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GRADES 3–5 · Mouths · Cartoon Portraits

Draw Closed Lips: Make a Cartoon

Name ____________________ Date __________

WHAT YOU WILL MAKE

Create three cartoon design trials and two consistent drawings of your chosen design, focusing on draw closed lips. Use the subject steps as practice before making this final pair or set.

Shared feature reference for Mouths
Shared feature reference. It may not show this task’s exact pose, accessory, or style. Use the teacher’s matching reference too.

Draw it step by step

Begin with the line where the lips meet. Invent an original cartoon interpretation. Exaggerate a drawing choice rather than mocking a real person or a group.

  1. Start from the observed shape. Choose one feature to enlarge, shorten, widen, or curve more strongly; sketch three tiny options.
  2. Observe the meeting line and draw it lightly.
  3. Add the upper and lower lip shapes around it.
  4. Shade gently below the lower lip; avoid a thick outline everywhere.
  5. Pick one option and redraw it clearly. Keep it consistent in a second pose or expression. Use bold, selective lines instead of realistic shading.

Watch out → Try this

Common drawing problem: Adding small details before the main shapes and placement are clear.

Repair: Return to the first subject step: Observe the meeting line and draw it lightly. Compare the biggest shapes before refining.

Check your work: Is the meeting line more important than the outer border? What did you exaggerate? Which two design features stay consistent across both drawings?

Materials: pencil, eraser, paper, and a mirror or teacher-approved reference. Optional black drawing pen; no painting required.

Draw Closed Lips: Make a Cartoon · Practice page

Name ____________________ Make light trials first. Divide a box further if your task needs extra versions.

1 · Observe and plan
2 · First drawing
3 · Change one choice
4 · Independent application

My evidence: Is the meeting line more important than the outer border? What did you exaggerate? Which two design features stay consistent across both drawings?

I changed __________________ because I noticed __________________.

My next practice goal: __________________________________________________