How to Crosshatch a Realistic Mouth: Step-by-Step Guide

Materials Needed

✏️ HB & 4B pencils
📄 Smooth drawing paper
🧽 Kneaded eraser
🔍 Blending stump (optional)

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1. Outline Form & Shadow Areas

• Basic Shape:

  • Draw a stretched M for upper lip

  • Wider U for lower lip

• Mark Shadows:

  • Corners of mouth

  • Center groove of upper lip

  • Under lower lip

Tip: “Lips follow the curve of the teeth—think cylindrical, not flat.”

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2. First Direction Hatching

• Curved Lines:

  • Upper lip: Strokes radiate from center outward (🎯 direction)

  • Lower lip: Vertical lines to emphasize volume

• Pressure:

  • Light for mid-tones

  • Avoid highlight areas (lip center, Cupid’s bow)

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3. Opposing Direction Layer

• Upper Lip: Add horizontal lines to build shadow at edges

• Lower Lip: Diagonal lines (45°) for sheen

• Blend: Use a finger or stump for smooth transitions

Common Mistake: Overworking highlights—preserve white paper for lip gloss effect.

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4. Diagonal Lines (Depth & Texture)

• Philtrum Groove: Tight crosshatching

• Wrinkles: Tiny zigzag lines (subtle on young lips, pronounced on aged lips)

• Corners: Darkest marks for shadow traps

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5. Final Details

⚫ Deepen Shadows:

• Lip corners (almost black)

• Under lower lip
  ✨ Enhance Realism:

• Erase tiny highlights on lower lip

• Add vertical cracks for dry lips (if desired)

Pro Tip: “Squint to check value contrast—the mouth should ‘pop’ from the face.”

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Lip Crosshatching Checklist