How To Draw Glossy Lips Digital

DIGITAL ART TUTORIAL - How to paint lips in 9 easy steps

In this digital art tutorial I'll be showing you how to paint lips with digital painting software and (preferably) a drawing tablet. This is the end result we're aiming for in this tutorial

STEP 1 - Draw the basic shape of the lips

A common mistake is to focus on the outline of the lips, drawing a hard outer line. It is best to focus on the line/shadow between the lips, this is what defines the shape of the lips. Unless a lip pencil or a dark shade of lipstick is used, you don't see a clear line around the lips.

STEP 2 - Paint a base tone

Paint a base tone for the lips, if the light is coming from above (which is usually the case), the upper lip will be darker than the lower lip.

STEP 3 - Basic shading

Define the lips more by adding shadow. Be sure to use proper reference (photos or a mirror) to better understand the subject and lighting.

STEP 4 - Refine lines and add highlights

Start adding highlights and refine the line between and on the lips.

STEP 5 - Add color variation

Use a layer set to Overlay to add more color variation. I mostly add oranges and reds, you can adjust by lowering the opacity of the layer and make the effect more subtle.

STEP 6 - Add brighter highlights

By adding bright highlights you can make the lips appear more glossy and moist.

STEP 7 - Blending colors

Using a soft brush set to a low opacity you can blend the colors for a smoother look, especially around the lips. Blend by picking up colors and glazing them over nearby colors, keep picking up and glazing till the colors are nicely blended.

STEP 8 - Add more definition

Using a harder brush (I usually use a simple round brush with slightly ragged edges) start defining the details more.

STEP 9 - Final details

Have fun adding the final details! I used an Overlay layer to adjust the colors a bit and give the lips a touch of pink/red. Continue detailing till you're satisfied.

If you have any questions about the techniques I use, be sure to let me know!

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