How to Draw Lips From the 3/4 View

When drawing a face and its features, it is very important to be able to depict them from different angles. In this tutorial, we will show you how to draw lips from the 3/4 view and explain the key details needed to convey this angle correctly.

This drawing tutorial, along with tutorials on drawing a nose from the 3/4 view and drawing eyes from the 3/4 view, is part of our mini-series about sketching a face from this viewing angle.

Since portraits are often drawn from this angle, the ability to draw a face and its individual features from this angle is very important.

In this tutorial, we will look in detail at the main features of drawing a mouth from this angle and give some useful tips on how to consolidate the knowledge gained.

How to draw lips from the 3/4 view step by step

Step 1: Mark the basic guidelines

Start drawing the lips by sketching a vertical guideline. This line marks the center of the face and helps you place the lips correctly. Next, sketch a long horizontal line that will help you position the lips as you draw.

Step 2: Sketch the lip edges

Above the intersection, sketch the tubercle using a short, curved line. Now, using a couple more short lines, sketch the upper and lower edges of the lips. On the right and left sides of the horizontal line, sketch the corners of the lips.

Step 3: Outline the lips

Using long, very smooth lines, draw the mouth line and the lines separating the lips from the rest of the face. These outer lines are called the vermilion borders. When drawing a mouth, always keep in mind that it is a three-dimensional form, and try to convey this volume on paper.

Step 4: Refine the lip details

Using clean, finished lines, draw the lips in detail and add creases to them. Draw the philtrum columns with a couple of simple lines. When drawing lips from the 3/4 view, it is very important to remember the rules of drawing in perspective and make the parts closer to us a little larger than the distant ones.

Step 5: Remove the guidelines

It’s time to give the lips drawing a more finished look. To do this, carefully erase all construction lines that are no longer needed. As you draw, compare different parts of the lips with each other so you can notice mistakes and correct them in time.

Step 6: Add shadows and volume

To give the lips drawing a more finished and three-dimensional look, you need to draw shadows. Using hatching to draw the shadows, start with the darkest areas and gradually add midtones. The lightest areas can be left untouched. You can add extra volume to the drawing by making the areas closer to us a little more contrasting than the distant ones.

To draw lips accurately and convincingly, you need to know their anatomy. Knowing the anatomy of the mouth for artists at least in general terms will help you understand what details you are drawing and how certain facial forms affect the shape of the lips and mouth.

It is also very important to draw lips as often as possible from different angles and using different references. To begin with, you can draw your lips by looking at them in a mirror.

You can also use internet references and photographs of antique statues. Constant practice will help you consolidate the knowledge gained in this drawing tutorial.