← PORTRAIT PRACTICE

Print this handout using your browser’s Print / Save as PDF. Student instructions and practice print; the teacher notes stay on screen.

GRADES 3–5 · Mouths · Simple Portraits

The Lip Meeting Line: Keep the Important Lines

Name ____________________ Date __________

WHAT YOU WILL MAKE

Make a full study and a simplified version with only the essential lines. Focus on the lip meeting line.

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

Use the middle line to organize the mouth.

  1. Make a light observed study. Identify three contours or overlaps that communicate the form.
  2. Mark mouth corners.
  3. Observe dips and rises of the meeting line.
  4. Add lip edges around it with lighter pressure.
  5. Redraw using only those essential marks. Omit texture and reduce shading; ask a partner what remains clear.

Watch out → Try this

Common drawing problem: A straight slit in every mouth

Repair: Notice the middle line before the outline.

Check your work: Which removed details were unnecessary? Which line could you not remove?

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

The Lip Meeting Line: Keep the Important Lines · Practice page

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

1 · Warm-up: The Lip Meeting Line
2 · First plan
3 · Revise one choice
4 · Independent application

My evidence: Which removed details were unnecessary? Which line could you not remove?

I changed __________________ because I noticed __________________.

My next practice goal: __________________________________________________