Portrait Sketch

Portrait Sketch

Guidelines for Pencil Portrait Sketching - Muscles That Make the Smile

A smile is the result of happiness. It lifts and extends the bottom of the face and the raised cheeks will often crease the skin just below the eyes resulting in the so-called "crow's feet".

To recognize the makings of a smile in its numerous manifestations we must first recognize the underlying anatomy.

Below we list the 3 essential muscles that contribute to a smile:

* The Zygomaticus Major - is the main "muscle of happiness". This elongated muscle starts at the frontal area of the Zygomatic Arch (cheek bone) and inserts into the node.

When the zygomaticus major contracts it bulges and lifts the cheek while further extending the Nasolabial Furrow or smile-line.

* The Malaris - lies on top of the zygomaticus major and is a long, ribbon-like deep-seated muscle. It starts at the temple and inserts into and forms the bottom part of the nasolabial furrow.

The malaris is the cheek muscle. It draws up the cheek in an outwards and back direction making it swell and giving it the puffed cheek look.

* The Buccinator - quadrilateral muscle forms the "cheek pad". It starts on the back, inside of the jaw and inserts into the "nodes" of the mouth.

When smiling the buccinator contracts thus pulling at the nodes and extend the mouth.

As the mouth is extended and pulled by both the zygomaticus major and buccinator the lips are stretched and flattened. So is the chin. The philtrum is shortened and the nostrils flare somewhat.

Below are still other minor muscles that contribute to the smile:

1. The Risorius - is a strange muscle because not everyone has one. Some people only have a risorius on one side of their face. Other people have a large, extensive triangular shaped one.

The Risorius starts in the fatty tissue of the Masseter (whose action is made use of largely for chewing) and inserts into the node of the mouth.

The risorius subtly draws the node backwards and up. Its effect is generally noticed in gentle smiles.

2. Incisivus Labii Superioris and Inferioris Superioris - The superioris does the heaving. These narrow, band-like muscles start just above the incisor tooth region and also insert into the node.

When fully shrunk, a puckering up of the lips (a kiss) is produced.

3. The Levator Labii Superioris is a narrow, quadrilateral muscle whose effect on the smile is somewhat limited.

However, the higher part of this muscle contributes to the volume of the cheek and the nasolabial furrow.

Over the 3 essential muscles goes the most complex of all the facial muscles, the Orbicularis Oris which operates throughout a large range of movements and expressions.

During a smile the bottom eyelids are also pressed upwards. This is a consequence of a secondary action where the Orbicularis Oculi (the muscle of the eye socket) contracts.

The nasolabial furrow is deepened as it is simultaneously pulled and pressed upwards and outwards. It is best to understate the sharp fold of the nasolabial furrow otherwise the smile will degenerate into a scowl.

As the node of the mouth is pulled out and upwards the skin is gathered into delicate vertical ridges.

The interstice of the mouth curves upwards, stretching and flattening the lips while reducing the philtrum. The nostrils of the nose also extend as they are pulled outwards.

The top portion of the nasolabial furrow is created by a slender, three-part muscle called the Levator Labii Superioris Alaeque Nasi. This is the muscle that produces wrinkles in the nose during sniffing.

The parts of this muscle are the furrow part which inserts into the top part of the nasolabial furrow; the alar part which attaches under and behind the wing of the nose (Alae Nasi); and the lip part which inserts continuously into the ridge just above the top lip and to the philtrum.

When sketching the nasolabial furrow be careful not to over-do it. A subtle suggestion is all that is needed. Otherwise your lovely smile will quickly degenerate into a scowl.

With this we have detailed and discussed the most significant muscles that are involved in the smile. This should put you on the accurate path for appreciating the anatomy of the smile.

About the Author

Download my brand new Complementary Pencil Portrait Sketching Tutorial here: Remi's Free Pencil Portrait Drawing Course. Remi Engels is a practicing pencil portrait draftsman and oil painter and practiced drawing instructor. See his work at Pencil Portraits by Remi: http://www.remipencilportraits.com

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