Toothy smile – art journal drawing

Art journal portrait drawing

I’ve been drawing more smiling people in my art journals lately. It’s because I’ve been using the site This Person Doesn’t Exist for my reference photos. Most of the photos that have been coming up for me have big toothy smiles. Like many artists, I don’t especially like drawing or painting teeth.

A wise man gave me advice years ago that I want to pass along to you. He said to paint (or draw) teeth as a whole, as a shape, and not focus on individual teeth. I think about what he said every time I draw or paint a toothy smile, and he was definitely right. It does make it easier. Not as easy as choosing a non-smiling reference photo (imo), but it’s good to try new things.

If you want some new drawing ideas for your art journal or sketch book, check out these FIVE MINUTE DRAWING EXERCISES from Jackson’s Art.

icy window taken January 2022

This will be my last blog post for this year. I hope to see you in 2023. Happy winter solstice & holidays. May the new year bring you happiness, freedom from suffering, and peace within.

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See my artwork in a new movie – The Whale starring Brendan Fraser, which was released on December 9th, 2022.

If you haven’t checked out my eBay store in a while, you should. Some artwork I have marked down to only $10 or $15, and auctions starting at only 99 cents. I also sell on Etsy.

As always, if you want to say hello or have any questions you can write me here. I love getting email, and hearing from you.

Other places to find me online.

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