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Start Art 8 24 www.painters-online.co.uk Viewed from the front, the typical nose shape is less obvious than in profile or half profile.That is why the correct shading is the only way to define the shape clearly. The nose looks different from each angle of vision.This can be made clearer by imagining it as a wedge that changes in each new perspective. Mouth Shapes of mouths can vary greatly. These variations are not purely genetic but also relate to how the muscular system around the mouth is used.The basic shape of the lips is similar for all people, yet they can appear to be quite different. When drawing mouths, take the following into consideration: l The width of the mouth l The thickness of the lips l The sweep of the lines and the shape of the parts surrounding them (chin and upper lips). The little notches at the corners of the mouth are also important for the expression of the mouth. Depending on their direction, they can give a strong, mocking or friendly appearance.The line at the opening of the mouth is the darkest and should therefore be more strongly emphasised than the outer lines of the lips.The shape of the lips and their sometimes rough and uneven surface texture can be represented with clear strokes and by light and shade. Ears Depending on the hairstyle and angle of the head, the ears are not always visible or may be only partly visible in a portrait.As they are seldom as important as the facial features in terms of expression and likeness, they are sometimes only hinted at when drawn. Nevertheless they must be drawn in an anatomically correct manner and correspond to the sitter’s in terms of size and formation. Despite individual peculiarities, the basic construction of the ear is the same in all people. Hair Hair is very important for the expression of the portrait.The way it falls, its texture and its shade significantly influence the overall impression of the head.As hair differs greatly in terms of length, colour, shape and texture, careful observation is required to recognise the peculiarities. However, when drawing, you can follow a general approach, despite individual differences. First, outline the area taken up by the hair using a few strokes.Then set out the darker shaded areas using hatching or lines following the way the hair falls. It is advisable to do this using fairly thick pencils as well or by smudging a soft material such as charcoal. In these larger areas of dark and medium tone you can draw in the flow of the hair afterwards with a sharpened pencil.The strokes should take account of the character of the hair – soft, sweeping lines for curls; short, straight lines for bristly hair. To achieve an effect of shine on the hair, the areas that reflect the light should be left blank.The lines depicting the flow of the hair can be broken off at these places, or removed afterwards using a kneadable eraser. Depending on how you want the drawing to look, the hair can be drawn in detail or indicated with just a few strokes. STAGE 1 Plot the outlines of the mouth with a light touch using the HB pencil, merely indicating any contour of the lower lip.The line between the lips should be captured precisely – the sweep and direction of this line is important.The corners of the mouth and the philtrum (furrow between the nose and lips) should also be drawn in. STAGE 2 Now add the initial shading. Make sure that the strokes follow the shape of the lips.The lip contour can be removed in places if necessary, as here with the lower lip, whereas the line between the lips is made stronger. STAGE 3 Make the shading stronger. Use hatching to draw the folds and texture of the lips, at the same time taking note of their curvature. Demonstration: Mouth Plot the outlines lightly first Add shading, making sure that the hatching follows the shape of the lips Emphasise dark areas of shading You will need… l Drawing paper l HB and 4B pencils l Eraser t t t