How to Draw Lips Step by Step
Beginner-Friendly Drawing Tutorial | Suanarts
Lips can be tricky to draw, but with a simple step-by-step approach, anyone can do it! In this tutorial, you’ll learn how to draw realistic lips using basic shapes and guidelines.
This method is beginner-friendly and perfect if you’re learning to draw faces or studying human anatomy. Let’s get started!
Tools You’ll Need
Before we begin, gather these simple tools:
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✏️ Pencil (for sketching)
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🧽 Eraser
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🖊️ Fineliner or black pen (for outlining)
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🖍️ Color pencils or markers (optional)
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🗒️ Drawing paper or sketchbook
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📱 (Optional) iPad/Tablet with Procreate or any drawing app
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Draw the Guidelines
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Start with a plus sign (+) – a horizontal and vertical line crossing at the center. This helps you align the lips symmetrically and set proportions.
Step 2: Add Two Top Circles & small circle
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Draw two overlapping circles above the horizontal line, one on each side of the vertical line. These will form the upper lip’s curves. Add a small circle in the center where they meet-this defines the center dip of the top lip.
Step 3: Add Two Bottom Circles
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Now draw two slightly larger circles below the horizontal line. These will guide the volume and curve of the bottom lip. Make sure all circles stay centered with the vertical guideline.
Step 4: Outline the Lips
Use the circles as a guide to sketch the outline of the lips. Follow the curves naturally:
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Trace a soft “M” shape across the top using the upper circles.
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Then draw a smooth curve for the bottom lip using the lower circles.
Erase the guide lines once you’re happy with the shape.
Final Step: Add Color and Shading
Now it’s time to bring your lips to life! Add soft shading to show volume. You can use red or pink tones, or go bold with glossy highlights.
Quick Recap: All Steps Together
Here’s the full step-by-step image so you can follow along easily:
Tips for Drawing Better Lips:
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Use light pencil strokes at first so you can adjust easily.
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Study reference photos to understand how real lips curve and fold.
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Practice drawing lips from different angles (side view, ¾ view) for more variety.
Practice Makes Perfect!
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Drawing lips takes practice, but with this simple method, you can improve quickly. Try drawing different lip shapes and sizes to develop your own style.