The Portrait chapter 11
THE MOUTH
Here the mouth is shown from a^3 ⁄ 4 view which, as with the eye shown from the same angle, foreshortens its shape (a). It is
especially accentuated because of the far side conforming to the shape of the teeth, which makes it turn back on itself. The
difference in how the light influences the lips is noticeable, with the lightest area being the lower lip because of its angle rela-
tive to the light. There is some direct light on the far side of the upper lip because the light is coming from that side of the
head.
This diagram (b) indicates the main planes of the mouth, which helps to make its foreshortening clearer.
Because of the many shapes and sizes of features from person to person, the most fail-safe method to draw them well is
careful observation coupled with the use of the various methods of measuring that were discussed in the previous chapters.
All the verbal descriptions of the “nature” of the features can only take you so far. An artist’s vision is their greatest tool; all
preconceived ideas must be avoided to make art with truth at its core.
a b