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GRADES 3–5 · Proportion · Simple Portraits

Nose-to-Mouth Space: 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 nose-to-mouth space.

Shared feature reference for Proportion — 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

Observe the space between features.

Make a light observed study. Identify three contours or overlaps that communicate the form.
Place the nose base and chin.
Mark the mouth between them by observation.
Compare the two spaces and revise before adding details.
Redraw using only those essential marks. Omit texture and reduce shading; ask a partner what remains clear.

Watch out → Try this

Common drawing problem: Mouth placement guessed at the end

Repair: Plan the empty spaces first.

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.

Nose-to-Mouth Space: Keep the Important Lines · Practice page

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

1 · Warm-up: Nose-to-Mouth Space

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: __________________________________________________

Teach this handout · 30–45 minutes

Prepare: Choose a clear reference showing nose-to-mouth space. The shared illustration introduces the feature only; supply a matching mirror view or teacher-approved photo when the exact pose, accessory, or hairstyle is not pictured.

Demonstrate: Model place the nose base and chin. Then deliberately show this drawing problem: mouth placement guessed at the end. Think aloud as you repair it: Plan the empty spaces first.

5 minutes noticing, 5 demonstrating, 15–25 drawing and revising, 5 sharing. Collect the practice page and a specific explanation of one change. Evaluate the target skill and revision—not attractiveness or speed.

Grade	Support and challenge
3	Use a large feature study and one observed change. Supply page divisions and model the first landmark. Two trials are enough before application.
4	Complete the listed sequence. Compare two versions and label the contour, proportion, or overlap that changed.
5	Use an unfamiliar reference or second viewpoint after mastering the first. Explain which choices should stay consistent when simplifying or exaggerating.

Offer adapted grips, larger spaces, extra time, or a spoken reflection. Use fictional characters for deliberate distortion; do not mock classmates or stereotype identities. Obtain consent before drawing a peer. Proportion guides are comparisons, not rules for all faces.