Tips On Pencil Portrait Sketching - Muscles That Create The Smile

A smile is the consequence of happiness. It lifts and broadens the lower face and the raised cheeks will often crease the flesh just below the eyes creating the so-called "crow’s feet".

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

Below we list the three major muscles that contribute to a smile:

* The Zygomaticus Major - is the main "muscle of happiness". This elongated muscle originates at the front area of the Zygomatic Arch (cheek bone) and attaches to the corner.

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

* The Malaris - lies on top of the zygomaticus major and is a extended, ribbon-like deep-seated muscle. It originates at the temple and attaches to and forms the lower half of the nasolabial furrow.

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

* The Buccinator - quadrilateral muscle forms the "cheek cushion". It originates on the rear, inside of the jaw and attaches to the "corners" of the mouth.

When smiling the buccinator contracts thus drawing at the corners and broaden the mouth.

As the mouth is broadened and heaved by both the zygomaticus major and buccinator the lips are stretched and flattened. So is the chin. The philtrum is reduced and the nostrils flare a bit.

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

1. The Risorius - is a curious muscle because not everybody has one. Some people only have a risorius on one side of their face. Others have a large, expansive triangular shaped one.

The Risorius originates in the fatty tissue of the Masseter (whose action is made use of largely for chewing) and attaches to the corner of the mouth.

The risorius delicately pulls the corner backwards and up. Its effect is generally seen in gentle smiles.

2. Incisivus Labii Superioris and Inferioris Superioris - The superioris does the lifting. These narrow, band-like muscles originate just above the incisor tooth region and also attach to the corner.

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

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

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

Over the three major 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 lower eyelids are also pushed 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 heaved and pushed upwards and outward. It is best to understate the sharp fold of the nasolabial furrow otherwise the smile will degenerate into a grimace.

As the corner of the mouth is heaved out and upwards the flesh is gathered into delicate vertical ridges.

The interstice of the mouth curves upwards, expanding and flattening the lips while shortening the philtrum. The nostrils of the nose also broaden as they are heaved outwards.

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

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

When drawing 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 sneer.

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

By: Roberto Bell

Article Directory: http://www.articledashboard.com

Download my brand new No Cost Pencil Portrait Sketching Tutorial here: www.remipencilportraits.com/PPDT/pencil-portrait-tutorial.html target="_blank">Pencil Portrait Sketching Tutorial. Remi Engels is a practicing pencil portrait artist and oil painter and practiced drawing instructor. See his work at Pencil Portraits by Remi: www.remipencilportraits.com Visit Information on Pencil Portrait Sketching - Muscular Forms That Build the Smile.