The Portrait chapter 11
THE MOUTH
The mouth is, without a doubt, the most flexible feature of the human face and is capable of an enormous range of expres-
sions (a). At first glance, you might think that the mouth is a simple structure to render, but with careful examination, even
when the mouth is in a natural, relaxed position, it consists of a series of complex forms and planes.
Of course, there are an infinite number of types of mouths (as is true with any of the features), but this example shows some
of the principles that pertain to understanding the form of the mouth.
In terms of the large form of the mouth, it’s helpful to think of the lips as conforming to the curvature of the teeth. In many,
but not all, individuals who are viewed in profile, the top of the upper lip protrudes slightly beyond the lower lip. The upper
lip often has more distinct planes, while the lower lip has rounder, broader, more gently changing forms.
As depicted in the diagram (b) below and diagram (b) on page 213, the top and bottom lip are at very different angles to
each other. When seen in profile, the top lip is angled downward, with the center and highest point of the upper lip being the
farthest point out. The lower lip is the exact opposite, being angled upward and with the center and lowest point being the
farthest out. This is why when the light is coming from above—which is most common—the upper lip is in shadow and the
lower lip is receiving direct light.
a bCONTINUED ON NEXT PAGE