></a>\r\n\r\nLook first at the lower lip and the range of values present. The values are much darker along the edges. Then there are some midtone values between the edges and the highlight in the middle.\r\n\r\nSecondly, the creator of this sketch remembered something very important for a smiling mouth sketch that shows teeth. The lips cast a small shadow upon the teeth. You can see this shadow along the upper portions of the top teeth, the lower portions of the bottom teeth, and more shadow values present in the teeth that are farther back. This crucial detail was missing from the first, simpler example. The artist also remembered the dark shadow tones that the teeth should cast upon the tongue.\r\n<h2>A Close Examination of a Biting Lip Sketch</h2>\r\nThis is a sketch of an open mouth where the teeth are biting down on the lower, right side of the lips. It is a pen and ink sketch with lots of crosshatching used for the shading.\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.letsdrawpeople.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/sketches-of-lips-biting-lip-sketch-01.jpg\"><img class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-3296\" src=\"http://www.letsdrawpeople.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/sketches-of-lips-biting-lip-sketch-01.jpg\" alt=\"sketches of lips biting lip sketch 01\" width=\"600\" height=\"415\" /></a>\r\n\r\nWhat kind of pertinent characteristics should we gather from this example if we wanted to make a biting lip sketch of our own? First of all, the part of the lower lip that is bitten by the teeth is hidden behind those teeth. More importantly, there should be focus on where the teeth meet the lip. The teeth are pulling the skin of the lower lip, thus causing \"folds\" in the skin. In the drawing above, there are three teeth making contact with the lip. If you examine very closely, you will notice one of these fold lines coming from the center of each of the three teeth. You should also notice fold lines coming from between the teeth.\r\n\r\nOther lip characteristics of this sketch are less about the biting part and more about what should be found in many other lip sketches. The lips consist of lighter tones where the light strikes them and darker tones surrounding the lighter areas and the corners of the mouth where the lips recede. You can also see reflected light along the bottom edge of the top lip.\r\n\r\nThe main thing to remember when making a biting lip sketch is to focus on the location of the bite and include the details on the lower lip that will make the appearance of the bite believable.\r\n<h2>How Lips Can Complement Other Parts of an Open Mouth Sketch</h2>\r\nAlthough this appears to be a rough sketch of an open mouth that might be considered an unfinished piece of work, it consists of more than one medium, and the entire piece (not shown in this excerpt) is done in what appears to be a similar, deliberate style by the artist.\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.letsdrawpeople.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/sketches-of-lips-open-mouth-sketch-01.jpg\"><img class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-3302\" src=\"http://www.letsdrawpeople.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/sketches-of-lips-open-mouth-sketch-01.jpg\" alt=\"sketches of lips open mouth sketch 01\" width=\"665\" height=\"565\" /></a>\r\n\r\nAssuming this is a finished piece, the style suggests that the artist was not going for a realistic look. For example, the lips in the sketch have a heavy outline (perhaps in ink) that are not characteristic of natural-looking lips.\r\n\r\nEven so, you can tell that the artist strived to include some three-dimensional elements on the lips themselves. There are two carefully placed highlights on the top lip and two more on the bottom. These highlights, along with the darker tones receding from the front of the lips to the corners of the mouth, help to convey the appearance of form and roundness in the lips.\r\n\r\nSo how does this three-dimensional feel of the lips complement the rest of the mouth sketch? It gives the sense that the lips are protruding forward, as they should if a mouth is opened wide. The lack of detail in the tongue and other more distant parts of the inside of the mouth help the lips to \"stick out\" even more (that is, become more noticeable).\r\n<h2>What Can We Learn from These Sketches of Lips?</h2>\r\nintro; variety; realistic traits even among the differences; for example, vertical lines and no lines\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.letsdrawpeople.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/sketches-of-lips.jpg\"><img class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-3312\" src=\"http://www.letsdrawpeople.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/sketches-of-lips.jpg\" alt=\"sketches of lips\" width=\"1600\" height=\"751\" /></a>\r\n\r\nclosing - compare and contrast all - sketch of lips\r\n\r\nconclusion - sketches of lips','How These Very Different Sketches of Lips Can Help You Draw Lips','','inherit','closed','closed','','3294-revision-v1','','','2016-09-08 05:46:41','2016-09-08 12:46:41','',3294,'http://www.letsdrawpeople.com/3294-revision-v1/',0,'revision','',0);
INSERT INTO `wp_posts` VALUES (3336,2,'2016-09-08 05:48:15','2016-09-08 12:48:15','What can 16 dissimilar sketches of lips tell you about how to draw lips?\r\n\r\nWell, if you look at each one of the sketches in this article closely enough, it turns out that these lips have a lot to say.\r\n\r\nOne of the best ways to learn how to sketch lips is to carefully study a selection of lips that have already been sketched for you. If you carefully examine enough examples of the end result, you will start to notice some interesting similarities and differences that give you insight into the process leading up to the end result.\r\n\r\nThis article is not the usual step-by-step tutorial on how to sketch a pair of lips or even <a href=\"http://www.letsdrawpeople.com/how-to-turn-your-plainly-drawn-lips-into-realistic-lips/\">how to draw lips realistically</a>. The goal of this post is to carefully analyze various sketches of lips. First, we will seek to describe the characteristics of the lips that are present in each sketch. Then, we will move on to compare and contrast those characteristics.\r\n\r\nThe sketches of lips you will find here are of many different styles. The first section looks at the first step of drawing lips (or anything else for that matter) - the initial line drawing. Then you will see how those lips change once they have some shading. Moving on from there, we will look at lip sketches that are rough and simple as well as detailed and thorough. You will notice pencil, pen and ink, and even colored and digital media. We will look at the lips of subtle smiles as well as larger, more open smiles showing teeth. You will also study the lips of a biting mouth as well as the lips of an open mouth.\r\n\r\nBy carefully studying these sketches, you should get some insight as to what you want or don\'t want to do when you sketch lips of your own.\r\n<h2>How a Simple Lips Drawing Might Look Before It Has Shading</h2>\r\nTo start things off, we will look at four examples of drawings of simple lips. Each simple lips drawing that follows is actually <a href=\"http://www.letsdrawpeople.com/are-you-a-lazy-artist-if-you-just-make-line-drawing-portraits/\">a line drawing</a> before any tones are added for shading. Look for what each lip line drawing has in common with the others and what is different about each one.\r\n\r\nIn this first very simple drawing, you can see a rough outline of the lips of a person turned slightly to the right. There is a little indication of the white border that traces the upper lip. There is also an indication of shadow under the lower lip. This lip sketch has the vertical lines that are characteristic of lips in real life but often missing in many drawn lips. Additionally, you can see some oval-shaped areas that help place highlights on the lips.\r\n\r\n<span style=\"line-height: 1.5;\"><a href=\"http://www.letsdrawpeople.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/sketches-of-lips-simple-lips-drawing-01.jpg\"><img class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-3303\" src=\"http://www.letsdrawpeople.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/sketches-of-lips-simple-lips-drawing-01.jpg\" alt=\"sketches of lips simple lips drawing 01\" width=\"600\" height=\"350\" /></a></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThis pair of lips belongs to a mouth that is facing forward and slightly open. As in the previous example, it shows the vertical lines, but in this case the lines are more subtle and only on the bottom lip where they are more prominent. There are two highlight spots on the lower lip. The line along the upper lip helps to signify a darker shadowy area where the lip curves inward.\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.letsdrawpeople.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/sketches-of-lips-simple-lips-drawing-02.jpg\"><img class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-3304\" src=\"http://www.letsdrawpeople.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/sketches-of-lips-simple-lips-drawing-02.jpg\" alt=\"sketches of lips simple lips drawing 02\" width=\"600\" height=\"228\" /></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nHere we have another pair of lips belonging to a forward-facing mouth, but in this case the lips are closed. There are a few indications of the lips\' vertical lines on the top and bottom lip. Notice again in this lip line drawing that highlights and shadow areas are carefully placed to prepare for shading later on.\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.letsdrawpeople.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/sketches-of-lips-simple-lips-drawing-03.jpg\"><img class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-3305\" src=\"http://www.letsdrawpeople.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/sketches-of-lips-simple-lips-drawing-03.jpg\" alt=\"sketches of lips simple lips drawing 03\" width=\"600\" height=\"249\" /></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThe sketch below is of a pair of lips belonging to a face that is looking slightly downward. For this reason, the top lip looks a bit more pronounced than the bottom lip. This lip sketch includes details placed in the corners of the mouth, which add to any expression (however little) the mouth may be giving.\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.letsdrawpeople.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/sketches-of-lips-simple-lips-drawing-04.jpg\"><img class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-3306\" src=\"http://www.letsdrawpeople.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/sketches-of-lips-simple-lips-drawing-04.jpg\" alt=\"sketches of lips simple lips drawing 04\" width=\"600\" height=\"229\" /></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nLet\'s now consider the four drawings we just saw in this section and see how they are alike. Since all four drawings are line drawings, they are at the beginning stages of a final piece of work. Each line drawing has careful placement of lip highlights on the bottom lip and shadow under the bottom lip.\r\n\r\nAs for differences, some have highlights on the top lip while others have shadow along the top lip. While each lip drawing has the vertical lines characteristic of all lips in real life, you will have to judge for yourself if it\'s best to go with more detail or take the \"less is more\" approach and just subtly indicate them, as in the second example.\r\n<h2><span style=\"line-height: 1.5;\">Lip Shading Characteristics</span></h2>\r\nNow let\'s take our simple sketches of lips from the last section and examine what they might look like with a little shading. For the most part, these rough sketches have graphite tones applied for shading that are not blended with a tortillion. Each lip shading example below will have the corresponding lip line drawing for comparison purposes.\r\n\r\nThe first example has some evidence of crosshatching, especially along a small part of the top lip and under the bottom lip. Notice how the tones are applied carefully around the highlighted areas to preserve them. There are darker tones where the lips meet, at the corners, and just under the bottom lip\'s reflected light.\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.letsdrawpeople.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/sketches-of-lips-lip-shading-01.jpg\"><img class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-3297\" src=\"http://www.letsdrawpeople.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/sketches-of-lips-lip-shading-01.jpg\" alt=\"sketches of lips lip shading 01\" width=\"1401\" height=\"392\" /></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nRemember how in the second example there was a guideline drawn for a shadow along the top lip? You can see below how that area is now filled in with darker tones. The lower lip is also darker along the bottom, below the highlights. Again, notice the reflected light along the edge of the lower lip. The shading for this sketch could be characterized as more hatching than crosshatching.\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.letsdrawpeople.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/sketches-of-lips-lip-shading-02.jpg\"><img class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-3298\" src=\"http://www.letsdrawpeople.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/sketches-of-lips-lip-shading-02.jpg\" alt=\"sketches of lips lip shading 02\" width=\"1405\" height=\"405\" /></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nVertical lip lines are preserved in this example without being too harsh or prominent. There are also a range of values present. Most of the lips\' surface area has a midtone value, while the highlights remain white and the corners have darker shadow areas.\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.letsdrawpeople.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/sketches-of-lips-lip-shading-03.jpg\"><img class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-3299\" src=\"http://www.letsdrawpeople.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/sketches-of-lips-lip-shading-03.jpg\" alt=\"sketches of lips lip shading 03\" width=\"1410\" height=\"426\" /></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThis example has a similar base value of shading for the lips and the skin surrounding the lips. Since these lips are viewed slightly from above (since the face is tilted downward), there are some darker tones along the lower part of each lip and under the bottom lip. Darker tones also exist to better portray the medial cleft between the nose and upper lip (also known as the philtrum).\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.letsdrawpeople.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/sketches-of-lips-lip-shading-04.jpg\"><img class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-3300\" src=\"http://www.letsdrawpeople.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/sketches-of-lips-lip-shading-04.jpg\" alt=\"sketches of lips lip shading 04\" width=\"1410\" height=\"414\" /></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThis final example does not have a line drawing preview like the others in this section, but I thought it still deserved some attention for some interesting lip shading characteristics. The graphite tones are also more blended together here.\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.letsdrawpeople.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/sketches-of-lips-lip-shading-05.jpg\"><img class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-3301\" src=\"http://www.letsdrawpeople.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/sketches-of-lips-lip-shading-05.jpg\" alt=\"sketches of lips lip shading 05\" width=\"600\" height=\"327\" /></a>\r\n\r\nThe above sketch shows the lips slightly darker than the surrounding skin and the top lip slightly darker than the bottom. A good reason for this is that the bottom lip has more highlighted area. I also find it noteworthy that the highlight is broken up at various spots by the vertical lip lines, some soft lines and some sharper lines, for a more natural look.\r\n\r\nAs you see from the last few lip sketches, lips can be shaded a number of ways. Tones can be applied with hatching, crosshatching, or blended together. You should always preserve highlights by making darker tones around them, and you should keep the vertical lines of the lips implied on some level.\r\n<h2>What Can Enhance a Subtle Smiling Lips Sketch</h2>\r\nHow can you pull off a sketch of smiling lips when the lips are not smiling a big smile? What if the smile is only a subtle smirk? The examples in the previous sections focused on only the lips. However, what creates the perception of a smile in a sketch or drawing is as much in the skin surrounding the lips than in the lips themselves. Now let\'s look at three sketches of smiling lips and the characteristic details found around the lips that help us to better notice the smile.\r\n\r\nThis first sketch is a very rough line drawing sketch. It is of a subtly smiling mouth that is turned in a profile view. It has hatching lines to indicate shading on and around the lips. The lines on the skin directly above and below the lips help to give form to the protrusion of the lips. Look in the corner of the mouth, and you can see the dark line that serves as a fold in the skin when the cheek is just beginning to help form a smile.\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.letsdrawpeople.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/sketches-of-lips-smiling-lips-sketch-01.jpg\"><img class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-3307\" src=\"http://www.letsdrawpeople.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/sketches-of-lips-smiling-lips-sketch-01.jpg\" alt=\"sketches of lips smiling lips sketch 01\" width=\"600\" height=\"403\" /></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThis next example is much more detailed than the previous line sketch. Still, there are some commonalities. The crosshatch shading above the top lip helps to form the three-dimensional appearance of this part of the mouth, including the philtrum. The shading below the bottom lip helps to distinguish the space between the bottom lip and the chin. The difference in angles between the lines on the corners of the mouth, along with the dimple on the man\'s left cheek, tell us that the man is smirking more on the left side of his face than the right side.\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.letsdrawpeople.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/sketches-of-lips-smiling-lips-sketch-02.jpg\"><img class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-3308\" src=\"http://www.letsdrawpeople.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/sketches-of-lips-smiling-lips-sketch-02.jpg\" alt=\"sketches of lips smiling lips sketch 02\" width=\"600\" height=\"325\" /></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nHere is another piece of work that is on the more detailed side of lip sketches. Even though this drawing does not have the vertical lines on the corners of the mouth that are noticeable in the previous two examples, you can still tell there is a slight smile with the subject. How so? Look at how the crosshatch shading implies sunken-in cheeks. Darker areas on either side of the mouth that do not touch the mouth help to achieve this appearance.\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_3309\" align=\"aligncenter\" width=\"600\"]<a href=\"http://www.letsdrawpeople.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/sketches-of-lips-smiling-lips-sketch-03.jpg\"><img class=\"wp-image-3309 size-full\" src=\"http://www.letsdrawpeople.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/sketches-of-lips-smiling-lips-sketch-03.jpg\" alt=\"sketches of lips smiling lips sketch 03\" width=\"600\" height=\"400\" /></a> <center><b> © <a href=\"https://www.dreamstime.com/guernica_info\">Safa Sami</a> | <a href=\"https://www.dreamstime.com/\">Dreamstime.com</a></b></center>[/caption]\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nWith these three examples, we learned that a smiling lips sketch can have more than just the details on the lips themselves to better portray that the lips are actually smiling. Just as important are the details on the areas of the face immediately surrounding the lips. Different subjects\' faces have different characteristics. Some people smile with dimples, some have sunken in cheeks when they smile, and everyone has variations in cheek lines that form in the corners of their mouths when they smile. Keeping these traits in mind when you sketch smiling lips will help to better enhance your sketches, too.\r\n<h2>How Lips Can Look on a Smiling Mouth Sketch Showing Teeth</h2>\r\nNext, we will take a look at two very different sketches of lips. Unlike the sketches in the last section, these lips are part of less subtle, more obvious smiles that also show the teeth.\r\n\r\nThis sketch is another rough line drawing sketch. It is a picture of a noticeable smile, viewed from the front. Since this is a much more noticeable smile than the smiles from the last section, you can see a sizeable portion of the subject\'s teeth. There are some characteristics surrounding the lips that we noticed before as well, such as the cheek lines at the corners of the lips and shading to show protrusion of the lips.\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.letsdrawpeople.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/sketches-of-lips-smiling-mouth-sketch-01.jpg\"><img class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-3310\" src=\"http://www.letsdrawpeople.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/sketches-of-lips-smiling-mouth-sketch-01.jpg\" alt=\"sketches of lips smiling mouth sketch 01\" width=\"600\" height=\"282\" /></a>\r\n\r\nLooking at the lips themselves, this line sketch has what resembles vertical hatch lines to indicate shading. There are fewer lines in the front, especially on the bottom lip where you can expect some highlighting. There are more lines near the corners, where the lips curve around the face and retreat toward the back.\r\n\r\nThis next mouth sketch is certainly not your traditional sketch by any means. You can tell it was created with the assistance of some sort of digital means. Possibly due to the type of software used and its capabilities, there is a slightly unnatural shape to the overall mouth, especially the way the top lip curves downward in the middle and how the corners curve upward. Nevertheless, there is some interesting shading going on that enhances the appearance of the lips and the overall mouth.\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.letsdrawpeople.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/sketches-of-lips-smiling-mouth-sketch-02.jpg\"><img class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-3311\" src=\"http://www.letsdrawpeople.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/sketches-of-lips-smiling-mouth-sketch-02.jpg\" alt=\"sketches of lips smiling mouth sketch 02\" width=\"600\" height=\"434\" /></a>\r\n\r\nLook first at the lower lip and the range of values present. The values are much darker along the edges. Then there are some midtone values between the edges and the highlight in the middle.\r\n\r\nSecondly, the creator of this sketch remembered something very important for a smiling mouth sketch that shows teeth. The lips cast a small shadow upon the teeth. You can see this shadow along the upper portions of the top teeth, the lower portions of the bottom teeth, and more shadow values present in the teeth that are farther back. This crucial detail was missing from the first, simpler example. The artist also remembered the dark shadow tones that the teeth should cast upon the tongue.\r\n<h2>A Close Examination of a Biting Lip Sketch</h2>\r\nThis is a sketch of an open mouth where the teeth are biting down on the lower, right side of the lips. It is a pen and ink sketch with lots of crosshatching used for the shading.\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.letsdrawpeople.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/sketches-of-lips-biting-lip-sketch-01.jpg\"><img class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-3296\" src=\"http://www.letsdrawpeople.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/sketches-of-lips-biting-lip-sketch-01.jpg\" alt=\"sketches of lips biting lip sketch 01\" width=\"600\" height=\"415\" /></a>\r\n\r\nWhat kind of pertinent characteristics should we gather from this example if we wanted to make a biting lip sketch of our own? First of all, the part of the lower lip that is bitten by the teeth is hidden behind those teeth. More importantly, there should be focus on where the teeth meet the lip. The teeth are pulling the skin of the lower lip, thus causing \"folds\" in the skin. In the drawing above, there are three teeth making contact with the lip. If you examine very closely, you will notice one of these fold lines coming from the center of each of the three teeth. You should also notice fold lines coming from between the teeth.\r\n\r\nOther lip characteristics of this sketch are less about the biting part and more about what should be found in many other lip sketches. The lips consist of lighter tones where the light strikes them and darker tones surrounding the lighter areas and the corners of the mouth where the lips recede. You can also see reflected light along the bottom edge of the top lip.\r\n\r\nThe main thing to remember when making a biting lip sketch is to focus on the location of the bite and include the details on the lower lip that will make the appearance of the bite believable.\r\n<h2>How Lips Can Complement Other Parts of an Open Mouth Sketch</h2>\r\nAlthough this appears to be a rough sketch of an open mouth that might be considered an unfinished piece of work, it consists of more than one medium, and the entire piece (not shown in this excerpt) is done in what appears to be a similar, deliberate style by the artist.\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.letsdrawpeople.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/sketches-of-lips-open-mouth-sketch-01.jpg\"><img class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-3302\" src=\"http://www.letsdrawpeople.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/sketches-of-lips-open-mouth-sketch-01.jpg\" alt=\"sketches of lips open mouth sketch 01\" width=\"665\" height=\"565\" /></a>\r\n\r\nAssuming this is a finished piece, the style suggests that the artist was not going for a realistic look. For example, the lips in the sketch have a heavy outline (perhaps in ink) that are not characteristic of natural-looking lips.\r\n\r\nEven so, you can tell that the artist strived to include some three-dimensional elements on the lips themselves. There are two carefully placed highlights on the top lip and two more on the bottom. These highlights, along with the darker tones receding from the front of the lips to the corners of the mouth, help to convey the appearance of form and roundness in the lips.\r\n\r\nSo how does this three-dimensional feel of the lips complement the rest of the mouth sketch? It gives the sense that the lips are protruding forward, as they should if a mouth is opened wide. The lack of detail in the tongue and other more distant parts of the inside of the mouth help the lips to \"stick out\" even more (that is, become more noticeable).\r\n<h2>What Can We Learn from These Sketches of Lips?</h2>\r\nintro; variety; realistic traits even among the differences; for example, vertical lines and no lines\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.letsdrawpeople.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/sketches-of-lips.jpg\"><img class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-3312\" src=\"http://www.letsdrawpeople.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/sketches-of-lips.jpg\" alt=\"sketches of lips\" width=\"1600\" height=\"751\" /></a>\r\n\r\nclosing - compare and contrast all - sketch of lips\r\n\r\nconclusion - sketches of lips','How These Very Different Sketches of Lips Can Help You Draw Lips','','inherit','closed','closed','','3294-revision-v1','','','2016-09-08 05:48:15','2016-09-08 12:48:15','',3294,'http://www.letsdrawpeople.com/3294-revision-v1/',0,'revision','',0),(3337,2,'2016-09-08 19:43:44','2016-09-09 02:43:44','What can 16 dissimilar sketches of lips tell you about how to draw lips?\r\n\r\nWell, if you look at each one of the sketches in this article closely enough, it turns out that these lips have a lot to say.\r\n\r\nOne of the best ways to learn how to sketch lips is to carefully study a selection of lips that have already been sketched for you. If you carefully examine enough examples of the end result, you will start to notice some interesting similarities and differences that give you insight into the process leading up to the end result.\r\n\r\nThis article is not the usual step-by-step tutorial on how to sketch a pair of lips or even <a href=\"http://www.letsdrawpeople.com/how-to-turn-your-plainly-drawn-lips-into-realistic-lips/\">how to draw lips realistically</a>. The goal of this post is to carefully analyze various sketches of lips. First, we will seek to describe the characteristics of the lips that are present in each sketch. Then, we will move on to compare and contrast those characteristics.\r\n\r\nThe sketches of lips you will find here are of many different styles. The first section looks at the first step of drawing lips (or anything else for that matter) - the initial line drawing. Then you will see how those lips change once they have some shading. Moving on from there, we will look at lip sketches that are rough and simple as well as detailed and thorough. You will notice pencil, pen and ink, and even colored and digital media. We will look at the lips of subtle smiles as well as larger, more open smiles showing teeth. You will also study the lips of a biting mouth as well as the lips of an open mouth.\r\n\r\nBy carefully studying these sketches, you should get some insight as to what you want or don\'t want to do when you sketch lips of your own.\r\n<h2>How a Simple Lips Drawing Might Look Before It Has Shading</h2>\r\nTo start things off, we will look at four examples of drawings of simple lips. Each simple lips drawing that follows is actually <a href=\"http://www.letsdrawpeople.com/are-you-a-lazy-artist-if-you-just-make-line-drawing-portraits/\">a line drawing</a> before any tones are added for shading. Look for what each lip line drawing has in common with the others and what is different about each one.\r\n\r\nIn this first very simple drawing, you can see a rough outline of the lips of a person turned slightly to the right. There is a little indication of the white border that traces the upper lip. There is also an indication of shadow under the lower lip. This lip sketch has the vertical lines that are characteristic of lips in real life but often missing in many drawn lips. Additionally, you can see some oval-shaped areas that help place highlights on the lips.\r\n\r\n<span style=\"line-height: 1.5;\"><a href=\"http://www.letsdrawpeople.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/sketches-of-lips-simple-lips-drawing-01.jpg\"><img class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-3303\" src=\"http://www.letsdrawpeople.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/sketches-of-lips-simple-lips-drawing-01.jpg\" alt=\"sketches of lips simple lips drawing 01\" width=\"600\" height=\"350\" /></a></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThis pair of lips belongs to a mouth that is facing forward and slightly open. As in the previous example, it shows the vertical lines, but in this case the lines are more subtle and only on the bottom lip where they are more prominent. There are two highlight spots on the lower lip. The line along the upper lip helps to signify a darker shadowy area where the lip curves inward.\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.letsdrawpeople.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/sketches-of-lips-simple-lips-drawing-02.jpg\"><img class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-3304\" src=\"http://www.letsdrawpeople.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/sketches-of-lips-simple-lips-drawing-02.jpg\" alt=\"sketches of lips simple lips drawing 02\" width=\"600\" height=\"228\" /></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nHere we have another pair of lips belonging to a forward-facing mouth, but in this case the lips are closed. There are a few indications of the lips\' vertical lines on the top and bottom lip. Notice again in this lip line drawing that highlights and shadow areas are carefully placed to prepare for shading later on.\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.letsdrawpeople.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/sketches-of-lips-simple-lips-drawing-03.jpg\"><img class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-3305\" src=\"http://www.letsdrawpeople.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/sketches-of-lips-simple-lips-drawing-03.jpg\" alt=\"sketches of lips simple lips drawing 03\" width=\"600\" height=\"249\" /></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThe sketch below is of a pair of lips belonging to a face that is looking slightly downward. For this reason, the top lip looks a bit more pronounced than the bottom lip. This lip sketch includes details placed in the corners of the mouth, which add to any expression (however little) the mouth may be giving.\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.letsdrawpeople.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/sketches-of-lips-simple-lips-drawing-04.jpg\"><img class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-3306\" src=\"http://www.letsdrawpeople.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/sketches-of-lips-simple-lips-drawing-04.jpg\" alt=\"sketches of lips simple lips drawing 04\" width=\"600\" height=\"229\" /></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nLet\'s now consider the four drawings we just saw in this section and see how they are alike. Since all four drawings are line drawings, they are at the beginning stages of a final piece of work. Each line drawing has careful placement of lip highlights on the bottom lip and shadow under the bottom lip.\r\n\r\nAs for differences, some have highlights on the top lip while others have shadow along the top lip. While each lip drawing has the vertical lines characteristic of all lips in real life, you will have to judge for yourself if it\'s best to go with more detail or take the \"less is more\" approach and just subtly indicate them, as in the second example.\r\n<h2><span style=\"line-height: 1.5;\">Lip Shading Characteristics</span></h2>\r\nNow let\'s take our simple sketches of lips from the last section and examine what they might look like with a little shading. For the most part, these rough sketches have graphite tones applied for shading that are not blended with a tortillion. Each lip shading example below will have the corresponding lip line drawing for comparison purposes.\r\n\r\nThe first example has some evidence of crosshatching, especially along a small part of the top lip and under the bottom lip. Notice how the tones are applied carefully around the highlighted areas to preserve them. There are darker tones where the lips meet, at the corners, and just under the bottom lip\'s reflected light.\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.letsdrawpeople.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/sketches-of-lips-lip-shading-01.jpg\"><img class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-3297\" src=\"http://www.letsdrawpeople.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/sketches-of-lips-lip-shading-01.jpg\" alt=\"sketches of lips lip shading 01\" width=\"1401\" height=\"392\" /></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nRemember how in the second example there was a guideline drawn for a shadow along the top lip? You can see below how that area is now filled in with darker tones. The lower lip is also darker along the bottom, below the highlights. Again, notice the reflected light along the edge of the lower lip. The shading for this sketch could be characterized as more hatching than crosshatching.\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.letsdrawpeople.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/sketches-of-lips-lip-shading-02.jpg\"><img class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-3298\" src=\"http://www.letsdrawpeople.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/sketches-of-lips-lip-shading-02.jpg\" alt=\"sketches of lips lip shading 02\" width=\"1405\" height=\"405\" /></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nVertical lip lines are preserved in this example without being too harsh or prominent. There are also a range of values present. Most of the lips\' surface area has a midtone value, while the highlights remain white and the corners have darker shadow areas.\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.letsdrawpeople.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/sketches-of-lips-lip-shading-03.jpg\"><img class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-3299\" src=\"http://www.letsdrawpeople.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/sketches-of-lips-lip-shading-03.jpg\" alt=\"sketches of lips lip shading 03\" width=\"1410\" height=\"426\" /></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThis example has a similar base value of shading for the lips and the skin surrounding the lips. Since these lips are viewed slightly from above (since the face is tilted downward), there are some darker tones along the lower part of each lip and under the bottom lip. Darker tones also exist to better portray the medial cleft between the nose and upper lip (also known as the philtrum).\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.letsdrawpeople.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/sketches-of-lips-lip-shading-04.jpg\"><img class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-3300\" src=\"http://www.letsdrawpeople.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/sketches-of-lips-lip-shading-04.jpg\" alt=\"sketches of lips lip shading 04\" width=\"1410\" height=\"414\" /></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThis final example does not have a line drawing preview like the others in this section, but I thought it still deserved some attention for some interesting lip shading characteristics. The graphite tones are also more blended together here.\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.letsdrawpeople.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/sketches-of-lips-lip-shading-05.jpg\"><img class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-3301\" src=\"http://www.letsdrawpeople.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/sketches-of-lips-lip-shading-05.jpg\" alt=\"sketches of lips lip shading 05\" width=\"600\" height=\"327\" /></a>\r\n\r\nThe above sketch shows the lips slightly darker than the surrounding skin and the top lip slightly darker than the bottom. A good reason for this is that the bottom lip has more highlighted area. I also find it noteworthy that the highlight is broken up at various spots by the vertical lip lines, some soft lines and some sharper lines, for a more natural look.\r\n\r\nAs you see from the last few lip sketches, lips can be shaded a number of ways. Tones can be applied with hatching, crosshatching, or blended together. You should always preserve highlights by making darker tones around them, and you should keep the vertical lines of the lips implied on some level.\r\n<h2>What Can Enhance a Subtle Smiling Lips Sketch</h2>\r\nHow can you pull off a sketch of smiling lips when the lips are not smiling a big smile? What if the smile is only a subtle smirk? The examples in the previous sections focused on only the lips. However, what creates the perception of a smile in a sketch or drawing is as much in the skin surrounding the lips than in the lips themselves. Now let\'s look at three sketches of smiling lips and the characteristic details found around the lips that help us to better notice the smile.\r\n\r\nThis first sketch is a very rough line drawing sketch. It is of a subtly smiling mouth that is turned in a profile view. It has hatching lines to indicate shading on and around the lips. The lines on the skin directly above and below the lips help to give form to the protrusion of the lips. Look in the corner of the mouth, and you can see the dark line that serves as a fold in the skin when the cheek is just beginning to help form a smile.\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.letsdrawpeople.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/sketches-of-lips-smiling-lips-sketch-01.jpg\"><img class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-3307\" src=\"http://www.letsdrawpeople.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/sketches-of-lips-smiling-lips-sketch-01.jpg\" alt=\"sketches of lips smiling lips sketch 01\" width=\"600\" height=\"403\" /></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThis next example is much more detailed than the previous line sketch. Still, there are some commonalities. The crosshatch shading above the top lip helps to form the three-dimensional appearance of this part of the mouth, including the philtrum. The shading below the bottom lip helps to distinguish the space between the bottom lip and the chin. The difference in angles between the lines on the corners of the mouth, along with the dimple on the man\'s left cheek, tell us that the man is smirking more on the left side of his face than the right side.\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.letsdrawpeople.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/sketches-of-lips-smiling-lips-sketch-02.jpg\"><img class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-3308\" src=\"http://www.letsdrawpeople.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/sketches-of-lips-smiling-lips-sketch-02.jpg\" alt=\"sketches of lips smiling lips sketch 02\" width=\"600\" height=\"325\" /></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nHere is another piece of work that is on the more detailed side of lip sketches. Even though this drawing does not have the vertical lines on the corners of the mouth that are noticeable in the previous two examples, you can still tell there is a slight smile with the subject. How so? Look at how the crosshatch shading implies sunken-in cheeks. Darker areas on either side of the mouth that do not touch the mouth help to achieve this appearance.\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_3309\" align=\"aligncenter\" width=\"600\"]<a href=\"http://www.letsdrawpeople.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/sketches-of-lips-smiling-lips-sketch-03.jpg\"><img class=\"wp-image-3309 size-full\" src=\"http://www.letsdrawpeople.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/sketches-of-lips-smiling-lips-sketch-03.jpg\" alt=\"sketches of lips smiling lips sketch 03\" width=\"600\" height=\"400\" /></a> <center><b> © <a href=\"https://www.dreamstime.com/guernica_info\">Safa Sami</a> | <a href=\"https://www.dreamstime.com/\">Dreamstime.com</a></b></center>[/caption]\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nWith these three examples, we learned that a smiling lips sketch can have more than just the details on the lips themselves to better portray that the lips are actually smiling. Just as important are the details on the areas of the face immediately surrounding the lips. Different subjects\' faces have different characteristics. Some people smile with dimples, some have sunken in cheeks when they smile, and everyone has variations in cheek lines that form in the corners of their mouths when they smile. Keeping these traits in mind when you sketch smiling lips will help to better enhance your sketches, too.\r\n<h2>How Lips Can Look on a Smiling Mouth Sketch Showing Teeth</h2>\r\nNext, we will take a look at two very different sketches of lips. Unlike the sketches in the last section, these lips are part of less subtle, more obvious smiles that also show the teeth.\r\n\r\nThis sketch is another rough line drawing sketch. It is a picture of a noticeable smile, viewed from the front. Since this is a much more noticeable smile than the smiles from the last section, you can see a sizeable portion of the subject\'s teeth. There are some characteristics surrounding the lips that we noticed before as well, such as the cheek lines at the corners of the lips and shading to show protrusion of the lips.\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.letsdrawpeople.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/sketches-of-lips-smiling-mouth-sketch-01.jpg\"><img class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-3310\" src=\"http://www.letsdrawpeople.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/sketches-of-lips-smiling-mouth-sketch-01.jpg\" alt=\"sketches of lips smiling mouth sketch 01\" width=\"600\" height=\"282\" /></a>\r\n\r\nLooking at the lips themselves, this line sketch has what resembles vertical hatch lines to indicate shading. There are fewer lines in the front, especially on the bottom lip where you can expect some highlighting. There are more lines near the corners, where the lips curve around the face and retreat toward the back.\r\n\r\nThis next mouth sketch is certainly not your traditional sketch by any means. You can tell it was created with the assistance of some sort of digital means. Possibly due to the type of software used and its capabilities, there is a slightly unnatural shape to the overall mouth, especially the way the top lip curves downward in the middle and how the corners curve upward. Nevertheless, there is some interesting shading going on that enhances the appearance of the lips and the overall mouth.\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.letsdrawpeople.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/sketches-of-lips-smiling-mouth-sketch-02.jpg\"><img class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-3311\" src=\"http://www.letsdrawpeople.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/sketches-of-lips-smiling-mouth-sketch-02.jpg\" alt=\"sketches of lips smiling mouth sketch 02\" width=\"600\" height=\"434\" /></a>\r\n\r\nLook first at the lower lip and the range of values present. The values are much darker along the edges. Then there are some midtone values between the edges and the highlight in the middle.\r\n\r\nSecondly, the creator of this sketch remembered something very important for a smiling mouth sketch that shows teeth. The lips cast a small shadow upon the teeth. You can see this shadow along the upper portions of the top teeth, the lower portions of the bottom teeth, and more shadow values present in the teeth that are farther back. This crucial detail was missing from the first, simpler example. The artist also remembered the dark shadow tones that the teeth should cast upon the tongue.\r\n<h2>A Close Examination of a Biting Lip Sketch</h2>\r\nThis is a sketch of an open mouth where the teeth are biting down on the lower, right side of the lips. It is a pen and ink sketch with lots of crosshatching used for the shading.\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.letsdrawpeople.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/sketches-of-lips-biting-lip-sketch-01.jpg\"><img class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-3296\" src=\"http://www.letsdrawpeople.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/sketches-of-lips-biting-lip-sketch-01.jpg\" alt=\"sketches of lips biting lip sketch 01\" width=\"600\" height=\"415\" /></a>\r\n\r\nWhat kind of pertinent characteristics should we gather from this example if we wanted to make a biting lip sketch of our own? First of all, the part of the lower lip that is bitten by the teeth is hidden behind those teeth. More importantly, there should be focus on where the teeth meet the lip. The teeth are pulling the skin of the lower lip, thus causing \"folds\" in the skin. In the drawing above, there are three teeth making contact with the lip. If you examine very closely, you will notice one of these fold lines coming from the center of each of the three teeth. You should also notice fold lines coming from between the teeth.\r\n\r\nOther lip characteristics of this sketch are less about the biting part and more about what should be found in many other lip sketches. The lips consist of lighter tones where the light strikes them and darker tones surrounding the lighter areas and the corners of the mouth where the lips recede. You can also see reflected light along the bottom edge of the top lip.\r\n\r\nThe main thing to remember when making a biting lip sketch is to focus on the location of the bite and include the details on the lower lip that will make the appearance of the bite believable.\r\n<h2>How Lips Can Complement Other Parts of an Open Mouth Sketch</h2>\r\nAlthough this appears to be a rough sketch of an open mouth that might be considered an unfinished piece of work, it consists of more than one medium, and the entire piece (not shown in this excerpt) is done in what appears to be a similar, deliberate style by the artist.\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.letsdrawpeople.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/sketches-of-lips-open-mouth-sketch-01.jpg\"><img class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-3302\" src=\"http://www.letsdrawpeople.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/sketches-of-lips-open-mouth-sketch-01.jpg\" alt=\"sketches of lips open mouth sketch 01\" width=\"665\" height=\"565\" /></a>\r\n\r\nAssuming this is a finished piece, the style suggests that the artist was not going for a realistic look. For example, the lips in the sketch have a heavy outline (perhaps in ink) that are not characteristic of natural-looking lips.\r\n\r\nEven so, you can tell that the artist strived to include some three-dimensional elements on the lips themselves. There are two carefully placed highlights on the top lip and two more on the bottom. These highlights, along with the darker tones receding from the front of the lips to the corners of the mouth, help to convey the appearance of form and roundness in the lips.\r\n\r\nSo how does this three-dimensional feel of the lips complement the rest of the mouth sketch? It gives the sense that the lips are protruding forward, as they should if a mouth is opened wide. The lack of detail in the tongue and other more distant parts of the inside of the mouth help the lips to \"stick out\" even more (that is, become more noticeable).\r\n<h2>What Can We Learn from These Sketches of Lips?</h2>\r\nThere is no question that there are many different ways to sketch lips. That is pretty obvious from what you have read and seen in this article. Just to recap some of the lip sketches we have studied, let\'s look at them one more time. Below is a collection of the lip sketches, grouped all together.\r\n\r\nintro; variety; realistic traits even among the differences; for example, vertical lines and no lines\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.letsdrawpeople.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/sketches-of-lips.jpg\"><img class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-3312\" src=\"http://www.letsdrawpeople.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/sketches-of-lips.jpg\" alt=\"sketches of lips\" width=\"1600\" height=\"751\" /></a>\r\n\r\nclosing - compare and contrast all - sketch of lips\r\n\r\nconclusion - sketches of lips','How These Very Different Sketches of Lips Can Help You Draw Lips','','inherit','closed','closed','','3294-revision-v1','','','2016-09-08 19:43:44','2016-09-09 02:43:44','',3294,'http://www.letsdrawpeople.com/3294-revision-v1/',0,'revision','',0),(3338,2,'2016-09-08 20:12:29','2016-09-09 03:12:29','What can 16 dissimilar sketches of lips tell you about how to draw lips?\r\n\r\nWell, if you look at each one of the sketches in this article closely enough, it turns out that these lips have a lot to say.\r\n\r\nOne of the best ways to learn how to sketch lips is to carefully study a selection of lips that have already been sketched for you. If you carefully examine enough examples of the end result, you will start to notice some interesting similarities and differences that give you insight into the process leading up to the end result.\r\n\r\nThis article is not the usual step-by-step tutorial on how to sketch a pair of lips or even <a href=\"http://www.letsdrawpeople.com/how-to-turn-your-plainly-drawn-lips-into-realistic-lips/\">how to draw lips realistically</a>. The goal of this post is to carefully analyze various sketches of lips. First, we will seek to describe the characteristics of the lips that are present in each sketch. Then, we will move on to compare and contrast those characteristics.\r\n\r\nThe sketches of lips you will find here are of many different styles. The first section looks at the first step of drawing lips (or anything else for that matter) - the initial line drawing. Then you will see how those lips change once they have some shading. Moving on from there, we will look at lip sketches that are rough and simple as well as detailed and thorough. You will notice pencil, pen and ink, and even colored and digital media. We will look at the lips of subtle smiles as well as larger, more open smiles showing teeth. You will also study the lips of a biting mouth as well as the lips of an open mouth.\r\n\r\nBy carefully studying these sketches, you should get some insight as to what you want or don\'t want to do when you sketch lips of your own.\r\n<h2>How a Simple Lips Drawing Might Look Before It Has Shading</h2>\r\nTo start things off, we will look at four examples of drawings of simple lips. Each simple lips drawing that follows is actually <a href=\"http://www.letsdrawpeople.com/are-you-a-lazy-artist-if-you-just-make-line-drawing-portraits/\">a line drawing</a> before any tones are added for shading. Look for what each lip line drawing has in common with the others and what is different about each one.\r\n\r\nIn this first very simple drawing, you can see a rough outline of the lips of a person turned slightly to the right. There is a little indication of the white border that traces the upper lip. There is also an indication of shadow under the lower lip. This lip sketch has the vertical lines that are characteristic of lips in real life but often missing in many drawn lips. Additionally, you can see some oval-shaped areas that help place highlights on the lips.\r\n\r\n<span style=\"line-height: 1.5;\"><a href=\"http://www.letsdrawpeople.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/sketches-of-lips-simple-lips-drawing-01.jpg\"><img class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-3303\" src=\"http://www.letsdrawpeople.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/sketches-of-lips-simple-lips-drawing-01.jpg\" alt=\"sketches of lips simple lips drawing 01\" width=\"600\" height=\"350\" /></a></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThis pair of lips belongs to a mouth that is facing forward and slightly open. As in the previous example, it shows the vertical lines, but in this case the lines are more subtle and only on the bottom lip where they are more prominent. There are two highlight spots on the lower lip. The line along the upper lip helps to signify a darker shadowy area where the lip curves inward.\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.letsdrawpeople.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/sketches-of-lips-simple-lips-drawing-02.jpg\"><img class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-3304\" src=\"http://www.letsdrawpeople.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/sketches-of-lips-simple-lips-drawing-02.jpg\" alt=\"sketches of lips simple lips drawing 02\" width=\"600\" height=\"228\" /></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nHere we have another pair of lips belonging to a forward-facing mouth, but in this case the lips are closed. There are a few indications of the lips\' vertical lines on the top and bottom lip. Notice again in this lip line drawing that highlights and shadow areas are carefully placed to prepare for shading later on.\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.letsdrawpeople.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/sketches-of-lips-simple-lips-drawing-03.jpg\"><img class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-3305\" src=\"http://www.letsdrawpeople.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/sketches-of-lips-simple-lips-drawing-03.jpg\" alt=\"sketches of lips simple lips drawing 03\" width=\"600\" height=\"249\" /></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThe sketch below is of a pair of lips belonging to a face that is looking slightly downward. For this reason, the top lip looks a bit more pronounced than the bottom lip. This lip sketch includes details placed in the corners of the mouth, which add to any expression (however little) the mouth may be giving.\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.letsdrawpeople.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/sketches-of-lips-simple-lips-drawing-04.jpg\"><img class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-3306\" src=\"http://www.letsdrawpeople.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/sketches-of-lips-simple-lips-drawing-04.jpg\" alt=\"sketches of lips simple lips drawing 04\" width=\"600\" height=\"229\" /></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nLet\'s now consider the four drawings we just saw in this section and see how they are alike. Since all four drawings are line drawings, they are at the beginning stages of a final piece of work. Each line drawing has careful placement of lip highlights on the bottom lip and shadow under the bottom lip.\r\n\r\nAs for differences, some have highlights on the top lip while others have shadow along the top lip. While each lip drawing has the vertical lines characteristic of all lips in real life, you will have to judge for yourself if it\'s best to go with more detail or take the \"less is more\" approach and just subtly indicate them, as in the second example.\r\n<h2><span style=\"line-height: 1.5;\">Lip Shading Characteristics</span></h2>\r\nNow let\'s take our simple sketches of lips from the last section and examine what they might look like with a little shading. For the most part, these rough sketches have graphite tones applied for shading that are not blended with a tortillion. Each lip shading example below will have the corresponding lip line drawing for comparison purposes.\r\n\r\nThe first example has some evidence of crosshatching, especially along a small part of the top lip and under the bottom lip. Notice how the tones are applied carefully around the highlighted areas to preserve them. There are darker tones where the lips meet, at the corners, and just under the bottom lip\'s reflected light.\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.letsdrawpeople.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/sketches-of-lips-lip-shading-01.jpg\"><img class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-3297\" src=\"http://www.letsdrawpeople.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/sketches-of-lips-lip-shading-01.jpg\" alt=\"sketches of lips lip shading 01\" width=\"1401\" height=\"392\" /></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nRemember how in the second example there was a guideline drawn for a shadow along the top lip? You can see below how that area is now filled in with darker tones. The lower lip is also darker along the bottom, below the highlights. Again, notice the reflected light along the edge of the lower lip. The shading for this sketch could be characterized as more hatching than crosshatching.\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.letsdrawpeople.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/sketches-of-lips-lip-shading-02.jpg\"><img class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-3298\" src=\"http://www.letsdrawpeople.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/sketches-of-lips-lip-shading-02.jpg\" alt=\"sketches of lips lip shading 02\" width=\"1405\" height=\"405\" /></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nVertical lip lines are preserved in this example without being too harsh or prominent. There are also a range of values present. Most of the lips\' surface area has a midtone value, while the highlights remain white and the corners have darker shadow areas.\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.letsdrawpeople.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/sketches-of-lips-lip-shading-03.jpg\"><img class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-3299\" src=\"http://www.letsdrawpeople.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/sketches-of-lips-lip-shading-03.jpg\" alt=\"sketches of lips lip shading 03\" width=\"1410\" height=\"426\" /></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThis example has a similar base value of shading for the lips and the skin surrounding the lips. Since these lips are viewed slightly from above (since the face is tilted downward), there are some darker tones along the lower part of each lip and under the bottom lip. Darker tones also exist to better portray the medial cleft between the nose and upper lip (also known as the philtrum).\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.letsdrawpeople.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/sketches-of-lips-lip-shading-04.jpg\"><img class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-3300\" src=\"http://www.letsdrawpeople.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/sketches-of-lips-lip-shading-04.jpg\" alt=\"sketches of lips lip shading 04\" width=\"1410\" height=\"414\" /></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThis final example does not have a line drawing preview like the others in this section, but I thought it still deserved some attention for some interesting lip shading characteristics. The graphite tones are also more blended together here.\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.letsdrawpeople.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/sketches-of-lips-lip-shading-05.jpg\"><img class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-3301\" src=\"http://www.letsdrawpeople.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/sketches-of-lips-lip-shading-05.jpg\" alt=\"sketches of lips lip shading 05\" width=\"600\" height=\"327\" /></a>\r\n\r\nThe above sketch shows the lips slightly darker than the surrounding skin and the top lip slightly darker than the bottom. A good reason for this is that the bottom lip has more highlighted area. I also find it noteworthy that the highlight is broken up at various spots by the vertical lip lines, some soft lines and some sharper lines, for a more natural look.\r\n\r\nAs you see from the last few lip sketches, lips can be shaded a number of ways. Tones can be applied with hatching, crosshatching, or blended together. You should always preserve highlights by making darker tones around them, and you should keep the vertical lines of the lips implied on some level.\r\n<h2>What Can Enhance a Subtle Smiling Lips Sketch</h2>\r\nHow can you pull off a sketch of smiling lips when the lips are not smiling a big smile? What if the smile is only a subtle smirk? The examples in the previous sections focused on only the lips. However, what creates the perception of a smile in a sketch or drawing is as much in the skin surrounding the lips than in the lips themselves. Now let\'s look at three sketches of smiling lips and the characteristic details found around the lips that help us to better notice the smile.\r\n\r\nThis first sketch is a very rough line drawing sketch. It is of a subtly smiling mouth that is turned in a profile view. It has hatching lines to indicate shading on and around the lips. The lines on the skin directly above and below the lips help to give form to the protrusion of the lips. Look in the corner of the mouth, and you can see the dark line that serves as a fold in the skin when the cheek is just beginning to help form a smile.\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.letsdrawpeople.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/sketches-of-lips-smiling-lips-sketch-01.jpg\"><img class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-3307\" src=\"http://www.letsdrawpeople.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/sketches-of-lips-smiling-lips-sketch-01.jpg\" alt=\"sketches of lips smiling lips sketch 01\" width=\"600\" height=\"403\" /></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThis next example is much more detailed than the previous line sketch. Still, there are some commonalities. The crosshatch shading above the top lip helps to form the three-dimensional appearance of this part of the mouth, including the philtrum. The shading below the bottom lip helps to distinguish the space between the bottom lip and the chin. The difference in angles between the lines on the corners of the mouth, along with the dimple on the man\'s left cheek, tell us that the man is smirking more on the left side of his face than the right side.\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.letsdrawpeople.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/sketches-of-lips-smiling-lips-sketch-02.jpg\"><img class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-3308\" src=\"http://www.letsdrawpeople.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/sketches-of-lips-smiling-lips-sketch-02.jpg\" alt=\"sketches of lips smiling lips sketch 02\" width=\"600\" height=\"325\" /></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nHere is another piece of work that is on the more detailed side of lip sketches. Even though this drawing does not have the vertical lines on the corners of the mouth that are noticeable in the previous two examples, you can still tell there is a slight smile with the subject. How so? Look at how the crosshatch shading implies sunken-in cheeks. Darker areas on either side of the mouth that do not touch the mouth help to achieve this appearance.\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_3309\" align=\"aligncenter\" width=\"600\"]<a href=\"http://www.letsdrawpeople.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/sketches-of-lips-smiling-lips-sketch-03.jpg\"><img class=\"wp-image-3309 size-full\" src=\"http://www.letsdrawpeople.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/sketches-of-lips-smiling-lips-sketch-03.jpg\" alt=\"sketches of lips smiling lips sketch 03\" width=\"600\" height=\"400\" /></a> <center><b> © <a href=\"https://www.dreamstime.com/guernica_info\">Safa Sami</a> | <a href=\"https://www.dreamstime.com/\">Dreamstime.com</a></b></center>[/caption]\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nWith these three examples, we learned that a smiling lips sketch can have more than just the details on the lips themselves to better portray that the lips are actually smiling. Just as important are the details on the areas of the face immediately surrounding the lips. Different subjects\' faces have different characteristics. Some people smile with dimples, some have sunken in cheeks when they smile, and everyone has variations in cheek lines that form in the corners of their mouths when they smile. Keeping these traits in mind when you sketch smiling lips will help to better enhance your sketches, too.\r\n<h2>How Lips Can Look on a Smiling Mouth Sketch Showing Teeth</h2>\r\nNext, we will take a look at two very different sketches of lips. Unlike the sketches in the last section, these lips are part of less subtle, more obvious smiles that also show the teeth.\r\n\r\nThis sketch is another rough line drawing sketch. It is a picture of a noticeable smile, viewed from the front. Since this is a much more noticeable smile than the smiles from the last section, you can see a sizeable portion of the subject\'s teeth. There are some characteristics surrounding the lips that we noticed before as well, such as the cheek lines at the corners of the lips and shading to show protrusion of the lips.\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.letsdrawpeople.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/sketches-of-lips-smiling-mouth-sketch-01.jpg\"><img class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-3310\" src=\"http://www.letsdrawpeople.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/sketches-of-lips-smiling-mouth-sketch-01.jpg\" alt=\"sketches of lips smiling mouth sketch 01\" width=\"600\" height=\"282\" /></a>\r\n\r\nLooking at the lips themselves, this line sketch has what resembles vertical hatch lines to indicate shading. There are fewer lines in the front, especially on the bottom lip where you can expect some highlighting. There are more lines near the corners, where the lips curve around the face and retreat toward the back.\r\n\r\nThis next mouth sketch is certainly not your traditional sketch by any means. You can tell it was created with the assistance of some sort of digital means. Possibly due to the type of software used and its capabilities, there is a slightly unnatural shape to the overall mouth, especially the way the top lip curves downward in the middle and how the corners curve upward. Nevertheless, there is some interesting shading going on that enhances the appearance of the lips and the overall mouth.\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.letsdrawpeople.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/sketches-of-lips-smiling-mouth-sketch-02.jpg\"><img class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-3311\" src=\"http://www.letsdrawpeople.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/sketches-of-lips-smiling-mouth-sketch-02.jpg\" alt=\"sketches of lips smiling mouth sketch 02\" width=\"600\" height=\"434\" /></a>\r\n\r\nLook first at the lower lip and the range of values present. The values are much darker along the edges. Then there are some midtone values between the edges and the highlight in the middle.\r\n\r\nSecondly, the creator of this sketch remembered something very important for a smiling mouth sketch that shows teeth. The lips cast a small shadow upon the teeth. You can see this shadow along the upper portions of the top teeth, the lower portions of the bottom teeth, and more shadow values present in the teeth that are farther back. This crucial detail was missing from the first, simpler example. The artist also remembered the dark shadow tones that the teeth should cast upon the tongue.\r\n<h2>A Close Examination of a Biting Lip Sketch</h2>\r\nThis is a sketch of an open mouth where the teeth are biting down on the lower, right side of the lips. It is a pen and ink sketch with lots of crosshatching used for the shading.\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.letsdrawpeople.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/sketches-of-lips-biting-lip-sketch-01.jpg\"><img class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-3296\" src=\"http://www.letsdrawpeople.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/sketches-of-lips-biting-lip-sketch-01.jpg\" alt=\"sketches of lips biting lip sketch 01\" width=\"600\" height=\"415\" /></a>\r\n\r\nWhat kind of pertinent characteristics should we gather from this example if we wanted to make a biting lip sketch of our own? First of all, the part of the lower lip that is bitten by the teeth is hidden behind those teeth. More importantly, there should be focus on where the teeth meet the lip. The teeth are pulling the skin of the lower lip, thus causing \"folds\" in the skin. In the drawing above, there are three teeth making contact with the lip. If you examine very closely, you will notice one of these fold lines coming from the center of each of the three teeth. You should also notice fold lines coming from between the teeth.\r\n\r\nOther lip characteristics of this sketch are less about the biting part and more about what should be found in many other lip sketches. The lips consist of lighter tones where the light strikes them and darker tones surrounding the lighter areas and the corners of the mouth where the lips recede. You can also see reflected light along the bottom edge of the top lip.\r\n\r\nThe main thing to remember when making a biting lip sketch is to focus on the location of the bite and include the details on the lower lip that will make the appearance of the bite believable.\r\n<h2>How Lips Can Complement Other Parts of an Open Mouth Sketch</h2>\r\nAlthough this appears to be a rough sketch of an open mouth that might be considered an unfinished piece of work, it consists of more than one medium, and the entire piece (not shown in this excerpt) is done in what appears to be a similar, deliberate style by the artist.\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.letsdrawpeople.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/sketches-of-lips-open-mouth-sketch-01.jpg\"><img class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-3302\" src=\"http://www.letsdrawpeople.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/sketches-of-lips-open-mouth-sketch-01.jpg\" alt=\"sketches of lips open mouth sketch 01\" width=\"665\" height=\"565\" /></a>\r\n\r\nAssuming this is a finished piece, the style suggests that the artist was not going for a realistic look. For example, the lips in the sketch have a heavy outline (perhaps in ink) that are not characteristic of natural-looking lips.\r\n\r\nEven so, you can tell that the artist strived to include some three-dimensional elements on the lips themselves. There are two carefully placed highlights on the top lip and two more on the bottom. These highlights, along with the darker tones receding from the front of the lips to the corners of the mouth, help to convey the appearance of form and roundness in the lips.\r\n\r\nSo how does this three-dimensional feel of the lips complement the rest of the mouth sketch? It gives the sense that the lips are protruding forward, as they should if a mouth is opened wide. The lack of detail in the tongue and other more distant parts of the inside of the mouth help the lips to \"stick out\" even more (that is, become more noticeable).\r\n<h2>What Can We Learn from These Sketches of Lips?</h2>\r\nThere is no question that there are many different ways to sketch lips. That is pretty obvious from what you have read and seen in this article. Just to recap some of the lip sketches we have studied, let\'s look at them one more time. Below is a collection of the lip sketches, grouped all together.\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.letsdrawpeople.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/sketches-of-lips.jpg\"><img class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-3312\" src=\"http://www.letsdrawpeople.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/sketches-of-lips.jpg\" alt=\"sketches of lips\" width=\"1600\" height=\"751\" /></a>\r\n\r\nSo what can be learned by comparing and contrasting these lips? How can we then apply or exclude details in our future sketches of lips?\r\n\r\nFirst, we will take a look at a few commonalities. Consider these similarities as tips you should keep in mind when you sketch lips of your own:\r\n<ul>\r\n 	<li><strong><span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\">Always look for areas of highlight in the lips you sketch</span></strong>. The highlighted areas of lips are a significant part of what gives the lips form and makes them appear more realistic. There seems to always be a highlighted area on the bottom lip. Almost always, and usually less significantly, there is a highlighted area on the top lip.</li>\r\n 	<li><strong><span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\">Think carefully about where darker tones should be placed</span></strong>. The darker tones should complement the highlights. These darker tones and the highlights are separated by a gradual transition of shading. The darker tones can be found along the corners of the mouth and the center of the mouth where the two lips meet.</li>\r\n 	<li><b><u>Draw the outline for the lips in the same manner that they appear in real life</u></b>. The highlighted areas of lips are a significant part of what gives</li>\r\n</ul>\r\nintro; variety; realistic traits even among the differences; for example, vertical lines and no lines\r\n\r\nclosing - compare and contrast all - sketch of lips\r\n\r\nconclusion - sketches of lips','How These Very Different Sketches of Lips Can Help You Draw Lips','','inherit','closed','closed','','3294-revision-v1','','','2016-09-08 20:12:29','2016-09-09 03:12:29','',3294,'http://www.letsdrawpeople.com/3294-revision-v1/',0,'revision','',0),(3339,2,'2016-09-08 20:38:20','2016-09-09 03:38:20','What can 16 dissimilar sketches of lips tell you about how to draw lips?\r\n\r\nWell, if you look at each one of the sketches in this article closely enough, it turns out that these lips have a lot to say.\r\n\r\nOne of the best ways to learn how to sketch lips is to carefully study a selection of lips that have already been sketched for you. If you carefully examine enough examples of the end result, you will start to notice some interesting similarities and differences that give you insight into the process leading up to the end result.\r\n\r\nThis article is not the usual step-by-step tutorial on how to sketch a pair of lips or even <a href=\"http://www.letsdrawpeople.com/how-to-turn-your-plainly-drawn-lips-into-realistic-lips/\">how to draw lips realistically</a>. The goal of this post is to carefully analyze various sketches of lips. First, we will seek to describe the characteristics of the lips that are present in each sketch. Then, we will move on to compare and contrast those characteristics.\r\n\r\nThe sketches of lips you will find here are of many different styles. The first section looks at the first step of drawing lips (or anything else for that matter) - the initial line drawing. Then you will see how those lips change once they have some shading. Moving on from there, we will look at lip sketches that are rough and simple as well as detailed and thorough. You will notice pencil, pen and ink, and even colored and digital media. We will look at the lips of subtle smiles as well as larger, more open smiles showing teeth. You will also study the lips of a biting mouth as well as the lips of an open mouth.\r\n\r\nBy carefully studying these sketches, you should get some insight as to what you want or don\'t want to do when you sketch lips of your own.\r\n<h2>How a Simple Lips Drawing Might Look Before It Has Shading</h2>\r\nTo start things off, we will look at four examples of drawings of simple lips. Each simple lips drawing that follows is actually <a href=\"http://www.letsdrawpeople.com/are-you-a-lazy-artist-if-you-just-make-line-drawing-portraits/\">a line drawing</a> before any tones are added for shading. Look for what each lip line drawing has in common with the others and what is different about each one.\r\n\r\nIn this first very simple drawing, you can see a rough outline of the lips of a person turned slightly to the right. There is a little indication of the white border that traces the upper lip. There is also an indication of shadow under the lower lip. This lip sketch has the vertical lines that are characteristic of lips in real life but often missing in many drawn lips. Additionally, you can see some oval-shaped areas that help place highlights on the lips.\r\n\r\n<span style=\"line-height: 1.5;\"><a href=\"http://www.letsdrawpeople.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/sketches-of-lips-simple-lips-drawing-01.jpg\"><img class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-3303\" src=\"http://www.letsdrawpeople.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/sketches-of-lips-simple-lips-drawing-01.jpg\" alt=\"sketches of lips simple lips drawing 01\" width=\"600\" height=\"350\" /></a></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThis pair of lips belongs to a mouth that is facing forward and slightly open. As in the previous example, it shows the vertical lines, but in this case the lines are more subtle and only on the bottom lip where they are more prominent. There are two highlight spots on the lower lip. The line along the upper lip helps to signify a darker shadowy area where the lip curves inward.\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.letsdrawpeople.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/sketches-of-lips-simple-lips-drawing-02.jpg\"><img class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-3304\" src=\"http://www.letsdrawpeople.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/sketches-of-lips-simple-lips-drawing-02.jpg\" alt=\"sketches of lips simple lips drawing 02\" width=\"600\" height=\"228\" /></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nHere we have another pair of lips belonging to a forward-facing mouth, but in this case the lips are closed. There are a few indications of the lips\' vertical lines on the top and bottom lip. Notice again in this lip line drawing that highlights and shadow areas are carefully placed to prepare for shading later on.\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.letsdrawpeople.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/sketches-of-lips-simple-lips-drawing-03.jpg\"><img class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-3305\" src=\"http://www.letsdrawpeople.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/sketches-of-lips-simple-lips-drawing-03.jpg\" alt=\"sketches of lips simple lips drawing 03\" width=\"600\" height=\"249\" /></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThe sketch below is of a pair of lips belonging to a face that is looking slightly downward. For this reason, the top lip looks a bit more pronounced than the bottom lip. This lip sketch includes details placed in the corners of the mouth, which add to any expression (however little) the mouth may be giving.\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.letsdrawpeople.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/sketches-of-lips-simple-lips-drawing-04.jpg\"><img class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-3306\" src=\"http://www.letsdrawpeople.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/sketches-of-lips-simple-lips-drawing-04.jpg\" alt=\"sketches of lips simple lips drawing 04\" width=\"600\" height=\"229\" /></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nLet\'s now consider the four drawings we just saw in this section and see how they are alike. Since all four drawings are line drawings, they are at the beginning stages of a final piece of work. Each line drawing has careful placement of lip highlights on the bottom lip and shadow under the bottom lip.\r\n\r\nAs for differences, some have highlights on the top lip while others have shadow along the top lip. While each lip drawing has the vertical lines characteristic of all lips in real life, you will have to judge for yourself if it\'s best to go with more detail or take the \"less is more\" approach and just subtly indicate them, as in the second example.\r\n<h2><span style=\"line-height: 1.5;\">Lip Shading Characteristics</span></h2>\r\nNow let\'s take our simple sketches of lips from the last section and examine what they might look like with a little shading. For the most part, these rough sketches have graphite tones applied for shading that are not blended with a tortillion. Each lip shading example below will have the corresponding lip line drawing for comparison purposes.\r\n\r\nThe first example has some evidence of crosshatching, especially along a small part of the top lip and under the bottom lip. Notice how the tones are applied carefully around the highlighted areas to preserve them. There are darker tones where the lips meet, at the corners, and just under the bottom lip\'s reflected light.\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.letsdrawpeople.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/sketches-of-lips-lip-shading-01.jpg\"><img class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-3297\" src=\"http://www.letsdrawpeople.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/sketches-of-lips-lip-shading-01.jpg\" alt=\"sketches of lips lip shading 01\" width=\"1401\" height=\"392\" /></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nRemember how in the second example there was a guideline drawn for a shadow along the top lip? You can see below how that area is now filled in with darker tones. The lower lip is also darker along the bottom, below the highlights. Again, notice the reflected light along the edge of the lower lip. The shading for this sketch could be characterized as more hatching than crosshatching.\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.letsdrawpeople.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/sketches-of-lips-lip-shading-02.jpg\"><img class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-3298\" src=\"http://www.letsdrawpeople.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/sketches-of-lips-lip-shading-02.jpg\" alt=\"sketches of lips lip shading 02\" width=\"1405\" height=\"405\" /></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nVertical lip lines are preserved in this example without being too harsh or prominent. There are also a range of values present. Most of the lips\' surface area has a midtone value, while the highlights remain white and the corners have darker shadow areas.\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.letsdrawpeople.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/sketches-of-lips-lip-shading-03.jpg\"><img class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-3299\" src=\"http://www.letsdrawpeople.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/sketches-of-lips-lip-shading-03.jpg\" alt=\"sketches of lips lip shading 03\" width=\"1410\" height=\"426\" /></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThis example has a similar base value of shading for the lips and the skin surrounding the lips. Since these lips are viewed slightly from above (since the face is tilted downward), there are some darker tones along the lower part of each lip and under the bottom lip. Darker tones also exist to better portray the medial cleft between the nose and upper lip (also known as the philtrum).\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.letsdrawpeople.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/sketches-of-lips-lip-shading-04.jpg\"><img class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-3300\" src=\"http://www.letsdrawpeople.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/sketches-of-lips-lip-shading-04.jpg\" alt=\"sketches of lips lip shading 04\" width=\"1410\" height=\"414\" /></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThis final example does not have a line drawing preview like the others in this section, but I thought it still deserved some attention for some interesting lip shading characteristics. The graphite tones are also more blended together here.\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.letsdrawpeople.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/sketches-of-lips-lip-shading-05.jpg\"><img class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-3301\" src=\"http://www.letsdrawpeople.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/sketches-of-lips-lip-shading-05.jpg\" alt=\"sketches of lips lip shading 05\" width=\"600\" height=\"327\" /></a>\r\n\r\nThe above sketch shows the lips slightly darker than the surrounding skin and the top lip slightly darker than the bottom. A good reason for this is that the bottom lip has more highlighted area. I also find it noteworthy that the highlight is broken up at various spots by the vertical lip lines, some soft lines and some sharper lines, for a more natural look.\r\n\r\nAs you see from the last few lip sketches, lips can be shaded a number of ways. Tones can be applied with hatching, crosshatching, or blended together. You should always preserve highlights by making darker tones around them, and you should keep the vertical lines of the lips implied on some level.\r\n<h2>What Can Enhance a Subtle Smiling Lips Sketch</h2>\r\nHow can you pull off a sketch of smiling lips when the lips are not smiling a big smile? What if the smile is only a subtle smirk? The examples in the previous sections focused on only the lips. However, what creates the perception of a smile in a sketch or drawing is as much in the skin surrounding the lips than in the lips themselves. Now let\'s look at three sketches of smiling lips and the characteristic details found around the lips that help us to better notice the smile.\r\n\r\nThis first sketch is a very rough line drawing sketch. It is of a subtly smiling mouth that is turned in a profile view. It has hatching lines to indicate shading on and around the lips. The lines on the skin directly above and below the lips help to give form to the protrusion of the lips. Look in the corner of the mouth, and you can see the dark line that serves as a fold in the skin when the cheek is just beginning to help form a smile.\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.letsdrawpeople.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/sketches-of-lips-smiling-lips-sketch-01.jpg\"><img class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-3307\" src=\"http://www.letsdrawpeople.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/sketches-of-lips-smiling-lips-sketch-01.jpg\" alt=\"sketches of lips smiling lips sketch 01\" width=\"600\" height=\"403\" /></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThis next example is much more detailed than the previous line sketch. Still, there are some commonalities. The crosshatch shading above the top lip helps to form the three-dimensional appearance of this part of the mouth, including the philtrum. The shading below the bottom lip helps to distinguish the space between the bottom lip and the chin. The difference in angles between the lines on the corners of the mouth, along with the dimple on the man\'s left cheek, tell us that the man is smirking more on the left side of his face than the right side.\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.letsdrawpeople.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/sketches-of-lips-smiling-lips-sketch-02.jpg\"><img class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-3308\" src=\"http://www.letsdrawpeople.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/sketches-of-lips-smiling-lips-sketch-02.jpg\" alt=\"sketches of lips smiling lips sketch 02\" width=\"600\" height=\"325\" /></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nHere is another piece of work that is on the more detailed side of lip sketches. Even though this drawing does not have the vertical lines on the corners of the mouth that are noticeable in the previous two examples, you can still tell there is a slight smile with the subject. How so? Look at how the crosshatch shading implies sunken-in cheeks. Darker areas on either side of the mouth that do not touch the mouth help to achieve this appearance.\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_3309\" align=\"aligncenter\" width=\"600\"]<a href=\"http://www.letsdrawpeople.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/sketches-of-lips-smiling-lips-sketch-03.jpg\"><img class=\"wp-image-3309 size-full\" src=\"http://www.letsdrawpeople.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/sketches-of-lips-smiling-lips-sketch-03.jpg\" alt=\"sketches of lips smiling lips sketch 03\" width=\"600\" height=\"400\" /></a> <center><b> © <a href=\"https://www.dreamstime.com/guernica_info\">Safa Sami</a> | <a href=\"https://www.dreamstime.com/\">Dreamstime.com</a></b></center>[/caption]\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nWith these three examples, we learned that a smiling lips sketch can have more than just the details on the lips themselves to better portray that the lips are actually smiling. Just as important are the details on the areas of the face immediately surrounding the lips. Different subjects\' faces have different characteristics. Some people smile with dimples, some have sunken in cheeks when they smile, and everyone has variations in cheek lines that form in the corners of their mouths when they smile. Keeping these traits in mind when you sketch smiling lips will help to better enhance your sketches, too.\r\n<h2>How Lips Can Look on a Smiling Mouth Sketch Showing Teeth</h2>\r\nNext, we will take a look at two very different sketches of lips. Unlike the sketches in the last section, these lips are part of less subtle, more obvious smiles that also show the teeth.\r\n\r\nThis sketch is another rough line drawing sketch. It is a picture of a noticeable smile, viewed from the front. Since this is a much more noticeable smile than the smiles from the last section, you can see a sizeable portion of the subject\'s teeth. There are some characteristics surrounding the lips that we noticed before as well, such as the cheek lines at the corners of the lips and shading to show protrusion of the lips.\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.letsdrawpeople.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/sketches-of-lips-smiling-mouth-sketch-01.jpg\"><img class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-3310\" src=\"http://www.letsdrawpeople.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/sketches-of-lips-smiling-mouth-sketch-01.jpg\" alt=\"sketches of lips smiling mouth sketch 01\" width=\"600\" height=\"282\" /></a>\r\n\r\nLooking at the lips themselves, this line sketch has what resembles vertical hatch lines to indicate shading. There are fewer lines in the front, especially on the bottom lip where you can expect some highlighting. There are more lines near the corners, where the lips curve around the face and retreat toward the back.\r\n\r\nThis next mouth sketch is certainly not your traditional sketch by any means. You can tell it was created with the assistance of some sort of digital means. Possibly due to the type of software used and its capabilities, there is a slightly unnatural shape to the overall mouth, especially the way the top lip curves downward in the middle and how the corners curve upward. Nevertheless, there is some interesting shading going on that enhances the appearance of the lips and the overall mouth.\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.letsdrawpeople.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/sketches-of-lips-smiling-mouth-sketch-02.jpg\"><img class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-3311\" src=\"http://www.letsdrawpeople.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/sketches-of-lips-smiling-mouth-sketch-02.jpg\" alt=\"sketches of lips smiling mouth sketch 02\" width=\"600\" height=\"434\" /></a>\r\n\r\nLook first at the lower lip and the range of values present. The values are much darker along the edges. Then there are some midtone values between the edges and the highlight in the middle.\r\n\r\nSecondly, the creator of this sketch remembered something very important for a smiling mouth sketch that shows teeth. The lips cast a small shadow upon the teeth. You can see this shadow along the upper portions of the top teeth, the lower portions of the bottom teeth, and more shadow values present in the teeth that are farther back. This crucial detail was missing from the first, simpler example. The artist also remembered the dark shadow tones that the teeth should cast upon the tongue.\r\n<h2>A Close Examination of a Biting Lip Sketch</h2>\r\nThis is a sketch of an open mouth where the teeth are biting down on the lower, right side of the lips. It is a pen and ink sketch with lots of crosshatching used for the shading.\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.letsdrawpeople.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/sketches-of-lips-biting-lip-sketch-01.jpg\"><img class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-3296\" src=\"http://www.letsdrawpeople.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/sketches-of-lips-biting-lip-sketch-01.jpg\" alt=\"sketches of lips biting lip sketch 01\" width=\"600\" height=\"415\" /></a>\r\n\r\nWhat kind of pertinent characteristics should we gather from this example if we wanted to make a biting lip sketch of our own? First of all, the part of the lower lip that is bitten by the teeth is hidden behind those teeth. More importantly, there should be focus on where the teeth meet the lip. The teeth are pulling the skin of the lower lip, thus causing \"folds\" in the skin. In the drawing above, there are three teeth making contact with the lip. If you examine very closely, you will notice one of these fold lines coming from the center of each of the three teeth. You should also notice fold lines coming from between the teeth.\r\n\r\nOther lip characteristics of this sketch are less about the biting part and more about what should be found in many other lip sketches. The lips consist of lighter tones where the light strikes them and darker tones surrounding the lighter areas and the corners of the mouth where the lips recede. You can also see reflected light along the bottom edge of the top lip.\r\n\r\nThe main thing to remember when making a biting lip sketch is to focus on the location of the bite and include the details on the lower lip that will make the appearance of the bite believable.\r\n<h2>How Lips Can Complement Other Parts of an Open Mouth Sketch</h2>\r\nAlthough this appears to be a rough sketch of an open mouth that might be considered an unfinished piece of work, it consists of more than one medium, and the entire piece (not shown in this excerpt) is done in what appears to be a similar, deliberate style by the artist.\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.letsdrawpeople.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/sketches-of-lips-open-mouth-sketch-01.jpg\"><img class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-3302\" src=\"http://www.letsdrawpeople.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/sketches-of-lips-open-mouth-sketch-01.jpg\" alt=\"sketches of lips open mouth sketch 01\" width=\"665\" height=\"565\" /></a>\r\n\r\nAssuming this is a finished piece, the style suggests that the artist was not going for a realistic look. For example, the lips in the sketch have a heavy outline (perhaps in ink) that are not characteristic of natural-looking lips.\r\n\r\nEven so, you can tell that the artist strived to include some three-dimensional elements on the lips themselves. There are two carefully placed highlights on the top lip and two more on the bottom. These highlights, along with the darker tones receding from the front of the lips to the corners of the mouth, help to convey the appearance of form and roundness in the lips.\r\n\r\nSo how does this three-dimensional feel of the lips complement the rest of the mouth sketch? It gives the sense that the lips are protruding forward, as they should if a mouth is opened wide. The lack of detail in the tongue and other more distant parts of the inside of the mouth help the lips to \"stick out\" even more (that is, become more noticeable).\r\n<h2>What Can We Learn from These Sketches of Lips?</h2>\r\nThere is no question that there are many different ways to sketch lips. That is pretty obvious from what you have read and seen in this article. Just to recap some of the lip sketches we have studied, let\'s look at them one more time. Below is a collection of the lip sketches, grouped all together.\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.letsdrawpeople.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/sketches-of-lips.jpg\"><img class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-3312\" src=\"http://www.letsdrawpeople.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/sketches-of-lips.jpg\" alt=\"sketches of lips\" width=\"1600\" height=\"751\" /></a>\r\n\r\nSo what can be learned by comparing and contrasting these lips? How can we then apply or exclude details in our future sketches of lips?\r\n\r\nFirst, we will take a look at a few commonalities. Consider these similarities as tips you should keep in mind when you sketch lips of your own:\r\n<ul>\r\n 	<li><strong><span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\">Always look for areas of highlight in the lips you sketch</span></strong>. In each of the sketches above, the highlighted areas of lips are a significant part of what gives the lips form and makes them appear more realistic. There seems to always be a highlighted area on the bottom lip. Almost always, and usually less significantly, there is a highlighted area on the top lip.</li>\r\n 	<li><strong><span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\">Think carefully about where darker tones should be placed</span></strong>. The darker tones should complement the highlights. These darker tones and the highlights are separated by a gradual transition of shading. In each sketch, the darker tones can be found along the corners of the mouth and the center of the mouth where the two lips meet.</li>\r\n 	<li><b><u>Draw the outline for the lips in the same manner that they appear in real life</u></b>. Each example we looked at has a general shape for the top and bottom lip that you are likely to find when looking at the lips of everyday people. All the lips have a natural, rounded curve along the bottom. With the small exception of the digital example, every lip sketch has the little dip along the top ridge directly below the nose.</li>\r\n</ul>\r\nNow, for a few noticeable differences between some of the sketches. You should also consider these differences as tips, but instead of including them in every drawing, you should consider whether or not you want to include them for each drawing on a case-by-case basis.\r\n<ul>\r\n 	<li><span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"><strong>Not every sketch of lips has or needs a reflected highlight</strong></span>. In the first two sections of this article, every lip sketch has a reflected highlight along the bottom edge of the lower lip. Some of the later examples are missing this reflected highlight. This can be based either on a matter of preference or simply a lack of its noticeable presence on the reference subject.</li>\r\n 	<li>vertical lines and no lines</li>\r\n 	<li>between and around the lips (smile lines, teeth)</li>\r\n</ul>\r\nconclusion - sketches of lips','How These Very Different Sketches of Lips Can Help You Draw Lips','','inherit','closed','closed','','3294-revision-v1','','','2016-09-08 20:38:20','2016-09-09 03:38:20','',3294,'http://www.letsdrawpeople.com/3294-revision-v1/',0,'revision','',0),(3340,2,'2016-09-09 04:59:38','2016-09-09 11:59:38','What can 16 dissimilar sketches of lips tell you about how to draw lips?\r\n\r\nWell, if you look at each one of the sketches in this article closely enough, it turns out that these lips have a lot to say.\r\n\r\nOne of the best ways to learn how to sketch lips is to carefully study a selection of lips that have already been sketched for you. If you carefully examine enough examples of the end result, you will start to notice some interesting similarities and differences that give you insight into the process leading up to the end result.\r\n\r\nThis article is not the usual step-by-step tutorial on how to sketch a pair of lips or even <a href=\"http://www.letsdrawpeople.com/how-to-turn-your-plainly-drawn-lips-into-realistic-lips/\">how to draw lips realistically</a>. The goal of this post is to carefully analyze various sketches of lips. First, we will seek to describe the characteristics of the lips that are present in each sketch. Then, we will move on to compare and contrast those characteristics.\r\n\r\nThe sketches of lips you will find here are of many different styles. The first section looks at the first step of drawing lips (or anything else for that matter) - the initial line drawing. Then you will see how those lips change once they have some shading. Moving on from there, we will look at lip sketches that are rough and simple as well as detailed and thorough. You will notice pencil, pen and ink, and even colored and digital media. We will look at the lips of subtle smiles as well as larger, more open smiles showing teeth. You will also study the lips of a biting mouth as well as the lips of an open mouth.\r\n\r\nBy carefully studying these 16 sketches, you should get some insight as to what you want or don\'t want to do when you sketch lips of your own.\r\n<h2>How a Simple Lips Drawing Might Look Before It Has Shading</h2>\r\nTo start things off, we will look at four examples of drawings of simple lips. Each simple lips drawing that follows is actually <a href=\"http://www.letsdrawpeople.com/are-you-a-lazy-artist-if-you-just-make-line-drawing-portraits/\">a line drawing</a> before any tones are added for shading. Look for what each lip line drawing has in common with the others and what is different about each one.\r\n\r\nIn this first very simple drawing, you can see a rough outline of the lips of a person turned slightly to the right. There is a little indication of the white border that traces the upper lip. There is also an indication of shadow under the lower lip. This lip sketch has the vertical lines that are characteristic of lips in real life but often missing in many drawn lips. Additionally, you can see some oval-shaped areas that help place highlights on the lips.\r\n\r\n<span style=\"line-height: 1.5;\"><a href=\"http://www.letsdrawpeople.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/sketches-of-lips-simple-lips-drawing-01.jpg\"><img class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-3303\" src=\"http://www.letsdrawpeople.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/sketches-of-lips-simple-lips-drawing-01.jpg\" alt=\"sketches of lips simple lips drawing 01\" width=\"600\" height=\"350\" /></a></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThis pair of lips belongs to a mouth that is facing forward and slightly open. As in the previous example, it shows the vertical lines, but in this case the lines are more subtle and only on the bottom lip where they are more prominent. There are two highlight spots on the lower lip. The line along the upper lip helps to signify a darker shadowy area where the lip curves inward.\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.letsdrawpeople.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/sketches-of-lips-simple-lips-drawing-02.jpg\"><img class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-3304\" src=\"http://www.letsdrawpeople.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/sketches-of-lips-simple-lips-drawing-02.jpg\" alt=\"sketches of lips simple lips drawing 02\" width=\"600\" height=\"228\" /></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nHere we have another pair of lips belonging to a forward-facing mouth, but in this case the lips are closed. There are a few indications of the lips\' vertical lines on the top and bottom lip. Notice again in this lip line drawing that highlights and shadow areas are carefully placed to prepare for shading later on.\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.letsdrawpeople.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/sketches-of-lips-simple-lips-drawing-03.jpg\"><img class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-3305\" src=\"http://www.letsdrawpeople.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/sketches-of-lips-simple-lips-drawing-03.jpg\" alt=\"sketches of lips simple lips drawing 03\" width=\"600\" height=\"249\" /></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThe sketch below is of a pair of lips belonging to a face that is looking slightly downward. For this reason, the top lip looks a bit more pronounced than the bottom lip. This lip sketch includes details placed in the corners of the mouth, which add to any expression (however little) the mouth may be giving.\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.letsdrawpeople.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/sketches-of-lips-simple-lips-drawing-04.jpg\"><img class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-3306\" src=\"http://www.letsdrawpeople.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/sketches-of-lips-simple-lips-drawing-04.jpg\" alt=\"sketches of lips simple lips drawing 04\" width=\"600\" height=\"229\" /></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nLet\'s now consider the four drawings we just saw in this section and see how they are alike. Since all four drawings are line drawings, they are at the beginning stages of a final piece of work. Each line drawing has careful placement of lip highlights on the bottom lip and shadow under the bottom lip.\r\n\r\nAs for differences, some have highlights on the top lip while others have shadow along the top lip. While each lip drawing has the vertical lines characteristic of all lips in real life, you will have to judge for yourself if it\'s best to go with more detail or take the \"less is more\" approach and just subtly indicate them, as in the second example.\r\n<h2><span style=\"line-height: 1.5;\">Lip Shading Characteristics</span></h2>\r\nNow let\'s take our simple sketches of lips from the last section and examine what they might look like with a little shading. For the most part, these rough sketches have graphite tones applied for shading that are not blended with a tortillion. Each lip shading example below will have the corresponding lip line drawing for comparison purposes.\r\n\r\nThe first example has some evidence of crosshatching, especially along a small part of the top lip and under the bottom lip. Notice how the tones are applied carefully around the highlighted areas to preserve them. There are darker tones where the lips meet, at the corners, and just under the bottom lip\'s reflected light.\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.letsdrawpeople.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/sketches-of-lips-lip-shading-01.jpg\"><img class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-3297\" src=\"http://www.letsdrawpeople.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/sketches-of-lips-lip-shading-01.jpg\" alt=\"sketches of lips lip shading 01\" width=\"1401\" height=\"392\" /></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nRemember how in the second example there was a guideline drawn for a shadow along the top lip? You can see below how that area is now filled in with darker tones. The lower lip is also darker along the bottom, below the highlights. Again, notice the reflected light along the edge of the lower lip. The shading for this sketch could be characterized as more hatching than crosshatching.\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.letsdrawpeople.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/sketches-of-lips-lip-shading-02.jpg\"><img class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-3298\" src=\"http://www.letsdrawpeople.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/sketches-of-lips-lip-shading-02.jpg\" alt=\"sketches of lips lip shading 02\" width=\"1405\" height=\"405\" /></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nVertical lip lines are preserved in this example without being too harsh or prominent. There are also a range of values present. Most of the lips\' surface area has a midtone value, while the highlights remain white and the corners have darker shadow areas.\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.letsdrawpeople.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/sketches-of-lips-lip-shading-03.jpg\"><img class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-3299\" src=\"http://www.letsdrawpeople.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/sketches-of-lips-lip-shading-03.jpg\" alt=\"sketches of lips lip shading 03\" width=\"1410\" height=\"426\" /></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThis example has a similar base value of shading for the lips and the skin surrounding the lips. Since these lips are viewed slightly from above (since the face is tilted downward), there are some darker tones along the lower part of each lip and under the bottom lip. Darker tones also exist to better portray the medial cleft between the nose and upper lip (also known as the philtrum).\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.letsdrawpeople.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/sketches-of-lips-lip-shading-04.jpg\"><img class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-3300\" src=\"http://www.letsdrawpeople.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/sketches-of-lips-lip-shading-04.jpg\" alt=\"sketches of lips lip shading 04\" width=\"1410\" height=\"414\" /></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThis final example does not have a line drawing preview like the others in this section, but I thought it still deserved some attention for some interesting lip shading characteristics. The graphite tones are also more blended together here.\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.letsdrawpeople.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/sketches-of-lips-lip-shading-05.jpg\"><img class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-3301\" src=\"http://www.letsdrawpeople.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/sketches-of-lips-lip-shading-05.jpg\" alt=\"sketches of lips lip shading 05\" width=\"600\" height=\"327\" /></a>\r\n\r\nThe above sketch shows the lips slightly darker than the surrounding skin and the top lip slightly darker than the bottom. A good reason for this is that the bottom lip has more highlighted area. I also find it noteworthy that the highlight is broken up at various spots by the vertical lip lines, some soft lines and some sharper lines, for a more natural look.\r\n\r\nAs you see from the last few lip sketches, lips can be shaded a number of ways. Tones can be applied with hatching, crosshatching, or blended together. You should always preserve highlights by making darker tones around them, and you should keep the vertical lines of the lips implied on some level.\r\n<h2>What Can Enhance a Subtle Smiling Lips Sketch</h2>\r\nHow can you pull off a sketch of smiling lips when the lips are not smiling a big smile? What if the smile is only a subtle smirk? The examples in the previous sections focused on only the lips. However, what creates the perception of a smile in a sketch or drawing is as much in the skin surrounding the lips than in the lips themselves. Now let\'s look at three sketches of smiling lips and the characteristic details found around the lips that help us to better notice the smile.\r\n\r\nThis first sketch is a very rough line drawing sketch. It is of a subtly smiling mouth that is turned in a profile view. It has hatching lines to indicate shading on and around the lips. The lines on the skin directly above and below the lips help to give form to the protrusion of the lips. Look in the corner of the mouth, and you can see the dark line that serves as a fold in the skin when the cheek is just beginning to help form a smile.\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.letsdrawpeople.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/sketches-of-lips-smiling-lips-sketch-01.jpg\"><img class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-3307\" src=\"http://www.letsdrawpeople.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/sketches-of-lips-smiling-lips-sketch-01.jpg\" alt=\"sketches of lips smiling lips sketch 01\" width=\"600\" height=\"403\" /></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThis next example is much more detailed than the previous line sketch. Still, there are some commonalities. The crosshatch shading above the top lip helps to form the three-dimensional appearance of this part of the mouth, including the philtrum. The shading below the bottom lip helps to distinguish the space between the bottom lip and the chin. The difference in angles between the lines on the corners of the mouth, along with the dimple on the man\'s left cheek, tell us that the man is smirking more on the left side of his face than the right side.\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.letsdrawpeople.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/sketches-of-lips-smiling-lips-sketch-02.jpg\"><img class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-3308\" src=\"http://www.letsdrawpeople.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/sketches-of-lips-smiling-lips-sketch-02.jpg\" alt=\"sketches of lips smiling lips sketch 02\" width=\"600\" height=\"325\" /></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nHere is another piece of work that is on the more detailed side of lip sketches. Even though this drawing does not have the vertical lines on the corners of the mouth that are noticeable in the previous two examples, you can still tell there is a slight smile with the subject. How so? Look at how the crosshatch shading implies sunken-in cheeks. Darker areas on either side of the mouth that do not touch the mouth help to achieve this appearance.\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_3309\" align=\"aligncenter\" width=\"600\"]<a href=\"http://www.letsdrawpeople.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/sketches-of-lips-smiling-lips-sketch-03.jpg\"><img class=\"wp-image-3309 size-full\" src=\"http://www.letsdrawpeople.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/sketches-of-lips-smiling-lips-sketch-03.jpg\" alt=\"sketches of lips smiling lips sketch 03\" width=\"600\" height=\"400\" /></a> <center><b> © <a href=\"https://www.dreamstime.com/guernica_info\">Safa Sami</a> | <a href=\"https://www.dreamstime.com/\">Dreamstime.com</a></b></center>[/caption]\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nWith these three examples, we learned that a smiling lips sketch can have more than just the details on the lips themselves to better portray that the lips are actually smiling. Just as important are the details on the areas of the face immediately surrounding the lips. Different subjects\' faces have different characteristics. Some people smile with dimples, some have sunken in cheeks when they smile, and everyone has variations in cheek lines that form in the corners of their mouths when they smile. Keeping these traits in mind when you sketch smiling lips will help to better enhance your sketches, too.\r\n<h2>How Lips Can Look on a Smiling Mouth Sketch Showing Teeth</h2>\r\nNext, we will take a look at two very different sketches of lips. Unlike the sketches in the last section, these lips are part of less subtle, more obvious smiles that also show the teeth.\r\n\r\nThis sketch is another rough line drawing sketch. It is a picture of a noticeable smile, viewed from the front. Since this is a much more noticeable smile than the smiles from the last section, you can see a sizeable portion of the subject\'s teeth. There are some characteristics surrounding the lips that we noticed before as well, such as the cheek lines at the corners of the lips and shading to show protrusion of the lips.\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.letsdrawpeople.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/sketches-of-lips-smiling-mouth-sketch-01.jpg\"><img class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-3310\" src=\"http://www.letsdrawpeople.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/sketches-of-lips-smiling-mouth-sketch-01.jpg\" alt=\"sketches of lips smiling mouth sketch 01\" width=\"600\" height=\"282\" /></a>\r\n\r\nLooking at the lips themselves, this line sketch has what resembles vertical hatch lines to indicate shading. There are fewer lines in the front, especially on the bottom lip where you can expect some highlighting. There are more lines near the corners, where the lips curve around the face and retreat toward the back.\r\n\r\nThis next mouth sketch is certainly not your traditional sketch by any means. You can tell it was created with the assistance of some sort of digital means. Possibly due to the type of software used and its capabilities, there is a slightly unnatural shape to the overall mouth, especially the way the top lip curves downward in the middle and how the corners curve upward. Nevertheless, there is some interesting shading going on that enhances the appearance of the lips and the overall mouth.\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.letsdrawpeople.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/sketches-of-lips-smiling-mouth-sketch-02.jpg\"><img class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-3311\" src=\"http://www.letsdrawpeople.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/sketches-of-lips-smiling-mouth-sketch-02.jpg\" alt=\"sketches of lips smiling mouth sketch 02\" width=\"600\" height=\"434\" /></a>\r\n\r\nLook first at the lower lip and the range of values present. The values are much darker along the edges. Then there are some midtone values between the edges and the highlight in the middle.\r\n\r\nSecondly, the creator of this sketch remembered something very important for a smiling mouth sketch that shows teeth. The lips cast a small shadow upon the teeth. You can see this shadow along the upper portions of the top teeth, the lower portions of the bottom teeth, and more shadow values present in the teeth that are farther back. This crucial detail was missing from the first, simpler example. The artist also remembered the dark shadow tones that the teeth should cast upon the tongue.\r\n<h2>A Close Examination of a Biting Lip Sketch</h2>\r\nThis is a sketch of an open mouth where the teeth are biting down on the lower, right side of the lips. It is a pen and ink sketch with lots of crosshatching used for the shading.\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.letsdrawpeople.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/sketches-of-lips-biting-lip-sketch-01.jpg\"><img class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-3296\" src=\"http://www.letsdrawpeople.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/sketches-of-lips-biting-lip-sketch-01.jpg\" alt=\"sketches of lips biting lip sketch 01\" width=\"600\" height=\"415\" /></a>\r\n\r\nWhat kind of pertinent characteristics should we gather from this example if we wanted to make a biting lip sketch of our own? First of all, the part of the lower lip that is bitten by the teeth is hidden behind those teeth. More importantly, there should be focus on where the teeth meet the lip. The teeth are pulling the skin of the lower lip, thus causing \"folds\" in the skin. In the drawing above, there are three teeth making contact with the lip. If you examine very closely, you will notice one of these fold lines coming from the center of each of the three teeth. You should also notice fold lines coming from between the teeth.\r\n\r\nOther lip characteristics of this sketch are less about the biting part and more about what should be found in many other lip sketches. The lips consist of lighter tones where the light strikes them and darker tones surrounding the lighter areas and the corners of the mouth where the lips recede. You can also see reflected light along the bottom edge of the top lip.\r\n\r\nThe main thing to remember when making a biting lip sketch is to focus on the location of the bite and include the details on the lower lip that will make the appearance of the bite believable.\r\n<h2>How Lips Can Complement Other Parts of an Open Mouth Sketch</h2>\r\nAlthough this appears to be a rough sketch of an open mouth that might be considered an unfinished piece of work, it consists of more than one medium, and the entire piece (not shown in this excerpt) is done in what appears to be a similar, deliberate style by the artist.\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.letsdrawpeople.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/sketches-of-lips-open-mouth-sketch-01.jpg\"><img class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-3302\" src=\"http://www.letsdrawpeople.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/sketches-of-lips-open-mouth-sketch-01.jpg\" alt=\"sketches of lips open mouth sketch 01\" width=\"665\" height=\"565\" /></a>\r\n\r\nAssuming this is a finished piece, the style suggests that the artist was not going for a realistic look. For example, the lips in the sketch have a heavy outline (perhaps in ink) that are not characteristic of natural-looking lips.\r\n\r\nEven so, you can tell that the artist strived to include some three-dimensional elements on the lips themselves. There are two carefully placed highlights on the top lip and two more on the bottom. These highlights, along with the darker tones receding from the front of the lips to the corners of the mouth, help to convey the appearance of form and roundness in the lips.\r\n\r\nSo how does this three-dimensional feel of the lips complement the rest of the mouth sketch? It gives the sense that the lips are protruding forward, as they should if a mouth is opened wide. The lack of detail in the tongue and other more distant parts of the inside of the mouth help the lips to \"stick out\" even more (that is, become more noticeable).\r\n<h2>What Can We Learn from These Sketches of Lips?</h2>\r\nThere is no question that there are many different ways to sketch lips. That is pretty obvious from what you have read and seen in this article. Just to recap some of the lip sketches we have studied, let\'s look at them one more time. Below is a collection of the 16 lip sketches, grouped all together.\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.letsdrawpeople.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/sketches-of-lips.jpg\"><img class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-3312\" src=\"http://www.letsdrawpeople.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/sketches-of-lips.jpg\" alt=\"sketches of lips\" width=\"1600\" height=\"751\" /></a>\r\n\r\nSo what can be learned by comparing and contrasting these lips? How can we then apply or exclude details in our future sketches of lips?\r\n\r\nFirst, we will take a look at a few commonalities. Consider these similarities as tips you should keep in mind when you sketch lips of your own:\r\n<ul>\r\n 	<li><strong><span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\">Always look for areas of highlight in the lips you sketch</span></strong>. In each of the sketches above, the highlighted areas of lips are a significant part of what gives the lips form and makes them appear more realistic. There seems to always be a highlighted area on the bottom lip. Almost always, and usually less significantly, there is a highlighted area on the top lip.</li>\r\n 	<li><strong><span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\">Think carefully about where darker tones should be placed</span></strong>. The darker tones should complement the highlights. These darker tones and the highlights are separated by a gradual transition of shading. In each sketch, the darker tones can be found along the corners of the mouth and the center of the mouth where the two lips meet.</li>\r\n 	<li><b><u>Draw the outline for the lips in the same manner that they appear in real life</u></b>. Each example we looked at has a general shape for the top and bottom lip that you are likely to find when looking at the lips of everyday people. All the lips have a natural, rounded curve along the bottom. With the small exception of the digital example, every lip sketch has the little dip along the top ridge directly below the nose.</li>\r\n</ul>\r\nNow, for a few noticeable differences between some of the sketches. You should also consider these differences as tips, but instead of including or excluding them in every drawing, you should consider whether or not you want to include them for each drawing on a case-by-case basis.\r\n<ul>\r\n 	<li><span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"><strong>Not every sketch of lips has or needs reflected light</strong></span>. In the first two sections of this article, every lip sketch has reflected light along the bottom edge of the lower lip. Some of the later examples are missing this reflected light. This can be based either on a matter of preference or simply a lack of its noticeable presence on the reference subject.</li>\r\n 	<li><span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"><strong>Vertical lines or no vertical lines</strong></span><strong>?</strong> In some of the sketches, the vertical lines that are present in real-life lips are obvious in the sketches. In a few of the other sketches, the vertical lines cannot really be seen or are subtle and more implied. Again, either can be acceptable depending on your reference, since these lines are sometimes more noticeable and other times less noticeable on the reference subject.</li>\r\n 	<li>between and around the lips (smile lines, teeth)</li>\r\n</ul>\r\nconclusion - sketches of lips','How These 16 Very Different Sketches of Lips Can Help You Draw Them','','inherit','closed','closed','','3294-revision-v1','','','2016-09-09 04:59:38','2016-09-09 11:59:38','',3294,'http://www.letsdrawpeople.com/3294-revision-v1/',0,'revision','',0),(3341,2,'2016-09-10 13:34:22','2016-09-10 20:34:22','What can 16 dissimilar sketches of lips tell you about how to draw lips?\r\n\r\nWell, if you look at each one of the sketches in this article closely enough, it turns out that these lips have a lot to say.\r\n\r\nOne of the best ways to learn how to sketch lips is to carefully study a selection of lips that have already been sketched for you. If you carefully examine enough examples of the end result, you will start to notice some interesting similarities and differences that give you insight into the process leading up to the end result.\r\n\r\nThis article is not the usual step-by-step tutorial on how to sketch a pair of lips or even <a href=\"http://www.letsdrawpeople.com/how-to-turn-your-plainly-drawn-lips-into-realistic-lips/\">how to draw lips realistically</a>. The goal of this post is to carefully analyze various sketches of lips. First, we will seek to describe the characteristics of the lips that are present in each sketch. Then, we will move on to compare and contrast those characteristics.\r\n\r\nThe sketches of lips you will find here are of many different styles. The first section looks at the first step of drawing lips (or anything else for that matter) - the initial line drawing. Then you will see how those lips change once they have some shading. Moving on from there, we will look at lip sketches that are rough and simple as well as detailed and thorough. You will notice pencil, pen and ink, and even colored and digital media. We will look at the lips of subtle smiles as well as larger, more open smiles showing teeth. You will also study the lips of a biting mouth as well as the lips of an open mouth.\r\n\r\nBy carefully studying these 16 sketches, you should get some insight as to what you want or don\'t want to do when you sketch lips of your own.\r\n<h2>How a Simple Lips Drawing Might Look Before It Has Shading</h2>\r\nTo start things off, we will look at four examples of drawings of simple lips. Each simple lips drawing that follows is actually <a href=\"http://www.letsdrawpeople.com/are-you-a-lazy-artist-if-you-just-make-line-drawing-portraits/\">a line drawing</a> before any tones are added for shading. Look for what each lip line drawing has in common with the others and what is different about each one.\r\n\r\nIn this first very simple drawing, you can see a rough outline of the lips of a person turned slightly to the right. There is a little indication of the white border that traces the upper lip. There is also an indication of shadow under the lower lip. This lip sketch has the vertical lines that are characteristic of lips in real life but often missing in many drawn lips. Additionally, you can see some oval-shaped areas that help place highlights on the lips.\r\n\r\n<span style=\"line-height: 1.5;\"><a href=\"http://www.letsdrawpeople.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/sketches-of-lips-simple-lips-drawing-01.jpg\"><img class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-3303\" src=\"http://www.letsdrawpeople.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/sketches-of-lips-simple-lips-drawing-01.jpg\" alt=\"sketches of lips simple lips drawing 01\" width=\"600\" height=\"350\" /></a></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThis pair of lips belongs to a mouth that is facing forward and slightly open. As in the previous example, it shows the vertical lines, but in this case the lines are more subtle and only on the bottom lip where they are more prominent. There are two highlight spots on the lower lip. The line along the upper lip helps to signify a darker shadowy area where the lip curves inward.\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.letsdrawpeople.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/sketches-of-lips-simple-lips-drawing-02.jpg\"><img class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-3304\" src=\"http://www.letsdrawpeople.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/sketches-of-lips-simple-lips-drawing-02.jpg\" alt=\"sketches of lips simple lips drawing 02\" width=\"600\" height=\"228\" /></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nHere we have another pair of lips belonging to a forward-facing mouth, but in this case the lips are closed. There are a few indications of the lips\' vertical lines on the top and bottom lip. Notice again in this lip line drawing that highlights and shadow areas are carefully placed to prepare for shading later on.\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.letsdrawpeople.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/sketches-of-lips-simple-lips-drawing-03.jpg\"><img class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-3305\" src=\"http://www.letsdrawpeople.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/sketches-of-lips-simple-lips-drawing-03.jpg\" alt=\"sketches of lips simple lips drawing 03\" width=\"600\" height=\"249\" /></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThe sketch below is of a pair of lips belonging to a face that is looking slightly downward. For this reason, the top lip looks a bit more pronounced than the bottom lip. This lip sketch includes details placed in the corners of the mouth, which add to any expression (however little) the mouth may be giving.\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.letsdrawpeople.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/sketches-of-lips-simple-lips-drawing-04.jpg\"><img class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-3306\" src=\"http://www.letsdrawpeople.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/sketches-of-lips-simple-lips-drawing-04.jpg\" alt=\"sketches of lips simple lips drawing 04\" width=\"600\" height=\"229\" /></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nLet\'s now consider the four drawings we just saw in this section and see how they are alike. Since all four drawings are line drawings, they are at the beginning stages of a final piece of work. Each line drawing has careful placement of lip highlights on the bottom lip and shadow under the bottom lip.\r\n\r\nAs for differences, some have highlights on the top lip while others have shadow along the top lip. While each lip drawing has the vertical lines characteristic of all lips in real life, you will have to judge for yourself if it\'s best to go with more detail or take the \"less is more\" approach and just subtly indicate them, as in the second example.\r\n<h2><span style=\"line-height: 1.5;\">Lip Shading Characteristics</span></h2>\r\nNow let\'s take our simple sketches of lips from the last section and examine what they might look like with a little shading. For the most part, these rough sketches have graphite tones applied for shading that are not blended with a tortillion. Each lip shading example below will have the corresponding lip line drawing for comparison purposes.\r\n\r\nThe first example has some evidence of crosshatching, especially along a small part of the top lip and under the bottom lip. Notice how the tones are applied carefully around the highlighted areas to preserve them. There are darker tones where the lips meet, at the corners, and just under the bottom lip\'s reflected light.\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.letsdrawpeople.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/sketches-of-lips-lip-shading-01.jpg\"><img class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-3297\" src=\"http://www.letsdrawpeople.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/sketches-of-lips-lip-shading-01.jpg\" alt=\"sketches of lips lip shading 01\" width=\"1401\" height=\"392\" /></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nRemember how in the second example there was a guideline drawn for a shadow along the top lip? You can see below how that area is now filled in with darker tones. The lower lip is also darker along the bottom, below the highlights. Again, notice the reflected light along the edge of the lower lip. The shading for this sketch could be characterized as more hatching than crosshatching.\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.letsdrawpeople.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/sketches-of-lips-lip-shading-02.jpg\"><img class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-3298\" src=\"http://www.letsdrawpeople.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/sketches-of-lips-lip-shading-02.jpg\" alt=\"sketches of lips lip shading 02\" width=\"1405\" height=\"405\" /></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nVertical lip lines are preserved in this example without being too harsh or prominent. There are also a range of values present. Most of the lips\' surface area has a midtone value, while the highlights remain white and the corners have darker shadow areas.\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.letsdrawpeople.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/sketches-of-lips-lip-shading-03.jpg\"><img class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-3299\" src=\"http://www.letsdrawpeople.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/sketches-of-lips-lip-shading-03.jpg\" alt=\"sketches of lips lip shading 03\" width=\"1410\" height=\"426\" /></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThis example has a similar base value of shading for the lips and the skin surrounding the lips. Since these lips are viewed slightly from above (since the face is tilted downward), there are some darker tones along the lower part of each lip and under the bottom lip. Darker tones also exist to better portray the medial cleft between the nose and upper lip (also known as the philtrum).\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.letsdrawpeople.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/sketches-of-lips-lip-shading-04.jpg\"><img class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-3300\" src=\"http://www.letsdrawpeople.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/sketches-of-lips-lip-shading-04.jpg\" alt=\"sketches of lips lip shading 04\" width=\"1410\" height=\"414\" /></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThis final example does not have a line drawing preview like the others in this section, but I thought it still deserved some attention for some interesting lip shading characteristics. The graphite tones are also more blended together here.\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.letsdrawpeople.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/sketches-of-lips-lip-shading-05.jpg\"><img class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-3301\" src=\"http://www.letsdrawpeople.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/sketches-of-lips-lip-shading-05.jpg\" alt=\"sketches of lips lip shading 05\" width=\"600\" height=\"327\" /></a>\r\n\r\nThe above sketch shows the lips slightly darker than the surrounding skin and the top lip slightly darker than the bottom. A good reason for this is that the bottom lip has more highlighted area. I also find it noteworthy that the highlight is broken up at various spots by the vertical lip lines, some soft lines and some sharper lines, for a more natural look.\r\n\r\nAs you see from the last few lip sketches, lips can be shaded a number of ways. Tones can be applied with hatching, crosshatching, or blended together. You should always preserve highlights by making darker tones around them, and you should keep the vertical lines of the lips implied on some level.\r\n<h2>What Can Enhance a Subtle Smiling Lips Sketch</h2>\r\nHow can you pull off a sketch of smiling lips when the lips are not smiling a big smile? What if the smile is only a subtle smirk? The examples in the previous sections focused on only the lips. However, what creates the perception of a smile in a sketch or drawing is as much in the skin surrounding the lips than in the lips themselves. Now let\'s look at three sketches of smiling lips and the characteristic details found around the lips that help us to better notice the smile.\r\n\r\nThis first sketch is a very rough line drawing sketch. It is of a subtly smiling mouth that is turned in a profile view. It has hatching lines to indicate shading on and around the lips. The lines on the skin directly above and below the lips help to give form to the protrusion of the lips. Look in the corner of the mouth, and you can see the dark line that serves as a fold in the skin when the cheek is just beginning to help form a smile.\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.letsdrawpeople.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/sketches-of-lips-smiling-lips-sketch-01.jpg\"><img class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-3307\" src=\"http://www.letsdrawpeople.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/sketches-of-lips-smiling-lips-sketch-01.jpg\" alt=\"sketches of lips smiling lips sketch 01\" width=\"600\" height=\"403\" /></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThis next example is much more detailed than the previous line sketch. Still, there are some commonalities. The crosshatch shading above the top lip helps to form the three-dimensional appearance of this part of the mouth, including the philtrum. The shading below the bottom lip helps to distinguish the space between the bottom lip and the chin. The difference in angles between the lines on the corners of the mouth, along with the dimple on the man\'s left cheek, tell us that the man is smirking more on the left side of his face than the right side.\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.letsdrawpeople.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/sketches-of-lips-smiling-lips-sketch-02.jpg\"><img class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-3308\" src=\"http://www.letsdrawpeople.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/sketches-of-lips-smiling-lips-sketch-02.jpg\" alt=\"sketches of lips smiling lips sketch 02\" width=\"600\" height=\"325\" /></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nHere is another piece of work that is on the more detailed side of lip sketches. Even though this drawing does not have the vertical lines on the corners of the mouth that are noticeable in the previous two examples, you can still tell there is a slight smile with the subject. How so? Look at how the crosshatch shading implies sunken-in cheeks. Darker areas on either side of the mouth that do not touch the mouth help to achieve this appearance.\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_3309\" align=\"aligncenter\" width=\"600\"]<a href=\"http://www.letsdrawpeople.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/sketches-of-lips-smiling-lips-sketch-03.jpg\"><img class=\"wp-image-3309 size-full\" src=\"http://www.letsdrawpeople.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/sketches-of-lips-smiling-lips-sketch-03.jpg\" alt=\"sketches of lips smiling lips sketch 03\" width=\"600\" height=\"400\" /></a> <center><b> © <a href=\"https://www.dreamstime.com/guernica_info\">Safa Sami</a> | <a href=\"https://www.dreamstime.com/\">Dreamstime.com</a></b></center>[/caption]\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nWith these three examples, we learned that a smiling lips sketch can have more than just the details on the lips themselves to better portray that the lips are actually smiling. Just as important are the details on the areas of the face immediately surrounding the lips. Different subjects\' faces have different characteristics. Some people smile with dimples, some have sunken in cheeks when they smile, and everyone has variations in cheek lines that form in the corners of their mouths when they smile. Keeping these traits in mind when you sketch smiling lips will help to better enhance your sketches, too.\r\n<h2>How Lips Can Look on a Smiling Mouth Sketch Showing Teeth</h2>\r\nNext, we will take a look at two very different sketches of lips. Unlike the sketches in the last section, these lips are part of less subtle, more obvious smiles that also show the teeth.\r\n\r\nThis sketch is another rough line drawing sketch. It is a picture of a noticeable smile, viewed from the front. Since this is a much more noticeable smile than the smiles from the last section, you can see a sizeable portion of the subject\'s teeth. There are some characteristics surrounding the lips that we noticed before as well, such as the cheek lines at the corners of the lips and shading to show protrusion of the lips.\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.letsdrawpeople.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/sketches-of-lips-smiling-mouth-sketch-01.jpg\"><img class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-3310\" src=\"http://www.letsdrawpeople.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/sketches-of-lips-smiling-mouth-sketch-01.jpg\" alt=\"sketches of lips smiling mouth sketch 01\" width=\"600\" height=\"282\" /></a>\r\n\r\nLooking at the lips themselves, this line sketch has what resembles vertical hatch lines to indicate shading. There are fewer lines in the front, especially on the bottom lip where you can expect some highlighting. There are more lines near the corners, where the lips curve around the face and retreat toward the back.\r\n\r\nThis next mouth sketch is certainly not your traditional sketch by any means. You can tell it was created with the assistance of some sort of digital means. Possibly due to the type of software used and its capabilities, there is a slightly unnatural shape to the overall mouth, especially the way the top lip curves downward in the middle and how the corners curve upward. Nevertheless, there is some interesting shading going on that enhances the appearance of the lips and the overall mouth.\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.letsdrawpeople.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/sketches-of-lips-smiling-mouth-sketch-02.jpg\"><img class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-3311\" src=\"http://www.letsdrawpeople.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/sketches-of-lips-smiling-mouth-sketch-02.jpg\" alt=\"sketches of lips smiling mouth sketch 02\" width=\"600\" height=\"434\" /></a>\r\n\r\nLook first at the lower lip and the range of values present. The values are much darker along the edges. Then there are some midtone values between the edges and the highlight in the middle.\r\n\r\nSecondly, the creator of this sketch remembered something very important for a smiling mouth sketch that shows teeth. The lips cast a small shadow upon the teeth. You can see this shadow along the upper portions of the top teeth, the lower portions of the bottom teeth, and more shadow values present in the teeth that are farther back. This crucial detail was missing from the first, simpler example. The artist also remembered the dark shadow tones that the teeth should cast upon the tongue.\r\n<h2>A Close Examination of a Biting Lip Sketch</h2>\r\nThis is a sketch of an open mouth where the teeth are biting down on the lower, right side of the lips. It is a pen and ink sketch with lots of crosshatching used for the shading.\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.letsdrawpeople.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/sketches-of-lips-biting-lip-sketch-01.jpg\"><img class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-3296\" src=\"http://www.letsdrawpeople.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/sketches-of-lips-biting-lip-sketch-01.jpg\" alt=\"sketches of lips biting lip sketch 01\" width=\"600\" height=\"415\" /></a>\r\n\r\nWhat kind of pertinent characteristics should we gather from this example if we wanted to make a biting lip sketch of our own? First of all, the part of the lower lip that is bitten by the teeth is hidden behind those teeth. More importantly, there should be focus on where the teeth meet the lip. The teeth are pulling the skin of the lower lip, thus causing \"folds\" in the skin. In the drawing above, there are three teeth making contact with the lip. If you examine very closely, you will notice one of these fold lines coming from the center of each of the three teeth. You should also notice fold lines coming from between the teeth.\r\n\r\nOther lip characteristics of this sketch are less about the biting part and more about what should be found in many other lip sketches. The lips consist of lighter tones where the light strikes them and darker tones surrounding the lighter areas and the corners of the mouth where the lips recede. You can also see reflected light along the bottom edge of the top lip.\r\n\r\nThe main thing to remember when making a biting lip sketch is to focus on the location of the bite and include the details on the lower lip that will make the appearance of the bite believable.\r\n<h2>How Lips Can Complement Other Parts of an Open Mouth Sketch</h2>\r\nAlthough this appears to be a rough sketch of an open mouth that might be considered an unfinished piece of work, it consists of more than one medium, and the entire piece (not shown in this excerpt) is done in what appears to be a similar, deliberate style by the artist.\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.letsdrawpeople.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/sketches-of-lips-open-mouth-sketch-01.jpg\"><img class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-3302\" src=\"http://www.letsdrawpeople.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/sketches-of-lips-open-mouth-sketch-01.jpg\" alt=\"sketches of lips open mouth sketch 01\" width=\"665\" height=\"565\" /></a>\r\n\r\nAssuming this is a finished piece, the style suggests that the artist was not going for a realistic look. For example, the lips in the sketch have a heavy outline (perhaps in ink) that are not characteristic of natural-looking lips.\r\n\r\nEven so, you can tell that the artist strived to include some three-dimensional elements on the lips themselves. There are two carefully placed highlights on the top lip and two more on the bottom. These highlights, along with the darker tones receding from the front of the lips to the corners of the mouth, help to convey the appearance of form and roundness in the lips.\r\n\r\nSo how does this three-dimensional feel of the lips complement the rest of the mouth sketch? It gives the sense that the lips are protruding forward, as they should if a mouth is opened wide. The lack of detail in the tongue and other more distant parts of the inside of the mouth help the lips to \"stick out\" even more (that is, become more noticeable).\r\n<h2>What Can We Learn from These Sketches of Lips?</h2>\r\nThere is no question that there are many different ways to sketch lips. That is pretty obvious from what you have read and seen in this article. Just to recap some of the lip sketches we have studied, let\'s look at them one more time. Below is a collection of the 16 lip sketches, grouped all together.\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.letsdrawpeople.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/sketches-of-lips.jpg\"><img class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-3312\" src=\"http://www.letsdrawpeople.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/sketches-of-lips.jpg\" alt=\"sketches of lips\" width=\"1600\" height=\"751\" /></a>\r\n\r\nSo what can be learned by comparing and contrasting these lips? How can we then apply or exclude details in our future sketches of lips?\r\n\r\nFirst, we will take a look at a few commonalities. Consider these similarities as tips you should keep in mind when you sketch lips of your own:\r\n<ul>\r\n 	<li><strong><span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\">Always look for areas of highlight in the lips you sketch</span></strong>. In each of the sketches above, the highlighted areas of lips are a significant part of what gives the lips form and makes them appear more realistic. There seems to always be a highlighted area on the bottom lip. Almost always, and usually less significantly, there is a highlighted area on the top lip.</li>\r\n 	<li><strong><span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\">Think carefully about where darker tones should be placed</span></strong>. The darker tones should complement the highlights. These darker tones and the highlights are separated by a gradual transition of shading. In each sketch, the darker tones can be found along the corners of the mouth and the center of the mouth where the two lips meet.</li>\r\n 	<li><b><u>Draw the outline for the lips in the same manner that they appear in real life</u></b>. Each example we looked at has a general shape for the top and bottom lip that you are likely to find when looking at the lips of everyday people. All the lips have a natural, rounded curve along the bottom. With the small exception of the digital example, every lip sketch has the little dip along the top ridge directly below the nose.</li>\r\n</ul>\r\nNow, for a few noticeable differences between some of the sketches. You should also consider these differences as tips, but instead of including or excluding them in every drawing, you should consider whether or not you want to include them for each drawing on a case-by-case basis.\r\n<ul>\r\n 	<li><span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"><strong>Not every sketch of lips has or needs reflected light</strong></span><strong>.</strong> In the first two sections of this article, every lip sketch has reflected light along the bottom edge of the lower lip. Some of the later examples are missing this reflected light. This can be based either on a matter of preference or simply a lack of its noticeable presence on the reference subject.</li>\r\n 	<li><span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"><strong>Vertical lines or no vertical lines</strong></span><strong>?</strong> In some of the sketches, the vertical lines that are present in real-life lips are obvious in the sketches. In a few of the other sketches, the vertical lines cannot really be seen or are subtle and more implied. Again, either can be acceptable depending on your reference, since these lines are sometimes more noticeable and other times less noticeable on the reference subject.</li>\r\n 	<li><strong><span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\">Some sketches have details between and around the lips that enhance the sketch</span>.</strong> Some of the sketches we viewed intentionally focused solely on the lips themselves. There were no surrounding skin tones or detail beyond the outer border of the lips. In these sketches, the lips were also closed. The other sketches showed the surrounding skin as an extension of the lips and mouth in general. This allowed the artists to add details that enhanced their drawings. For example, smile lines in the corners of the mouth add to the character and likeness of the subject. The same goes for those sketches that displayed opened mouths. Visible teeth and a visible portion of the tongue could complement a sketch that might seem more bland if it were just lips alone.</li>\r\n</ul>\r\nconclusion - sketches of lips','How These 16 Very Different Sketches of Lips Can Help You Draw Them','','inherit','closed','closed','','3294-revision-v1','','','2016-09-10 13:34:22','2016-09-10 20:34:22','',3294,'http://www.letsdrawpeople.com/3294-revision-v1/',0,'revision','',0),(3342,2,'2016-09-10 13:55:00','2016-09-10 20:55:00','What can 16 dissimilar sketches of lips tell you about how to draw lips?\r\n\r\nWell, if you look at each one of the sketches in this article closely enough, it turns out that these lips have a lot to say.\r\n\r\nOne of the best ways to learn how to sketch lips is to carefully study a selection of lips that have already been sketched for you. If you carefully examine enough examples of the end result, you will start to notice some interesting similarities and differences that give you insight into the process leading up to the end result.\r\n\r\nThis article is not the usual step-by-step tutorial on how to sketch a pair of lips or even <a href=\"http://www.letsdrawpeople.com/how-to-turn-your-plainly-drawn-lips-into-realistic-lips/\">how to draw lips realistically</a>. The goal of this post is to carefully analyze various sketches of lips. First, we will seek to describe the characteristics of the lips that are present in each sketch. Then, we will move on to compare and contrast those characteristics.\r\n\r\nThe sketches of lips you will find here are of many different styles. The first section looks at the first step of drawing lips (or anything else for that matter) - the initial line drawing. Then you will see how those lips change once they have some shading. Moving on from there, we will look at lip sketches that are rough and simple as well as detailed and thorough. You will notice pencil, pen and ink, and even colored and digital media. We will look at the lips of subtle smiles as well as larger, more open smiles showing teeth. You will also study the lips of a biting mouth as well as the lips of an open mouth.\r\n\r\nBy carefully studying these 16 sketches, you should get some insight as to what you want or don\'t want to do when you sketch lips of your own.\r\n<h2>How a Simple Lips Drawing Might Look Before It Has Shading</h2>\r\nTo start things off, we will look at four examples of drawings of simple lips. Each simple lips drawing that follows is actually <a href=\"http://www.letsdrawpeople.com/are-you-a-lazy-artist-if-you-just-make-line-drawing-portraits/\">a line drawing</a> before any tones are added for shading. Look for what each lip line drawing has in common with the others and what is different about each one.\r\n\r\nIn this first very simple drawing, you can see a rough outline of the lips of a person turned slightly to the right. There is a little indication of the white border that traces the upper lip. There is also an indication of shadow under the lower lip. This lip sketch has the vertical lines that are characteristic of lips in real life but often missing in many drawn lips. Additionally, you can see some oval-shaped areas that help place highlights on the lips.\r\n\r\n<span style=\"line-height: 1.5;\"><a href=\"http://www.letsdrawpeople.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/sketches-of-lips-simple-lips-drawing-01.jpg\"><img class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-3303\" src=\"http://www.letsdrawpeople.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/sketches-of-lips-simple-lips-drawing-01.jpg\" alt=\"sketches of lips simple lips drawing 01\" width=\"600\" height=\"350\" /></a></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThis pair of lips belongs to a mouth that is facing forward and slightly open. As in the previous example, it shows the vertical lines, but in this case the lines are more subtle and only on the bottom lip where they are more prominent. There are two highlight spots on the lower lip. The line along the upper lip helps to signify a darker shadowy area where the lip curves inward.\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.letsdrawpeople.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/sketches-of-lips-simple-lips-drawing-02.jpg\"><img class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-3304\" src=\"http://www.letsdrawpeople.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/sketches-of-lips-simple-lips-drawing-02.jpg\" alt=\"sketches of lips simple lips drawing 02\" width=\"600\" height=\"228\" /></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nHere we have another pair of lips belonging to a forward-facing mouth, but in this case the lips are closed. There are a few indications of the lips\' vertical lines on the top and bottom lip. Notice again in this lip line drawing that highlights and shadow areas are carefully placed to prepare for shading later on.\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.letsdrawpeople.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/sketches-of-lips-simple-lips-drawing-03.jpg\"><img class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-3305\" src=\"http://www.letsdrawpeople.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/sketches-of-lips-simple-lips-drawing-03.jpg\" alt=\"sketches of lips simple lips drawing 03\" width=\"600\" height=\"249\" /></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThe sketch below is of a pair of lips belonging to a face that is looking slightly downward. For this reason, the top lip looks a bit more pronounced than the bottom lip. This lip sketch includes details placed in the corners of the mouth, which add to any expression (however little) the mouth may be giving.\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.letsdrawpeople.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/sketches-of-lips-simple-lips-drawing-04.jpg\"><img class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-3306\" src=\"http://www.letsdrawpeople.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/sketches-of-lips-simple-lips-drawing-04.jpg\" alt=\"sketches of lips simple lips drawing 04\" width=\"600\" height=\"229\" /></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nLet\'s now consider the four drawings we just saw in this section and see how they are alike. Since all four drawings are line drawings, they are at the beginning stages of a final piece of work. Each line drawing has careful placement of lip highlights on the bottom lip and shadow under the bottom lip.\r\n\r\nAs for differences, some have highlights on the top lip while others have shadow along the top lip. While each lip drawing has the vertical lines characteristic of all lips in real life, you will have to judge for yourself if it\'s best to go with more detail or take the \"less is more\" approach and just subtly indicate them, as in the second example.\r\n<h2><span style=\"line-height: 1.5;\">Lip Shading Characteristics</span></h2>\r\nNow let\'s take our simple sketches of lips from the last section and examine what they might look like with a little shading. For the most part, these rough sketches have graphite tones applied for shading that are not blended with a tortillion. Each lip shading example below will have the corresponding lip line drawing for comparison purposes.\r\n\r\nThe first example has some evidence of crosshatching, especially along a small part of the top lip and under the bottom lip. Notice how the tones are applied carefully around the highlighted areas to preserve them. There are darker tones where the lips meet, at the corners, and just under the bottom lip\'s reflected light.\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.letsdrawpeople.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/sketches-of-lips-lip-shading-01.jpg\"><img class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-3297\" src=\"http://www.letsdrawpeople.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/sketches-of-lips-lip-shading-01.jpg\" alt=\"sketches of lips lip shading 01\" width=\"1401\" height=\"392\" /></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nRemember how in the second example there was a guideline drawn for a shadow along the top lip? You can see below how that area is now filled in with darker tones. The lower lip is also darker along the bottom, below the highlights. Again, notice the reflected light along the edge of the lower lip. The shading for this sketch could be characterized as more hatching than crosshatching.\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.letsdrawpeople.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/sketches-of-lips-lip-shading-02.jpg\"><img class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-3298\" src=\"http://www.letsdrawpeople.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/sketches-of-lips-lip-shading-02.jpg\" alt=\"sketches of lips lip shading 02\" width=\"1405\" height=\"405\" /></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nVertical lip lines are preserved in this example without being too harsh or prominent. There are also a range of values present. Most of the lips\' surface area has a midtone value, while the highlights remain white and the corners have darker shadow areas.\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.letsdrawpeople.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/sketches-of-lips-lip-shading-03.jpg\"><img class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-3299\" src=\"http://www.letsdrawpeople.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/sketches-of-lips-lip-shading-03.jpg\" alt=\"sketches of lips lip shading 03\" width=\"1410\" height=\"426\" /></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThis example has a similar base value of shading for the lips and the skin surrounding the lips. Since these lips are viewed slightly from above (since the face is tilted downward), there are some darker tones along the lower part of each lip and under the bottom lip. Darker tones also exist to better portray the medial cleft between the nose and upper lip (also known as the philtrum).\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.letsdrawpeople.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/sketches-of-lips-lip-shading-04.jpg\"><img class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-3300\" src=\"http://www.letsdrawpeople.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/sketches-of-lips-lip-shading-04.jpg\" alt=\"sketches of lips lip shading 04\" width=\"1410\" height=\"414\" /></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThis final example does not have a line drawing preview like the others in this section, but I thought it still deserved some attention for some interesting lip shading characteristics. The graphite tones are also more blended together here.\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.letsdrawpeople.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/sketches-of-lips-lip-shading-05.jpg\"><img class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-3301\" src=\"http://www.letsdrawpeople.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/sketches-of-lips-lip-shading-05.jpg\" alt=\"sketches of lips lip shading 05\" width=\"600\" height=\"327\" /></a>\r\n\r\nThe above sketch shows the lips slightly darker than the surrounding skin and the top lip slightly darker than the bottom. A good reason for this is that the bottom lip has more highlighted area. I also find it noteworthy that the highlight is broken up at various spots by the vertical lip lines, some soft lines and some sharper lines, for a more natural look.\r\n\r\nAs you see from the last few lip sketches, lips can be shaded a number of ways. Tones can be applied with hatching, crosshatching, or blended together. You should always preserve highlights by making darker tones around them, and you should keep the vertical lines of the lips implied on some level.\r\n<h2>What Can Enhance a Subtle Smiling Lips Sketch</h2>\r\nHow can you pull off a sketch of smiling lips when the lips are not smiling a big smile? What if the smile is only a subtle smirk? The examples in the previous sections focused on only the lips. However, what creates the perception of a smile in a sketch or drawing is as much in the skin surrounding the lips than in the lips themselves. Now let\'s look at three sketches of smiling lips and the characteristic details found around the lips that help us to better notice the smile.\r\n\r\nThis first sketch is a very rough line drawing sketch. It is of a subtly smiling mouth that is turned in a profile view. It has hatching lines to indicate shading on and around the lips. The lines on the skin directly above and below the lips help to give form to the protrusion of the lips. Look in the corner of the mouth, and you can see the dark line that serves as a fold in the skin when the cheek is just beginning to help form a smile.\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.letsdrawpeople.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/sketches-of-lips-smiling-lips-sketch-01.jpg\"><img class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-3307\" src=\"http://www.letsdrawpeople.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/sketches-of-lips-smiling-lips-sketch-01.jpg\" alt=\"sketches of lips smiling lips sketch 01\" width=\"600\" height=\"403\" /></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThis next example is much more detailed than the previous line sketch. Still, there are some commonalities. The crosshatch shading above the top lip helps to form the three-dimensional appearance of this part of the mouth, including the philtrum. The shading below the bottom lip helps to distinguish the space between the bottom lip and the chin. The difference in angles between the lines on the corners of the mouth, along with the dimple on the man\'s left cheek, tell us that the man is smirking more on the left side of his face than the right side.\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.letsdrawpeople.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/sketches-of-lips-smiling-lips-sketch-02.jpg\"><img class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-3308\" src=\"http://www.letsdrawpeople.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/sketches-of-lips-smiling-lips-sketch-02.jpg\" alt=\"sketches of lips smiling lips sketch 02\" width=\"600\" height=\"325\" /></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nHere is another piece of work that is on the more detailed side of lip sketches. Even though this drawing does not have the vertical lines on the corners of the mouth that are noticeable in the previous two examples, you can still tell there is a slight smile with the subject. How so? Look at how the crosshatch shading implies sunken-in cheeks. Darker areas on either side of the mouth that do not touch the mouth help to achieve this appearance.\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_3309\" align=\"aligncenter\" width=\"600\"]<a href=\"http://www.letsdrawpeople.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/sketches-of-lips-smiling-lips-sketch-03.jpg\"><img class=\"wp-image-3309 size-full\" src=\"http://www.letsdrawpeople.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/sketches-of-lips-smiling-lips-sketch-03.jpg\" alt=\"sketches of lips smiling lips sketch 03\" width=\"600\" height=\"400\" /></a> <center><b> © <a href=\"https://www.dreamstime.com/guernica_info\">Safa Sami</a> | <a href=\"https://www.dreamstime.com/\">Dreamstime.com</a></b></center>[/caption]\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nWith these three examples, we learned that a smiling lips sketch can have more than just the details on the lips themselves to better portray that the lips are actually smiling. Just as important are the details on the areas of the face immediately surrounding the lips. Different subjects\' faces have different characteristics. Some people smile with dimples, some have sunken in cheeks when they smile, and everyone has variations in cheek lines that form in the corners of their mouths when they smile. Keeping these traits in mind when you sketch smiling lips will help to better enhance your sketches, too.\r\n<h2>How Lips Can Look on a Smiling Mouth Sketch Showing Teeth</h2>\r\nNext, we will take a look at two very different sketches of lips. Unlike the sketches in the last section, these lips are part of less subtle, more obvious smiles that also show the teeth.\r\n\r\nThis sketch is another rough line drawing sketch. It is a picture of a noticeable smile, viewed from the front. Since this is a much more noticeable smile than the smiles from the last section, you can see a sizeable portion of the subject\'s teeth. There are some characteristics surrounding the lips that we noticed before as well, such as the cheek lines at the corners of the lips and shading to show protrusion of the lips.\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.letsdrawpeople.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/sketches-of-lips-smiling-mouth-sketch-01.jpg\"><img class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-3310\" src=\"http://www.letsdrawpeople.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/sketches-of-lips-smiling-mouth-sketch-01.jpg\" alt=\"sketches of lips smiling mouth sketch 01\" width=\"600\" height=\"282\" /></a>\r\n\r\nLooking at the lips themselves, this line sketch has what resembles vertical hatch lines to indicate shading. There are fewer lines in the front, especially on the bottom lip where you can expect some highlighting. There are more lines near the corners, where the lips curve around the face and retreat toward the back.\r\n\r\nThis next mouth sketch is certainly not your traditional sketch by any means. You can tell it was created with the assistance of some sort of digital means. Possibly due to the type of software used and its capabilities, there is a slightly unnatural shape to the overall mouth, especially the way the top lip curves downward in the middle and how the corners curve upward. Nevertheless, there is some interesting shading going on that enhances the appearance of the lips and the overall mouth.\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.letsdrawpeople.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/sketches-of-lips-smiling-mouth-sketch-02.jpg\"><img class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-3311\" src=\"http://www.letsdrawpeople.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/sketches-of-lips-smiling-mouth-sketch-02.jpg\" alt=\"sketches of lips smiling mouth sketch 02\" width=\"600\" height=\"434\" /></a>\r\n\r\nLook first at the lower lip and the range of values present. The values are much darker along the edges. Then there are some midtone values between the edges and the highlight in the middle.\r\n\r\nSecondly, the creator of this sketch remembered something very important for a smiling mouth sketch that shows teeth. The lips cast a small shadow upon the teeth. You can see this shadow along the upper portions of the top teeth, the lower portions of the bottom teeth, and more shadow values present in the teeth that are farther back. This crucial detail was missing from the first, simpler example. The artist also remembered the dark shadow tones that the teeth should cast upon the tongue.\r\n<h2>A Close Examination of a Biting Lip Sketch</h2>\r\nThis is a sketch of an open mouth where the teeth are biting down on the lower, right side of the lips. It is a pen and ink sketch with lots of crosshatching used for the shading.\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.letsdrawpeople.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/sketches-of-lips-biting-lip-sketch-01.jpg\"><img class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-3296\" src=\"http://www.letsdrawpeople.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/sketches-of-lips-biting-lip-sketch-01.jpg\" alt=\"sketches of lips biting lip sketch 01\" width=\"600\" height=\"415\" /></a>\r\n\r\nWhat kind of pertinent characteristics should we gather from this example if we wanted to make a biting lip sketch of our own? First of all, the part of the lower lip that is bitten by the teeth is hidden behind those teeth. More importantly, there should be focus on where the teeth meet the lip. The teeth are pulling the skin of the lower lip, thus causing \"folds\" in the skin. In the drawing above, there are three teeth making contact with the lip. If you examine very closely, you will notice one of these fold lines coming from the center of each of the three teeth. You should also notice fold lines coming from between the teeth.\r\n\r\nOther lip characteristics of this sketch are less about the biting part and more about what should be found in many other lip sketches. The lips consist of lighter tones where the light strikes them and darker tones surrounding the lighter areas and the corners of the mouth where the lips recede. You can also see reflected light along the bottom edge of the top lip.\r\n\r\nThe main thing to remember when making a biting lip sketch is to focus on the location of the bite and include the details on the lower lip that will make the appearance of the bite believable.\r\n<h2>How Lips Can Complement Other Parts of an Open Mouth Sketch</h2>\r\nAlthough this appears to be a rough sketch of an open mouth that might be considered an unfinished piece of work, it consists of more than one medium, and the entire piece (not shown in this excerpt) is done in what appears to be a similar, deliberate style by the artist.\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.letsdrawpeople.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/sketches-of-lips-open-mouth-sketch-01.jpg\"><img class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-3302\" src=\"http://www.letsdrawpeople.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/sketches-of-lips-open-mouth-sketch-01.jpg\" alt=\"sketches of lips open mouth sketch 01\" width=\"665\" height=\"565\" /></a>\r\n\r\nAssuming this is a finished piece, the style suggests that the artist was not going for a realistic look. For example, the lips in the sketch have a heavy outline (perhaps in ink) that are not characteristic of natural-looking lips.\r\n\r\nEven so, you can tell that the artist strived to include some three-dimensional elements on the lips themselves. There are two carefully placed highlights on the top lip and two more on the bottom. These highlights, along with the darker tones receding from the front of the lips to the corners of the mouth, help to convey the appearance of form and roundness in the lips.\r\n\r\nSo how does this three-dimensional feel of the lips complement the rest of the mouth sketch? It gives the sense that the lips are protruding forward, as they should if a mouth is opened wide. The lack of detail in the tongue and other more distant parts of the inside of the mouth help the lips to \"stick out\" even more (that is, become more noticeable).\r\n<h2>What Can We Learn from These Sketches of Lips?</h2>\r\nThere is no question that there are many different ways to sketch lips. That is pretty obvious from what you have read and seen in this article. Just to recap some of the lip sketches we have studied, let\'s look at them one more time. Below is a collection of the 16 lip sketches, grouped all together.\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.letsdrawpeople.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/sketches-of-lips.jpg\"><img class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-3312\" src=\"http://www.letsdrawpeople.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/sketches-of-lips.jpg\" alt=\"sketches of lips\" width=\"1600\" height=\"751\" /></a>\r\n\r\nSo what can be learned by comparing and contrasting these lips? How can we then apply or exclude details in our future sketches of lips?\r\n\r\nFirst, we will take a look at a few commonalities. Consider these similarities as tips you should keep in mind when you sketch lips of your own:\r\n<ul>\r\n 	<li><strong><span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\">Always look for areas of highlight in the lips you sketch</span></strong>. In each of the sketches above, the highlighted areas of lips are a significant part of what gives the lips form and makes them appear more realistic. There seems to always be a highlighted area on the bottom lip. Almost always, and usually less significantly, there is a highlighted area on the top lip.</li>\r\n 	<li><strong><span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\">Think carefully about where darker tones should be placed</span></strong>. The darker tones should complement the highlights. These darker tones and the highlights are separated by a gradual transition of shading. In each sketch, the darker tones can be found along the corners of the mouth and the center of the mouth where the two lips meet.</li>\r\n 	<li><b><u>Draw the outline for the lips in the same manner that they appear in real life</u></b>. Each example we looked at has a general shape for the top and bottom lip that you are likely to find when looking at the lips of everyday people. All the lips have a natural, rounded curve along the bottom. With the small exception of the digital example, every lip sketch has the little dip along the top ridge directly below the nose.</li>\r\n</ul>\r\nNow, for a few noticeable differences between some of the sketches. You should also consider these differences as tips, but instead of including or excluding them in every drawing, you should consider whether or not you want to include them for each drawing on a case-by-case basis.\r\n<ul>\r\n 	<li><span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"><strong>Not every sketch of lips has or needs reflected light</strong></span><strong>.</strong> In the first two sections of this article, every lip sketch has reflected light along the bottom edge of the lower lip. Some of the later examples are missing this reflected light. This can be based either on a matter of preference or simply a lack of its noticeable presence on the reference subject.</li>\r\n 	<li><span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"><strong>Vertical lines or no vertical lines</strong></span><strong>?</strong> In some of the sketches, the vertical lines that are present in real-life lips are obvious in the sketches. In a few of the other sketches, the vertical lines cannot really be seen or are subtle and more implied. Again, either can be acceptable depending on your reference, since these lines are sometimes more noticeable and other times less noticeable on the reference subject.</li>\r\n 	<li><strong><span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\">Some sketches have details between and around the lips that enhance the sketch</span>.</strong> Some of the sketches we viewed intentionally focused solely on the lips themselves. There were no surrounding skin tones or detail beyond the outer border of the lips. In these sketches, the lips were also closed. The other sketches showed the surrounding skin as an extension of the lips and mouth in general. This allowed the artists to add details that enhanced their drawings. For example, smile lines in the corners of the mouth add to the character and likeness of the subject. The same goes for those sketches that displayed opened mouths. Visible teeth and a visible portion of the tongue could complement a sketch that might seem more bland if it were just lips alone.</li>\r\n</ul>\r\nBottom line, if you want to get better at drawing or sketching lips, take the time to closely study, compare, and contrast a variety of sketches of lips drawn by other artists. Looking at a multitude of examples and deciding what works in different styles and situations will do wonders for your artwork as you complete more and more lip sketches of your own.','How These 16 Very Different Sketches of Lips Can Help You Draw Them','','inherit','closed','closed','','3294-revision-v1','','','2016-09-10 13:55:00','2016-09-10 20:55:00','',3294,'http://www.letsdrawpeople.com/3294-revision-v1/',0,'revision','',0),(3343,2,'2016-09-11 16:37:09','2016-09-11 23:37:09','What can 16 dissimilar sketches of lips tell you about how to draw lips?\n\nWell, if you look at each one of the sketches in this article closely enough, it turns out that these lips have a lot to say.\n\nOne of the best ways to learn how to sketch lips is to carefully study a selection of lips that have already been sketched for you. If you carefully examine enough examples of the end result, you will start to notice some interesting similarities and differences that give you insight into the process leading up to the end result.\n\nThis article is not the usual step-by-step tutorial on how to sketch a pair of lips or even <a href=\"http://www.letsdrawpeople.com/how-to-turn-your-plainly-drawn-lips-into-realistic-lips/\">how to draw lips realistically</a>. The goal of this post is to carefully analyze various sketches of lips. First, we will seek to describe the characteristics of the lips that are present in each sketch. Then, we will move on to compare and contrast those characteristics.\n\nThe sketches of lips you will find here are of many different styles. The first section looks at the first step of drawing lips (or anything else for that matter) - the initial line drawing. Then you will see how those lips change once they have some shading. Moving on from there, we will look at lip sketches that are rough and simple as well as detailed and thorough. You will notice pencil, pen and ink, and even colored and digital media. We will look at the lips of subtle smiles as well as larger, more open smiles showing teeth. You will also study the lips of a biting mouth as well as the lips of an open mouth.\n\nBy carefully studying these 16 sketches, you should get some insight as to what you want or don\'t want to do when you sketch lips of your own. This insight will go a long way in showing yo\n<h2>How a Simple Lips Drawing Might Look Before It Has Shading</h2>\nTo start things off, we will look at four examples of drawings of simple lips. Each simple lips drawing that follows is actually <a href=\"http://www.letsdrawpeople.com/are-you-a-lazy-artist-if-you-just-make-line-drawing-portraits/\">a line drawing</a> before any tones are added for shading. Look for what each lip line drawing has in common with the others and what is different about each one.\n\nIn this first very simple drawing, you can see a rough outline of the lips of a person turned slightly to the right. There is a little indication of the white border that traces the upper lip. There is also an indication of shadow under the lower lip. This lip sketch has the vertical lines that are characteristic of lips in real life but often missing in many drawn lips. Additionally, you can see some oval-shaped areas that help place highlights on the lips.\n\n<span style=\"line-height: 1.5;\"><a href=\"http://www.letsdrawpeople.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/sketches-of-lips-simple-lips-drawing-01.jpg\"><img class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-3303\" src=\"http://www.letsdrawpeople.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/sketches-of-lips-simple-lips-drawing-01.jpg\" alt=\"sketches of lips simple lips drawing 01\" width=\"600\" height=\"350\" /></a></span>\n\n&nbsp;\n\nThis pair of lips belongs to a mouth that is facing forward and slightly open. As in the previous example, it shows the vertical lines, but in this case the lines are more subtle and only on the bottom lip where they are more prominent. There are two highlight spots on the lower lip. The line along the upper lip helps to signify a darker shadowy area where the lip curves inward.\n\n<a href=\"http://www.letsdrawpeople.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/sketches-of-lips-simple-lips-drawing-02.jpg\"><img class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-3304\" src=\"http://www.letsdrawpeople.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/sketches-of-lips-simple-lips-drawing-02.jpg\" alt=\"sketches of lips simple lips drawing 02\" width=\"600\" height=\"228\" /></a>\n\n&nbsp;\n\nHere we have another pair of lips belonging to a forward-facing mouth, but in this case the lips are closed. There are a few indications of the lips\' vertical lines on the top and bottom lip. Notice again in this lip line drawing that highlights and shadow areas are carefully placed to prepare for shading later on.\n\n<a href=\"http://www.letsdrawpeople.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/sketches-of-lips-simple-lips-drawing-03.jpg\"><img class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-3305\" src=\"http://www.letsdrawpeople.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/sketches-of-lips-simple-lips-drawing-03.jpg\" alt=\"sketches of lips simple lips drawing 03\" width=\"600\" height=\"249\" /></a>\n\n&nbsp;\n\nThe sketch below is of a pair of lips belonging to a face that is looking slightly downward. For this reason, the top lip looks a bit more pronounced than the bottom lip. This lip sketch includes details placed in the corners of the mouth, which add to any expression (however little) the mouth may be giving.\n\n<a href=\"http://www.letsdrawpeople.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/sketches-of-lips-simple-lips-drawing-04.jpg\"><img class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-3306\" src=\"http://www.letsdrawpeople.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/sketches-of-lips-simple-lips-drawing-04.jpg\" alt=\"sketches of lips simple lips drawing 04\" width=\"600\" height=\"229\" /></a>\n\n&nbsp;\n\nLet\'s now consider the four drawings we just saw in this section and see how they are alike. Since all four drawings are line drawings, they are at the beginning stages of a final piece of work. Each line drawing has careful placement of lip highlights on the bottom lip and shadow under the bottom lip.\n\nAs for differences, some have highlights on the top lip while others have shadow along the top lip. While each lip drawing has the vertical lines characteristic of all lips in real life, you will have to judge for yourself if it\'s best to go with more detail or take the \"less is more\" approach and just subtly indicate them, as in the second example.\n<h2><span style=\"line-height: 1.5;\">Lip Shading Characteristics</span></h2>\nNow let\'s take our simple sketches of lips from the last section and examine what they might look like with <a href=\"http://www.letsdrawpeople.com/take-the-stress-out-of-shading-with-these-pencil-shading-techniques/\">a little shading</a>. For the most part, these rough sketches have graphite tones applied for shading that are not blended with a tortillion. Each lip shading example below will have the corresponding lip line drawing for comparison purposes.\n\nThe first example has some evidence of crosshatching, especially along a small part of the top lip and under the bottom lip. Notice how the tones are applied carefully around the highlighted areas to preserve them. There are darker tones where the lips meet, at the corners, and just under the bottom lip\'s reflected light.\n\n<a href=\"http://www.letsdrawpeople.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/sketches-of-lips-lip-shading-01.jpg\"><img class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-3297\" src=\"http://www.letsdrawpeople.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/sketches-of-lips-lip-shading-01.jpg\" alt=\"sketches of lips lip shading 01\" width=\"1401\" height=\"392\" /></a>\n\n&nbsp;\n\nRemember how in the second example there was a guideline drawn for a shadow along the top lip? You can see below how that area is now filled in with darker tones. The lower lip is also darker along the bottom, below the highlights. Again, notice the reflected light along the edge of the lower lip. The shading for this sketch could be characterized as more hatching than crosshatching.\n\n<a href=\"http://www.letsdrawpeople.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/sketches-of-lips-lip-shading-02.jpg\"><img class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-3298\" src=\"http://www.letsdrawpeople.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/sketches-of-lips-lip-shading-02.jpg\" alt=\"sketches of lips lip shading 02\" width=\"1405\" height=\"405\" /></a>\n\n&nbsp;\n\nVertical lip lines are preserved in this example without being too harsh or prominent. There are also a range of values present. Most of the lips\' surface area has a midtone value, while the highlights remain white and the corners have darker shadow areas.\n\n<a href=\"http://www.letsdrawpeople.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/sketches-of-lips-lip-shading-03.jpg\"><img class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-3299\" src=\"http://www.letsdrawpeople.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/sketches-of-lips-lip-shading-03.jpg\" alt=\"sketches of lips lip shading 03\" width=\"1410\" height=\"426\" /></a>\n\n&nbsp;\n\nThis example has a similar base value of shading for the lips and the skin surrounding the lips. Since these lips are viewed slightly from above (since the face is tilted downward), there are some darker tones along the lower part of each lip and under the bottom lip. Darker tones also exist to better portray the medial cleft between the nose and upper lip (also known as the philtrum).\n\n<a href=\"http://www.letsdrawpeople.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/sketches-of-lips-lip-shading-04.jpg\"><img class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-3300\" src=\"http://www.letsdrawpeople.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/sketches-of-lips-lip-shading-04.jpg\" alt=\"sketches of lips lip shading 04\" width=\"1410\" height=\"414\" /></a>\n\n&nbsp;\n\nThis final example does not have a line drawing preview like the others in this section, but I thought it still deserved some attention for some interesting lip shading characteristics. The graphite tones are also more blended together here.\n\n<a href=\"http://www.letsdrawpeople.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/sketches-of-lips-lip-shading-05.jpg\"><img class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-3301\" src=\"http://www.letsdrawpeople.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/sketches-of-lips-lip-shading-05.jpg\" alt=\"sketches of lips lip shading 05\" width=\"600\" height=\"327\" /></a>\n\nThe above sketch shows the lips slightly darker than the surrounding skin and the top lip slightly darker than the bottom. A good reason for this is that the bottom lip has more highlighted area. I also find it noteworthy that the highlight is broken up at various spots by the vertical lip lines, some soft lines and some sharper lines, for a more natural look.\n\nAs you see from the last few lip sketches, lips can be shaded a number of ways. Tones can be applied with hatching, crosshatching, or blended together. You should always preserve highlights by making darker tones around them, and you should keep the vertical lines of the lips implied on some level.\n<h2>What Can Enhance a Subtle Smiling Lips Sketch</h2>\nHow can you pull off a sketch of smiling lips when the lips are not smiling a big smile? What if the smile is only a subtle smirk? The examples in the previous sections focused on only the lips. However, what creates the perception of a smile in a sketch or drawing is as much in the skin surrounding the lips than in the lips themselves. Now let\'s look at three sketches of smiling lips and the characteristic details found around the lips that help us to better notice the smile.\n\nThis first sketch is a very rough line drawing sketch. It is of a subtly smiling mouth that is turned in a profile view. It has hatching lines to indicate shading on and around the lips. The lines on the skin directly above and below the lips help to give form to the protrusion of the lips. Look in the corner of the mouth, and you can see the dark line that serves as a fold in the skin when the cheek is just beginning to help form a smile.\n\n<a href=\"http://www.letsdrawpeople.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/sketches-of-lips-smiling-lips-sketch-01.jpg\"><img class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-3307\" src=\"http://www.letsdrawpeople.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/sketches-of-lips-smiling-lips-sketch-01.jpg\" alt=\"sketches of lips smiling lips sketch 01\" width=\"600\" height=\"403\" /></a>\n\n&nbsp;\n\nThis next example is much more detailed than the previous line sketch. Still, there are some commonalities. The crosshatch shading above the top lip helps to form the three-dimensional appearance of this part of the mouth, including the philtrum. The shading below the bottom lip helps to distinguish the space between the bottom lip and the chin. The difference in angles between the lines on the corners of the mouth, along with the dimple on the man\'s left cheek, tell us that the man is smirking more on the left side of his face than the right side.\n\n<a href=\"http://www.letsdrawpeople.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/sketches-of-lips-smiling-lips-sketch-02.jpg\"><img class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-3308\" src=\"http://www.letsdrawpeople.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/sketches-of-lips-smiling-lips-sketch-02.jpg\" alt=\"sketches of lips smiling lips sketch 02\" width=\"600\" height=\"325\" /></a>\n\n&nbsp;\n\nHere is another piece of work that is on the more detailed side of lip sketches. Even though this drawing does not have the vertical lines on the corners of the mouth that are noticeable in the previous two examples, you can still tell there is a slight smile with the subject. How so? Look at how the crosshatch shading implies sunken-in cheeks. Darker areas on either side of the mouth that do not touch the mouth help to achieve this appearance.\n\n[caption id=\"attachment_3309\" align=\"aligncenter\" width=\"600\"]<a href=\"http://www.letsdrawpeople.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/sketches-of-lips-smiling-lips-sketch-03.jpg\"><img class=\"wp-image-3309 size-full\" src=\"http://www.letsdrawpeople.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/sketches-of-lips-smiling-lips-sketch-03.jpg\" alt=\"sketches of lips smiling lips sketch 03\" width=\"600\" height=\"400\" /></a> <center><b> © <a href=\"https://www.dreamstime.com/guernica_info\">Safa Sami</a> | <a href=\"https://www.dreamstime.com/\">Dreamstime.com</a></b></center>[/caption]\n\n&nbsp;\n\nWith these three examples, we learned that a smiling lips sketch can have more than just the details on the lips themselves to better portray that the lips are actually smiling. Just as important are the details on the areas of the face immediately surrounding the lips. Different subjects\' faces have different characteristics. Some people smile with dimples, some have sunken in cheeks when they smile, and everyone has variations in cheek lines that form in the corners of their mouths when they smile. Keeping these traits in mind when you sketch smiling lips will help to better enhance your sketches, too.\n<h2>How Lips Can Look on a Smiling Mouth Sketch Showing Teeth</h2>\nNext, we will take a look at two very different sketches of lips. Unlike the sketches in the last section, these lips are part of less subtle, more obvious smiles that also show the teeth.\n\nThis sketch is another rough line drawing sketch. It is a picture of a noticeable smile, viewed from the front. Since this is a much more noticeable smile than the smiles from the last section, you can see a sizeable portion of the subject\'s teeth. There are some characteristics surrounding the lips that we noticed before as well, such as the cheek lines at the corners of the lips and shading to show protrusion of the lips.\n\n<a href=\"http://www.letsdrawpeople.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/sketches-of-lips-smiling-mouth-sketch-01.jpg\"><img class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-3310\" src=\"http://www.letsdrawpeople.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/sketches-of-lips-smiling-mouth-sketch-01.jpg\" alt=\"sketches of lips smiling mouth sketch 01\" width=\"600\" height=\"282\" /></a>\n\nLooking at the lips themselves, this line sketch has what resembles vertical hatch lines to indicate shading. There are fewer lines in the front, especially on the bottom lip where you can expect some highlighting. There are more lines near the corners, where the lips curve around the face and retreat toward the back.\n\nThis next mouth sketch is certainly not your traditional sketch by any means. You can tell it was created with the assistance of some sort of digital means. Possibly due to the type of software used and its capabilities, there is a slightly unnatural shape to the overall mouth, especially the way the top lip curves downward in the middle and how the corners curve upward. Nevertheless, there is some interesting shading going on that enhances the appearance of the lips and the overall mouth.\n\n<a href=\"http://www.letsdrawpeople.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/sketches-of-lips-smiling-mouth-sketch-02.jpg\"><img class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-3311\" src=\"http://www.letsdrawpeople.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/sketches-of-lips-smiling-mouth-sketch-02.jpg\" alt=\"sketches of lips smiling mouth sketch 02\" width=\"600\" height=\"434\" /></a>\n\nLook first at the lower lip and the range of values present. The values are much darker along the edges. Then there are some midtone values between the edges and the highlight in the middle.\n\nSecondly, the creator of this sketch remembered something very important for a smiling mouth sketch that shows teeth. The lips cast a small shadow upon the teeth. You can see this shadow along the upper portions of the top teeth, the lower portions of the bottom teeth, and more shadow values present in the teeth that are farther back. This crucial detail was missing from the first, simpler example. The artist also remembered the dark shadow tones that the teeth should cast upon the tongue.\n<h2>A Close Examination of a Biting Lip Sketch</h2>\nThis is a sketch of an open mouth where the teeth are biting down on the lower, right side of the lips. It is a pen and ink sketch with lots of crosshatching used for the shading.\n\n<a href=\"http://www.letsdrawpeople.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/sketches-of-lips-biting-lip-sketch-01.jpg\"><img class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-3296\" src=\"http://www.letsdrawpeople.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/sketches-of-lips-biting-lip-sketch-01.jpg\" alt=\"sketches of lips biting lip sketch 01\" width=\"600\" height=\"415\" /></a>\n\nWhat kind of pertinent characteristics should we gather from this example if we wanted to make a biting lip sketch of our own? First of all, the part of the lower lip that is bitten by the teeth is hidden behind those teeth. More importantly, there should be focus on where the teeth meet the lip. The teeth are pulling the skin of the lower lip, thus causing \"folds\" in the skin. In the drawing above, there are three teeth making contact with the lip. If you examine very closely, you will notice one of these fold lines coming from the center of each of the three teeth. You should also notice fold lines coming from between the teeth.\n\nOther lip characteristics of this sketch are less about the biting part and more about what should be found in many other lip sketches. The lips consist of lighter tones where the light strikes them and darker tones surrounding the lighter areas and the corners of the mouth where the lips recede. You can also see reflected light along the bottom edge of the top lip.\n\nThe main thing to remember when making a biting lip sketch is to focus on the location of the bite and include the details on the lower lip that will make the appearance of the bite believable.\n<h2>How Lips Can Complement Other Parts of an Open Mouth Sketch</h2>\nAlthough this appears to be a rough sketch of an open mouth that might be considered an unfinished piece of work, it consists of more than one medium, and the entire piece (not shown in this excerpt) is done in what appears to be a similar, deliberate style by the artist.\n\n<a href=\"http://www.letsdrawpeople.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/sketches-of-lips-open-mouth-sketch-01.jpg\"><img class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-3302\" src=\"http://www.letsdrawpeople.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/sketches-of-lips-open-mouth-sketch-01.jpg\" alt=\"sketches of lips open mouth sketch 01\" width=\"665\" height=\"565\" /></a>\n\nAssuming this is a finished piece, the style suggests that the artist was not going for a realistic look. For example, the lips in the sketch have a heavy outline (perhaps in ink) that are not characteristic of natural-looking lips.\n\nEven so, you can tell that the artist strived to include some three-dimensional elements on the lips themselves. There are two carefully placed highlights on the top lip and two more on the bottom. These highlights, along with the darker tones receding from the front of the lips to the corners of the mouth, help to convey the appearance of form and roundness in the lips.\n\nSo how does this three-dimensional feel of the lips complement the rest of the mouth sketch? It gives the sense that the lips are protruding forward, as they should if a mouth is opened wide. The lack of detail in the tongue and other more distant parts of the inside of the mouth help the lips to \"stick out\" even more (that is, become more noticeable).\n<h2>What Can We Learn from These Sketches of Lips?</h2>\nThere is no question that there are many different ways to sketch lips. That is pretty obvious from what you have read and seen in this article. Just to recap some of the lip sketches we have studied, let\'s look at them one more time. Below is a collection of the 16 lip sketches, grouped all together.\n\n<a href=\"http://www.letsdrawpeople.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/sketches-of-lips.jpg\"><img class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-3312\" src=\"http://www.letsdrawpeople.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/sketches-of-lips.jpg\" alt=\"sketches of lips\" width=\"1600\" height=\"751\" /></a>\n\nSo what can be learned by comparing and contrasting these lips? How can we then apply or exclude details in our future sketches of lips?\n\nFirst, we will take a look at a few commonalities. Consider these similarities as tips you should keep in mind when you sketch lips of your own:\n<ul>\n 	<li><strong><span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\">Always look for areas of highlight in the lips you sketch</span></strong>. In each of the sketches above, the highlighted areas of lips are a significant part of what gives the lips form and makes them appear more realistic. There seems to always be a highlighted area on the bottom lip. Almost always, and usually less significantly, there is a highlighted area on the top lip.</li>\n 	<li><strong><span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\">Think carefully about where darker tones should be placed</span></strong>. The darker tones should complement the highlights. These darker tones and the highlights are separated by a gradual transition of shading. In each sketch, the darker tones can be found along the corners of the mouth and the center of the mouth where the two lips meet.</li>\n 	<li><b><u>Draw the outline for the lips in the same manner that they appear in real life</u></b>. Each example we looked at has a general shape for the top and bottom lip that you are likely to find when looking at the lips of everyday people. All the lips have a natural, rounded curve along the bottom. With the small exception of the digital example, every lip sketch has the little dip along the top ridge directly below the nose.</li>\n</ul>\nNow, for a few noticeable differences between some of the sketches. You should also consider these differences as tips, but instead of including or excluding them in every drawing, you should consider whether or not you want to include them for each drawing on a case-by-case basis.\n<ul>\n 	<li><span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"><strong>Not every sketch of lips has or needs reflected light</strong></span><strong>.</strong> In the first two sections of this article, every lip sketch has reflected light along the bottom edge of the lower lip. Some of the later examples are missing this reflected light. This can be based either on a matter of preference or simply a lack of its noticeable presence on the reference subject.</li>\n 	<li><span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"><strong>Vertical lines or no vertical lines</strong></span><strong>?</strong> In some of the sketches, the vertical lines that are present in real-life lips are obvious in the sketches. In a few of the other sketches, the vertical lines cannot really be seen or are subtle and more implied. Again, either can be acceptable depending on your reference, since these lines are sometimes more noticeable and other times less noticeable on the reference subject.</li>\n 	<li><strong><span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\">Some sketches have details between and around the lips that enhance the sketch</span>.</strong> Some of the sketches we viewed intentionally focused solely on the lips themselves. There were no surrounding skin tones or detail beyond the outer border of the lips. In these sketches, the lips were also closed. The other sketches showed the surrounding skin as an extension of the lips and mouth in general. This allowed the artists to add details that enhanced their drawings. For example, smile lines in the corners of the mouth add to the character and likeness of the subject. The same goes for those sketches that displayed opened mouths. Visible teeth and a visible portion of the tongue could complement a sketch that might seem more bland if it were just lips alone.</li>\n</ul>\nBottom line, if you want to get better at drawing or sketching lips, take the time to closely study, compare, and contrast a variety of sketches of lips drawn by other artists. If you want to learn how to draw a mouth, looking at a multitude of examples and deciding what works in different styles and situations will do wonders for your artwork as you complete more and more sketches and drawings of your own.','How These 16 Very Different Sketches of Lips Can Help You Draw Them','','inherit','closed','closed','','3294-autosave-v1','','','2016-09-11 16:37:09','2016-09-11 23:37:09','',3294,'http://www.letsdrawpeople.com/3294-autosave-v1/',0,'revision','',0),(3344,2,'2016-09-10 14:26:46','2016-09-10 21:26:46','What can 16 dissimilar sketches of lips tell you about how to draw lips?\r\n\r\nWell, if you look at each one of the sketches in this article closely enough, it turns out that these lips have a lot to say.\r\n\r\nOne of the best ways to learn how to sketch lips is to carefully study a selection of lips that have already been sketched for you. If you carefully examine enough examples of the end result, you will start to notice some interesting similarities and differences that give you insight into the process leading up to the end result.\r\n\r\nThis article is not the usual step-by-step tutorial on how to sketch a pair of lips or even <a href=\"http://www.letsdrawpeople.com/how-to-turn-your-plainly-drawn-lips-into-realistic-lips/\">how to draw lips realistically</a>. The goal of this post is to carefully analyze various sketches of lips. First, we will seek to describe the characteristics of the lips that are present in each sketch. Then, we will move on to compare and contrast those characteristics.\r\n\r\nThe sketches of lips you will find here are of many different styles. The first section looks at the first step of drawing lips (or anything else for that matter) - the initial line drawing. Then you will see how those lips change once they have some shading. Moving on from there, we will look at lip sketches that are rough and simple as well as detailed and thorough. You will notice pencil, pen and ink, and even colored and digital media. We will look at the lips of subtle smiles as well as larger, more open smiles showing teeth. You will also study the lips of a biting mouth as well as the lips of an open mouth.\r\n\r\nBy carefully studying these 16 sketches, you should get some insight as to what you want or don\'t want to do when you sketch lips of your own.\r\n<h2>How a Simple Lips Drawing Might Look Before It Has Shading</h2>\r\nTo start things off, we will look at four examples of drawings of simple lips. Each simple lips drawing that follows is actually <a href=\"http://www.letsdrawpeople.com/are-you-a-lazy-artist-if-you-just-make-line-drawing-portraits/\">a line drawing</a> before any tones are added for shading. Look for what each lip line drawing has in common with the others and what is different about each one.\r\n\r\nIn this first very simple drawing, you can see a rough outline of the lips of a person turned slightly to the right. There is a little indication of the white border that traces the upper lip. There is also an indication of shadow under the lower lip. This lip sketch has the vertical lines that are characteristic of lips in real life but often missing in many drawn lips. Additionally, you can see some oval-shaped areas that help place highlights on the lips.\r\n\r\n<span style=\"line-height: 1.5;\"><a href=\"http://www.letsdrawpeople.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/sketches-of-lips-simple-lips-drawing-01.jpg\"><img class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-3303\" src=\"http://www.letsdrawpeople.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/sketches-of-lips-simple-lips-drawing-01.jpg\" alt=\"sketches of lips simple lips drawing 01\" width=\"600\" height=\"350\" /></a></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThis pair of lips belongs to a mouth that is facing forward and slightly open. As in the previous example, it shows the vertical lines, but in this case the lines are more subtle and only on the bottom lip where they are more prominent. There are two highlight spots on the lower lip. The line along the upper lip helps to signify a darker shadowy area where the lip curves inward.\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.letsdrawpeople.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/sketches-of-lips-simple-lips-drawing-02.jpg\"><img class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-3304\" src=\"http://www.letsdrawpeople.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/sketches-of-lips-simple-lips-drawing-02.jpg\" alt=\"sketches of lips simple lips drawing 02\" width=\"600\" height=\"228\" /></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nHere we have another pair of lips belonging to a forward-facing mouth, but in this case the lips are closed. There are a few indications of the lips\' vertical lines on the top and bottom lip. Notice again in this lip line drawing that highlights and shadow areas are carefully placed to prepare for shading later on.\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.letsdrawpeople.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/sketches-of-lips-simple-lips-drawing-03.jpg\"><img class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-3305\" src=\"http://www.letsdrawpeople.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/sketches-of-lips-simple-lips-drawing-03.jpg\" alt=\"sketches of lips simple lips drawing 03\" width=\"600\" height=\"249\" /></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThe sketch below is of a pair of lips belonging to a face that is looking slightly downward. For this reason, the top lip looks a bit more pronounced than the bottom lip. This lip sketch includes details placed in the corners of the mouth, which add to any expression (however little) the mouth may be giving.\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.letsdrawpeople.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/sketches-of-lips-simple-lips-drawing-04.jpg\"><img class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-3306\" src=\"http://www.letsdrawpeople.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/sketches-of-lips-simple-lips-drawing-04.jpg\" alt=\"sketches of lips simple lips drawing 04\" width=\"600\" height=\"229\" /></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nLet\'s now consider the four drawings we just saw in this section and see how they are alike. Since all four drawings are line drawings, they are at the beginning stages of a final piece of work. Each line drawing has careful placement of lip highlights on the bottom lip and shadow under the bottom lip.\r\n\r\nAs for differences, some have highlights on the top lip while others have shadow along the top lip. While each lip drawing has the vertical lines characteristic of all lips in real life, you will have to judge for yourself if it\'s best to go with more detail or take the \"less is more\" approach and just subtly indicate them, as in the second example.\r\n<h2><span style=\"line-height: 1.5;\">Lip Shading Characteristics</span></h2>\r\nNow let\'s take our simple sketches of lips from the last section and examine what they might look like with <a href=\"http://www.letsdrawpeople.com/take-the-stress-out-of-shading-with-these-pencil-shading-techniques/\">a little shading</a>. For the most part, these rough sketches have graphite tones applied for shading that are not blended with a tortillion. Each lip shading example below will have the corresponding lip line drawing for comparison purposes.\r\n\r\nThe first example has some evidence of crosshatching, especially along a small part of the top lip and under the bottom lip. Notice how the tones are applied carefully around the highlighted areas to preserve them. There are darker tones where the lips meet, at the corners, and just under the bottom lip\'s reflected light.\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.letsdrawpeople.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/sketches-of-lips-lip-shading-01.jpg\"><img class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-3297\" src=\"http://www.letsdrawpeople.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/sketches-of-lips-lip-shading-01.jpg\" alt=\"sketches of lips lip shading 01\" width=\"1401\" height=\"392\" /></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nRemember how in the second example there was a guideline drawn for a shadow along the top lip? You can see below how that area is now filled in with darker tones. The lower lip is also darker along the bottom, below the highlights. Again, notice the reflected light along the edge of the lower lip. The shading for this sketch could be characterized as more hatching than crosshatching.\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.letsdrawpeople.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/sketches-of-lips-lip-shading-02.jpg\"><img class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-3298\" src=\"http://www.letsdrawpeople.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/sketches-of-lips-lip-shading-02.jpg\" alt=\"sketches of lips lip shading 02\" width=\"1405\" height=\"405\" /></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nVertical lip lines are preserved in this example without being too harsh or prominent. There are also a range of values present. Most of the lips\' surface area has a midtone value, while the highlights remain white and the corners have darker shadow areas.\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.letsdrawpeople.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/sketches-of-lips-lip-shading-03.jpg\"><img class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-3299\" src=\"http://www.letsdrawpeople.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/sketches-of-lips-lip-shading-03.jpg\" alt=\"sketches of lips lip shading 03\" width=\"1410\" height=\"426\" /></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThis example has a similar base value of shading for the lips and the skin surrounding the lips. Since these lips are viewed slightly from above (since the face is tilted downward), there are some darker tones along the lower part of each lip and under the bottom lip. Darker tones also exist to better portray the medial cleft between the nose and upper lip (also known as the philtrum).\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.letsdrawpeople.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/sketches-of-lips-lip-shading-04.jpg\"><img class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-3300\" src=\"http://www.letsdrawpeople.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/sketches-of-lips-lip-shading-04.jpg\" alt=\"sketches of lips lip shading 04\" width=\"1410\" height=\"414\" /></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThis final example does not have a line drawing preview like the others in this section, but I thought it still deserved some attention for some interesting lip shading characteristics. The graphite tones are also more blended together here.\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.letsdrawpeople.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/sketches-of-lips-lip-shading-05.jpg\"><img class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-3301\" src=\"http://www.letsdrawpeople.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/sketches-of-lips-lip-shading-05.jpg\" alt=\"sketches of lips lip shading 05\" width=\"600\" height=\"327\" /></a>\r\n\r\nThe above sketch shows the lips slightly darker than the surrounding skin and the top lip slightly darker than the bottom. A good reason for this is that the bottom lip has more highlighted area. I also find it noteworthy that the highlight is broken up at various spots by the vertical lip lines, some soft lines and some sharper lines, for a more natural look.\r\n\r\nAs you see from the last few lip sketches, lips can be shaded a number of ways. Tones can be applied with hatching, crosshatching, or blended together. You should always preserve highlights by making darker tones around them, and you should keep the vertical lines of the lips implied on some level.\r\n<h2>What Can Enhance a Subtle Smiling Lips Sketch</h2>\r\nHow can you pull off a sketch of smiling lips when the lips are not smiling a big smile? What if the smile is only a subtle smirk? The examples in the previous sections focused on only the lips. However, what creates the perception of a smile in a sketch or drawing is as much in the skin surrounding the lips than in the lips themselves. Now let\'s look at three sketches of smiling lips and the characteristic details found around the lips that help us to better notice the smile.\r\n\r\nThis first sketch is a very rough line drawing sketch. It is of a subtly smiling mouth that is turned in a profile view. It has hatching lines to indicate shading on and around the lips. The lines on the skin directly above and below the lips help to give form to the protrusion of the lips. Look in the corner of the mouth, and you can see the dark line that serves as a fold in the skin when the cheek is just beginning to help form a smile.\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.letsdrawpeople.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/sketches-of-lips-smiling-lips-sketch-01.jpg\"><img class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-3307\" src=\"http://www.letsdrawpeople.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/sketches-of-lips-smiling-lips-sketch-01.jpg\" alt=\"sketches of lips smiling lips sketch 01\" width=\"600\" height=\"403\" /></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThis next example is much more detailed than the previous line sketch. Still, there are some commonalities. The crosshatch shading above the top lip helps to form the three-dimensional appearance of this part of the mouth, including the philtrum. The shading below the bottom lip helps to distinguish the space between the bottom lip and the chin. The difference in angles between the lines on the corners of the mouth, along with the dimple on the man\'s left cheek, tell us that the man is smirking more on the left side of his face than the right side.\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.letsdrawpeople.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/sketches-of-lips-smiling-lips-sketch-02.jpg\"><img class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-3308\" src=\"http://www.letsdrawpeople.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/sketches-of-lips-smiling-lips-sketch-02.jpg\" alt=\"sketches of lips smiling lips sketch 02\" width=\"600\" height=\"325\" /></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nHere is another piece of work that is on the more detailed side of lip sketches. Even though this drawing does not have the vertical lines on the corners of the mouth that are noticeable in the previous two examples, you can still tell there is a slight smile with the subject. How so? Look at how the crosshatch shading implies sunken-in cheeks. Darker areas on either side of the mouth that do not touch the mouth help to achieve this appearance.\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_3309\" align=\"aligncenter\" width=\"600\"]<a href=\"http://www.letsdrawpeople.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/sketches-of-lips-smiling-lips-sketch-03.jpg\"><img class=\"wp-image-3309 size-full\" src=\"http://www.letsdrawpeople.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/sketches-of-lips-smiling-lips-sketch-03.jpg\" alt=\"sketches of lips smiling lips sketch 03\" width=\"600\" height=\"400\" /></a> <center><b> © <a href=\"https://www.dreamstime.com/guernica_info\">Safa Sami</a> | <a href=\"https://www.dreamstime.com/\">Dreamstime.com</a></b></center>[/caption]\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nWith these three examples, we learned that a smiling lips sketch can have more than just the details on the lips themselves to better portray that the lips are actually smiling. Just as important are the details on the areas of the face immediately surrounding the lips. Different subjects\' faces have different characteristics. Some people smile with dimples, some have sunken in cheeks when they smile, and everyone has variations in cheek lines that form in the corners of their mouths when they smile. Keeping these traits in mind when you sketch smiling lips will help to better enhance your sketches, too.\r\n<h2>How Lips Can Look on a Smiling Mouth Sketch Showing Teeth</h2>\r\nNext, we will take a look at two very different sketches of lips. Unlike the sketches in the last section, these lips are part of less subtle, more obvious smiles that also show the teeth.\r\n\r\nThis sketch is another rough line drawing sketch. It is a picture of a noticeable smile, viewed from the front. Since this is a much more noticeable smile than the smiles from the last section, you can see a sizeable portion of the subject\'s teeth. There are some characteristics surrounding the lips that we noticed before as well, such as the cheek lines at the corners of the lips and shading to show protrusion of the lips.\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.letsdrawpeople.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/sketches-of-lips-smiling-mouth-sketch-01.jpg\"><img class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-3310\" src=\"http://www.letsdrawpeople.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/sketches-of-lips-smiling-mouth-sketch-01.jpg\" alt=\"sketches of lips smiling mouth sketch 01\" width=\"600\" height=\"282\" /></a>\r\n\r\nLooking at the lips themselves, this line sketch has what resembles vertical hatch lines to indicate shading. There are fewer lines in the front, especially on the bottom lip where you can expect some highlighting. There are more lines near the corners, where the lips curve around the face and retreat toward the back.\r\n\r\nThis next mouth sketch is certainly not your traditional sketch by any means. You can tell it was created with the assistance of some sort of digital means. Possibly due to the type of software used and its capabilities, there is a slightly unnatural shape to the overall mouth, especially the way the top lip curves downward in the middle and how the corners curve upward. Nevertheless, there is some interesting shading going on that enhances the appearance of the lips and the overall mouth.\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.letsdrawpeople.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/sketches-of-lips-smiling-mouth-sketch-02.jpg\"><img class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-3311\" src=\"http://www.letsdrawpeople.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/sketches-of-lips-smiling-mouth-sketch-02.jpg\" alt=\"sketches of lips smiling mouth sketch 02\" width=\"600\" height=\"434\" /></a>\r\n\r\nLook first at the lower lip and the range of values present. The values are much darker along the edges. Then there are some midtone values between the edges and the highlight in the middle.\r\n\r\nSecondly, the creator of this sketch remembered something very important for a smiling mouth sketch that shows teeth. The lips cast a small shadow upon the teeth. You can see this shadow along the upper portions of the top teeth, the lower portions of the bottom teeth, and more shadow values present in the teeth that are farther back. This crucial detail was missing from the first, simpler example. The artist also remembered the dark shadow tones that the teeth should cast upon the tongue.\r\n<h2>A Close Examination of a Biting Lip Sketch</h2>\r\nThis is a sketch of an open mouth where the teeth are biting down on the lower, right side of the lips. It is a pen and ink sketch with lots of crosshatching used for the shading.\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.letsdrawpeople.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/sketches-of-lips-biting-lip-sketch-01.jpg\"><img class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-3296\" src=\"http://www.letsdrawpeople.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/sketches-of-lips-biting-lip-sketch-01.jpg\" alt=\"sketches of lips biting lip sketch 01\" width=\"600\" height=\"415\" /></a>\r\n\r\nWhat kind of pertinent characteristics should we gather from this example if we wanted to make a biting lip sketch of our own? First of all, the part of the lower lip that is bitten by the teeth is hidden behind those teeth. More importantly, there should be focus on where the teeth meet the lip. The teeth are pulling the skin of the lower lip, thus causing \"folds\" in the skin. In the drawing above, there are three teeth making contact with the lip. If you examine very closely, you will notice one of these fold lines coming from the center of each of the three teeth. You should also notice fold lines coming from between the teeth.\r\n\r\nOther lip characteristics of this sketch are less about the biting part and more about what should be found in many other lip sketches. The lips consist of lighter tones where the light strikes them and darker tones surrounding the lighter areas and the corners of the mouth where the lips recede. You can also see reflected light along the bottom edge of the top lip.\r\n\r\nThe main thing to remember when making a biting lip sketch is to focus on the location of the bite and include the details on the lower lip that will make the appearance of the bite believable.\r\n<h2>How Lips Can Complement Other Parts of an Open Mouth Sketch</h2>\r\nAlthough this appears to be a rough sketch of an open mouth that might be considered an unfinished piece of work, it consists of more than one medium, and the entire piece (not shown in this excerpt) is done in what appears to be a similar, deliberate style by the artist.\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.letsdrawpeople.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/sketches-of-lips-open-mouth-sketch-01.jpg\"><img class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-3302\" src=\"http://www.letsdrawpeople.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/sketches-of-lips-open-mouth-sketch-01.jpg\" alt=\"sketches of lips open mouth sketch 01\" width=\"665\" height=\"565\" /></a>\r\n\r\nAssuming this is a finished piece, the style suggests that the artist was not going for a realistic look. For example, the lips in the sketch have a heavy outline (perhaps in ink) that are not characteristic of natural-looking lips.\r\n\r\nEven so, you can tell that the artist strived to include some three-dimensional elements on the lips themselves. There are two carefully placed highlights on the top lip and two more on the bottom. These highlights, along with the darker tones receding from the front of the lips to the corners of the mouth, help to convey the appearance of form and roundness in the lips.\r\n\r\nSo how does this three-dimensional feel of the lips complement the rest of the mouth sketch? It gives the sense that the lips are protruding forward, as they should if a mouth is opened wide. The lack of detail in the tongue and other more distant parts of the inside of the mouth help the lips to \"stick out\" even more (that is, become more noticeable).\r\n<h2>What Can We Learn from These Sketches of Lips?</h2>\r\nThere is no question that there are many different ways to sketch lips. That is pretty obvious from what you have read and seen in this article. Just to recap some of the lip sketches we have studied, let\'s look at them one more time. Below is a collection of the 16 lip sketches, grouped all together.\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.letsdrawpeople.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/sketches-of-lips.jpg\"><img class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-3312\" src=\"http://www.letsdrawpeople.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/sketches-of-lips.jpg\" alt=\"sketches of lips\" width=\"1600\" height=\"751\" /></a>\r\n\r\nSo what can be learned by comparing and contrasting these lips? How can we then apply or exclude details in our future sketches of lips?\r\n\r\nFirst, we will take a look at a few commonalities. Consider these similarities as tips you should keep in mind when you sketch lips of your own:\r\n<ul>\r\n 	<li><strong><span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\">Always look for areas of highlight in the lips you sketch</span></strong>. In each of the sketches above, the highlighted areas of lips are a significant part of what gives the lips form and makes them appear more realistic. There seems to always be a highlighted area on the bottom lip. Almost always, and usually less significantly, there is a highlighted area on the top lip.</li>\r\n 	<li><strong><span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\">Think carefully about where darker tones should be placed</span></strong>. The darker tones should complement the highlights. These darker tones and the highlights are separated by a gradual transition of shading. In each sketch, the darker tones can be found along the corners of the mouth and the center of the mouth where the two lips meet.</li>\r\n 	<li><b><u>Draw the outline for the lips in the same manner that they appear in real life</u></b>. Each example we looked at has a general shape for the top and bottom lip that you are likely to find when looking at the lips of everyday people. All the lips have a natural, rounded curve along the bottom. With the small exception of the digital example, every lip sketch has the little dip along the top ridge directly below the nose.</li>\r\n</ul>\r\nNow, for a few noticeable differences between some of the sketches. You should also consider these differences as tips, but instead of including or excluding them in every drawing, you should consider whether or not you want to include them for each drawing on a case-by-case basis.\r\n<ul>\r\n 	<li><span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"><strong>Not every sketch of lips has or needs reflected light</strong></span><strong>.</strong> In the first two sections of this article, every lip sketch has reflected light along the bottom edge of the lower lip. Some of the later examples are missing this reflected light. This can be based either on a matter of preference or simply a lack of its noticeable presence on the reference subject.</li>\r\n 	<li><span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"><strong>Vertical lines or no vertical lines</strong></span><strong>?</strong> In some of the sketches, the vertical lines that are present in real-life lips are obvious in the sketches. In a few of the other sketches, the vertical lines cannot really be seen or are subtle and more implied. Again, either can be acceptable depending on your reference, since these lines are sometimes more noticeable and other times less noticeable on the reference subject.</li>\r\n 	<li><strong><span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\">Some sketches have details between and around the lips that enhance the sketch</span>.</strong> Some of the sketches we viewed intentionally focused solely on the lips themselves. There were no surrounding skin tones or detail beyond the outer border of the lips. In these sketches, the lips were also closed. The other sketches showed the surrounding skin as an extension of the lips and mouth in general. This allowed the artists to add details that enhanced their drawings. For example, smile lines in the corners of the mouth add to the character and likeness of the subject. The same goes for those sketches that displayed opened mouths. Visible teeth and a visible portion of the tongue could complement a sketch that might seem more bland if it were just lips alone.</li>\r\n</ul>\r\nBottom line, if you want to get better at drawing or sketching lips, take the time to closely study, compare, and contrast a variety of sketches of lips drawn by other artists. Looking at a multitude of examples and deciding what works in different styles and situations will do wonders for your artwork as you complete more and more lip sketches of your own.','How These 16 Very Different Sketches of Lips Can Help You Draw Them','','inherit','closed','closed','','3294-revision-v1','','','2016-09-10 14:26:46','2016-09-10 21:26:46','',3294,'http://www.letsdrawpeople.com/3294-revision-v1/',0,'revision','',0),(3345,2,'2016-09-11 16:31:24','2016-09-11 23:31:24','Learning how to draw tennis shoes is a great way to practice observing fine details and enhance your drawing skills. To start, you can freehand draw the tennis shoes on your drawing paper, but I chose to <a href=\"http://www.letsdrawpeople.com/grid-drawing-for-perfect-faces-and-forms/\">create a grid drawing</a> to ensure I captured the accurate proportions of my shoes. Here is the reference picture I used.\n\n[caption id=\"attachment_2618\" align=\"aligncenter\" width=\"533\"]<a href=\"http://www.letsdrawpeople.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/01/how-to-draw-tennis-shoes-reference.jpg\"><img class=\"size-full wp-image-2618\" src=\"http://www.letsdrawpeople.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/01/how-to-draw-tennis-shoes-reference.jpg\" alt=\" © Zorandim | Dreamstime.com\" width=\"533\" height=\"800\" /></a> <center><b> © <a href=\"http://www.dreamstime.com/zorandim_info\">Zorandim</a> | <a href=\"http://www.dreamstime.com/\">Dreamstime.com</a></b></center>[/caption]\n\nMy drawing paper size is 8.5 x 11 inches, so I printed out my reference picture to be half that size, 4.25 x 5.5 inches. Whatever size your drawing paper is, divide each side by two, and print your reference picture in that size.\n\nAnother helpful tip is to print out your reference picture in black and white so you can easily see the different values to create later on.\n\nI created a 1-inch grid on my reference picture, and a 2-inch grid on my drawing paper, leaving me with the same number of boxes on both pieces of paper.\n\nTo use a grid to draw, we\'re basically going to focus on drawing what we see in each square and draw one square at a time.\n\n<a href=\"http://www.letsdrawpeople.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/02/01-how-to-draw-tennis-shoes.jpg\"><img class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-3348\" src=\"http://www.letsdrawpeople.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/02/01-how-to-draw-tennis-shoes.jpg\" alt=\"01 how to draw tennis shoes\" width=\"800\" height=\"450\" /></a>\n\n&nbsp;\n\nTo start, I counted 3 squares down and 2 squares over on both of my grids. This is the square I will start drawing.\n\n<a href=\"http://www.letsdrawpeople.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/02/02-how-to-draw-tennis-shoes.jpg\"><img class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-3349\" src=\"http://www.letsdrawpeople.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/02/02-how-to-draw-tennis-shoes.jpg\" alt=\"02 how to draw tennis shoes\" width=\"800\" height=\"450\" /></a>\n\nWhen using a grid to draw, it is important to focus just on that square and observe where each line or object fits in that particular square. I first started drawing the outline of the shoe, and then added the details and the shoelaces.\n\nOnce you draw everything you see in one square, you are ready to move on to the next. I chose to move down to the square directly below the one we just drew. If you find it difficult to draw what you see in a particular square, you can always divide the square into 4 smaller squares so you are focusing on smaller areas at a time.\n\nTo do this, divide the square on your reference picture in half horizontally and vertically. Do the same on your drawing paper so you are left with 4 smaller squares. Now you can focus on drawing what you see in each smaller square.\n\n<a href=\"http://www.letsdrawpeople.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/02/03-how-to-draw-tennis-shoes.jpg\"><img class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-3350\" src=\"http://www.letsdrawpeople.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/02/03-how-to-draw-tennis-shoes.jpg\" alt=\"03 how to draw tennis shoes\" width=\"800\" height=\"450\" /></a>\n\n&nbsp;\n\nContinue moving to each square, drawing the outline of the shoes and adding the details you see as you go. If some details seem too overwhelming to draw at first, it\'s okay to make your own artistic decisions and leave some details out of your drawing to make it your own. However, it can be a good challenge to draw all of the fine details you see.\n\n<a href=\"http://www.letsdrawpeople.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/02/04-how-to-draw-tennis-shoes.jpg\"><img class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-3351\" src=\"http://www.letsdrawpeople.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/02/04-how-to-draw-tennis-shoes.jpg\" alt=\"04 how to draw tennis shoes\" width=\"800\" height=\"450\" /></a>\n\n&nbsp;\n\nWhen you have your basic line drawing completed, it should look something like this:\n\n<a href=\"http://www.letsdrawpeople.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/02/05-how-to-draw-tennis-shoes.jpg\"><img class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-3352\" src=\"http://www.letsdrawpeople.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/02/05-how-to-draw-tennis-shoes.jpg\" alt=\"05 how to draw tennis shoes\" width=\"800\" height=\"433\" /></a>\n\n&nbsp;\n\nDouble check to make sure you have everything drawn in each square, and next you are ready to erase your grid lines. Since I\'m just focusing on the shoes for this tutorial, I\'m only going to erase the grid lines only from the shoe area.\n\n<a href=\"http://www.letsdrawpeople.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/02/06-how-to-draw-tennis-shoes.jpg\"><img class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-3353\" src=\"http://www.letsdrawpeople.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/02/06-how-to-draw-tennis-shoes.jpg\" alt=\"06 how to draw tennis shoes\" width=\"800\" height=\"433\" /></a>\n\nNow you have a basic drawing of tennis shoes! In order to really bring your drawing to life, it\'s important to add value. To do this, I\'m using an HB (also known as a #2) pencil and a blending stump.\n\nWhen we add value, we\'re referring to the differences between lights and darks, or highlights and shadows, and you always want at least 3 distinctly different values for a realistic drawing.\n\nWhen you first start, find your midtones, or the values that are in between your darkest shadow and your lightest highlight. Hold your pencil at an angle and use the side of your pencil to shade in the midtone area using medium pressure.\n\nNext, find areas that have darker shadows and shade while applying more pressure with your pencil to create a darker value. For areas that are highlighted, you can leave them the white of your paper or erase them later.\n\n<a href=\"http://www.letsdrawpeople.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/02/07-how-to-draw-tennis-shoes.jpg\"><img class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-3354\" src=\"http://www.letsdrawpeople.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/02/07-how-to-draw-tennis-shoes.jpg\" alt=\"07 how to draw tennis shoes\" width=\"800\" height=\"449\" /></a>\n\n&nbsp;\n\nWhen you have an area shaded in with pencil, you can use a blending stump to create an even tone and heighten the realistic qualities of your drawing. Make sure to use the side of your blending stump, not the tip; otherwise, you will flatten the fine point.\n\n<a href=\"http://www.letsdrawpeople.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/02/08-how-to-draw-tennis-shoes.jpg\"><img class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-3355\" src=\"http://www.letsdrawpeople.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/02/08-how-to-draw-tennis-shoes.jpg\" alt=\"08 how to draw tennis shoes\" width=\"800\" height=\"430\" /></a>\n\n&nbsp;\n\nContinue this process throughout the entire drawing, starting with midtones, and layering shadows on top with more pressure. As you can see from this progression of adding value, working in layers is very helpful, and your first layer of graphite pencil will not be your last. The closer you can identify and create the subtle value changes, the more realistic your drawing will become.\n\n<a href=\"http://www.letsdrawpeople.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/02/09-how-to-draw-tennis-shoes.jpg\"><img class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-3356\" src=\"http://www.letsdrawpeople.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/02/09-how-to-draw-tennis-shoes.jpg\" alt=\"09 how to draw tennis shoes\" width=\"800\" height=\"420\" /></a>\n\n&nbsp;\n\nHere is our final product! I created this drawing using only one drawing pencil (HB or #2), but you can explore using a variety of drawing pencils to get even more contrast to create even more realistic qualities.\n\n<a href=\"http://www.letsdrawpeople.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/02/how-to-draw-tennis-shoes.jpg\"><img class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-3357\" src=\"http://www.letsdrawpeople.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/02/how-to-draw-tennis-shoes.jpg\" alt=\"how to draw tennis shoes\" width=\"800\" height=\"646\" /></a>\n\nWhen it comes to learning how to draw shoes, just remember...the more you practice drawing, the more comfortable you will get with adding fine details and a variety of values. Enjoy, and keep drawing!','How to Draw Tennis Shoes Using a Grid','','inherit','closed','closed','','3010-autosave-v1','','','2016-09-11 16:31:24','2016-09-11 23:31:24','',3010,'http://www.letsdrawpeople.com/3010-autosave-v1/',0,'revision','',0),(3346,2,'2016-09-11 05:25:24','2016-09-11 12:25:24','Learning to draw shoes is a great way to practice observing fine details and enhance your drawing skills. To start, you can freehand draw the tennis shoes on your drawing paper, but I chose to <a href=\"http://www.letsdrawpeople.com/grid-drawing-for-perfect-faces-and-forms/\">create a grid drawing</a> to ensure I captured the accurate proportions of my shoes. My drawing paper size is 8.5 x 11 inches, so I printed out my reference picture to be half that size, 4.25 x 5.5 inches. Whatever size your drawing paper is, divide each side by two, and print your reference picture in that size.\r\n\r\nI created a 1-inch grid on my reference picture, and a 2-inch grid on my drawing paper, leaving me with the same number of boxes on both pieces of paper.\r\n\r\nTo use a grid to draw, we\'re basically going to focus on drawing what we see in each square and draw one square at a time.\r\n\r\n<img class=\"size-medium wp-image-3011 alignnone\" src=\"http://www.letsdrawpeople.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/02/IMG_20160207_160032639-300x169.jpg\" alt=\"IMG_20160207_160032639\" width=\"300\" height=\"169\" />\r\n\r\nTo start, I counted 3 squares down and 2 squares over on both of my grids. This is the square I will start drawing.\r\n\r\n<img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-3014\" src=\"http://www.letsdrawpeople.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/02/IMG_20160207_160655676-300x169.jpg\" alt=\"IMG_20160207_160655676\" width=\"300\" height=\"169\" />\r\n\r\nWhen using a grid to draw, it is important to focus just on that square and observe where each line or object fits in that particular square. I first started drawing the outline of the shoe, and then added the details and the shoelaces.\r\n\r\nOnce you draw everything you see in one square, you are ready to move on to the next. I chose to move down to the square directly below the one we just drew. If you find it difficult to draw what you see in a particular square, you can always divide the square into 4 smaller squares so you are focusing on smaller areas at a time. To do this, divide the square on your reference picture in half horizontally and vertically. Do the same on your drawing paper so you are left with 4 smaller squares. Now you can focus on drawing what you see in each smaller square.\r\n\r\n<img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-3016\" src=\"http://www.letsdrawpeople.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/02/IMG_20160207_160932176-300x169.jpg\" alt=\"IMG_20160207_160932176\" width=\"300\" height=\"169\" />\r\n\r\nContinue moving to each square, drawing the outline of the shoes and adding the details you see as you go. If some details seem too overwhelming to draw at first, it\'s okay to make your own artistic decisions and leave some details out of your drawing to make it your own. However, it can be a good challenge to draw all of the fine details you see.\r\n\r\n<img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-3017\" src=\"http://www.letsdrawpeople.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/02/IMG_20160207_183744042-300x169.jpg\" alt=\"IMG_20160207_183744042\" width=\"300\" height=\"169\" />\r\n\r\nWhen you have your basic line drawing completed, it should look something like this:\r\n\r\n<img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-3018\" src=\"http://www.letsdrawpeople.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/02/IMG_20160207_185009250_TOP-300x162.jpg\" alt=\"IMG_20160207_185009250_TOP\" width=\"300\" height=\"162\" />\r\n\r\nDouble check to make sure you have everything drawn in each square, and next you are ready to erase your grid lines. Since I\'m just focusing on the shoes for this tutorial, I\'m only going to erase the grid lines only from the shoe area.\r\n\r\n<img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-3020\" src=\"http://www.letsdrawpeople.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/02/IMG_20160207_185451456-300x162.jpg\" alt=\"IMG_20160207_185451456\" width=\"300\" height=\"162\" />\r\n\r\nNow you have a basic drawing of tennis shoes! In order to really bring your drawing to life, it\'s important to add value. To do this, I\'m using an HB (also known as a #2) pencil and a blending stump. When we add value, we\'re referring to the differences between lights and darks, or highlights and shadows, and you always want at least 3 distinctly different values for a realistic drawing. When you first start, find your midtones, or the values that are in between your darkest shadow and your lightest highlight. Hold your pencil at an angle and use the side of your pencil to shade in the midtone area using medium pressure.\r\n\r\nNext, find areas that have darker shadows and shade while applying more pressure with your pencil to create a darker value. For areas that are highlighted, you can leave them the white of your paper or erase them later.\r\n\r\n<img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-3021\" src=\"http://www.letsdrawpeople.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/02/IMG_20160207_191345207-300x168.jpg\" alt=\"IMG_20160207_191345207\" width=\"300\" height=\"168\" />\r\n\r\nWhen you have an area shaded in with pencil, you can use a blending stump to create an even tone and heighten the realistic qualities of your drawing. Make sure to use the side of your blending stump, not the tip; otherwise, you will flatten the fine point.\r\n\r\n<img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-3022\" src=\"http://www.letsdrawpeople.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/02/IMG_20160207_193254433-300x161.jpg\" alt=\"IMG_20160207_193254433\" width=\"300\" height=\"161\" />\r\n\r\nContinue this process throughout the entire drawing, starting with midtones, and layering shadows on top with more pressure.\r\n\r\n<img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-3023\" src=\"http://www.letsdrawpeople.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/02/IMG_20160207_203013255-300x168.jpg\" alt=\"IMG_20160207_203013255\" width=\"300\" height=\"168\" />\r\n\r\nAs you can see from this progression of adding value, working in layers is very helpful, and your first layer of graphite pencil will not be your last. The closer you can identify and create the subtle value changes, the more realistic your drawing will become. Another helpful tip is to print out your reference picture in black and white so you can easily see the different values to create.\r\n\r\n<img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-3024\" src=\"http://www.letsdrawpeople.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/02/IMG_20160207_203727906-300x158.jpg\" alt=\"IMG_20160207_203727906\" width=\"300\" height=\"158\" />\r\n\r\nHere is our final product! I created this drawing using only one drawing pencil (HB or #2), but you can explore using a variety of drawing pencils to get even more contrast to create even more realistic qualities.\r\n\r\n<img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-3025\" src=\"http://www.letsdrawpeople.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/02/IMG_20160207_205541936-300x242.jpg\" alt=\"IMG_20160207_205541936\" width=\"300\" height=\"242\" />\r\n\r\nThe more you practice drawing, the more comfortable you will get with adding fine details and a variety of values. Enjoy, and keep drawing!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;','How to Draw Tennis Shoes Using a Grid','','inherit','closed','closed','','3010-revision-v1','','','2016-09-11 05:25:24','2016-09-11 12:25:24','',3010,'http://www.letsdrawpeople.com/3010-revision-v1/',0,'revision','',0),(3348,2,'2016-09-11 08:06:20','2016-09-11 15:06:20','','01 how to draw tennis shoes','','inherit','open','closed','','01-how-to-draw-tennis-shoes','','','2016-09-11 08:06:20','2016-09-11 15:06:20','',3010,'http://www.letsdrawpeople.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/02/01-how-to-draw-tennis-shoes.jpg',0,'attachment','image/jpeg',0),(3347,2,'2016-09-11 05:59:37','2016-09-11 12:59:37','Learning to draw shoes is a great way to practice observing fine details and enhance your drawing skills. To start, you can freehand draw the tennis shoes on your drawing paper, but I chose to <a href=\"http://www.letsdrawpeople.com/grid-drawing-for-perfect-faces-and-forms/\">create a grid drawing</a> to ensure I captured the accurate proportions of my shoes. Here is the reference picture I used.\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_2618\" align=\"aligncenter\" width=\"533\"]<a href=\"http://www.letsdrawpeople.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/01/how-to-draw-tennis-shoes-reference.jpg\"><img class=\"size-full wp-image-2618\" src=\"http://www.letsdrawpeople.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/01/how-to-draw-tennis-shoes-reference.jpg\" alt=\" © Zorandim | Dreamstime.com\" width=\"533\" height=\"800\" /></a> <center><b> © <a href=\"http://www.dreamstime.com/zorandim_info\">Zorandim</a> | <a href=\"http://www.dreamstime.com/\">Dreamstime.com</a></b></center>[/caption]\r\n\r\nMy drawing paper size is 8.5 x 11 inches, so I printed out my reference picture to be half that size, 4.25 x 5.5 inches. Whatever size your drawing paper is, divide each side by two, and print your reference picture in that size.\r\n\r\nAnother helpful tip is to print out your reference picture in black and white so you can easily see the different values to create later on.\r\n\r\nI created a 1-inch grid on my reference picture, and a 2-inch grid on my drawing paper, leaving me with the same number of boxes on both pieces of paper.\r\n\r\nTo use a grid to draw, we\'re basically going to focus on drawing what we see in each square and draw one square at a time.\r\n\r\n<img class=\"size-medium wp-image-3011 alignnone\" src=\"http://www.letsdrawpeople.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/02/IMG_20160207_160032639-300x169.jpg\" alt=\"IMG_20160207_160032639\" width=\"300\" height=\"169\" />\r\n\r\nTo start, I counted 3 squares down and 2 squares over on both of my grids. This is the square I will start drawing.\r\n\r\n<img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-3014\" src=\"http://www.letsdrawpeople.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/02/IMG_20160207_160655676-300x169.jpg\" alt=\"IMG_20160207_160655676\" width=\"300\" height=\"169\" />\r\n\r\nWhen using a grid to draw, it is important to focus just on that square and observe where each line or object fits in that particular square. I first started drawing the outline of the shoe, and then added the details and the shoelaces.\r\n\r\nOnce you draw everything you see in one square, you are ready to move on to the next. I chose to move down to the square directly below the one we just drew. If you find it difficult to draw what you see in a particular square, you can always divide the square into 4 smaller squares so you are focusing on smaller areas at a time. To do this, divide the square on your reference picture in half horizontally and vertically. Do the same on your drawing paper so you are left with 4 smaller squares. Now you can focus on drawing what you see in each smaller square.\r\n\r\n<img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-3016\" src=\"http://www.letsdrawpeople.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/02/IMG_20160207_160932176-300x169.jpg\" alt=\"IMG_20160207_160932176\" width=\"300\" height=\"169\" />\r\n\r\nContinue moving to each square, drawing the outline of the shoes and adding the details you see as you go. If some details seem too overwhelming to draw at first, it\'s okay to make your own artistic decisions and leave some details out of your drawing to make it your own. However, it can be a good challenge to draw all of the fine details you see.\r\n\r\n<img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-3017\" src=\"http://www.letsdrawpeople.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/02/IMG_20160207_183744042-300x169.jpg\" alt=\"IMG_20160207_183744042\" width=\"300\" height=\"169\" />\r\n\r\nWhen you have your basic line drawing completed, it should look something like this:\r\n\r\n<img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-3018\" src=\"http://www.letsdrawpeople.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/02/IMG_20160207_185009250_TOP-300x162.jpg\" alt=\"IMG_20160207_185009250_TOP\" width=\"300\" height=\"162\" />\r\n\r\nDouble check to make sure you have everything drawn in each square, and next you are ready to erase your grid lines. Since I\'m just focusing on the shoes for this tutorial, I\'m only going to erase the grid lines only from the shoe area.\r\n\r\n<img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-3020\" src=\"http://www.letsdrawpeople.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/02/IMG_20160207_185451456-300x162.jpg\" alt=\"IMG_20160207_185451456\" width=\"300\" height=\"162\" />\r\n\r\nNow you have a basic drawing of tennis shoes! In order to really bring your drawing to life, it\'s important to add value. To do this, I\'m using an HB (also known as a #2) pencil and a blending stump. When we add value, we\'re referring to the differences between lights and darks, or highlights and shadows, and you always want at least 3 distinctly different values for a realistic drawing. When you first start, find your midtones, or the values that are in between your darkest shadow and your lightest highlight. Hold your pencil at an angle and use the side of your pencil to shade in the midtone area using medium pressure.\r\n\r\nNext, find areas that have darker shadows and shade while applying more pressure with your pencil to create a darker value. For areas that are highlighted, you can leave them the white of your paper or erase them later.\r\n\r\n<img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-3021\" src=\"http://www.letsdrawpeople.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/02/IMG_20160207_191345207-300x168.jpg\" alt=\"IMG_20160207_191345207\" width=\"300\" height=\"168\" />\r\n\r\nWhen you have an area shaded in with pencil, you can use a blending stump to create an even tone and heighten the realistic qualities of your drawing. Make sure to use the side of your blending stump, not the tip; otherwise, you will flatten the fine point.\r\n\r\n<img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-3022\" src=\"http://www.letsdrawpeople.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/02/IMG_20160207_193254433-300x161.jpg\" alt=\"IMG_20160207_193254433\" width=\"300\" height=\"161\" />\r\n\r\nContinue this process throughout the entire drawing, starting with midtones, and layering shadows on top with more pressure.\r\n\r\n<img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-3023\" src=\"http://www.letsdrawpeople.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/02/IMG_20160207_203013255-300x168.jpg\" alt=\"IMG_20160207_203013255\" width=\"300\" height=\"168\" />\r\n\r\nAs you can see from this progression of adding value, working in layers is very helpful, and your first layer of graphite pencil will not be your last. The closer you can identify and create the subtle value changes, the more realistic your drawing will become.\r\n\r\n<img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-3024\" src=\"http://www.letsdrawpeople.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/02/IMG_20160207_203727906-300x158.jpg\" alt=\"IMG_20160207_203727906\" width=\"300\" height=\"158\" />\r\n\r\nHere is our final product! I created this drawing using only one drawing pencil (HB or #2), but you can explore using a variety of drawing pencils to get even more contrast to create even more realistic qualities.\r\n\r\n<img class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-3025\" src=\"http://www.letsdrawpeople.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/02/IMG_20160207_205541936-300x242.jpg\" alt=\"IMG_20160207_205541936\" width=\"300\" height=\"242\" />\r\n\r\nThe more you practice drawing, the more comfortable you will get with adding fine details and a variety of values. Enjoy, and keep drawing!\r\n\r\n&nbsp;','How to Draw Tennis Shoes Using a Grid','','inherit','closed','closed','','3010-revision-v1','','','2016-09-11 05:59:37','2016-09-11 12:59:37','',3010,'http://www.letsdrawpeople.com/3010-revision-v1/',0,'revision','',0),(3349,2,'2016-09-11 08:06:22','2016-09-11 15:06:22','','02 how to draw tennis shoes','','inherit','open','closed','','02-how-to-draw-tennis-shoes','','','2016-09-11 08:06:22','2016-09-11 15:06:22','',3010,'http://www.letsdrawpeople.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/02/02-how-to-draw-tennis-shoes.jpg',0,'attachment','image/jpeg',0),(3350,2,'2016-09-11 08:06:24','2016-09-11 15:06:24','','03 how to draw tennis shoes','','inherit','open','closed','','03-how-to-draw-tennis-shoes','','','2016-09-11 08:06:24','2016-09-11 15:06:24','',3010,'http://www.letsdrawpeople.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/02/03-how-to-draw-tennis-shoes.jpg',0,'attachment','image/jpeg',0),(3351,2,'2016-09-11 08:06:26','2016-09-11 15:06:26','','04 how to draw tennis shoes','','inherit','open','closed','','04-how-to-draw-tennis-shoes','','','2016-09-11 08:06:26','2016-09-11 15:06:26','',3010,'http://www.letsdrawpeople.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/02/04-how-to-draw-tennis-shoes.jpg',0,'attachment','image/jpeg',0),(3352,2,'2016-09-11 08:06:29','2016-09-11 15:06:29','','05 how to draw tennis shoes','','inherit','open','closed','','05-how-to-draw-tennis-shoes','','','2016-09-11 08:06:29','2016-09-11 15:06:29','',3010,'http://www.letsdrawpeople.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/02/05-how-to-draw-tennis-shoes.jpg',0,'attachment','image/jpeg',0),(3353,2,'2016-09-11 08:06:30','2016-09-11 15:06:30','','06 how to draw tennis shoes','','inherit','open','closed','','06-how-to-draw-tennis-shoes','','','2016-09-11 08:06:30','2016-09-11 15:06:30','',3010,'http://www.letsdrawpeople.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/02/06-how-to-draw-tennis-shoes.jpg',0,'attachment','image/jpeg',0),(3354,2,'2016-09-11 08:06:32','2016-09-11 15:06:32','','07 how to draw tennis shoes','','inherit','open','closed','','07-how-to-draw-tennis-shoes','','','2016-09-11 08:06:32','2016-09-11 15:06:32','',3010,'http://www.letsdrawpeople.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/02/07-how-to-draw-tennis-shoes.jpg',0,'attachment','image/jpeg',0),(3355,2,'2016-09-11 08:06:35','2016-09-11 15:06:35','','08 how to draw tennis shoes','','inherit','open','closed','','08-how-to-draw-tennis-shoes','','','2016-09-11 08:06:35','2016-09-11 15:06:35','',3010,'http://www.letsdrawpeople.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/02/08-how-to-draw-tennis-shoes.jpg',0,'attachment','image/jpeg',0),(3356,2,'2016-09-11 08:06:37','2016-09-11 15:06:37','','09 how to draw tennis shoes','','inherit','open','closed','','09-how-to-draw-tennis-shoes','','','2016-09-11 08:06:37','2016-09-11 15:06:37','',3010,'http://www.letsdrawpeople.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/02/09-how-to-draw-tennis-shoes.jpg',0,'attachment','image/jpeg',0),(3357,2,'2016-09-11 08:06:40','2016-09-11 15:06:40','','how to draw tennis shoes','','inherit','open','closed','','how-to-draw-tennis-shoes','','','2016-09-11 08:06:40','2016-09-11 15:06:40','',3010,'http://www.letsdrawpeople.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/02/how-to-draw-tennis-shoes.jpg',0,'attachment','image/jpeg',0),(3359,2,'2016-09-11 10:18:14','2016-09-11 17:18:14','Learning to how to draw tennis shoes is a great way to practice observing fine details and enhance your drawing skills. To start, you can freehand draw the tennis shoes on your drawing paper, but I chose to <a href=\"http://www.letsdrawpeople.com/grid-drawing-for-perfect-faces-and-forms/\">create a grid drawing</a> to ensure I captured the accurate proportions of my shoes. Here is the reference picture I used.\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_2618\" align=\"aligncenter\" width=\"533\"]<a href=\"http://www.letsdrawpeople.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/01/how-to-draw-tennis-shoes-reference.jpg\"><img class=\"size-full wp-image-2618\" src=\"http://www.letsdrawpeople.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/01/how-to-draw-tennis-shoes-reference.jpg\" alt=\" © Zorandim | Dreamstime.com\" width=\"533\" height=\"800\" /></a> <center><b> © <a href=\"http://www.dreamstime.com/zorandim_info\">Zorandim</a> | <a href=\"http://www.dreamstime.com/\">Dreamstime.com</a></b></center>[/caption]\r\n\r\nMy drawing paper size is 8.5 x 11 inches, so I printed out my reference picture to be half that size, 4.25 x 5.5 inches. Whatever size your drawing paper is, divide each side by two, and print your reference picture in that size.\r\n\r\nAnother helpful tip is to print out your reference picture in black and white so you can easily see the different values to create later on.\r\n\r\nI created a 1-inch grid on my reference picture, and a 2-inch grid on my drawing paper, leaving me with the same number of boxes on both pieces of paper.\r\n\r\nTo use a grid to draw, we\'re basically going to focus on drawing what we see in each square and draw one square at a time.\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.letsdrawpeople.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/02/01-how-to-draw-tennis-shoes.jpg\"><img class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-3348\" src=\"http://www.letsdrawpeople.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/02/01-how-to-draw-tennis-shoes.jpg\" alt=\"01 how to draw tennis shoes\" width=\"800\" height=\"450\" /></a>\r\n\r\nTo start, I counted 3 squares down and 2 squares over on both of my grids. This is the square I will start drawing.\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.letsdrawpeople.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/02/02-how-to-draw-tennis-shoes.jpg\"><img class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-3349\" src=\"http://www.letsdrawpeople.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/02/02-how-to-draw-tennis-shoes.jpg\" alt=\"02 how to draw tennis shoes\" width=\"800\" height=\"450\" /></a>\r\n\r\nWhen using a grid to draw, it is important to focus just on that square and observe where each line or object fits in that particular square. I first started drawing the outline of the shoe, and then added the details and the shoelaces.\r\n\r\nOnce you draw everything you see in one square, you are ready to move on to the next. I chose to move down to the square directly below the one we just drew. If you find it difficult to draw what you see in a particular square, you can always divide the square into 4 smaller squares so you are focusing on smaller areas at a time.\r\n\r\nTo do this, divide the square on your reference picture in half horizontally and vertically. Do the same on your drawing paper so you are left with 4 smaller squares. Now you can focus on drawing what you see in each smaller square.\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.letsdrawpeople.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/02/03-how-to-draw-tennis-shoes.jpg\"><img class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-3350\" src=\"http://www.letsdrawpeople.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/02/03-how-to-draw-tennis-shoes.jpg\" alt=\"03 how to draw tennis shoes\" width=\"800\" height=\"450\" /></a>\r\n\r\nContinue moving to each square, drawing the outline of the shoes and adding the details you see as you go. If some details seem too overwhelming to draw at first, it\'s okay to make your own artistic decisions and leave some details out of your drawing to make it your own. However, it can be a good challenge to draw all of the fine details you see.\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.letsdrawpeople.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/02/04-how-to-draw-tennis-shoes.jpg\"><img class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-3351\" src=\"http://www.letsdrawpeople.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/02/04-how-to-draw-tennis-shoes.jpg\" alt=\"04 how to draw tennis shoes\" width=\"800\" height=\"450\" /></a>\r\n\r\nWhen you have your basic line drawing completed, it should look something like this:\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.letsdrawpeople.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/02/05-how-to-draw-tennis-shoes.jpg\"><img class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-3352\" src=\"http://www.letsdrawpeople.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/02/05-how-to-draw-tennis-shoes.jpg\" alt=\"05 how to draw tennis shoes\" width=\"800\" height=\"433\" /></a>\r\n\r\nDouble check to make sure you have everything drawn in each square, and next you are ready to erase your grid lines. Since I\'m just focusing on the shoes for this tutorial, I\'m only going to erase the grid lines only from the shoe area.\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.letsdrawpeople.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/02/06-how-to-draw-tennis-shoes.jpg\"><img class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-3353\" src=\"http://www.letsdrawpeople.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/02/06-how-to-draw-tennis-shoes.jpg\" alt=\"06 how to draw tennis shoes\" width=\"800\" height=\"433\" /></a>\r\n\r\nNow you have a basic drawing of tennis shoes! In order to really bring your drawing to life, it\'s important to add value. To do this, I\'m using an HB (also known as a #2) pencil and a blending stump.\r\n\r\nWhen we add value, we\'re referring to the differences between lights and darks, or highlights and shadows, and you always want at least 3 distinctly different values for a realistic drawing.\r\n\r\nWhen you first start, find your midtones, or the values that are in between your darkest shadow and your lightest highlight. Hold your pencil at an angle and use the side of your pencil to shade in the midtone area using medium pressure.\r\n\r\nNext, find areas that have darker shadows and shade while applying more pressure with your pencil to create a darker value. For areas that are highlighted, you can leave them the white of your paper or erase them later.\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.letsdrawpeople.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/02/07-how-to-draw-tennis-shoes.jpg\"><img class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-3354\" src=\"http://www.letsdrawpeople.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/02/07-how-to-draw-tennis-shoes.jpg\" alt=\"07 how to draw tennis shoes\" width=\"800\" height=\"449\" /></a>\r\n\r\nWhen you have an area shaded in with pencil, you can use a blending stump to create an even tone and heighten the realistic qualities of your drawing. Make sure to use the side of your blending stump, not the tip; otherwise, you will flatten the fine point.\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.letsdrawpeople.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/02/08-how-to-draw-tennis-shoes.jpg\"><img class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-3355\" src=\"http://www.letsdrawpeople.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/02/08-how-to-draw-tennis-shoes.jpg\" alt=\"08 how to draw tennis shoes\" width=\"800\" height=\"430\" /></a>\r\n\r\nContinue this process throughout the entire drawing, starting with midtones, and layering shadows on top with more pressure. As you can see from this progression of adding value, working in layers is very helpful, and your first layer of graphite pencil will not be your last. The closer you can identify and create the subtle value changes, the more realistic your drawing will become.\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.letsdrawpeople.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/02/09-how-to-draw-tennis-shoes.jpg\"><img class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-3356\" src=\"http://www.letsdrawpeople.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/02/09-how-to-draw-tennis-shoes.jpg\" alt=\"09 how to draw tennis shoes\" width=\"800\" height=\"420\" /></a>\r\n\r\nHere is our final product! I created this drawing using only one drawing pencil (HB or #2), but you can explore using a variety of drawing pencils to get even more contrast to create even more realistic qualities.\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.letsdrawpeople.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/02/how-to-draw-tennis-shoes.jpg\"><img class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-3357\" src=\"http://www.letsdrawpeople.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/02/how-to-draw-tennis-shoes.jpg\" alt=\"how to draw tennis shoes\" width=\"800\" height=\"646\" /></a>\r\n\r\nThe more you practice drawing, the more comfortable you will get with adding fine details and a variety of values. Enjoy, and keep drawing!','How to Draw Tennis Shoes Using a Grid','','inherit','closed','closed','','3010-revision-v1','','','2016-09-11 10:18:14','2016-09-11 17:18:14','',3010,'http://www.letsdrawpeople.com/3010-revision-v1/',0,'revision','',0),(3358,2,'2016-09-11 08:25:44','2016-09-11 15:25:44','Learning to how to draw tennis shoes is a great way to practice observing fine details and enhance your drawing skills. To start, you can freehand draw the tennis shoes on your drawing paper, but I chose to <a href=\"http://www.letsdrawpeople.com/grid-drawing-for-perfect-faces-and-forms/\">create a grid drawing</a> to ensure I captured the accurate proportions of my shoes. Here is the reference picture I used.\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_2618\" align=\"aligncenter\" width=\"533\"]<a href=\"http://www.letsdrawpeople.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/01/how-to-draw-tennis-shoes-reference.jpg\"><img class=\"size-full wp-image-2618\" src=\"http://www.letsdrawpeople.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/01/how-to-draw-tennis-shoes-reference.jpg\" alt=\" © Zorandim | Dreamstime.com\" width=\"533\" height=\"800\" /></a> <center><b> © <a href=\"http://www.dreamstime.com/zorandim_info\">Zorandim</a> | <a href=\"http://www.dreamstime.com/\">Dreamstime.com</a></b></center>[/caption]\r\n\r\nMy drawing paper size is 8.5 x 11 inches, so I printed out my reference picture to be half that size, 4.25 x 5.5 inches. Whatever size your drawing paper is, divide each side by two, and print your reference picture in that size.\r\n\r\nAnother helpful tip is to print out your reference picture in black and white so you can easily see the different values to create later on.\r\n\r\nI created a 1-inch grid on my reference picture, and a 2-inch grid on my drawing paper, leaving me with the same number of boxes on both pieces of paper.\r\n\r\nTo use a grid to draw, we\'re basically going to focus on drawing what we see in each square and draw one square at a time.\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.letsdrawpeople.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/02/01-how-to-draw-tennis-shoes.jpg\"><img class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-3348\" src=\"http://www.letsdrawpeople.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/02/01-how-to-draw-tennis-shoes.jpg\" alt=\"01 how to draw tennis shoes\" width=\"800\" height=\"450\" /></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nTo start, I counted 3 squares down and 2 squares over on both of my grids. This is the square I will start drawing.\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.letsdrawpeople.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/02/02-how-to-draw-tennis-shoes.jpg\"><img class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-3349\" src=\"http://www.letsdrawpeople.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/02/02-how-to-draw-tennis-shoes.jpg\" alt=\"02 how to draw tennis shoes\" width=\"800\" height=\"450\" /></a>\r\n\r\nWhen using a grid to draw, it is important to focus just on that square and observe where each line or object fits in that particular square. I first started drawing the outline of the shoe, and then added the details and the shoelaces.\r\n\r\nOnce you draw everything you see in one square, you are ready to move on to the next. I chose to move down to the square directly below the one we just drew. If you find it difficult to draw what you see in a particular square, you can always divide the square into 4 smaller squares so you are focusing on smaller areas at a time.\r\n\r\nTo do this, divide the square on your reference picture in half horizontally and vertically. Do the same on your drawing paper so you are left with 4 smaller squares. Now you can focus on drawing what you see in each smaller square.\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.letsdrawpeople.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/02/03-how-to-draw-tennis-shoes.jpg\"><img class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-3350\" src=\"http://www.letsdrawpeople.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/02/03-how-to-draw-tennis-shoes.jpg\" alt=\"03 how to draw tennis shoes\" width=\"800\" height=\"450\" /></a>\r\n\r\nContinue moving to each square, drawing the outline of the shoes and adding the details you see as you go. If some details seem too overwhelming to draw at first, it\'s okay to make your own artistic decisions and leave some details out of your drawing to make it your own. However, it can be a good challenge to draw all of the fine details you see.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.letsdrawpeople.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/02/04-how-to-draw-tennis-shoes.jpg\"><img class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-3351\" src=\"http://www.letsdrawpeople.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/02/04-how-to-draw-tennis-shoes.jpg\" alt=\"04 how to draw tennis shoes\" width=\"800\" height=\"450\" /></a>\r\n\r\nWhen you have your basic line drawing completed, it should look something like this:\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.letsdrawpeople.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/02/05-how-to-draw-tennis-shoes.jpg\"><img class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-3352\" src=\"http://www.letsdrawpeople.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/02/05-how-to-draw-tennis-shoes.jpg\" alt=\"05 how to draw tennis shoes\" width=\"800\" height=\"433\" /></a>\r\n\r\nDouble check to make sure you have everything drawn in each square, and next you are ready to erase your grid lines. Since I\'m just focusing on the shoes for this tutorial, I\'m only going to erase the grid lines only from the shoe area.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.letsdrawpeople.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/02/06-how-to-draw-tennis-shoes.jpg\"><img class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-3353\" src=\"http://www.letsdrawpeople.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/02/06-how-to-draw-tennis-shoes.jpg\" alt=\"06 how to draw tennis shoes\" width=\"800\" height=\"433\" /></a>\r\n\r\nNow you have a basic drawing of tennis shoes! In order to really bring your drawing to life, it\'s important to add value. To do this, I\'m using an HB (also known as a #2) pencil and a blending stump.\r\n\r\nWhen we add value, we\'re referring to the differences between lights and darks, or highlights and shadows, and you always want at least 3 distinctly different values for a realistic drawing.\r\n\r\nWhen you first start, find your midtones, or the values that are in between your darkest shadow and your lightest highlight. Hold your pencil at an angle and use the side of your pencil to shade in the midtone area using medium pressure.\r\n\r\nNext, find areas that have darker shadows and shade while applying more pressure with your pencil to create a darker value. For areas that are highlighted, you can leave them the white of your paper or erase them later.\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.letsdrawpeople.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/02/07-how-to-draw-tennis-shoes.jpg\"><img class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-3354\" src=\"http://www.letsdrawpeople.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/02/07-how-to-draw-tennis-shoes.jpg\" alt=\"07 how to draw tennis shoes\" width=\"800\" height=\"449\" /></a>\r\n\r\nWhen you have an area shaded in with pencil, you can use a blending stump to create an even tone and heighten the realistic qualities of your drawing. Make sure to use the side of your blending stump, not the tip; otherwise, you will flatten the fine point.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.letsdrawpeople.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/02/08-how-to-draw-tennis-shoes.jpg\"><img class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-3355\" src=\"http://www.letsdrawpeople.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/02/08-how-to-draw-tennis-shoes.jpg\" alt=\"08 how to draw tennis shoes\" width=\"800\" height=\"430\" /></a>\r\n\r\nContinue this process throughout the entire drawing, starting with midtones, and layering shadows on top with more pressure. As you can see from this progression of adding value, working in layers is very helpful, and your first layer of graphite pencil will not be your last. The closer you can identify and create the subtle value changes, the more realistic your drawing will become.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.letsdrawpeople.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/02/09-how-to-draw-tennis-shoes.jpg\"><img class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-3356\" src=\"http://www.letsdrawpeople.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/02/09-how-to-draw-tennis-shoes.jpg\" alt=\"09 how to draw tennis shoes\" width=\"800\" height=\"420\" /></a>\r\n\r\nHere is our final product! I created this drawing using only one drawing pencil (HB or #2), but you can explore using a variety of drawing pencils to get even more contrast to create even more realistic qualities.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.letsdrawpeople.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/02/how-to-draw-tennis-shoes.jpg\"><img class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-3357\" src=\"http://www.letsdrawpeople.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/02/how-to-draw-tennis-shoes.jpg\" alt=\"how to draw tennis shoes\" width=\"800\" height=\"646\" /></a>\r\n\r\nThe more you practice drawing, the more comfortable you will get with adding fine details and a variety of values. Enjoy, and keep drawing!','How to Draw Tennis Shoes Using a Grid','','inherit','closed','closed','','3010-revision-v1','','','2016-09-11 08:25:44','2016-09-11 15:25:44','',3010,'http://www.letsdrawpeople.com/3010-revision-v1/',0,'revision','',0),(3360,2,'2016-09-11 10:40:16','2016-09-11 17:40:16','Learning to how to draw tennis shoes is a great way to practice observing fine details and enhance your drawing skills. To start, you can freehand draw the tennis shoes on your drawing paper, but I chose to <a href=\"http://www.letsdrawpeople.com/grid-drawing-for-perfect-faces-and-forms/\">create a grid drawing</a> to ensure I captured the accurate proportions of my shoes. Here is the reference picture I used.\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_2618\" align=\"aligncenter\" width=\"533\"]<a href=\"http://www.letsdrawpeople.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/01/how-to-draw-tennis-shoes-reference.jpg\"><img class=\"size-full wp-image-2618\" src=\"http://www.letsdrawpeople.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/01/how-to-draw-tennis-shoes-reference.jpg\" alt=\" © Zorandim | Dreamstime.com\" width=\"533\" height=\"800\" /></a> <center><b> © <a href=\"http://www.dreamstime.com/zorandim_info\">Zorandim</a> | <a href=\"http://www.dreamstime.com/\">Dreamstime.com</a></b></center>[/caption]\r\n\r\nMy drawing paper size is 8.5 x 11 inches, so I printed out my reference picture to be half that size, 4.25 x 5.5 inches. Whatever size your drawing paper is, divide each side by two, and print your reference picture in that size.\r\n\r\nAnother helpful tip is to print out your reference picture in black and white so you can easily see the different values to create later on.\r\n\r\nI created a 1-inch grid on my reference picture, and a 2-inch grid on my drawing paper, leaving me with the same number of boxes on both pieces of paper.\r\n\r\nTo use a grid to draw, we\'re basically going to focus on drawing what we see in each square and draw one square at a time.\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.letsdrawpeople.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/02/01-how-to-draw-tennis-shoes.jpg\"><img class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-3348\" src=\"http://www.letsdrawpeople.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/02/01-how-to-draw-tennis-shoes.jpg\" alt=\"01 how to draw tennis shoes\" width=\"800\" height=\"450\" /></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nTo start, I counted 3 squares down and 2 squares over on both of my grids. This is the square I will start drawing.\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.letsdrawpeople.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/02/02-how-to-draw-tennis-shoes.jpg\"><img class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-3349\" src=\"http://www.letsdrawpeople.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/02/02-how-to-draw-tennis-shoes.jpg\" alt=\"02 how to draw tennis shoes\" width=\"800\" height=\"450\" /></a>\r\n\r\nWhen using a grid to draw, it is important to focus just on that square and observe where each line or object fits in that particular square. I first started drawing the outline of the shoe, and then added the details and the shoelaces.\r\n\r\nOnce you draw everything you see in one square, you are ready to move on to the next. I chose to move down to the square directly below the one we just drew. If you find it difficult to draw what you see in a particular square, you can always divide the square into 4 smaller squares so you are focusing on smaller areas at a time.\r\n\r\nTo do this, divide the square on your reference picture in half horizontally and vertically. Do the same on your drawing paper so you are left with 4 smaller squares. Now you can focus on drawing what you see in each smaller square.\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.letsdrawpeople.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/02/03-how-to-draw-tennis-shoes.jpg\"><img class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-3350\" src=\"http://www.letsdrawpeople.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/02/03-how-to-draw-tennis-shoes.jpg\" alt=\"03 how to draw tennis shoes\" width=\"800\" height=\"450\" /></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nContinue moving to each square, drawing the outline of the shoes and adding the details you see as you go. If some details seem too overwhelming to draw at first, it\'s okay to make your own artistic decisions and leave some details out of your drawing to make it your own. However, it can be a good challenge to draw all of the fine details you see.\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.letsdrawpeople.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/02/04-how-to-draw-tennis-shoes.jpg\"><img class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-3351\" src=\"http://www.letsdrawpeople.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/02/04-how-to-draw-tennis-shoes.jpg\" alt=\"04 how to draw tennis shoes\" width=\"800\" height=\"450\" /></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nWhen you have your basic line drawing completed, it should look something like this:\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.letsdrawpeople.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/02/05-how-to-draw-tennis-shoes.jpg\"><img class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-3352\" src=\"http://www.letsdrawpeople.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/02/05-how-to-draw-tennis-shoes.jpg\" alt=\"05 how to draw tennis shoes\" width=\"800\" height=\"433\" /></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nDouble check to make sure you have everything drawn in each square, and next you are ready to erase your grid lines. Since I\'m just focusing on the shoes for this tutorial, I\'m only going to erase the grid lines only from the shoe area.\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.letsdrawpeople.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/02/06-how-to-draw-tennis-shoes.jpg\"><img class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-3353\" src=\"http://www.letsdrawpeople.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/02/06-how-to-draw-tennis-shoes.jpg\" alt=\"06 how to draw tennis shoes\" width=\"800\" height=\"433\" /></a>\r\n\r\nNow you have a basic drawing of tennis shoes! In order to really bring your drawing to life, it\'s important to add value. To do this, I\'m using an HB (also known as a #2) pencil and a blending stump.\r\n\r\nWhen we add value, we\'re referring to the differences between lights and darks, or highlights and shadows, and you always want at least 3 distinctly different values for a realistic drawing.\r\n\r\nWhen you first start, find your midtones, or the values that are in between your darkest shadow and your lightest highlight. Hold your pencil at an angle and use the side of your pencil to shade in the midtone area using medium pressure.\r\n\r\nNext, find areas that have darker shadows and shade while applying more pressure with your pencil to create a darker value. For areas that are highlighted, you can leave them the white of your paper or erase them later.\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.letsdrawpeople.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/02/07-how-to-draw-tennis-shoes.jpg\"><img class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-3354\" src=\"http://www.letsdrawpeople.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/02/07-how-to-draw-tennis-shoes.jpg\" alt=\"07 how to draw tennis shoes\" width=\"800\" height=\"449\" /></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nWhen you have an area shaded in with pencil, you can use a blending stump to create an even tone and heighten the realistic qualities of your drawing. Make sure to use the side of your blending stump, not the tip; otherwise, you will flatten the fine point.\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.letsdrawpeople.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/02/08-how-to-draw-tennis-shoes.jpg\"><img class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-3355\" src=\"http://www.letsdrawpeople.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/02/08-how-to-draw-tennis-shoes.jpg\" alt=\"08 how to draw tennis shoes\" width=\"800\" height=\"430\" /></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nContinue this process throughout the entire drawing, starting with midtones, and layering shadows on top with more pressure. As you can see from this progression of adding value, working in layers is very helpful, and your first layer of graphite pencil will not be your last. The closer you can identify and create the subtle value changes, the more realistic your drawing will become.\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.letsdrawpeople.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/02/09-how-to-draw-tennis-shoes.jpg\"><img class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-3356\" src=\"http://www.letsdrawpeople.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/02/09-how-to-draw-tennis-shoes.jpg\" alt=\"09 how to draw tennis shoes\" width=\"800\" height=\"420\" /></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nHere is our final product! I created this drawing using only one drawing pencil (HB or #2), but you can explore using a variety of drawing pencils to get even more contrast to create even more realistic qualities.\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.letsdrawpeople.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/02/how-to-draw-tennis-shoes.jpg\"><img class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-3357\" src=\"http://www.letsdrawpeople.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/02/how-to-draw-tennis-shoes.jpg\" alt=\"how to draw tennis shoes\" width=\"800\" height=\"646\" /></a>\r\n\r\nThe more you practice drawing, the more comfortable you will get with adding fine details and a variety of values. Enjoy, and keep drawing!','How to Draw Tennis Shoes Using a Grid','','inherit','closed','closed','','3010-revision-v1','','','2016-09-11 10:40:16','2016-09-11 17:40:16','',3010,'http://www.letsdrawpeople.com/3010-revision-v1/',0,'revision','',0),(3436,2,'2016-12-13 04:37:20','0000-00-00 00:00:00','','Auto Draft','','auto-draft','open','open','','','','','2016-12-13 04:37:20','0000-00-00 00:00:00','',0,'http://www.letsdrawpeople.com/?p=3436',0,'post','',0),(3437,2,'2016-12-13 05:05:46','2016-12-13 13:05:46','<script type=\"text/javascript\">\r\nvar playerhost = ((\"https:\" == document.location.protocol) ? \"https://testldp.s3.amazonaws.com/ezs3js/secure/\" : \"http://testldp.s3.amazonaws.com/ezs3js/player/\");\r\ndocument.write(unescape(\"%3Cscript src=\'\" + playerhost + \"flv/D3067ECE-A918-EFA9-A6E3D9789E27F6CB.js?t=\"+(Math.random() * 99999999)+\"\' type=\'text/javascript\'%3E%3C/script%3E\"));\r\n</script>','private video test','','publish','open','open','test','private-video-test','','','2016-12-13 20:43:50','2016-12-14 04:43:50','',0,'http://www.letsdrawpeople.com/?p=3437',0,'post','',0),(3362,2,'2016-09-11 15:28:38','2016-09-11 22:28:38',' ','','','publish','closed','closed','','3362','','','2016-09-11 15:28:38','2016-09-11 22:28:38','',9,'http://www.letsdrawpeople.com/?p=3362',10,'nav_menu_item','',0),(3363,2,'2016-09-11 15:33:16','2016-09-11 22:33:16','Learning how to draw tennis shoes is a great way to practice observing fine details and enhance your drawing skills. To start, you can freehand draw the tennis shoes on your drawing paper, but I chose to <a href=\"http://www.letsdrawpeople.com/grid-drawing-for-perfect-faces-and-forms/\">create a grid drawing</a> to ensure I captured the accurate proportions of my shoes. Here is the reference picture I used.\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_2618\" align=\"aligncenter\" width=\"533\"]<a href=\"http://www.letsdrawpeople.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/01/how-to-draw-tennis-shoes-reference.jpg\"><img class=\"size-full wp-image-2618\" src=\"http://www.letsdrawpeople.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/01/how-to-draw-tennis-shoes-reference.jpg\" alt=\" © Zorandim | Dreamstime.com\" width=\"533\" height=\"800\" /></a> <center><b> © <a href=\"http://www.dreamstime.com/zorandim_info\">Zorandim</a> | <a href=\"http://www.dreamstime.com/\">Dreamstime.com</a></b></center>[/caption]\r\n\r\nMy drawing paper size is 8.5 x 11 inches, so I printed out my reference picture to be half that size, 4.25 x 5.5 inches. Whatever size your drawing paper is, divide each side by two, and print your reference picture in that size.\r\n\r\nAnother helpful tip is to print out your reference picture in black and white so you can easily see the different values to create later on.\r\n\r\nI created a 1-inch grid on my reference picture, and a 2-inch grid on my drawing paper, leaving me with the same number of boxes on both pieces of paper.\r\n\r\nTo use a grid to draw, we\'re basically going to focus on drawing what we see in each square and draw one square at a time.\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.letsdrawpeople.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/02/01-how-to-draw-tennis-shoes.jpg\"><img class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-3348\" src=\"http://www.letsdrawpeople.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/02/01-how-to-draw-tennis-shoes.jpg\" alt=\"01 how to draw tennis shoes\" width=\"800\" height=\"450\" /></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nTo start, I counted 3 squares down and 2 squares over on both of my grids. This is the square I will start drawing.\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.letsdrawpeople.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/02/02-how-to-draw-tennis-shoes.jpg\"><img class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-3349\" src=\"http://www.letsdrawpeople.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/02/02-how-to-draw-tennis-shoes.jpg\" alt=\"02 how to draw tennis shoes\" width=\"800\" height=\"450\" /></a>\r\n\r\nWhen using a grid to draw, it is important to focus just on that square and observe where each line or object fits in that particular square. I first started drawing the outline of the shoe, and then added the details and the shoelaces.\r\n\r\nOnce you draw everything you see in one square, you are ready to move on to the next. I chose to move down to the square directly below the one we just drew. If you find it difficult to draw what you see in a particular square, you can always divide the square into 4 smaller squares so you are focusing on smaller areas at a time.\r\n\r\nTo do this, divide the square on your reference picture in half horizontally and vertically. Do the same on your drawing paper so you are left with 4 smaller squares. Now you can focus on drawing what you see in each smaller square.\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.letsdrawpeople.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/02/03-how-to-draw-tennis-shoes.jpg\"><img class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-3350\" src=\"http://www.letsdrawpeople.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/02/03-how-to-draw-tennis-shoes.jpg\" alt=\"03 how to draw tennis shoes\" width=\"800\" height=\"450\" /></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nContinue moving to each square, drawing the outline of the shoes and adding the details you see as you go. If some details seem too overwhelming to draw at first, it\'s okay to make your own artistic decisions and leave some details out of your drawing to make it your own. However, it can be a good challenge to draw all of the fine details you see.\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.letsdrawpeople.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/02/04-how-to-draw-tennis-shoes.jpg\"><img class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-3351\" src=\"http://www.letsdrawpeople.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/02/04-how-to-draw-tennis-shoes.jpg\" alt=\"04 how to draw tennis shoes\" width=\"800\" height=\"450\" /></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nWhen you have your basic line drawing completed, it should look something like this:\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.letsdrawpeople.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/02/05-how-to-draw-tennis-shoes.jpg\"><img class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-3352\" src=\"http://www.letsdrawpeople.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/02/05-how-to-draw-tennis-shoes.jpg\" alt=\"05 how to draw tennis shoes\" width=\"800\" height=\"433\" /></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nDouble check to make sure you have everything drawn in each square, and next you are ready to erase your grid lines. Since I\'m just focusing on the shoes for this tutorial, I\'m only going to erase the grid lines only from the shoe area.\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.letsdrawpeople.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/02/06-how-to-draw-tennis-shoes.jpg\"><img class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-3353\" src=\"http://www.letsdrawpeople.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/02/06-how-to-draw-tennis-shoes.jpg\" alt=\"06 how to draw tennis shoes\" width=\"800\" height=\"433\" /></a>\r\n\r\nNow you have a basic drawing of tennis shoes! In order to really bring your drawing to life, it\'s important to add value. To do this, I\'m using an HB (also known as a #2) pencil and a blending stump.\r\n\r\nWhen we add value, we\'re referring to the differences between lights and darks, or highlights and shadows, and you always want at least 3 distinctly different values for a realistic drawing.\r\n\r\nWhen you first start, find your midtones, or the values that are in between your darkest shadow and your lightest highlight. Hold your pencil at an angle and use the side of your pencil to shade in the midtone area using medium pressure.\r\n\r\nNext, find areas that have darker shadows and shade while applying more pressure with your pencil to create a darker value. For areas that are highlighted, you can leave them the white of your paper or erase them later.\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.letsdrawpeople.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/02/07-how-to-draw-tennis-shoes.jpg\"><img class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-3354\" src=\"http://www.letsdrawpeople.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/02/07-how-to-draw-tennis-shoes.jpg\" alt=\"07 how to draw tennis shoes\" width=\"800\" height=\"449\" /></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nWhen you have an area shaded in with pencil, you can use a blending stump to create an even tone and heighten the realistic qualities of your drawing. Make sure to use the side of your blending stump, not the tip; otherwise, you will flatten the fine point.\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.letsdrawpeople.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/02/08-how-to-draw-tennis-shoes.jpg\"><img class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-3355\" src=\"http://www.letsdrawpeople.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/02/08-how-to-draw-tennis-shoes.jpg\" alt=\"08 how to draw tennis shoes\" width=\"800\" height=\"430\" /></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nContinue this process throughout the entire drawing, starting with midtones, and layering shadows on top with more pressure. As you can see from this progression of adding value, working in layers is very helpful, and your first layer of graphite pencil will not be your last. The closer you can identify and create the subtle value changes, the more realistic your drawing will become.\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.letsdrawpeople.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/02/09-how-to-draw-tennis-shoes.jpg\"><img class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-3356\" src=\"http://www.letsdrawpeople.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/02/09-how-to-draw-tennis-shoes.jpg\" alt=\"09 how to draw tennis shoes\" width=\"800\" height=\"420\" /></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nHere is our final product! I created this drawing using only one drawing pencil (HB or #2), but you can explore using a variety of drawing pencils to get even more contrast to create even more realistic qualities.\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.letsdrawpeople.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/02/how-to-draw-tennis-shoes.jpg\"><img class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-3357\" src=\"http://www.letsdrawpeople.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/02/how-to-draw-tennis-shoes.jpg\" alt=\"how to draw tennis shoes\" width=\"800\" height=\"646\" /></a>\r\n\r\nThe more you practice drawing, the more comfortable you will get with adding fine details and a variety of values. Enjoy, and keep drawing!','How to Draw Tennis Shoes Using a Grid','','inherit','closed','closed','','3010-revision-v1','','','2016-09-11 15:33:16','2016-09-11 22:33:16','',3010,'http://www.letsdrawpeople.com/3010-revision-v1/',0,'revision','',0),(3364,2,'2016-09-11 16:32:05','2016-09-11 23:32:05','Learning how to draw tennis shoes is a great way to practice observing fine details and enhance your drawing skills. To start, you can freehand draw the tennis shoes on your drawing paper, but I chose to <a href=\"http://www.letsdrawpeople.com/grid-drawing-for-perfect-faces-and-forms/\">create a grid drawing</a> to ensure I captured the accurate proportions of my shoes. Here is the reference picture I used.\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_2618\" align=\"aligncenter\" width=\"533\"]<a href=\"http://www.letsdrawpeople.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/01/how-to-draw-tennis-shoes-reference.jpg\"><img class=\"size-full wp-image-2618\" src=\"http://www.letsdrawpeople.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/01/how-to-draw-tennis-shoes-reference.jpg\" alt=\" © Zorandim | Dreamstime.com\" width=\"533\" height=\"800\" /></a> <center><b> © <a href=\"http://www.dreamstime.com/zorandim_info\">Zorandim</a> | <a href=\"http://www.dreamstime.com/\">Dreamstime.com</a></b></center>[/caption]\r\n\r\nMy drawing paper size is 8.5 x 11 inches, so I printed out my reference picture to be half that size, 4.25 x 5.5 inches. Whatever size your drawing paper is, divide each side by two, and print your reference picture in that size.\r\n\r\nAnother helpful tip is to print out your reference picture in black and white so you can easily see the different values to create later on.\r\n\r\nI created a 1-inch grid on my reference picture, and a 2-inch grid on my drawing paper, leaving me with the same number of boxes on both pieces of paper.\r\n\r\nTo use a grid to draw, we\'re basically going to focus on drawing what we see in each square and draw one square at a time.\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.letsdrawpeople.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/02/01-how-to-draw-tennis-shoes.jpg\"><img class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-3348\" src=\"http://www.letsdrawpeople.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/02/01-how-to-draw-tennis-shoes.jpg\" alt=\"01 how to draw tennis shoes\" width=\"800\" height=\"450\" /></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nTo start, I counted 3 squares down and 2 squares over on both of my grids. This is the square I will start drawing.\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.letsdrawpeople.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/02/02-how-to-draw-tennis-shoes.jpg\"><img class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-3349\" src=\"http://www.letsdrawpeople.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/02/02-how-to-draw-tennis-shoes.jpg\" alt=\"02 how to draw tennis shoes\" width=\"800\" height=\"450\" /></a>\r\n\r\nWhen using a grid to draw, it is important to focus just on that square and observe where each line or object fits in that particular square. I first started drawing the outline of the shoe, and then added the details and the shoelaces.\r\n\r\nOnce you draw everything you see in one square, you are ready to move on to the next. I chose to move down to the square directly below the one we just drew. If you find it difficult to draw what you see in a particular square, you can always divide the square into 4 smaller squares so you are focusing on smaller areas at a time.\r\n\r\nTo do this, divide the square on your reference picture in half horizontally and vertically. Do the same on your drawing paper so you are left with 4 smaller squares. Now you can focus on drawing what you see in each smaller square.\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.letsdrawpeople.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/02/03-how-to-draw-tennis-shoes.jpg\"><img class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-3350\" src=\"http://www.letsdrawpeople.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/02/03-how-to-draw-tennis-shoes.jpg\" alt=\"03 how to draw tennis shoes\" width=\"800\" height=\"450\" /></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nContinue moving to each square, drawing the outline of the shoes and adding the details you see as you go. If some details seem too overwhelming to draw at first, it\'s okay to make your own artistic decisions and leave some details out of your drawing to make it your own. However, it can be a good challenge to draw all of the fine details you see.\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.letsdrawpeople.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/02/04-how-to-draw-tennis-shoes.jpg\"><img class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-3351\" src=\"http://www.letsdrawpeople.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/02/04-how-to-draw-tennis-shoes.jpg\" alt=\"04 how to draw tennis shoes\" width=\"800\" height=\"450\" /></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nWhen you have your basic line drawing completed, it should look something like this:\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.letsdrawpeople.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/02/05-how-to-draw-tennis-shoes.jpg\"><img class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-3352\" src=\"http://www.letsdrawpeople.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/02/05-how-to-draw-tennis-shoes.jpg\" alt=\"05 how to draw tennis shoes\" width=\"800\" height=\"433\" /></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nDouble check to make sure you have everything drawn in each square, and next you are ready to erase your grid lines. Since I\'m just focusing on the shoes for this tutorial, I\'m only going to erase the grid lines only from the shoe area.\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.letsdrawpeople.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/02/06-how-to-draw-tennis-shoes.jpg\"><img class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-3353\" src=\"http://www.letsdrawpeople.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/02/06-how-to-draw-tennis-shoes.jpg\" alt=\"06 how to draw tennis shoes\" width=\"800\" height=\"433\" /></a>\r\n\r\nNow you have a basic drawing of tennis shoes! In order to really bring your drawing to life, it\'s important to add value. To do this, I\'m using an HB (also known as a #2) pencil and a blending stump.\r\n\r\nWhen we add value, we\'re referring to the differences between lights and darks, or highlights and shadows, and you always want at least 3 distinctly different values for a realistic drawing.\r\n\r\nWhen you first start, find your midtones, or the values that are in between your darkest shadow and your lightest highlight. Hold your pencil at an angle and use the side of your pencil to shade in the midtone area using medium pressure.\r\n\r\nNext, find areas that have darker shadows and shade while applying more pressure with your pencil to create a darker value. For areas that are highlighted, you can leave them the white of your paper or erase them later.\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.letsdrawpeople.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/02/07-how-to-draw-tennis-shoes.jpg\"><img class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-3354\" src=\"http://www.letsdrawpeople.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/02/07-how-to-draw-tennis-shoes.jpg\" alt=\"07 how to draw tennis shoes\" width=\"800\" height=\"449\" /></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nWhen you have an area shaded in with pencil, you can use a blending stump to create an even tone and heighten the realistic qualities of your drawing. Make sure to use the side of your blending stump, not the tip; otherwise, you will flatten the fine point.\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.letsdrawpeople.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/02/08-how-to-draw-tennis-shoes.jpg\"><img class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-3355\" src=\"http://www.letsdrawpeople.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/02/08-how-to-draw-tennis-shoes.jpg\" alt=\"08 how to draw tennis shoes\" width=\"800\" height=\"430\" /></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nContinue this process throughout the entire drawing, starting with midtones, and layering shadows on top with more pressure. As you can see from this progression of adding value, working in layers is very helpful, and your first layer of graphite pencil will not be your last. The closer you can identify and create the subtle value changes, the more realistic your drawing will become.\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.letsdrawpeople.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/02/09-how-to-draw-tennis-shoes.jpg\"><img class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-3356\" src=\"http://www.letsdrawpeople.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/02/09-how-to-draw-tennis-shoes.jpg\" alt=\"09 how to draw tennis shoes\" width=\"800\" height=\"420\" /></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nHere is our final product! I created this drawing using only one drawing pencil (HB or #2), but you can explore using a variety of drawing pencils to get even more contrast to create even more realistic qualities.\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.letsdrawpeople.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/02/how-to-draw-tennis-shoes.jpg\"><img class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-3357\" src=\"http://www.letsdrawpeople.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/02/how-to-draw-tennis-shoes.jpg\" alt=\"how to draw tennis shoes\" width=\"800\" height=\"646\" /></a>\r\n\r\nWhen it comes to learning how to draw shoes, just remember...the more you practice drawing, the more comfortable you will get with adding fine details and a variety of values. Enjoy, and keep drawing!','How to Draw Tennis Shoes Using a Grid','','inherit','closed','closed','','3010-revision-v1','','','2016-09-11 16:32:05','2016-09-11 23:32:05','',3010,'http://www.letsdrawpeople.com/3010-revision-v1/',0,'revision','',0),(3365,2,'2016-09-11 16:37:37','2016-09-11 23:37:37','What can 16 dissimilar sketches of lips tell you about how to draw lips?\r\n\r\nWell, if you look at each one of the sketches in this article closely enough, it turns out that these lips have a lot to say.\r\n\r\nOne of the best ways to learn how to sketch lips is to carefully study a selection of lips that have already been sketched for you. If you carefully examine enough examples of the end result, you will start to notice some interesting similarities and differences that give you insight into the process leading up to the end result.\r\n\r\nThis article is not the usual step-by-step tutorial on how to sketch a pair of lips or even <a href=\"http://www.letsdrawpeople.com/how-to-turn-your-plainly-drawn-lips-into-realistic-lips/\">how to draw lips realistically</a>. The goal of this post is to carefully analyze various sketches of lips. First, we will seek to describe the characteristics of the lips that are present in each sketch. Then, we will move on to compare and contrast those characteristics.\r\n\r\nThe sketches of lips you will find here are of many different styles. The first section looks at the first step of drawing lips (or anything else for that matter) - the initial line drawing. Then you will see how those lips change once they have some shading. Moving on from there, we will look at lip sketches that are rough and simple as well as detailed and thorough. You will notice pencil, pen and ink, and even colored and digital media. We will look at the lips of subtle smiles as well as larger, more open smiles showing teeth. You will also study the lips of a biting mouth as well as the lips of an open mouth.\r\n\r\nBy carefully studying these 16 sketches, you should get some insight as to what you want or don\'t want to do when you sketch lips of your own. This insight will go a long way in showing you how to draw a mouth.\r\n<h2>How a Simple Lips Drawing Might Look Before It Has Shading</h2>\r\nTo start things off, we will look at four examples of drawings of simple lips. Each simple lips drawing that follows is actually <a href=\"http://www.letsdrawpeople.com/are-you-a-lazy-artist-if-you-just-make-line-drawing-portraits/\">a line drawing</a> before any tones are added for shading. Look for what each lip line drawing has in common with the others and what is different about each one.\r\n\r\nIn this first very simple drawing, you can see a rough outline of the lips of a person turned slightly to the right. There is a little indication of the white border that traces the upper lip. There is also an indication of shadow under the lower lip. This lip sketch has the vertical lines that are characteristic of lips in real life but often missing in many drawn lips. Additionally, you can see some oval-shaped areas that help place highlights on the lips.\r\n\r\n<span style=\"line-height: 1.5;\"><a href=\"http://www.letsdrawpeople.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/sketches-of-lips-simple-lips-drawing-01.jpg\"><img class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-3303\" src=\"http://www.letsdrawpeople.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/sketches-of-lips-simple-lips-drawing-01.jpg\" alt=\"sketches of lips simple lips drawing 01\" width=\"600\" height=\"350\" /></a></span>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThis pair of lips belongs to a mouth that is facing forward and slightly open. As in the previous example, it shows the vertical lines, but in this case the lines are more subtle and only on the bottom lip where they are more prominent. There are two highlight spots on the lower lip. The line along the upper lip helps to signify a darker shadowy area where the lip curves inward.\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.letsdrawpeople.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/sketches-of-lips-simple-lips-drawing-02.jpg\"><img class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-3304\" src=\"http://www.letsdrawpeople.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/sketches-of-lips-simple-lips-drawing-02.jpg\" alt=\"sketches of lips simple lips drawing 02\" width=\"600\" height=\"228\" /></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nHere we have another pair of lips belonging to a forward-facing mouth, but in this case the lips are closed. There are a few indications of the lips\' vertical lines on the top and bottom lip. Notice again in this lip line drawing that highlights and shadow areas are carefully placed to prepare for shading later on.\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.letsdrawpeople.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/sketches-of-lips-simple-lips-drawing-03.jpg\"><img class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-3305\" src=\"http://www.letsdrawpeople.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/sketches-of-lips-simple-lips-drawing-03.jpg\" alt=\"sketches of lips simple lips drawing 03\" width=\"600\" height=\"249\" /></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThe sketch below is of a pair of lips belonging to a face that is looking slightly downward. For this reason, the top lip looks a bit more pronounced than the bottom lip. This lip sketch includes details placed in the corners of the mouth, which add to any expression (however little) the mouth may be giving.\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.letsdrawpeople.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/sketches-of-lips-simple-lips-drawing-04.jpg\"><img class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-3306\" src=\"http://www.letsdrawpeople.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/sketches-of-lips-simple-lips-drawing-04.jpg\" alt=\"sketches of lips simple lips drawing 04\" width=\"600\" height=\"229\" /></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nLet\'s now consider the four drawings we just saw in this section and see how they are alike. Since all four drawings are line drawings, they are at the beginning stages of a final piece of work. Each line drawing has careful placement of lip highlights on the bottom lip and shadow under the bottom lip.\r\n\r\nAs for differences, some have highlights on the top lip while others have shadow along the top lip. While each lip drawing has the vertical lines characteristic of all lips in real life, you will have to judge for yourself if it\'s best to go with more detail or take the \"less is more\" approach and just subtly indicate them, as in the second example.\r\n<h2><span style=\"line-height: 1.5;\">Lip Shading Characteristics</span></h2>\r\nNow let\'s take our simple sketches of lips from the last section and examine what they might look like with <a href=\"http://www.letsdrawpeople.com/take-the-stress-out-of-shading-with-these-pencil-shading-techniques/\">a little shading</a>. For the most part, these rough sketches have graphite tones applied for shading that are not blended with a tortillion. Each lip shading example below will have the corresponding lip line drawing for comparison purposes.\r\n\r\nThe first example has some evidence of crosshatching, especially along a small part of the top lip and under the bottom lip. Notice how the tones are applied carefully around the highlighted areas to preserve them. There are darker tones where the lips meet, at the corners, and just under the bottom lip\'s reflected light.\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.letsdrawpeople.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/sketches-of-lips-lip-shading-01.jpg\"><img class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-3297\" src=\"http://www.letsdrawpeople.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/sketches-of-lips-lip-shading-01.jpg\" alt=\"sketches of lips lip shading 01\" width=\"1401\" height=\"392\" /></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nRemember how in the second example there was a guideline drawn for a shadow along the top lip? You can see below how that area is now filled in with darker tones. The lower lip is also darker along the bottom, below the highlights. Again, notice the reflected light along the edge of the lower lip. The shading for this sketch could be characterized as more hatching than crosshatching.\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.letsdrawpeople.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/sketches-of-lips-lip-shading-02.jpg\"><img class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-3298\" src=\"http://www.letsdrawpeople.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/sketches-of-lips-lip-shading-02.jpg\" alt=\"sketches of lips lip shading 02\" width=\"1405\" height=\"405\" /></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nVertical lip lines are preserved in this example without being too harsh or prominent. There are also a range of values present. Most of the lips\' surface area has a midtone value, while the highlights remain white and the corners have darker shadow areas.\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.letsdrawpeople.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/sketches-of-lips-lip-shading-03.jpg\"><img class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-3299\" src=\"http://www.letsdrawpeople.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/sketches-of-lips-lip-shading-03.jpg\" alt=\"sketches of lips lip shading 03\" width=\"1410\" height=\"426\" /></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThis example has a similar base value of shading for the lips and the skin surrounding the lips. Since these lips are viewed slightly from above (since the face is tilted downward), there are some darker tones along the lower part of each lip and under the bottom lip. Darker tones also exist to better portray the medial cleft between the nose and upper lip (also known as the philtrum).\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.letsdrawpeople.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/sketches-of-lips-lip-shading-04.jpg\"><img class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-3300\" src=\"http://www.letsdrawpeople.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/sketches-of-lips-lip-shading-04.jpg\" alt=\"sketches of lips lip shading 04\" width=\"1410\" height=\"414\" /></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThis final example does not have a line drawing preview like the others in this section, but I thought it still deserved some attention for some interesting lip shading characteristics. The graphite tones are also more blended together here.\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.letsdrawpeople.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/sketches-of-lips-lip-shading-05.jpg\"><img class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-3301\" src=\"http://www.letsdrawpeople.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/sketches-of-lips-lip-shading-05.jpg\" alt=\"sketches of lips lip shading 05\" width=\"600\" height=\"327\" /></a>\r\n\r\nThe above sketch shows the lips slightly darker than the surrounding skin and the top lip slightly darker than the bottom. A good reason for this is that the bottom lip has more highlighted area. I also find it noteworthy that the highlight is broken up at various spots by the vertical lip lines, some soft lines and some sharper lines, for a more natural look.\r\n\r\nAs you see from the last few lip sketches, lips can be shaded a number of ways. Tones can be applied with hatching, crosshatching, or blended together. You should always preserve highlights by making darker tones around them, and you should keep the vertical lines of the lips implied on some level.\r\n<h2>What Can Enhance a Subtle Smiling Lips Sketch</h2>\r\nHow can you pull off a sketch of smiling lips when the lips are not smiling a big smile? What if the smile is only a subtle smirk? The examples in the previous sections focused on only the lips. However, what creates the perception of a smile in a sketch or drawing is as much in the skin surrounding the lips than in the lips themselves. Now let\'s look at three sketches of smiling lips and the characteristic details found around the lips that help us to better notice the smile.\r\n\r\nThis first sketch is a very rough line drawing sketch. It is of a subtly smiling mouth that is turned in a profile view. It has hatching lines to indicate shading on and around the lips. The lines on the skin directly above and below the lips help to give form to the protrusion of the lips. Look in the corner of the mouth, and you can see the dark line that serves as a fold in the skin when the cheek is just beginning to help form a smile.\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.letsdrawpeople.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/sketches-of-lips-smiling-lips-sketch-01.jpg\"><img class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-3307\" src=\"http://www.letsdrawpeople.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/sketches-of-lips-smiling-lips-sketch-01.jpg\" alt=\"sketches of lips smiling lips sketch 01\" width=\"600\" height=\"403\" /></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nThis next example is much more detailed than the previous line sketch. Still, there are some commonalities. The crosshatch shading above the top lip helps to form the three-dimensional appearance of this part of the mouth, including the philtrum. The shading below the bottom lip helps to distinguish the space between the bottom lip and the chin. The difference in angles between the lines on the corners of the mouth, along with the dimple on the man\'s left cheek, tell us that the man is smirking more on the left side of his face than the right side.\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.letsdrawpeople.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/sketches-of-lips-smiling-lips-sketch-02.jpg\"><img class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-3308\" src=\"http://www.letsdrawpeople.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/sketches-of-lips-smiling-lips-sketch-02.jpg\" alt=\"sketches of lips smiling lips sketch 02\" width=\"600\" height=\"325\" /></a>\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nHere is another piece of work that is on the more detailed side of lip sketches. Even though this drawing does not have the vertical lines on the corners of the mouth that are noticeable in the previous two examples, you can still tell there is a slight smile with the subject. How so? Look at how the crosshatch shading implies sunken-in cheeks. Darker areas on either side of the mouth that do not touch the mouth help to achieve this appearance.\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_3309\" align=\"aligncenter\" width=\"600\"]<a href=\"http://www.letsdrawpeople.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/sketches-of-lips-smiling-lips-sketch-03.jpg\"><img class=\"wp-image-3309 size-full\" src=\"http://www.letsdrawpeople.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/sketches-of-lips-smiling-lips-sketch-03.jpg\" alt=\"sketches of lips smiling lips sketch 03\" width=\"600\" height=\"400\" /></a> <center><b> © <a href=\"https://www.dreamstime.com/guernica_info\">Safa Sami</a> | <a href=\"https://www.dreamstime.com/\">Dreamstime.com</a></b></center>[/caption]\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nWith these three examples, we learned that a smiling lips sketch can have more than just the details on the lips themselves to better portray that the lips are actually smiling. Just as important are the details on the areas of the face immediately surrounding the lips. Different subjects\' faces have different characteristics. Some people smile with dimples, some have sunken in cheeks when they smile, and everyone has variations in cheek lines that form in the corners of their mouths when they smile. Keeping these traits in mind when you sketch smiling lips will help to better enhance your sketches, too.\r\n<h2>How Lips Can Look on a Smiling Mouth Sketch Showing Teeth</h2>\r\nNext, we will take a look at two very different sketches of lips. Unlike the sketches in the last section, these lips are part of less subtle, more obvious smiles that also show the teeth.\r\n\r\nThis sketch is another rough line drawing sketch. It is a picture of a noticeable smile, viewed from the front. Since this is a much more noticeable smile than the smiles from the last section, you can see a sizeable portion of the subject\'s teeth. There are some characteristics surrounding the lips that we noticed before as well, such as the cheek lines at the corners of the lips and shading to show protrusion of the lips.\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.letsdrawpeople.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/sketches-of-lips-smiling-mouth-sketch-01.jpg\"><img class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-3310\" src=\"http://www.letsdrawpeople.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/sketches-of-lips-smiling-mouth-sketch-01.jpg\" alt=\"sketches of lips smiling mouth sketch 01\" width=\"600\" height=\"282\" /></a>\r\n\r\nLooking at the lips themselves, this line sketch has what resembles vertical hatch lines to indicate shading. There are fewer lines in the front, especially on the bottom lip where you can expect some highlighting. There are more lines near the corners, where the lips curve around the face and retreat toward the back.\r\n\r\nThis next mouth sketch is certainly not your traditional sketch by any means. You can tell it was created with the assistance of some sort of digital means. Possibly due to the type of software used and its capabilities, there is a slightly unnatural shape to the overall mouth, especially the way the top lip curves downward in the middle and how the corners curve upward. Nevertheless, there is some interesting shading going on that enhances the appearance of the lips and the overall mouth.\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.letsdrawpeople.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/sketches-of-lips-smiling-mouth-sketch-02.jpg\"><img class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-3311\" src=\"http://www.letsdrawpeople.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/sketches-of-lips-smiling-mouth-sketch-02.jpg\" alt=\"sketches of lips smiling mouth sketch 02\" width=\"600\" height=\"434\" /></a>\r\n\r\nLook first at the lower lip and the range of values present. The values are much darker along the edges. Then there are some midtone values between the edges and the highlight in the middle.\r\n\r\nSecondly, the creator of this sketch remembered something very important for a smiling mouth sketch that shows teeth. The lips cast a small shadow upon the teeth. You can see this shadow along the upper portions of the top teeth, the lower portions of the bottom teeth, and more shadow values present in the teeth that are farther back. This crucial detail was missing from the first, simpler example. The artist also remembered the dark shadow tones that the teeth should cast upon the tongue.\r\n<h2>A Close Examination of a Biting Lip Sketch</h2>\r\nThis is a sketch of an open mouth where the teeth are biting down on the lower, right side of the lips. It is a pen and ink sketch with lots of crosshatching used for the shading.\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.letsdrawpeople.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/sketches-of-lips-biting-lip-sketch-01.jpg\"><img class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-3296\" src=\"http://www.letsdrawpeople.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/sketches-of-lips-biting-lip-sketch-01.jpg\" alt=\"sketches of lips biting lip sketch 01\" width=\"600\" height=\"415\" /></a>\r\n\r\nWhat kind of pertinent characteristics should we gather from this example if we wanted to make a biting lip sketch of our own? First of all, the part of the lower lip that is bitten by the teeth is hidden behind those teeth. More importantly, there should be focus on where the teeth meet the lip. The teeth are pulling the skin of the lower lip, thus causing \"folds\" in the skin. In the drawing above, there are three teeth making contact with the lip. If you examine very closely, you will notice one of these fold lines coming from the center of each of the three teeth. You should also notice fold lines coming from between the teeth.\r\n\r\nOther lip characteristics of this sketch are less about the biting part and more about what should be found in many other lip sketches. The lips consist of lighter tones where the light strikes them and darker tones surrounding the lighter areas and the corners of the mouth where the lips recede. You can also see reflected light along the bottom edge of the top lip.\r\n\r\nThe main thing to remember when making a biting lip sketch is to focus on the location of the bite and include the details on the lower lip that will make the appearance of the bite believable.\r\n<h2>How Lips Can Complement Other Parts of an Open Mouth Sketch</h2>\r\nAlthough this appears to be a rough sketch of an open mouth that might be considered an unfinished piece of work, it consists of more than one medium, and the entire piece (not shown in this excerpt) is done in what appears to be a similar, deliberate style by the artist.\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.letsdrawpeople.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/sketches-of-lips-open-mouth-sketch-01.jpg\"><img class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-3302\" src=\"http://www.letsdrawpeople.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/sketches-of-lips-open-mouth-sketch-01.jpg\" alt=\"sketches of lips open mouth sketch 01\" width=\"665\" height=\"565\" /></a>\r\n\r\nAssuming this is a finished piece, the style suggests that the artist was not going for a realistic look. For example, the lips in the sketch have a heavy outline (perhaps in ink) that are not characteristic of natural-looking lips.\r\n\r\nEven so, you can tell that the artist strived to include some three-dimensional elements on the lips themselves. There are two carefully placed highlights on the top lip and two more on the bottom. These highlights, along with the darker tones receding from the front of the lips to the corners of the mouth, help to convey the appearance of form and roundness in the lips.\r\n\r\nSo how does this three-dimensional feel of the lips complement the rest of the mouth sketch? It gives the sense that the lips are protruding forward, as they should if a mouth is opened wide. The lack of detail in the tongue and other more distant parts of the inside of the mouth help the lips to \"stick out\" even more (that is, become more noticeable).\r\n<h2>What Can We Learn from These Sketches of Lips?</h2>\r\nThere is no question that there are many different ways to sketch lips. That is pretty obvious from what you have read and seen in this article. Just to recap some of the lip sketches we have studied, let\'s look at them one more time. Below is a collection of the 16 lip sketches, grouped all together.\r\n\r\n<a href=\"http://www.letsdrawpeople.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/sketches-of-lips.jpg\"><img class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-3312\" src=\"http://www.letsdrawpeople.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/sketches-of-lips.jpg\" alt=\"sketches of lips\" width=\"1600\" height=\"751\" /></a>\r\n\r\nSo what can be learned by comparing and contrasting these lips? How can we then apply or exclude details in our future sketches of lips?\r\n\r\nFirst, we will take a look at a few commonalities. Consider these similarities as tips you should keep in mind when you sketch lips of your own:\r\n<ul>\r\n 	<li><strong><span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\">Always look for areas of highlight in the lips you sketch</span></strong>. In each of the sketches above, the highlighted areas of lips are a significant part of what gives the lips form and makes them appear more realistic. There seems to always be a highlighted area on the bottom lip. Almost always, and usually less significantly, there is a highlighted area on the top lip.</li>\r\n 	<li><strong><span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\">Think carefully about where darker tones should be placed</span></strong>. The darker tones should complement the highlights. These darker tones and the highlights are separated by a gradual transition of shading. In each sketch, the darker tones can be found along the corners of the mouth and the center of the mouth where the two lips meet.</li>\r\n 	<li><b><u>Draw the outline for the lips in the same manner that they appear in real life</u></b>. Each example we looked at has a general shape for the top and bottom lip that you are likely to find when looking at the lips of everyday people. All the lips have a natural, rounded curve along the bottom. With the small exception of the digital example, every lip sketch has the little dip along the top ridge directly below the nose.</li>\r\n</ul>\r\nNow, for a few noticeable differences between some of the sketches. You should also consider these differences as tips, but instead of including or excluding them in every drawing, you should consider whether or not you want to include them for each drawing on a case-by-case basis.\r\n<ul>\r\n 	<li><span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"><strong>Not every sketch of lips has or needs reflected light</strong></span><strong>.</strong> In the first two sections of this article, every lip sketch has reflected light along the bottom edge of the lower lip. Some of the later examples are missing this reflected light. This can be based either on a matter of preference or simply a lack of its noticeable presence on the reference subject.</li>\r\n 	<li><span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"><strong>Vertical lines or no vertical lines</strong></span><strong>?</strong> In some of the sketches, the vertical lines that are present in real-life lips are obvious in the sketches. In a few of the other sketches, the vertical lines cannot really be seen or are subtle and more implied. Again, either can be acceptable depending on your reference, since these lines are sometimes more noticeable and other times less noticeable on the reference subject.</li>\r\n 	<li><strong><span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\">Some sketches have details between and around the lips that enhance the sketch</span>.</strong> Some of the sketches we viewed intentionally focused solely on the lips themselves. There were no surrounding skin tones or detail beyond the outer border of the lips. In these sketches, the lips were also closed. The other sketches showed the surrounding skin as an extension of the lips and mouth in general. This allowed the artists to add details that enhanced their drawings. For example, smile lines in the corners of the mouth add to the character and likeness of the subject. The same goes for those sketches that displayed opened mouths. Visible teeth and a visible portion of the tongue could complement a sketch that might seem more bland if it were just lips alone.</li>\r\n</ul>\r\nBottom line, if you want to get better at drawing or sketching lips, take the time to closely study, compare, and contrast a variety of sketches of lips drawn by other artists. If you want to learn how to draw a mouth, looking at a multitude of examples and deciding what works in different styles and situations will do wonders for your artwork as you complete more and more sketches and drawings of your own.','How These 16 Very Different Sketches of Lips Can Help You Draw Them','','inherit','closed','closed','','3294-revision-v1','','','2016-09-11 16:37:37','2016-09-11 23:37:37','',3294,'http://www.letsdrawpeople.com/3294-revision-v1/',0,'revision','',0),(3366,2,'2016-09-21 02:11:29','2016-09-21 09:11:29','[caption id=\"attachment_3379\" align=\"alignleft\" width=\"400\"]<a href=\"http://www.letsdrawpeople.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/09/what-is-a-kneaded-eraser-intro.jpg\"><img class=\"wp-image-3379 size-full\" title=\"me\" src=\"http://www.letsdrawpeople.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/09/what-is-a-kneaded-eraser-intro.jpg\" alt=\"what-is-a-kneaded-eraser-intro\" width=\"400\" height=\"275\" /></a> A kneaded eraser has many uses, especially for realistic art like portrait drawing.[/caption]\r\n\r\nIf you have ever known anyone who draws pencil portraits or other types of pencil art, maybe you have heard them mention using a kneaded eraser. If you are a regular reader of tutorials <a href=\"http://www.letsdrawpeople.com/\">here on this site</a>, then you have undoubtedly seen the kneaded eraser mentioned on more than one occasion.\r\n\r\nBut just exactly what is a kneaded eraser?\r\n\r\nThis article will explain everything you may have ever wondered about a kneaded eraser, from what it is to how to use it and clean it. We\'ll even talk about different brands of kneaded erasers and how to make a kneaded eraser at home.\r\n<h2>What Is a Kneaded Eraser?</h2>\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_3380\" align=\"alignleft\" width=\"400\"]<a href=\"http://www.letsdrawpeople.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/09/what-is-a-kneaded-eraser.jpg\"><img class=\"wp-image-3380 size-full\" src=\"http://www.letsdrawpeople.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/09/what-is-a-kneaded-eraser.jpg\" alt=\"what-is-a-kneaded-eraser\" width=\"400\" height=\"295\" /></a> This is what a new kneaded eraser looks like before it is \"kneaded\" into different shapes.[/caption]\r\n\r\nMerriam-Webster states the <a href=\"http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/kneaded%20eraser\" target=\"_blank\">kneaded eraser definition</a> as “a soft pliable eraser of unvulcanized rubber used especially to remove graphite or charcoal marks from drawing paper”.\r\n\r\nIn actuality, a kneaded eraser is known for removing not only graphite pencil and charcoal marks but also chalk and pastel markings.\r\n\r\nSo what\'s so special about that? There are many other types of erasers that can \"remove...marks from drawing paper\". Well, the kneaded eraser has some specific purposes and abilities that are very useful, valuable, and frankly difficult for most other erasers to measure up to.\r\n\r\nA kneaded eraser is especially good at removing some of the graphite (for example) and purposefully leaving traces of the graphite on the paper for artistic effects, such as with reflected light or a midtone area that needs to be a slightly lighter value.\r\n\r\nKneaded erasers are fantastic for pulling brighter highlights out of tight areas. A kneaded eraser is often used to ensure that the whitest whites are reserved for areas such as the highlights of the eyes and portions of the whites of the eyes and teeth.\r\n\r\nThe kneaded eraser is used in a similar fashion to pull highlights out of hair. Additionally, some artists use the kneaded eraser to carefully rub out loose strands of hair that overlap the general mass of hair on the head.\r\n\r\nSome artists even use a kneaded eraser as one might use clay to make a model of an object to sketch!\r\n<h2>How to Use a Kneaded Eraser</h2>\r\nIf you\'d like to know how to use a kneaded eraser to achieve some of the artistic effects mentioned above, it often comes down to molding the eraser into a particular shape. Some tasks call for a rounded corner similar to a typical eraser. Some tasks call for a thin wedge. Other tasks require that the kneaded eraser be twisted into a point.\r\n\r\nYou can mold the eraser into these different shapes back and forth as you go along. Alternatively, you can mold it into a shape like the one below before you begin your project.\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_3381\" align=\"aligncenter\" width=\"600\"]<a href=\"http://www.letsdrawpeople.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/09/what-is-a-kneaded-eraser-how-to-use-a-kneaded-eraser-useful-shapes.jpg\"><img class=\"wp-image-3381\" src=\"http://www.letsdrawpeople.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/09/what-is-a-kneaded-eraser-how-to-use-a-kneaded-eraser-useful-shapes.jpg\" alt=\"what-is-a-kneaded-eraser-how-to-use-a-kneaded-eraser-useful-shapes\" width=\"600\" height=\"450\" /></a> Mold a kneaded eraser into a rounded corner, thin wedge, or a pointy tip for a variety of effects.[/caption]\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\">I find that my kneaded eraser naturally begins to develop into a shape similar to this over time.</p>\r\nRead on for a few examples that can be applied to portrait drawing.\r\n<h3>Lightening Up a Midtone Area with a Rounded Corner</h3>\r\nLet\'s say you have applied some graphite to a skin tone and smoothed it out with a tortillion. Now, you realize that you want to make that area appear a little bit lighter in value.\r\n\r\nSimply use a rounded corner or edge of your kneaded eraser to carefully pick at the area that you want to lighten. Don\'t rub vigorously as you might do with a traditional eraser. Rather, almost think of it as you would \"blot\" a stain out of a carpet.\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_3382\" align=\"aligncenter\" width=\"800\"]<a href=\"http://www.letsdrawpeople.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/09/what-is-a-kneaded-eraser-how-to-use-a-kneaded-eraser-midtone.jpg\"><img class=\"wp-image-3382 size-full\" src=\"http://www.letsdrawpeople.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/09/what-is-a-kneaded-eraser-how-to-use-a-kneaded-eraser-midtone.jpg\" alt=\"what-is-a-kneaded-eraser-how-to-use-a-kneaded-eraser-midtone\" width=\"800\" height=\"232\" /></a> A kneaded eraser is invaluable for creating transitioning values from midtones to highlights on the skin.[/caption]\r\n<h3 style=\"text-align: left;\">Making Reflected Light with a Kneaded Eraser\'s Thin Wedge</h3>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\">Reflected light is light that is reflected off of a nearby surface. It is usually evident along an edge where an object is curving away from the foreground. Reflected light plays a significant role in creating the illusion of three-dimensional realism.</p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\">To make reflected light with your kneaded eraser, first shape your eraser into a thin wedge like this.</p>\r\n\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_3383\" align=\"aligncenter\" width=\"600\"]<a href=\"http://www.letsdrawpeople.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/09/what-is-a-kneaded-eraser-how-to-use-a-kneaded-eraser-thin-wedge.jpg\"><img class=\"wp-image-3383\" src=\"http://www.letsdrawpeople.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/09/what-is-a-kneaded-eraser-how-to-use-a-kneaded-eraser-thin-wedge.jpg\" alt=\"what-is-a-kneaded-eraser-how-to-use-a-kneaded-eraser-thin-wedge\" width=\"600\" height=\"419\" /></a> Form your kneaded eraser into a thin wedge to make a tiny sliver of reflected light along the edge of an object.[/caption]\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\">Then carefully and lightly tap or rub with short upstrokes your kneaded eraser along the edge of the object. In this example, I used a kneaded eraser to create reflected light along the edges of an ear. This helps to bring out a natural contrast of values and to realistically separate the forms.</p>\r\n\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_3390\" align=\"aligncenter\" width=\"306\"]<a href=\"http://www.letsdrawpeople.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/09/what-is-a-kneaded-eraser-how-to-use-a-kneaded-eraser-thin-wedge-for-an-ear.jpg\"><img class=\"wp-image-3390\" src=\"http://www.letsdrawpeople.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/09/what-is-a-kneaded-eraser-how-to-use-a-kneaded-eraser-thin-wedge-for-an-ear.jpg\" alt=\"what-is-a-kneaded-eraser-how-to-use-a-kneaded-eraser-thin-wedge-for-an-ear\" width=\"306\" height=\"500\" /></a> A kneaded eraser can create reflected light along an edge for a three-dimensional effect.[/caption]\r\n<h3 style=\"text-align: left;\">Using a Pointy Kneaded Eraser for an Eye Highlight</h3>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\">To pick out a tiny area of highlight, such as the highlight of an eye, twist your kneaded eraser into a point.</p>\r\n\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_3384\" align=\"aligncenter\" width=\"600\"]<a href=\"http://www.letsdrawpeople.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/09/what-is-a-kneaded-eraser-how-to-use-a-kneaded-eraser-pointy-tip.jpg\"><img class=\"wp-image-3384\" src=\"http://www.letsdrawpeople.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/09/what-is-a-kneaded-eraser-how-to-use-a-kneaded-eraser-pointy-tip.jpg\" alt=\"what-is-a-kneaded-eraser-how-to-use-a-kneaded-eraser-pointy-tip\" width=\"600\" height=\"450\" /></a> A pointed tip on a kneaded eraser can lift graphite out of tight spots.[/caption]\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\">Then tap the area to make it white. Often times, you will intentionally leave this area white to begin with and shade around it. When you blend the graphite around it, some of the graphite will go into the area you leave white. The kneaded eraser helps to remove this blended graphite and also make for a natural transition.</p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\">Most eye highlights traditionally look round inside of the iris. You can see how a pointy kneaded eraser could have pulled out this highlight.</p>\r\n\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_3391\" align=\"aligncenter\" width=\"400\"]<a href=\"http://www.letsdrawpeople.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/09/what-is-a-kneaded-eraser-how-to-use-a-kneaded-eraser-pointy-tip-round-eye-highlight.jpg\"><img class=\"wp-image-3391\" src=\"http://www.letsdrawpeople.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/09/what-is-a-kneaded-eraser-how-to-use-a-kneaded-eraser-pointy-tip-round-eye-highlight.jpg\" alt=\"what-is-a-kneaded-eraser-how-to-use-a-kneaded-eraser-pointy-tip-round-eye-highlight\" width=\"400\" height=\"379\" /></a> The tip of the kneaded eraser removes graphite that gets into the highlight.[/caption]\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\">At other times, a reference photograph may dictate <a href=\"http://www.letsdrawpeople.com/how-to-draw-an-eye-realistically-part-4-of-4/\">a different shape for an eye highlight</a>. In the example below, you\'ll notice a square highlight in the eye. Within this square highlight, there are shadows cast by the eyelashes. There is also a round point of bright white that is barely noticeable within the square...a sort of \"highlight within a highlight\" if you will. This bright point was pulled out with the tip of a kneaded eraser.</p>\r\n\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_3393\" align=\"aligncenter\" width=\"800\"]<a href=\"http://www.letsdrawpeople.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/09/what-is-a-kneaded-eraser-how-to-use-a-kneaded-eraser-other-eye-highlights.jpg\"><img class=\"wp-image-3393 size-full\" src=\"http://www.letsdrawpeople.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/09/what-is-a-kneaded-eraser-how-to-use-a-kneaded-eraser-other-eye-highlights.jpg\" alt=\"what-is-a-kneaded-eraser-how-to-use-a-kneaded-eraser-other-eye-highlights\" width=\"800\" height=\"419\" /></a> Notice how the kneaded eraser is just as good at sharpening up edges as it is with pulling out highlights.[/caption]\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\">The arrows in this picture show a few other areas around the eye that the edge of a kneaded eraser helped to create. Most notable are the sharp edge of the iris against the white of the eye, the lower eyelid rim, and the wrinkles in the skin surrounding the eye.</p>\r\n\r\n<h3 style=\"text-align: left;\">How to Use a Kneaded Eraser for Drawing Hair</h3>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\">Realistic hair is drawn in layers. It is a process that involves laying down tones, blending the tones together, pulling out highlights, and repeating. The kneaded eraser does the job of pulling out the highlights. I mostly use a kneaded eraser shaped into a thin wedge <a href=\"http://www.letsdrawpeople.com/why-its-okay-to-make-a-drawing-of-a-girl-crying/\">to accomplish this</a>.</p>\r\n\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_3394\" align=\"aligncenter\" width=\"800\"]<a href=\"http://www.letsdrawpeople.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/09/what-is-a-kneaded-eraser-how-to-use-a-kneaded-eraser-thin-wedge-hair.jpg\"><img class=\"size-full wp-image-3394\" src=\"http://www.letsdrawpeople.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/09/what-is-a-kneaded-eraser-how-to-use-a-kneaded-eraser-thin-wedge-hair.jpg\" alt=\"A kneaded eraser is a must-have for adding life to layers when drawing hair.\" width=\"800\" height=\"331\" /></a> A kneaded eraser is a must-have for adding life to layers when drawing hair.[/caption]\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\">In the above example, I used a kneaded eraser to make the part in the hair, the highlights in the various sections of hair, and to accent a few stray hairs.</p>\r\n\r\n<h2>How to Clean a Kneaded Eraser</h2>\r\nAs you use your kneaded eraser, you will find that it accumulates all of the graphite or charcoal you apply to it. That might leave you wondering how to clean a kneaded eraser.\r\n\r\nWell, there\'s no set way to truly get it clean. However, you can give a kneaded eraser the appearance of being clean by making new, clean spots on it and using it again and again.\r\n\r\nThis is achieved by doing exactly what the name implies...kneading the eraser. To do this, simply pull on the eraser so it stretches and fold it over upon itself to find a clean spot.\r\n\r\n[caption id=\"attachment_3403\" align=\"aligncenter\" width=\"800\"]<a href=\"http://www.letsdrawpeople.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/09/what-is-a-kneaded-eraser-how-to-clean-a-kneaded-eraser.jpg\"><img class=\"size-full wp-image-3403\" src=\"http://www.letsdrawpeople.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/09/what-is-a-kneaded-eraser-how-to-clean-a-kneaded-eraser.jpg\" alt=\"Step 1 - Take a dirty, spotty kneaded eraser. Step 2 - Pull and stretch the kneaded eraser out. Step 3 - Fold the kneaded eraser upon itself. Step 4 - You are done! If you want, repeat the process to make the kneaded eraser even cleaner.\" width=\"800\" height=\"131\" /></a> Step 1 - Take a dirty, spotty kneaded eraser. Step 2 - Pull and stretch the kneaded eraser out. Step 3 - Fold the kneaded eraser upon itself. Step 4 - Smooth it out and you are done! If you want, repeat the process to make the kneaded eraser even cleaner.[/caption]\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\">Repeat this process as often as you want. You will notice the kneaded eraser getting smoother and lighter in color as you continue to pull and fold it over.</p>\r\n\r\n<h2>Brands of Kneaded Erasers</h2>\r\nThere are different brands of kneaded erasers from which you can choose. Some artists have preferences for certain brands because they notice advantages and disadvantages between the brands.\r\n\r\nWhich brand is the best kneaded eraser?\r\n\r\nSome like the Sanford Design kneaded eraser because they think it can best hold its shape if molded into an edge or a point. I have heard of other artists stating a preference for the Faber-Castell kneaded eraser, claiming that it does a better job of pulling the medium off of the drawing paper.\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http://www.letsdrawpeople.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/09/sanford-design-kneaded-eraser-faber-castell-kneaded-eraser.jpg\"><img class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-3396\" src=\"http://www.letsdrawpeople.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/09/sanford-design-kneaded-eraser-faber-castell-kneaded-eraser.jpg\" alt=\"sanford-design-kneaded-eraser-faber-castell-kneaded-eraser\" width=\"488\" height=\"184\" /></a></p>\r\nIn my personal opinion, I don\'t notice a significant enough difference between brands to justify one being better than the other. I am currently using a <a href=\"http://www.letsdrawpeople.com/more/kneaded-eraser/\">Prismacolor kneaded eraser</a>. I am very satisfied with its ability to hold its shape as well as its ability to pull graphite.\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=\" http://www.letsdrawpeople.com/more/kneaded-eraser/\"><img class=\"aligncenter wp-image-3397 size-full\" src=\"http://www.letsdrawpeople.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/09/prismacolor-kneaded-eraser.jpg\" alt=\"prismacolor-kneaded-eraser\" width=\"250\" height=\"180\" /></a></p>\r\nUltimately, the best kneaded eraser comes down to your personal preference; that is, if there is even a best kneaded eraser at all.\r\n<h2>Making Kneaded Erasers</h2>\r\nIf you have ever wondered what kneaded erasers are made of, they can be broken down into a few key components. One ingredient include factice, which is a soft rubbery substance that is derived from vegetable oil. Other common kneaded eraser ingredients include natural rubbers, synthetic rubbers, and coloring agents.\r\n\r\nA kneaded eraser is a very inexpensive art tool. However, if you are very frugal and do not want to buy one, and if you have lots of time on your hands, you can make your own.\r\n\r\nHere is how to make a kneaded eraser...\r\n\r\nFirst of all, you will need a regular eraser and a pad of sticky notes. Take one sticky note and flip it over so the sticky glue side is facing up.\r\n\r\nRub the eraser on the sticky part of the sticky note. Rub firmly enough that eraser shavings are coming off of the eraser and the glue is coming off of the sticky note, yet rub gently enough so that you do not tear the sticky note.\r\n\r\nGather the eraser shavings together. Repeat this process with all of the sticky notes. Clump the pile of eraser shavings together, and now you have a homemade kneaded eraser!\r\n<h2>The Best Eraser for Drawing</h2>\r\nThere are many erasers available to a pencil artist with a variety of purposes. Now that you know the answer to the question \"What is a kneaded eraser?\", you may be wondering how it measures up to the multitude of other art erasers.\r\n\r\nSpeaking in a very general sense, it\'s my opinion that the best eraser for drawing pencil art is hands-down the kneaded eraser. It does wonders for creating realistic effects. It is very adaptable and user-friendly, allowing you to remove just the right amount of graphite for your needs. Speaking from my own personal experience, I get at least twice the use out of my kneaded eraser than I do out of all of my other erasers combined!\r\n\r\nIf you have never used a kneaded eraser before, I suggest picking one up and experimenting to see what it can do. Once you get accustomed to using a kneaded eraser, it will be difficult to imaging going without one!','What Is a Kneaded Eraser? Here\'s Everything You Ever Wanted to Know','','publish','open','open','','what-is-a-kneaded-eraser-heres-everything-you-ever-wanted-to-know','','','2016-09-21 06:55:43','2016-09-21 13:55:43','',0,'http://www.letsdrawpeople.com/?p=3366',0,'post','',0),(3367,2,'2016-09-12 21:20:06','2016-09-13 04:20:06','what is a kneaded eraser\r\n\r\nkneaded eraser definition\r\nwhat does a kneaded eraser do\r\nwhat is a kneaded eraser used for\r\n\r\nhow to use a kneaded eraser\r\n\r\nhow to clean a kneaded eraser\r\ndo kneaded erasers dry out\r\nkneaded eraser care\r\n\r\nprismacolor kneaded eraser\r\nfaber castell kneaded eraser\r\nsanford design kneaded eraser\r\nbest kneaded eraser\r\n\r\nwhat are kneaded erasers made of\r\nkneaded eraser ingredients\r\nhow to make a kneaded eraser\r\nhow to make a kneaded eraser at home\r\n\r\nbest eraser for drawing','What Is a Kneaded Eraser? Here\'s Everything You Ever Wanted to Know','','inherit','closed','closed','','3366-revision-v1','','','2016-09-12 21:20:06','2016-09-13 04:20:06','',3366,'http://www.letsdrawpeople.com/3366-revision-v1/',0,'revision','',0),(3368,2,'2016-09-13 05:00:18','2016-09-13 12:00:18','what is a kneaded eraser\r\n\r\nkneaded eraser definition\r\nwhat does a kneaded eraser do\r\nwhat is a kneaded eraser used for\r\n\r\nhow to use a kneaded eraser\r\n\r\nhow to clean a kneaded eraser\r\ndo kneaded erasers dry out\r\nkneaded eraser care\r\n\r\nprismacolor kneaded eraser\r\nfaber castell kneaded eraser\r\nsanford design kneaded eraser\r\nbest kneaded eraser\r\n\r\nwhat are kneaded erasers made of\r\nkneaded eraser ingredients\r\nhow to make a kneaded eraser\r\nhow to make a kneaded eraser at home\r\n\r\nbest eraser for drawing\r\n\r\n*****\r\n\r\nMerriam-Webster defines the kneaded eraser as “a soft pliable eraser of unvulcanized rubber used especially to remove graphite or charcoal marks from drawing paper”. There are many other types of erasers that can do the same thing. However, the kneaded eraser is especially good at removing some of the graphite (for example) and purposefully leaving traces of the graphite on the paper for artistic effects. Some artists also use a kneaded eraser as one might use clay to make a model of an object to sketch.\r\n\r\nIf you\'d like to know how to use a kneaded eraser to achieve some of those artistic effects, here are a few examples that can be applied to portrait drawing. Most of the time, you would use a kneaded eraser to pull out highlights. For instance, you might apply some graphite to a skin tone and smooth it out with a tortillion. Then, you use the kneaded eraser to carefully pick at the area where you want a highlight. Don\'t rub vigorously as you might do with a traditional eraser. Rather, almost think of it as you would \"blot\" a stain out of a carpet. The kneaded eraser is used in a similar fashion to pull highlights out of hair. Additionally, some artists use the kneaded eraser to carefully rub out loose strands of hair that overlap the general mass of hair on the head.\r\n\r\nAs you use your kneaded eraser, you will find that it accumulates all of the graphite or charcoal you apply to it. That might leave you wondering how to clean a kneaded eraser. Well, there\'s no set way to truly get it clean. However, you can give a kneaded eraser the appearance of being clean by making new, clean spots on it and using it again and again. This is achieved by doing exactly what the name implies...kneading the eraser. To do this, simply pull on the eraser so it stretches and fold it over upon itself to find a clean spot.','What Is a Kneaded Eraser? Here\'s Everything You Ever Wanted to Know','','inherit','closed','closed','','3366-revision-v1','','','2016-09-13 05:00:18','2016-09-13 12:00:18','',3366,'http://www.letsdrawpeople.com/3366-revision-v1/',0,'revision','',0),(3369,2,'2016-09-14 20:31:23','2016-09-15 03:31:23','what is a kneaded eraser\r\n\r\nkneaded eraser definition\r\nwhat does a kneaded eraser do\r\nwhat is a kneaded eraser used for\r\n\r\nhow to use a kneaded eraser\r\n\r\nhow to clean a kneaded eraser\r\ndo kneaded erasers dry out\r\nkneaded eraser care\r\n\r\nprismacolor kneaded eraser\r\nfaber castell kneaded eraser\r\nsanford design kneaded eraser\r\nbest kneaded eraser\r\n\r\nwhat are kneaded erasers made of\r\nkneaded eraser ingredients\r\nhow to make a kneaded eraser\r\nhow to make a kneaded eraser at home\r\n\r\nbest eraser for drawing\r\n\r\n*****\r\n\r\nWhat Is a Kneaded Eraser?\r\n\r\nMerriam-Webster defines the kneaded eraser as “a soft pliable eraser of unvulcanized rubber used especially to remove graphite or charcoal marks from drawing paper”. There are many other types of erasers that can do the same thing. However, the kneaded eraser is especially good at removing some of the graphite (for example) and purposefully leaving traces of the graphite on the paper for artistic effects. Some artists also use a kneaded eraser as one might use clay to make a model of an object to sketch.\r\n\r\nHow to Use a Kneaded Eraser\r\n\r\nIf you\'d like to know how to use a kneaded eraser to achieve some of those artistic effects, here are a few examples that can be applied to portrait drawing. Most of the time, you would use a kneaded eraser to pull out highlights. For instance, you might apply some graphite to a skin tone and smooth it out with a tortillion. Then, you use the kneaded eraser to carefully pick at the area where you want a highlight. Don\'t rub vigorously as you might do with a traditional eraser. Rather, almost think of it as you would \"blot\" a stain out of a carpet. The kneaded eraser is used in a similar fashion to pull highlights out of hair. Additionally, some artists use the kneaded eraser to carefully rub out loose strands of hair that overlap the general mass of hair on the head.\r\n\r\nHow to Clean and Care for a Kneaded Eraser\r\n\r\nAs you use your kneaded eraser, you will find that it accumulates all of the graphite or charcoal you apply to it. That might leave you wondering how to clean a kneaded eraser. Well, there\'s no set way to truly get it clean. However, you can give a kneaded eraser the appearance of being clean by making new, clean spots on it and using it again and again. This is achieved by doing exactly what the name implies...kneading the eraser. To do this, simply pull on the eraser so it stretches and fold it over upon itself to find a clean spot.\r\n\r\nBrands of Kneaded Erasers\r\n\r\nThere are different brands of kneaded erasers from which you can choose. Some artists have preferences for certain brands because they notice advantages and disadvantages between the brands. Which brand is the best kneaded eraser? Some like the Sanford Design kneaded eraser because they think it can best hold its shape if molded into an edge or a point. I have heard of other artists stating a preference for the Faber-Castell kneaded eraser, claiming that it does a better job of pulling the medium off of the drawing paper. In my personal opinion, I don\'t notice a significant enough difference between brands to justify one being better than the other. I am currently using a <a href=\"http://www.letsdrawpeople.com/more/kneaded-eraser/\">Prismacolor kneaded eraser</a>. I am very satisfied with its ability to hold its shape as well as its ability to pull graphite. Ultimately, the best kneaded eraser comes down to your personal preference; that is, if there is even a best kneaded eraser at all.\r\n\r\nBreaking It Down and Putting It Back Together\r\n\r\nIf you have ever wondered what kneaded erasers are made of, they can be broken down into a few key components. One ingredient include factice, which is a soft rubbery substance that is derived from vegetable oil. Other kneaded eraser ingredients include natural rubbers, synthetic rubbers, and coloring agents.','What Is a Kneaded Eraser? Here\'s Everything You Ever Wanted to Know','','inherit','closed','closed','','3366-revision-v1','','','2016-09-14 20:31:23','2016-09-15 03:31:23','',3366,'http://www.letsdrawpeople.com/3366-revision-v1/',0,'revision','',0),(3370,2,'2016-09-14 20:53:16','2016-09-15 03:53:16','what is a kneaded eraser\r\n\r\nkneaded eraser definition\r\nwhat does a kneaded eraser do\r\nwhat is a kneaded eraser used for\r\n\r\nhow to use a kneaded eraser\r\n\r\nhow to clean a kneaded eraser\r\ndo kneaded erasers dry out\r\nkneaded eraser care\r\n\r\nprismacolor kneaded eraser\r\nfaber castell kneaded eraser\r\nsanford design kneaded eraser\r\nbest kneaded eraser\r\n\r\nwhat are kneaded erasers made of\r\nkneaded eraser ingredients\r\nhow to make a kneaded eraser\r\nhow to make a kneaded eraser at home\r\n\r\nbest eraser for drawing\r\n\r\n*****\r\n\r\nWhat Is a Kneaded Eraser?\r\n\r\nMerriam-Webster defines the kneaded eraser as “a soft pliable eraser of unvulcanized rubber used especially to remove graphite or charcoal marks from drawing paper”. There are many other types of erasers that can do the same thing. However, the kneaded eraser is especially good at removing some of the graphite (for example) and purposefully leaving traces of the graphite on the paper for artistic effects. Some artists also use a kneaded eraser as one might use clay to make a model of an object to sketch.\r\n\r\nHow to Use a Kneaded Eraser\r\n\r\nIf you\'d like to know how to use a kneaded eraser to achieve some of those artistic effects, here are a few examples that can be applied to portrait drawing. Most of the time, you would use a kneaded eraser to pull out highlights. For instance, you might apply some graphite to a skin tone and smooth it out with a tortillion. Then, you use the kneaded eraser to carefully pick at the area where you want a highlight. Don\'t rub vigorously as you might do with a traditional eraser. Rather, almost think of it as you would \"blot\" a stain out of a carpet. The kneaded eraser is used in a similar fashion to pull highlights out of hair. Additionally, some artists use the kneaded eraser to carefully rub out loose strands of hair that overlap the general mass of hair on the head.\r\n\r\nHow to Clean and Care for a Kneaded Eraser\r\n\r\nAs you use your kneaded eraser, you will find that it accumulates all of the graphite or charcoal you apply to it. That might leave you wondering how to clean a kneaded eraser. Well, there\'s no set way to truly get it clean. However, you can give a kneaded eraser the appearance of being clean by making new, clean spots on it and using it again and again. This is achieved by doing exactly what the name implies...kneading the eraser. To do this, simply pull on the eraser so it stretches and fold it over upon itself to find a clean spot.\r\n\r\nBrands of Kneaded Erasers\r\n\r\nThere are different brands of kneaded erasers from which you can choose. Some artists have preferences for certain brands because they notice advantages and disadvantages between the brands. Which brand is the best kneaded eraser? Some like the Sanford Design kneaded eraser because they think it can best hold its shape if molded into an edge or a point. I have heard of other artists stating a preference for the Faber-Castell kneaded eraser, claiming that it does a better job of pulling the medium off of the drawing paper. In my personal opinion, I don\'t notice a significant enough difference between brands to justify one being better than the other. I am currently using a <a href=\"http://www.letsdrawpeople.com/more/kneaded-eraser/\">Prismacolor kneaded eraser</a>. I am very satisfied with its ability to hold its shape as well as its ability to pull graphite. Ultimately, the best kneaded eraser comes down to your personal preference; that is, if there is even a best kneaded eraser at all.\r\n\r\nBreaking It Down and Putting It Back Together\r\n\r\nIf you have ever wondered what kneaded erasers are made of, they can be broken down into a few key components. One ingredient include factice, which is a soft rubbery substance that is derived from vegetable oil. Other kneaded eraser ingredients include natural rubbers, synthetic rubbers, and coloring agents.\r\n\r\nA kneaded eraser is a very inexpensive art tool. However, if you are very frugal and did not want to buy one, and if you have lots of time on your hands, you can make your own. Here is how to make a kneaded eraser. First of all, you will need a regular eraser and a pad of sticky notes. Take one sticky note and flip it over so the sticky side is facing up. Rub the eraser of the sticky part of the sticky note. Rub vigorously enough that eraser shavings are coming off of the eraser yet gently enough that you do not tear the sticky note. Gather the eraser shavings together. Repeat this process with all of the sticky notes. Clump the pile of eraser shavings together, and now you have a homemade kneaded eraser!\r\n\r\nThe Best Eraser for Drawing\r\n\r\nThere are many erasers available to a pencil artist with a variety of purposes. However, if you wanted to know the best eraser for drawing pencil art, it is hands-down the kneaded eraser. It does wonders for creating realistic effects.','What Is a Kneaded Eraser? Here\'s Everything You Ever Wanted to Know','','inherit','closed','closed','','3366-revision-v1','','','2016-09-14 20:53:16','2016-09-15 03:53:16','',3366,'http://www.letsdrawpeople.com/3366-revision-v1/',0,'revision','',0),(3372,2,'2016-09-15 05:46:07','2016-09-15 12:46:07','&nbsp;\r\n\r\nIf you have ever known anyone who draws pencil portraits or other types of pencil art, maybe you have heard them mention using a kneaded eraser. If you are a regular reader of tutorials here on this site, then you have undoubtedly seen the kneaded eraser mentioned on more than one occasion.\r\n\r\nBut just exactly what is a kneaded eraser?\r\n\r\nThis article will explain everything you may have ever wondered about a kneaded eraser, from what it is to how to use it and clean it. We\'ll even talk about different brands of kneaded erasers and how to make a kneaded eraser at home.\r\n<h2>What Is a Kneaded Eraser?</h2>\r\nMerriam-Webster states the kneaded eraser definition as “a soft pliable eraser of unvulcanized rubber used especially to remove graphite or charcoal marks from drawing paper”.\r\n\r\nThere are many other types of erasers that can do the same thing. However, the kneaded eraser is especially good at removing some of the graphite (for example) and purposefully leaving traces of the graphite on the paper for artistic effects. Some artists also use a kneaded eraser as one might use clay to make a model of an object to sketch.\r\n<h2>How to Use a Kneaded Eraser</h2>\r\nIf you\'d like to know how to use a kneaded eraser to achieve some of those artistic effects, here are a few examples that can be applied to portrait drawing.\r\n\r\nMost of the time, you would use a kneaded eraser to pull out highlights. For instance, you might apply some graphite to a skin tone and smooth it out with a tortillion.\r\n\r\nThen, you use the kneaded eraser to carefully pick at the area where you want a highlight. Don\'t rub vigorously as you might do with a traditional eraser. Rather, almost think of it as you would \"blot\" a stain out of a carpet.\r\n\r\nThe kneaded eraser is used in a similar fashion to pull highlights out of hair. Additionally, some artists use the kneaded eraser to carefully rub out loose strands of hair that overlap the general mass of hair on the head.\r\n<h2>How to Clean a Kneaded Eraser</h2>\r\nAs you use your kneaded eraser, you will find that it accumulates all of the graphite or charcoal you apply to it. That might leave you wondering how to clean a kneaded eraser.\r\n\r\nWell, there\'s no set way to truly get it clean. However, you can give a kneaded eraser the appearance of being clean by making new, clean spots on it and using it again and again.\r\n\r\nThis is achieved by doing exactly what the name implies...kneading the eraser. To do this, simply pull on the eraser so it stretches and fold it over upon itself to find a clean spot.\r\n<h2>Brands of Kneaded Erasers</h2>\r\nThere are different brands of kneaded erasers from which you can choose. Some artists have preferences for certain brands because they notice advantages and disadvantages between the brands.\r\n\r\nWhich brand is the best kneaded eraser?\r\n\r\nSome like the Sanford Design kneaded eraser because they think it can best hold its shape if molded into an edge or a point. I have heard of other artists stating a preference for the Faber-Castell kneaded eraser, claiming that it does a better job of pulling the medium off of the drawing paper.\r\n\r\nIn my personal opinion, I don\'t notice a significant enough difference between brands to justify one being better than the other. I am currently using a <a href=\"http://www.letsdrawpeople.com/more/kneaded-eraser/\">Prismacolor kneaded eraser</a>. I am very satisfied with its ability to hold its shape as well as its ability to pull graphite.\r\n\r\nUltimately, the best kneaded eraser comes down to your personal preference; that is, if there is even a best kneaded eraser at all.\r\n<h2>Making Kneaded Erasers</h2>\r\nIf you have ever wondered what kneaded erasers are made of, they can be broken down into a few key components. One ingredient include factice, which is a soft rubbery substance that is derived from vegetable oil. Other kneaded eraser ingredients include natural rubbers, synthetic rubbers, and coloring agents.\r\n\r\nA kneaded eraser is a very inexpensive art tool. However, if you are very frugal and did not want to buy one, and if you have lots of time on your hands, you can make your own.\r\n\r\nHere is how to make a kneaded eraser:\r\n\r\nFirst of all, you will need a regular eraser and a pad of sticky notes. Take one sticky note and flip it over so the sticky glue side is facing up.\r\n\r\nRub the eraser on the sticky part of the sticky note. Rub firmly enough that eraser shavings are coming off of the eraser and the glue is coming off of the sticky note, yet rub gently enough so that you do not tear the sticky note.\r\n\r\nGather the eraser shavings together. Repeat this process with all of the sticky notes. Clump the pile of eraser shavings together, and now you have a homemade kneaded eraser!\r\n<h2>The Best Eraser for Drawing</h2>\r\nThere are many erasers available to a pencil artist with a variety of purposes. Now that you know the answer to the question \"What is a kneaded eraser?\", you may be wondering how it measures up to the multitude of other art erasers.\r\n\r\nSpeaking in a very general sense, it\'s my opinion that the best eraser for drawing pencil art is hands-down the kneaded eraser. It does wonders for creating realistic effects. It is very adaptable and user-friendly, allowing you to remove just the right amount of graphite for your needs.\r\n\r\nIf you have never used a kneaded eraser before, I suggest picking one up and experimenting to see what it can do. Once you get accustomed to using a kneaded eraser, it will be difficult to imaging going without one!','What Is a Kneaded Eraser? Here\'s Everything You Ever Wanted to Know','','inherit','closed','closed','','3366-revision-v1','','','2016-09-15 05:46:07','2016-09-15 12:46:07','',3366,'http://www.letsdrawpeople.com/3366-revision-v1/',0,'revision','',0),(3373,2,'2016-09-15 05:46:24','2016-09-15 12:46:24','If you have ever known anyone who draws pencil portraits or other types of pencil art, maybe you have heard them mention using a kneaded eraser. If you are a regular reader of tutorials here on this site, then you have undoubtedly seen the kneaded eraser mentioned on more than one occasion.\r\n\r\nBut just exactly what is a kneaded eraser?\r\n\r\nThis article will explain everything you may have ever wondered about a kneaded eraser, from what it is to how to use it and clean it. We\'ll even talk about different brands of kneaded erasers and how to make a kneaded eraser at home.\r\n<h2>What Is a Kneaded Eraser?</h2>\r\nMerriam-Webster states the kneaded eraser definition as “a soft pliable eraser of unvulcanized rubber used especially to remove graphite or charcoal marks from drawing paper”.\r\n\r\nThere are many other types of erasers that can do the same thing. However, the kneaded eraser is especially good at removing some of the graphite (for example) and purposefully leaving traces of the graphite on the paper for artistic effects. Some artists also use a kneaded eraser as one might use clay to make a model of an object to sketch.\r\n<h2>How to Use a Kneaded Eraser</h2>\r\nIf you\'d like to know how to use a kneaded eraser to achieve some of those artistic effects, here are a few examples that can be applied to portrait drawing.\r\n\r\nMost of the time, you would use a kneaded eraser to pull out highlights. For instance, you might apply some graphite to a skin tone and smooth it out with a tortillion.\r\n\r\nThen, you use the kneaded eraser to carefully pick at the area where you want a highlight. Don\'t rub vigorously as you might do with a traditional eraser. Rather, almost think of it as you would \"blot\" a stain out of a carpet.\r\n\r\nThe kneaded eraser is used in a similar fashion to pull highlights out of hair. Additionally, some artists use the kneaded eraser to carefully rub out loose strands of hair that overlap the general mass of hair on the head.\r\n<h2>How to Clean a Kneaded Eraser</h2>\r\nAs you use your kneaded eraser, you will find that it accumulates all of the graphite or charcoal you apply to it. That might leave you wondering how to clean a kneaded eraser.\r\n\r\nWell, there\'s no set way to truly get it clean. However, you can give a kneaded eraser the appearance of being clean by making new, clean spots on it and using it again and again.\r\n\r\nThis is achieved by doing exactly what the name implies...kneading the eraser. To do this, simply pull on the eraser so it stretches and fold it over upon itself to find a clean spot.\r\n<h2>Brands of Kneaded Erasers</h2>\r\nThere are different brands of kneaded erasers from which you can choose. Some artists have preferences for certain brands because they notice advantages and disadvantages between the brands.\r\n\r\nWhich brand is the best kneaded eraser?\r\n\r\nSome like the Sanford Design kneaded eraser because they think it can best hold its shape if molded into an edge or a point. I have heard of other artists stating a preference for the Faber-Castell kneaded eraser, claiming that it does a better job of pulling the medium off of the drawing paper.\r\n\r\nIn my personal opinion, I don\'t notice a significant enough difference between brands to justify one being better than the other. I am currently using a <a href=\"http://www.letsdrawpeople.com/more/kneaded-eraser/\">Prismacolor kneaded eraser</a>. I am very satisfied with its ability to hold its shape as well as its ability to pull graphite.\r\n\r\nUltimately, the best kneaded eraser comes down to your personal preference; that is, if there is even a best kneaded eraser at all.\r\n<h2>Making Kneaded Erasers</h2>\r\nIf you have ever wondered what kneaded erasers are made of, they can be broken down into a few key components. One ingredient include factice, which is a soft rubbery substance that is derived from vegetable oil. Other kneaded eraser ingredients include natural rubbers, synthetic rubbers, and coloring agents.\r\n\r\nA kneaded eraser is a very inexpensive art tool. However, if you are very frugal and did not want to buy one, and if you have lots of time on your hands, you can make your own.\r\n\r\nHere is how to make a kneaded eraser:\r\n\r\nFirst of all, you will need a regular eraser and a pad of sticky notes. Take one sticky note and flip it over so the sticky glue side is facing up.\r\n\r\nRub the eraser on the sticky part of the sticky note. Rub firmly enough that eraser shavings are coming off of the eraser and the glue is coming off of the sticky note, yet rub gently enough so that you do not tear the sticky note.\r\n\r\nGather the eraser shavings together. Repeat this process with all of the sticky notes. Clump the pile of eraser shavings together, and now you have a homemade kneaded eraser!\r\n<h2>The Best Eraser for Drawing</h2>\r\nThere are many erasers available to a pencil artist with a variety of purposes. Now that you know the answer to the question \"What is a kneaded eraser?\", you may be wondering how it measures up to the multitude of other art erasers.\r\n\r\nSpeaking in a very general sense, it\'s my opinion that the best eraser for drawing pencil art is hands-down the kneaded eraser. It does wonders for creating realistic effects. It is very adaptable and user-friendly, allowing you to remove just the right amount of graphite for your needs.\r\n\r\nIf you have never used a kneaded eraser before, I suggest picking one up and experimenting to see what it can do. Once you get accustomed to using a kneaded eraser, it will be difficult to imaging going without one!','What Is a Kneaded Eraser? Here\'s Everything You Ever Wanted to Know','','inherit','closed','closed','','3366-revision-v1','','','2016-09-15 05:46:24','2016-09-15 12:46:24','',3366,'http://www.letsdrawpeople.com/3366-revision-v1/',0,'revision','',0),(3374,2,'2016-09-17 13:20:09','2016-09-17 20:20:09','If you have ever known anyone who draws pencil portraits or other types of pencil art, maybe you have heard them mention using a kneaded eraser. If you are a regular reader of tutorials here on this site, then you have undoubtedly seen the kneaded eraser mentioned on more than one occasion.\r\n\r\nBut just exactly what is a kneaded eraser?\r\n\r\nThis article will explain everything you may have ever wondered about a kneaded eraser, from what it is to how to use it and clean it. We\'ll even talk about different brands of kneaded erasers and how to make a kneaded eraser at home.\r\n<h2>What Is a Kneaded Eraser?</h2>\r\nMerriam-Webster states the <a href=\"http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/kneaded%20eraser\" target=\"_blank\">kneaded eraser definition</a> as “a soft pliable eraser of unvulcanized rubber used especially to remove graphite or charcoal marks from drawing paper”.\r\n\r\nThere are many other types of erasers that can do the same thing. However, the kneaded eraser is especially good at removing some of the graphite (for example) and purposefully leaving traces of the graphite on the paper for artistic effects. Some artists also use a kneaded eraser as one might use clay to make a model of an object to sketch.\r\n<h2>How to Use a Kneaded Eraser</h2>\r\nIf you\'d like to know how to use a kneaded eraser to achieve some of those artistic effects, here are a few examples that can be applied to portrait drawing.\r\n\r\nMost of the time, you would use a kneaded eraser to pull out highlights, reflected light, or to just make an area lighter in value. For instance, you might apply some graphite to a skin tone and smooth it out with a tortillion. Then, you use the kneaded eraser to carefully pick at the area where you want a highlight. Don\'t rub vigorously as you might do with a traditional eraser. Rather, almost think of it as you would \"blot\" a stain out of a carpet.\r\n\r\nThe kneaded eraser is used in a similar fashion to pull highlights out of hair. Additionally, some artists use the kneaded eraser to carefully rub out loose strands of hair that overlap the general mass of hair on the head.\r\n\r\nA kneaded eraser is often used to ensure that the whitest whites are reserved for areas such as the highlights of the eyes and portions of the whites of the eyes and teeth.\r\n\r\nYou should mold the kneaded eraser into different shapes to achieve the effect you desire.\r\n<h2>How to Clean a Kneaded Eraser</h2>\r\nAs you use your kneaded eraser, you will find that it accumulates all of the graphite or charcoal you apply to it. That might leave you wondering how to clean a kneaded eraser.\r\n\r\nWell, there\'s no set way to truly get it clean. However, you can give a kneaded eraser the appearance of being clean by making new, clean spots on it and using it again and again.\r\n\r\nThis is achieved by doing exactly what the name implies...kneading the eraser. To do this, simply pull on the eraser so it stretches and fold it over upon itself to find a clean spot.\r\n<h2>Brands of Kneaded Erasers</h2>\r\nThere are different brands of kneaded erasers from which you can choose. Some artists have preferences for certain brands because they notice advantages and disadvantages between the brands.\r\n\r\nWhich brand is the best kneaded eraser?\r\n\r\nSome like the Sanford Design kneaded eraser because they think it can best hold its shape if molded into an edge or a point. I have heard of other artists stating a preference for the Faber-Castell kneaded eraser, claiming that it does a better job of pulling the medium off of the drawing paper.\r\n\r\nIn my personal opinion, I don\'t notice a significant enough difference between brands to justify one being better than the other. I am currently using a <a href=\"http://www.letsdrawpeople.com/more/kneaded-eraser/\">Prismacolor kneaded eraser</a>. I am very satisfied with its ability to hold its shape as well as its ability to pull graphite.\r\n\r\nUltimately, the best kneaded eraser comes down to your personal preference; that is, if there is even a best kneaded eraser at all.\r\n<h2>Making Kneaded Erasers</h2>\r\nIf you have ever wondered what kneaded erasers are made of, they can be broken down into a few key components. One ingredient include factice, which is a soft rubbery substance that is derived from vegetable oil. Other kneaded eraser ingredients include natural rubbers, synthetic rubbers, and coloring agents.\r\n\r\nA kneaded eraser is a very inexpensive art tool. However, if you are very frugal and did not want to buy one, and if you have lots of time on your hands, you can make your own.\r\n\r\nHere is how to make a kneaded eraser:\r\n\r\nFirst of all, you will need a regular eraser and a pad of sticky notes. Take one sticky note and flip it over so the sticky glue side is facing up.\r\n\r\nRub the eraser on the sticky part of the sticky note. Rub firmly enough that eraser shavings are coming off of the eraser and the glue is coming off of the sticky note, yet rub gently enough so that you do not tear the sticky note.\r\n\r\nGather the eraser shavings together. Repeat this process with all of the sticky notes. Clump the pile of eraser shavings together, and now you have a homemade kneaded eraser!\r\n<h2>The Best Eraser for Drawing</h2>\r\nThere are many erasers available to a pencil artist with a variety of purposes. Now that you know the answer to the question \"What is a kneaded eraser?\", you may be wondering how it measures up to the multitude of other art erasers.\r\n\r\nSpeaking in a very general sense, it\'s my opinion that the best eraser for drawing pencil art is hands-down the kneaded eraser. It does wonders for creating realistic effects. It is very adaptable and user-friendly, allowing you to remove just the right amount of graphite for your needs.\r\n\r\nIf you have never used a kneaded eraser before, I suggest picking one up and experimenting to see what it can do. Once you get accustomed to using a kneaded eraser, it will be difficult to imaging going without one!','What Is a Kneaded Eraser? Here\'s Everything You Ever Wanted to Know','','inherit','closed','closed','','3366-revision-v1','','','2016-09-17 13:20:09','2016-09-17 20:20:09','',3366,'http://www.letsdrawpeople.com/3366-revision-v1/',0,'revision','',0),(3375,2,'2016-09-17 16:33:54','2016-09-17 23:33:54','If you have ever known anyone who draws pencil portraits or other types of pencil art, maybe you have heard them mention using a kneaded eraser. If you are a regular reader of tutorials here on this site, then you have undoubtedly seen the kneaded eraser mentioned on more than one occasion.\r\n\r\nBut just exactly what is a kneaded eraser?\r\n\r\nThis article will explain everything you may have ever wondered about a kneaded eraser, from what it is to how to use it and clean it. We\'ll even talk about different brands of kneaded erasers and how to make a kneaded eraser at home.\r\n<h2>What Is a Kneaded Eraser?</h2>\r\nMerriam-Webster states the <a href=\"http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/kneaded%20eraser\" target=\"_blank\">kneaded eraser definition</a> as “a soft pliable eraser of unvulcanized rubber used especially to remove graphite or charcoal marks from drawing paper”.\r\n\r\nSo what\'s so special about that? There are many other types of erasers that can \"remove...marks from drawing paper\". Well, the kneaded eraser has some specific purposes and abilities that are very useful, valuable, and frankly difficult for most other erasers to measure up to.\r\n\r\nA kneaded eraser is especially good at removing some of the graphite (for example) and purposefully leaving traces of the graphite on the paper for artistic effects, such as with reflected light or a midtone area that needs to be a slightly lighter value.\r\n\r\nKneaded erasers are fantastic for pulling brighter highlights out of tight areas. A kneaded eraser is often used to ensure that the whitest whites are reserved for areas such as the highlights of the eyes and portions of the whites of the eyes and teeth.\r\n\r\nThe kneaded eraser is used in a similar fashion to pull highlights out of hair. Additionally, some artists use the kneaded eraser to carefully rub out loose strands of hair that overlap the general mass of hair on the head.\r\n\r\nSome artists even use a kneaded eraser as one might use clay to make a model of an object to sketch!\r\n<h2>How to Use a Kneaded Eraser</h2>\r\nIf you\'d like to know how to use a kneaded eraser to achieve some artistic effects mentioned above, it often comes down to molding the eraser into a particular shape. Read on for a few examples that can be applied to portrait drawing.\r\n\r\nFor instance, you might apply some graphite to a skin tone and smooth it out with a tortillion. Then, you use the kneaded eraser to carefully pick at the area where you want a highlight. Don\'t rub vigorously as you might do with a traditional eraser. Rather, almost think of it as you would \"blot\" a stain out of a carpet.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n<h2>How to Clean a Kneaded Eraser</h2>\r\nAs you use your kneaded eraser, you will find that it accumulates all of the graphite or charcoal you apply to it. That might leave you wondering how to clean a kneaded eraser.\r\n\r\nWell, there\'s no set way to truly get it clean. However, you can give a kneaded eraser the appearance of being clean by making new, clean spots on it and using it again and again.\r\n\r\nThis is achieved by doing exactly what the name implies...kneading the eraser. To do this, simply pull on the eraser so it stretches and fold it over upon itself to find a clean spot.\r\n<h2>Brands of Kneaded Erasers</h2>\r\nThere are different brands of kneaded erasers from which you can choose. Some artists have preferences for certain brands because they notice advantages and disadvantages between the brands.\r\n\r\nWhich brand is the best kneaded eraser?\r\n\r\nSome like the Sanford Design kneaded eraser because they think it can best hold its shape if molded into an edge or a point. I have heard of other artists stating a preference for the Faber-Castell kneaded eraser, claiming that it does a better job of pulling the medium off of the drawing paper.\r\n\r\nIn my personal opinion, I don\'t notice a significant enough difference between brands to justify one being better than the other. I am currently using a <a href=\"http://www.letsdrawpeople.com/more/kneaded-eraser/\">Prismacolor kneaded eraser</a>. I am very satisfied with its ability to hold its shape as well as its ability to pull graphite.\r\n\r\nUltimately, the best kneaded eraser comes down to your personal preference; that is, if there is even a best kneaded eraser at all.\r\n<h2>Making Kneaded Erasers</h2>\r\nIf you have ever wondered what kneaded erasers are made of, they can be broken down into a few key components. One ingredient include factice, which is a soft rubbery substance that is derived from vegetable oil. Other kneaded eraser ingredients include natural rubbers, synthetic rubbers, and coloring agents.\r\n\r\nA kneaded eraser is a very inexpensive art tool. However, if you are very frugal and did not want to buy one, and if you have lots of time on your hands, you can make your own.\r\n\r\nHere is how to make a kneaded eraser:\r\n\r\nFirst of all, you will need a regular eraser and a pad of sticky notes. Take one sticky note and flip it over so the sticky glue side is facing up.\r\n\r\nRub the eraser on the sticky part of the sticky note. Rub firmly enough that eraser shavings are coming off of the eraser and the glue is coming off of the sticky note, yet rub gently enough so that you do not tear the sticky note.\r\n\r\nGather the eraser shavings together. Repeat this process with all of the sticky notes. Clump the pile of eraser shavings together, and now you have a homemade kneaded eraser!\r\n<h2>The Best Eraser for Drawing</h2>\r\nThere are many erasers available to a pencil artist with a variety of purposes. Now that you know the answer to the question \"What is a kneaded eraser?\", you may be wondering how it measures up to the multitude of other art erasers.\r\n\r\nSpeaking in a very general sense, it\'s my opinion that the best eraser for drawing pencil art is hands-down the kneaded eraser. It does wonders for creating realistic effects. It is very adaptable and user-friendly, allowing you to remove just the right amount of graphite for your needs.\r\n\r\nIf you have never used a kneaded eraser before, I suggest picking one up and experimenting to see what it can do. Once you get accustomed to using a kneaded eraser, it will be difficult to imaging going without one!','What Is a Kneaded Eraser? Here\'s Everything You Ever Wanted to Know','','inherit','closed','closed','','3366-revision-v1','','','2016-09-17 16:33:54','2016-09-17 23:33:54','',3366,'http://www.letsdrawpeople.com/3366-revision-v1/',0,'revision','',0),(3376,2,'2016-09-17 18:10:00','2016-09-18 01:10:00','If you have ever known anyone who draws pencil portraits or other types of pencil art, maybe you have heard them mention using a kneaded eraser. If you are a regular reader of tutorials <a href=\"http://www.letsdrawpeople.com/\">here on this site</a>, then you have undoubtedly seen the kneaded eraser mentioned on more than one occasion.\r\n\r\nBut just exactly what is a kneaded eraser?\r\n\r\nThis article will explain everything you may have ever wondered about a kneaded eraser, from what it is to how to use it and clean it. We\'ll even talk about different brands of kneaded erasers and how to make a kneaded eraser at home.\r\n<h2>What Is a Kneaded Eraser?</h2>\r\nMerriam-Webster states the <a href=\"http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/kneaded%20eraser\" target=\"_blank\">kneaded eraser definition</a> as “a soft pliable eraser of unvulcanized rubber used especially to remove graphite or charcoal marks from drawing paper”.\r\n\r\nSo what\'s so special about that? There are many other types of erasers that can \"remove...marks from drawing paper\". Well, the kneaded eraser has some specific purposes and abilities that are very useful, valuable, and frankly difficult for most other erasers to measure up to.\r\n\r\nA kneaded eraser is especially good at removing some of the graphite (for example) and purposefully leaving traces of the graphite on the paper for artistic effects, such as with reflected light or a midtone area that needs to be a slightly lighter value.\r\n\r\nKneaded erasers are fantastic for pulling brighter highlights out of tight areas. A kneaded eraser is often used to ensure that the whitest whites are reserved for areas such as the highlights of the eyes and portions of the whites of the eyes and teeth.\r\n\r\nThe kneaded eraser is used in a similar fashion to pull highlights out of hair. Additionally, some artists use the kneaded eraser to carefully rub out loose strands of hair that overlap the general mass of hair on the head.\r\n\r\nSome artists even use a kneaded eraser as one might use clay to make a model of an object to sketch!\r\n<h2>How to Use a Kneaded Eraser</h2>\r\nIf you\'d like to know how to use a kneaded eraser to achieve some of the artistic effects mentioned above, it often comes down to molding the eraser into a particular shape. Some tasks call for a rounded corner similar to a typical eraser. Some tasks call for a thin edge. Other tasks require that the kneaded eraser be twisted into a point.\r\n\r\nYou can mold the eraser into these different shapes back and forth as you go along. Alternatively, you can mold it into a shape like the one below before you begin your project.\r\n\r\n***pic preshaped and labeled***\r\n\r\nI find that my kneaded eraser naturally begins to develop into a shape similar to this over time.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\nRead on for a few examples that can be applied to portrait drawing.\r\n<h3>Lightening Up a Midtone Area</h3>\r\nLet\'s say you have applied some graphite to a skin tone and smoothed it out with a tortillion. Now, you realize that you want to make that area appear a little bit lighter in value.\r\n\r\nSimply use a corner or edge of your kneaded eraser to carefully pick at the area that you want to lighten. Don\'t rub vigorously as you might do with a traditional eraser. Rather, almost think of it as you would \"blot\" a stain out of a carpet.\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n\r\n&nbsp;\r\n<h2>How to Clean a Kneaded Eraser</h2>\r\nAs you use your kneaded eraser, you will find that it accumulates all of the graphite or charcoal you apply to it. That might leave you wondering how to clean a kneaded eraser.\r\n\r\nWell, there\'s no set way to truly get it clean. However, you can give a kneaded eraser the appearance of being clean by making new, clean spots on it and using it again and again.\r\n\r\nThis is achieved by doing exactly what the name implies...kneading the eraser. To do this, simply pull on the eraser so it stretches and fold it over upon itself to find a clean spot.\r\n<h2>Brands of Kneaded Erasers</h2>\r\nThere are different brands of kneaded erasers from which you can choose. Some artists have preferences for certain brands because they notice advantages and disadvantages between the brands.\r\n\r\nWhich brand is the best kneaded eraser?\r\n\r\nSome like the Sanford Design kneaded eraser because they think it can best hold its shape if molded into an edge or a point. I have heard of other artists stating a preference for the Faber-Castell kneaded eraser, claiming that it does a better job of pulling the medium off of the drawing paper.\r\n\r\nIn my personal opinion, I don\'t notice a significant enough difference between brands to justify one being better than the other. I am currently using a <a href=\"http://www.letsdrawpeople.com/more/kneaded-eraser/\">Prismacolor kneaded eraser</a>. I am very satisfied with its ability to hold its shape as well as its ability to pull graphite.\r\n\r\nUltimately, the best kneaded eraser comes down to your personal preference; that is, if there is even a best kneaded eraser at all.\r\n<h2>Making Kneaded Erasers</h2>\r\nIf you have ever wondered what kneaded erasers are made of, they can be broken down into a few key components. One ingredient include factice, which is a soft rubbery substance that is derived from vegetable oil. Other kneaded eraser ingredients include natural rubbers, synthetic rubbers, and coloring agents.\r\n\r\nA kneaded eraser is a very inexpensive art tool. However, if you are very frugal and did not want to buy one, and if you have lots of time on your hands, you can make your own.\r\n\r\nHere is how to make a kneaded eraser:\r\n\r\nFirst of all, you will need a regular eraser and a pad of sticky notes. Take one sticky note and flip it over so the sticky glue side is facing up.\r\n\r\nRub the eraser on the sticky part of the sticky note. Rub firmly enough that eraser shavings are coming off of the eraser and the glue is coming off of the sticky note, yet rub gently enough so that you do not tear the sticky note.\r\n\r\nGather the eraser shavings together. Repeat this process with all of the sticky notes. Clump the pile of eraser shavings together, and now you have a homemade kneaded eraser!\r\n<h2>The Best Eraser for Drawing</h2>\r\nThere are many erasers available to a pencil artist with a variety of purposes. Now that you know the answer to the question \"What is a kneaded eraser?\", you may be wondering how it measures up to the multitude of other art erasers.\r\n\r\nSpeaking in a very general sense, it\'s my opinion that the best eraser for drawing pencil art is hands-down the kneaded eraser. It does wonders for creating realistic effects. It is very adaptable and user-friendly, allowing you to remove just the right amount of graphite for your needs.\r\n\r\nIf you have never used a kneaded eraser before, I suggest picking one up and experimenting to see what it can do. Once you get accustomed to using a kneaded eraser, it will be difficult to imaging going without one!','What Is a Kneaded Eraser? Here\'s Everything You Ever Wanted to Know','','inherit','closed','closed','','3366-revision-v1','','','2016-09-17 18:10:00','2016-09-18 01:10:00','',3366,'http://www.letsdrawpeople.com/3366-revision-v1/',0,'revision','',0),(3377,2,'2016-09-17 21:31:03','2016-09-18 04:31:03','*pic elderly man in hat*If you have ever known anyone who draws pencil portraits or other types of pencil art, maybe you have heard them mention using a kneaded eraser. If you are a regular reader of tutorials <a href=\"http://www.letsdrawpeople.com/\">here on this site</a>, then you have undoubtedly seen the kneaded eraser mentioned on more than one occasion.\r\n\r\nBut just exactly what is a kneaded eraser?\r\n\r\nThis article will explain everything you may have ever wondered about a kneaded eraser, from what it is to how to use it and clean it. We\'ll even talk about different brands of kneaded erasers and how to make a kneaded eraser at home.\r\n<h2>What Is a Kneaded Eraser?</h2>\r\n*pic new eraser*Merriam-Webster states the <a href=\"http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/kneaded%20eraser\" target=\"_blank\">kneaded eraser definition</a> as “a soft pliable eraser of unvulcanized rubber used especially to remove graphite or charcoal marks from drawing paper”.\r\n\r\nSo what\'s so special about that? There are many other types of erasers that can \"remove...marks from drawing paper\". Well, the kneaded eraser has some specific purposes and abilities that are very useful, valuable, and frankly difficult for most other erasers to measure up to.\r\n\r\nA kneaded eraser is especially good at removing some of the graphite (for example) and purposefully leaving traces of the graphite on the paper for artistic effects, such as with reflected light or a midtone area that needs to be a slightly lighter value.\r\n\r\nKneaded erasers are fantastic for pulling brighter highlights out of tight areas. A kneaded eraser is often used to ensure that the whitest whites are reserved for areas such as the highlights of the eyes and portions of the whites of the eyes and teeth.\r\n\r\nThe kneaded eraser is used in a similar fashion to pull highlights out of hair. Additionally, some artists use the kneaded eraser to carefully rub out loose strands of hair that overlap the general mass of hair on the head.\r\n\r\nSome artists even use a kneaded eraser as one might use clay to make a model of an object to sketch!\r\n<h2>How to Use a Kneaded Eraser</h2>\r\nIf you\'d like to know how to use a kneaded eraser to achieve some of the artistic effects mentioned above, it often comes down to molding the eraser into a particular shape. Some tasks call for a rounded corner similar to a typical eraser. Some tasks call for a thin wedge. Other tasks require that the kneaded eraser be twisted into a point.\r\n\r\nYou can mold the eraser into these different shapes back and forth as you go along. Alternatively, you can mold it into a shape like the one below before you begin your project.\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\">***pic preshaped and labeled***</p>\r\nI find that my kneaded eraser naturally begins to develop into a shape similar to this over time.\r\n\r\nRead on for a few examples that can be applied to portrait drawing.\r\n<h3>Lightening Up a Midtone Area with a Rounded Corner</h3>\r\nLet\'s say you have applied some graphite to a skin tone and smoothed it out with a tortillion. Now, you realize that you want to make that area appear a little bit lighter in value.\r\n\r\nSimply use a rounded corner or edge of your kneaded eraser to carefully pick at the area that you want to lighten. Don\'t rub vigorously as you might do with a traditional eraser. Rather, almost think of it as you would \"blot\" a stain out of a carpet.\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\">*pic alli*</p>\r\n\r\n<h3 style=\"text-align: left;\">Making Reflected Light with a Kneaded Eraser\'s Thin Wedge</h3>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\">Reflected light is light that is reflected off of a nearby surface. It is usually evident along an edge where an object is curving away from the foreground. Reflected light plays a significant role in creating the illusion of three-dimensional realism.</p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\">To make reflected light with your kneaded eraser, first shape your eraser into a thin wedge like this.</p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\">*pic wedge*</p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\">Then carefully and lightly tap or rub with short upstrokes your kneaded eraser along the edge of the object. In this example, I used a kneaded eraser to create reflected light along the edge of the ear. This helps to bring out a natural contrast of values and to realistically separate the forms.</p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\">*pic ear*</p>\r\n\r\n<h3 style=\"text-align: left;\">Using a Pointy Kneaded Eraser for an Eye Highlight</h3>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\">To pick out a tiny area of highlight, such as the highlight of an eye, twist your kneaded eraser into a point.</p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\">*pic tip*</p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\">Then tap the area to make it white. Often times, you will intentionally leave this area white to begin with and shade around it. When you blend the graphite around it, some of the graphite will go into the area you leave white. The kneaded eraser helps to remove this blended graphite and also make for a natural transition.</p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\">Most eye highlights traditionally look round inside of the iris. You can see how a pointy kneaded eraser could have pulled out this highlight.</p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\">***pic dreamstime*</p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\">At other times, a reference photograph may dictate a different shape for an eye highlight. In the example below, you\'ll notice a square highlight in the eye. Within this square highlight, there are shadows cast by the eyelashes. There is also a round point of bright white that is barely noticeable within the square...a sort of \"highlight within a highlight\" if you will. This bright point was pulled out with the tip of a kneaded eraser.</p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\">***eye pic*</p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\">The arrows in this picture show a few other areas around the eye that the edge of a kneaded eraser helped to create. Most notable are the sharp edge of the iris against the white of the eye, the lower eyelid rim, and the wrinkles in the skin surrounding the eye.</p>\r\n\r\n<h3 style=\"text-align: left;\">How to Use a Kneaded Eraser for Drawing Hair</h3>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\">text</p>\r\n\r\n<h2>How to Clean a Kneaded Eraser</h2>\r\nAs you use your kneaded eraser, you will find that it accumulates all of the graphite or charcoal you apply to it. That might leave you wondering how to clean a kneaded eraser.\r\n\r\nWell, there\'s no set way to truly get it clean. However, you can give a kneaded eraser the appearance of being clean by making new, clean spots on it and using it again and again.\r\n\r\nThis is achieved by doing exactly what the name implies...kneading the eraser. To do this, simply pull on the eraser so it stretches and fold it over upon itself to find a clean spot.\r\n<h2>Brands of Kneaded Erasers</h2>\r\nThere are different brands of kneaded erasers from which you can choose. Some artists have preferences for certain brands because they notice advantages and disadvantages between the brands.\r\n\r\nWhich brand is the best kneaded eraser?\r\n\r\nSome like the Sanford Design kneaded eraser because they think it can best hold its shape if molded into an edge or a point. I have heard of other artists stating a preference for the Faber-Castell kneaded eraser, claiming that it does a better job of pulling the medium off of the drawing paper.\r\n\r\nIn my personal opinion, I don\'t notice a significant enough difference between brands to justify one being better than the other. I am currently using a <a href=\"http://www.letsdrawpeople.com/more/kneaded-eraser/\">Prismacolor kneaded eraser</a>. I am very satisfied with its ability to hold its shape as well as its ability to pull graphite.\r\n\r\nUltimately, the best kneaded eraser comes down to your personal preference; that is, if there is even a best kneaded eraser at all.\r\n<h2>Making Kneaded Erasers</h2>\r\nIf you have ever wondered what kneaded erasers are made of, they can be broken down into a few key components. One ingredient include factice, which is a soft rubbery substance that is derived from vegetable oil. Other kneaded eraser ingredients include natural rubbers, synthetic rubbers, and coloring agents.\r\n\r\nA kneaded eraser is a very inexpensive art tool. However, if you are very frugal and did not want to buy one, and if you have lots of time on your hands, you can make your own.\r\n\r\nHere is how to make a kneaded eraser:\r\n\r\nFirst of all, you will need a regular eraser and a pad of sticky notes. Take one sticky note and flip it over so the sticky glue side is facing up.\r\n\r\nRub the eraser on the sticky part of the sticky note. Rub firmly enough that eraser shavings are coming off of the eraser and the glue is coming off of the sticky note, yet rub gently enough so that you do not tear the sticky note.\r\n\r\nGather the eraser shavings together. Repeat this process with all of the sticky notes. Clump the pile of eraser shavings together, and now you have a homemade kneaded eraser!\r\n<h2>The Best Eraser for Drawing</h2>\r\nThere are many erasers available to a pencil artist with a variety of purposes. Now that you know the answer to the question \"What is a kneaded eraser?\", you may be wondering how it measures up to the multitude of other art erasers.\r\n\r\nSpeaking in a very general sense, it\'s my opinion that the best eraser for drawing pencil art is hands-down the kneaded eraser. It does wonders for creating realistic effects. It is very adaptable and user-friendly, allowing you to remove just the right amount of graphite for your needs.\r\n\r\nIf you have never used a kneaded eraser before, I suggest picking one up and experimenting to see what it can do. Once you get accustomed to using a kneaded eraser, it will be difficult to imaging going without one!','What Is a Kneaded Eraser? Here\'s Everything You Ever Wanted to Know','','inherit','closed','closed','','3366-revision-v1','','','2016-09-17 21:31:03','2016-09-18 04:31:03','',3366,'http://www.letsdrawpeople.com/3366-revision-v1/',0,'revision','',0),(3380,2,'2016-09-17 22:43:14','2016-09-18 05:43:14','','what-is-a-kneaded-eraser','','inherit','open','closed','','what-is-a-kneaded-eraser','','','2016-09-17 22:43:14','2016-09-18 05:43:14','',3366,'http://www.letsdrawpeople.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/09/what-is-a-kneaded-eraser.jpg',0,'attachment','image/jpeg',0),(3378,2,'2016-09-17 22:04:33','2016-09-18 05:04:33','*pic elderly man in hat*If you have ever known anyone who draws pencil portraits or other types of pencil art, maybe you have heard them mention using a kneaded eraser. If you are a regular reader of tutorials <a href=\"http://www.letsdrawpeople.com/\">here on this site</a>, then you have undoubtedly seen the kneaded eraser mentioned on more than one occasion.\r\n\r\nBut just exactly what is a kneaded eraser?\r\n\r\nThis article will explain everything you may have ever wondered about a kneaded eraser, from what it is to how to use it and clean it. We\'ll even talk about different brands of kneaded erasers and how to make a kneaded eraser at home.\r\n<h2>What Is a Kneaded Eraser?</h2>\r\n*pic new eraser*Merriam-Webster states the <a href=\"http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/kneaded%20eraser\" target=\"_blank\">kneaded eraser definition</a> as “a soft pliable eraser of unvulcanized rubber used especially to remove graphite or charcoal marks from drawing paper”.\r\n\r\nSo what\'s so special about that? There are many other types of erasers that can \"remove...marks from drawing paper\". Well, the kneaded eraser has some specific purposes and abilities that are very useful, valuable, and frankly difficult for most other erasers to measure up to.\r\n\r\nA kneaded eraser is especially good at removing some of the graphite (for example) and purposefully leaving traces of the graphite on the paper for artistic effects, such as with reflected light or a midtone area that needs to be a slightly lighter value.\r\n\r\nKneaded erasers are fantastic for pulling brighter highlights out of tight areas. A kneaded eraser is often used to ensure that the whitest whites are reserved for areas such as the highlights of the eyes and portions of the whites of the eyes and teeth.\r\n\r\nThe kneaded eraser is used in a similar fashion to pull highlights out of hair. Additionally, some artists use the kneaded eraser to carefully rub out loose strands of hair that overlap the general mass of hair on the head.\r\n\r\nSome artists even use a kneaded eraser as one might use clay to make a model of an object to sketch!\r\n<h2>How to Use a Kneaded Eraser</h2>\r\nIf you\'d like to know how to use a kneaded eraser to achieve some of the artistic effects mentioned above, it often comes down to molding the eraser into a particular shape. Some tasks call for a rounded corner similar to a typical eraser. Some tasks call for a thin wedge. Other tasks require that the kneaded eraser be twisted into a point.\r\n\r\nYou can mold the eraser into these different shapes back and forth as you go along. Alternatively, you can mold it into a shape like the one below before you begin your project.\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\">***pic preshaped and labeled***</p>\r\nI find that my kneaded eraser naturally begins to develop into a shape similar to this over time.\r\n\r\nRead on for a few examples that can be applied to portrait drawing.\r\n<h3>Lightening Up a Midtone Area with a Rounded Corner</h3>\r\nLet\'s say you have applied some graphite to a skin tone and smoothed it out with a tortillion. Now, you realize that you want to make that area appear a little bit lighter in value.\r\n\r\nSimply use a rounded corner or edge of your kneaded eraser to carefully pick at the area that you want to lighten. Don\'t rub vigorously as you might do with a traditional eraser. Rather, almost think of it as you would \"blot\" a stain out of a carpet.\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\">*pic alli*</p>\r\n\r\n<h3 style=\"text-align: left;\">Making Reflected Light with a Kneaded Eraser\'s Thin Wedge</h3>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\">Reflected light is light that is reflected off of a nearby surface. It is usually evident along an edge where an object is curving away from the foreground. Reflected light plays a significant role in creating the illusion of three-dimensional realism.</p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\">To make reflected light with your kneaded eraser, first shape your eraser into a thin wedge like this.</p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\">*pic wedge*</p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\">Then carefully and lightly tap or rub with short upstrokes your kneaded eraser along the edge of the object. In this example, I used a kneaded eraser to create reflected light along the edge of the ear. This helps to bring out a natural contrast of values and to realistically separate the forms.</p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\">*pic ear*</p>\r\n\r\n<h3 style=\"text-align: left;\">Using a Pointy Kneaded Eraser for an Eye Highlight</h3>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\">To pick out a tiny area of highlight, such as the highlight of an eye, twist your kneaded eraser into a point.</p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\">*pic tip*</p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\">Then tap the area to make it white. Often times, you will intentionally leave this area white to begin with and shade around it. When you blend the graphite around it, some of the graphite will go into the area you leave white. The kneaded eraser helps to remove this blended graphite and also make for a natural transition.</p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\">Most eye highlights traditionally look round inside of the iris. You can see how a pointy kneaded eraser could have pulled out this highlight.</p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\">***pic dreamstime*</p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\">At other times, a reference photograph may dictate <a href=\"http://www.letsdrawpeople.com/how-to-draw-an-eye-realistically-part-4-of-4/\">a different shape for an eye highlight</a>. In the example below, you\'ll notice a square highlight in the eye. Within this square highlight, there are shadows cast by the eyelashes. There is also a round point of bright white that is barely noticeable within the square...a sort of \"highlight within a highlight\" if you will. This bright point was pulled out with the tip of a kneaded eraser.</p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\">***eye pic*</p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\">The arrows in this picture show a few other areas around the eye that the edge of a kneaded eraser helped to create. Most notable are the sharp edge of the iris against the white of the eye, the lower eyelid rim, and the wrinkles in the skin surrounding the eye.</p>\r\n\r\n<h3 style=\"text-align: left;\">How to Use a Kneaded Eraser for Drawing Hair</h3>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\">Realistic hair is drawn in layers. It is a process that involves laying down tones, blending the tones together, pulling out highlights, and repeating. The kneaded eraser does the job of pulling out the highlights. I mostly use a kneaded eraser shaped into a thin wedge <a href=\"http://www.letsdrawpeople.com/why-its-okay-to-make-a-drawing-of-a-girl-crying/\">to accomplish this</a>.</p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\">*pic hair*</p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\">In the above example, I used a kneaded eraser to make the part in the hair, the highlights in the various sections of hair, and to accent a few stray hairs.</p>\r\n\r\n<h2>How to Clean a Kneaded Eraser</h2>\r\nAs you use your kneaded eraser, you will find that it accumulates all of the graphite or charcoal you apply to it. That might leave you wondering how to clean a kneaded eraser.\r\n\r\nWell, there\'s no set way to truly get it clean. However, you can give a kneaded eraser the appearance of being clean by making new, clean spots on it and using it again and again.\r\n\r\nThis is achieved by doing exactly what the name implies...kneading the eraser. To do this, simply pull on the eraser so it stretches and fold it over upon itself to find a clean spot.\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\">*pic two side by side stretched out and folded over*</p>\r\n\r\n<h2>Brands of Kneaded Erasers</h2>\r\nThere are different brands of kneaded erasers from which you can choose. Some artists have preferences for certain brands because they notice advantages and disadvantages between the brands.\r\n\r\nWhich brand is the best kneaded eraser?\r\n\r\nSome like the Sanford Design kneaded eraser because they think it can best hold its shape if molded into an edge or a point. I have heard of other artists stating a preference for the Faber-Castell kneaded eraser, claiming that it does a better job of pulling the medium off of the drawing paper.\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\">*pic sanford and faber castell*</p>\r\nIn my personal opinion, I don\'t notice a significant enough difference between brands to justify one being better than the other. I am currently using a <a href=\"http://www.letsdrawpeople.com/more/kneaded-eraser/\">Prismacolor kneaded eraser</a>. I am very satisfied with its ability to hold its shape as well as its ability to pull graphite.\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\">*pic prismacolor*</p>\r\nUltimately, the best kneaded eraser comes down to your personal preference; that is, if there is even a best kneaded eraser at all.\r\n<h2>Making Kneaded Erasers</h2>\r\nIf you have ever wondered what kneaded erasers are made of, they can be broken down into a few key components. One ingredient include factice, which is a soft rubbery substance that is derived from vegetable oil. Other kneaded eraser ingredients include natural rubbers, synthetic rubbers, and coloring agents.\r\n\r\nA kneaded eraser is a very inexpensive art tool. However, if you are very frugal and do not want to buy one, and if you have lots of time on your hands, you can make your own.\r\n\r\nHere is how to make a kneaded eraser...\r\n\r\nFirst of all, you will need a regular eraser and a pad of sticky notes. Take one sticky note and flip it over so the sticky glue side is facing up.\r\n\r\nRub the eraser on the sticky part of the sticky note. Rub firmly enough that eraser shavings are coming off of the eraser and the glue is coming off of the sticky note, yet rub gently enough so that you do not tear the sticky note.\r\n\r\nGather the eraser shavings together. Repeat this process with all of the sticky notes. Clump the pile of eraser shavings together, and now you have a homemade kneaded eraser!\r\n<h2>The Best Eraser for Drawing</h2>\r\nThere are many erasers available to a pencil artist with a variety of purposes. Now that you know the answer to the question \"What is a kneaded eraser?\", you may be wondering how it measures up to the multitude of other art erasers.\r\n\r\nSpeaking in a very general sense, it\'s my opinion that the best eraser for drawing pencil art is hands-down the kneaded eraser. It does wonders for creating realistic effects. It is very adaptable and user-friendly, allowing you to remove just the right amount of graphite for your needs. Speaking from my own personal experience, I get at least twice the use out of my kneaded eraser than I do out of all of my other erasers combined!\r\n\r\nIf you have never used a kneaded eraser before, I suggest picking one up and experimenting to see what it can do. Once you get accustomed to using a kneaded eraser, it will be difficult to imaging going without one!','What Is a Kneaded Eraser? Here\'s Everything You Ever Wanted to Know','','inherit','closed','closed','','3366-revision-v1','','','2016-09-17 22:04:33','2016-09-18 05:04:33','',3366,'http://www.letsdrawpeople.com/3366-revision-v1/',0,'revision','',0),(3379,2,'2016-09-17 22:42:10','2016-09-18 05:42:10','','what-is-a-kneaded-eraser-intro','','inherit','open','closed','','what-is-a-kneaded-eraser-intro','','','2016-09-17 22:42:10','2016-09-18 05:42:10','',3366,'http://www.letsdrawpeople.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/09/what-is-a-kneaded-eraser-intro.jpg',0,'attachment','image/jpeg',0),(3381,2,'2016-09-17 22:44:29','2016-09-18 05:44:29','','what-is-a-kneaded-eraser-how-to-use-a-kneaded-eraser-useful-shapes','','inherit','open','closed','','what-is-a-kneaded-eraser-how-to-use-a-kneaded-eraser-useful-shapes','','','2016-09-17 22:44:29','2016-09-18 05:44:29','',3366,'http://www.letsdrawpeople.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/09/what-is-a-kneaded-eraser-how-to-use-a-kneaded-eraser-useful-shapes.jpg',0,'attachment','image/jpeg',0),(3382,2,'2016-09-17 22:45:21','2016-09-18 05:45:21','','what-is-a-kneaded-eraser-how-to-use-a-kneaded-eraser-midtone','','inherit','open','closed','','what-is-a-kneaded-eraser-how-to-use-a-kneaded-eraser-midtone','','','2016-09-17 22:45:21','2016-09-18 05:45:21','',3366,'http://www.letsdrawpeople.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/09/what-is-a-kneaded-eraser-how-to-use-a-kneaded-eraser-midtone.jpg',0,'attachment','image/jpeg',0),(3383,2,'2016-09-17 22:46:13','2016-09-18 05:46:13','','what-is-a-kneaded-eraser-how-to-use-a-kneaded-eraser-thin-wedge','','inherit','open','closed','','what-is-a-kneaded-eraser-how-to-use-a-kneaded-eraser-thin-wedge','','','2016-09-17 22:46:13','2016-09-18 05:46:13','',3366,'http://www.letsdrawpeople.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/09/what-is-a-kneaded-eraser-how-to-use-a-kneaded-eraser-thin-wedge.jpg',0,'attachment','image/jpeg',0),(3384,2,'2016-09-17 22:46:51','2016-09-18 05:46:51','','what-is-a-kneaded-eraser-how-to-use-a-kneaded-eraser-pointy-tip','','inherit','open','closed','','what-is-a-kneaded-eraser-how-to-use-a-kneaded-eraser-pointy-tip','','','2016-09-17 22:46:51','2016-09-18 05:46:51','',3366,'http://www.letsdrawpeople.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/09/what-is-a-kneaded-eraser-how-to-use-a-kneaded-eraser-pointy-tip.jpg',0,'attachment','image/jpeg',0),(3385,2,'2016-09-17 22:48:08','2016-09-18 05:48:08','<a href=\"http://www.letsdrawpeople.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/09/what-is-a-kneaded-eraser-intro.jpg\"><img class=\"alignleft size-full wp-image-3379\" src=\"http://www.letsdrawpeople.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/09/what-is-a-kneaded-eraser-intro.jpg\" alt=\"what-is-a-kneaded-eraser-intro\" width=\"400\" height=\"275\" /></a>If you have ever known anyone who draws pencil portraits or other types of pencil art, maybe you have heard them mention using a kneaded eraser. If you are a regular reader of tutorials <a href=\"http://www.letsdrawpeople.com/\">here on this site</a>, then you have undoubtedly seen the kneaded eraser mentioned on more than one occasion.\r\n\r\nBut just exactly what is a kneaded eraser?\r\n\r\nThis article will explain everything you may have ever wondered about a kneaded eraser, from what it is to how to use it and clean it. We\'ll even talk about different brands of kneaded erasers and how to make a kneaded eraser at home.\r\n<h2>What Is a Kneaded Eraser?</h2>\r\n<a href=\"http://www.letsdrawpeople.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/09/what-is-a-kneaded-eraser.jpg\"><img class=\"alignleft size-full wp-image-3380\" src=\"http://www.letsdrawpeople.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/09/what-is-a-kneaded-eraser.jpg\" alt=\"what-is-a-kneaded-eraser\" width=\"400\" height=\"295\" /></a>Merriam-Webster states the <a href=\"http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/kneaded%20eraser\" target=\"_blank\">kneaded eraser definition</a> as “a soft pliable eraser of unvulcanized rubber used especially to remove graphite or charcoal marks from drawing paper”.\r\n\r\nSo what\'s so special about that? There are many other types of erasers that can \"remove...marks from drawing paper\". Well, the kneaded eraser has some specific purposes and abilities that are very useful, valuable, and frankly difficult for most other erasers to measure up to.\r\n\r\nA kneaded eraser is especially good at removing some of the graphite (for example) and purposefully leaving traces of the graphite on the paper for artistic effects, such as with reflected light or a midtone area that needs to be a slightly lighter value.\r\n\r\nKneaded erasers are fantastic for pulling brighter highlights out of tight areas. A kneaded eraser is often used to ensure that the whitest whites are reserved for areas such as the highlights of the eyes and portions of the whites of the eyes and teeth.\r\n\r\nThe kneaded eraser is used in a similar fashion to pull highlights out of hair. Additionally, some artists use the kneaded eraser to carefully rub out loose strands of hair that overlap the general mass of hair on the head.\r\n\r\nSome artists even use a kneaded eraser as one might use clay to make a model of an object to sketch!\r\n<h2>How to Use a Kneaded Eraser</h2>\r\nIf you\'d like to know how to use a kneaded eraser to achieve some of the artistic effects mentioned above, it often comes down to molding the eraser into a particular shape. Some tasks call for a rounded corner similar to a typical eraser. Some tasks call for a thin wedge. Other tasks require that the kneaded eraser be twisted into a point.\r\n\r\nYou can mold the eraser into these different shapes back and forth as you go along. Alternatively, you can mold it into a shape like the one below before you begin your project.\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http://www.letsdrawpeople.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/09/what-is-a-kneaded-eraser-how-to-use-a-kneaded-eraser-useful-shapes.jpg\"><img class=\"aligncenter wp-image-3381\" src=\"http://www.letsdrawpeople.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/09/what-is-a-kneaded-eraser-how-to-use-a-kneaded-eraser-useful-shapes.jpg\" alt=\"what-is-a-kneaded-eraser-how-to-use-a-kneaded-eraser-useful-shapes\" width=\"600\" height=\"450\" /></a></p>\r\nI find that my kneaded eraser naturally begins to develop into a shape similar to this over time.\r\n\r\nRead on for a few examples that can be applied to portrait drawing.\r\n<h3>Lightening Up a Midtone Area with a Rounded Corner</h3>\r\nLet\'s say you have applied some graphite to a skin tone and smoothed it out with a tortillion. Now, you realize that you want to make that area appear a little bit lighter in value.\r\n\r\nSimply use a rounded corner or edge of your kneaded eraser to carefully pick at the area that you want to lighten. Don\'t rub vigorously as you might do with a traditional eraser. Rather, almost think of it as you would \"blot\" a stain out of a carpet.\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http://www.letsdrawpeople.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/09/what-is-a-kneaded-eraser-how-to-use-a-kneaded-eraser-midtone.jpg\"><img class=\"aligncenter wp-image-3382 size-full\" src=\"http://www.letsdrawpeople.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/09/what-is-a-kneaded-eraser-how-to-use-a-kneaded-eraser-midtone.jpg\" alt=\"what-is-a-kneaded-eraser-how-to-use-a-kneaded-eraser-midtone\" width=\"800\" height=\"232\" /></a></p>\r\n\r\n<h3 style=\"text-align: left;\">Making Reflected Light with a Kneaded Eraser\'s Thin Wedge</h3>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\">Reflected light is light that is reflected off of a nearby surface. It is usually evident along an edge where an object is curving away from the foreground. Reflected light plays a significant role in creating the illusion of three-dimensional realism.</p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\">To make reflected light with your kneaded eraser, first shape your eraser into a thin wedge like this.</p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http://www.letsdrawpeople.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/09/what-is-a-kneaded-eraser-how-to-use-a-kneaded-eraser-thin-wedge.jpg\"><img class=\"aligncenter wp-image-3383\" src=\"http://www.letsdrawpeople.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/09/what-is-a-kneaded-eraser-how-to-use-a-kneaded-eraser-thin-wedge.jpg\" alt=\"what-is-a-kneaded-eraser-how-to-use-a-kneaded-eraser-thin-wedge\" width=\"600\" height=\"419\" /></a></p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\">Then carefully and lightly tap or rub with short upstrokes your kneaded eraser along the edge of the object. In this example, I used a kneaded eraser to create reflected light along the edge of the ear. This helps to bring out a natural contrast of values and to realistically separate the forms.</p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\">*pic ear*</p>\r\n\r\n<h3 style=\"text-align: left;\">Using a Pointy Kneaded Eraser for an Eye Highlight</h3>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\">To pick out a tiny area of highlight, such as the highlight of an eye, twist your kneaded eraser into a point.</p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=\"http://www.letsdrawpeople.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/09/what-is-a-kneaded-eraser-how-to-use-a-kneaded-eraser-pointy-tip.jpg\"><img class=\"aligncenter wp-image-3384\" src=\"http://www.letsdrawpeople.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/09/what-is-a-kneaded-eraser-how-to-use-a-kneaded-eraser-pointy-tip.jpg\" alt=\"what-is-a-kneaded-eraser-how-to-use-a-kneaded-eraser-pointy-tip\" width=\"600\" height=\"450\" /></a></p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\">Then tap the area to make it white. Often times, you will intentionally leave this area white to begin with and shade around it. When you blend the graphite around it, some of the graphite will go into the area you leave white. The kneaded eraser helps to remove this blended graphite and also make for a natural transition.</p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\">Most eye highlights traditionally look round inside of the iris. You can see how a pointy kneaded eraser could have pulled out this highlight.</p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\">***pic dreamstime*</p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\">At other times, a reference photograph may dictate <a href=\"http://www.letsdrawpeople.com/how-to-draw-an-eye-realistically-part-4-of-4/\">a different shape for an eye highlight</a>. In the example below, you\'ll notice a square highlight in the eye. Within this square highlight, there are shadows cast by the eyelashes. There is also a round point of bright white that is barely noticeable within the square...a sort of \"highlight within a highlight\" if you will. This bright point was pulled out with the tip of a kneaded eraser.</p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\">***eye pic*</p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\">The arrows in this picture show a few other areas around the eye that the edge of a kneaded eraser helped to create. Most notable are the sharp edge of the iris against the white of the eye, the lower eyelid rim, and the wrinkles in the skin surrounding the eye.</p>\r\n\r\n<h3 style=\"text-align: left;\">How to Use a Kneaded Eraser for Drawing Hair</h3>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\">Realistic hair is drawn in layers. It is a process that involves laying down tones, blending the tones together, pulling out highlights, and repeating. The kneaded eraser does the job of pulling out the highlights. I mostly use a kneaded eraser shaped into a thin wedge <a href=\"http://www.letsdrawpeople.com/why-its-okay-to-make-a-drawing-of-a-girl-crying/\">to accomplish this</a>.</p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\">*pic hair*</p>\r\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\">In the above example, I used a kneaded eraser to make the part in the hair, the highlights in the various sections of hair, and to accent a few stray hairs.</p>\r\n\r\n<h2>How to Clean a Kneaded Eraser</h2>\r\nAs you use your kneaded eraser, you will find that it accumulates all of the graphite or charcoal you apply to it. That might leave you wondering how to clean a kneaded eraser.\r\n\r\nWell, there\'s no set way to truly get it clean. However, you can give a kneaded eraser the appearance of being clean by making new, clean spots on it and using it again and again.\r\n\r\nThis is achieved by doing exactly what the name implies...kneading the eraser. To do this, simply pull on the eraser so it stretches and fold it over upon itself to find a clean spot.\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\">*pic two side by side stretched out and folded over*</p>\r\n\r\n<h2>Brands of Kneaded Erasers</h2>\r\nThere are different brands of kneaded erasers from which you can choose. Some artists have preferences for certain brands because they notice advantages and disadvantages between the brands.\r\n\r\nWhich brand is the best kneaded eraser?\r\n\r\nSome like the Sanford Design kneaded eraser because they think it can best hold its shape if molded into an edge or a point. I have heard of other artists stating a preference for the Faber-Castell kneaded eraser, claiming that it does a better job of pulling the medium off of the drawing paper.\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\">*pic sanford and faber castell*</p>\r\nIn my personal opinion, I don\'t notice a significant enough difference between brands to justify one being better than the other. I am currently using a <a href=\"http://www.letsdrawpeople.com/more/kneaded-eraser/\">Prismacolor kneaded eraser</a>. I am very satisfied with its ability to hold its shape as well as its ability to pull graphite.\r\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\">*pic prismacolor*</p>\r\nUltimately, the best kneaded eraser comes down to your personal preference; that is, if there is even a best kneaded eraser at all.\r\n<h2>Making Kneaded Erasers</h2>\r\nIf you have ever wondered what kneaded erasers are made of, they can be broken down into a few key components. One ingredient include factice, which is a soft rubbery substance that is derived from vegetable oil. Other kneaded eraser ingredients include natural rubbers, synthetic rubbers, and coloring agents.\r\n\r\nA kneaded eraser is a very inexpensive art tool. However, if you are very frugal and do not want to buy one, and if you have lots of time on your hands, you can make your own.\r\n\r\nHere is how to make a kneaded eraser...\r\n\r\nFirst of all, you will need a regular eraser and a pad of sticky notes. Take one sticky note and flip it over so the sticky glue side is facing up.\r\n\r\nRub the eraser on the sticky part of the sticky note. Rub firmly enough that eraser shavings are coming off of the eraser and the glue is coming off of the sticky note, yet rub gently enough so that you do not tear the sticky note.\r\n\r\nGather the eraser shavings together. Repeat this process with all of the sticky notes. Clump the pile of eraser shavings together, and now you have a homemade kneaded eraser!\r\n<h2>The Best Eraser for Drawing</h2>\r\nThere are many erasers available to a pencil artist with a variety of purposes. Now that you know the answer to the question \"What is a kneaded eraser?\", you may be wondering how it measures up to the multitude of other art erasers.\r\n\r\nSpeaking in a very general sense, it\'s my opinion that the best eraser for drawing pencil art is hands-down the kneaded eraser. It does wonders for creating realistic effects. It is very adaptable and user-friendly, allowing you to remove just the right amount of graphite for your needs. Speaking from my own personal experience, I get at least twice the use out of my kneaded eraser than I do out of all of my other erasers combined!\r\n\r\nIf you have never used a kneaded eraser before, I suggest picking one up and experimenting to see what it can do. Once you get accustomed to using a kneaded eraser, it will be difficult to imaging going without one!','What Is a Kneaded Eraser? Here\'s Everything You Ever Wanted to Know','','inherit','closed','closed','','3366-revision-v1','','','2016-09-17 22:48:08','2016-09-18 05:48:08','',3366,'http://www.letsdrawpeople.com/3366-revision-v1/',0,'revision','',0),