Approaching the mouth

(C) 2018 Dale DiMauro

Painting the mouth is a challenge. Even drawing the mouth can make one hesitant.
One of the questions an artist is confronted with is whether they want to draw attention to the mouth. However, much of our expression is communicated through the area of the mouth. 

In the past I have been advised to keep the mouth simple by including a few of the more prominent teeth and playing up the dark corners which are usually in the shadows and reflect the dental arch.

This painting was toned with a mint green wash before I started the face, reflecting the leafy green canopy cast over the figure. This picture to date has been done in one sitting. Without the mouth completed it probably looks a bit cartoonish. In the process of finishing the face I think it will be best to slightly correct the angle of the mouth. What do you think? 

For the past two weeks I have been reading this book, LEONARDO DA VINCI by Walter Isaacson, which has changed how I view the human face. Since I have not finished the book I do not want to comment on any juicy revelations as there may be significant developments unearthed, yet.