MyLeoNes™

Faces can show feelings — Art, 4–6

In drawing and drama, a small change in a face can tell us something about a character. Eyes, eyebrows and mouths work together to give clues.

Faces give clues

A face can help us guess what a character might be feeling. Raised eyebrows can look surprised, a downturned mouth can look sad, and a wide smile can look pleased. We read the whole face together, not just one part.

Why use facial expressions?

A picture or a performance cannot always use words to explain a character. A face gives the audience a quick clue about what is happening inside. Actors and artists use this because viewers can understand a look even before anyone speaks.

Draw three different looks

Draw three oval faces with the same eyes and nose. On face one, lift the eyebrows and open the mouth: surprised. On face two, tilt the eyebrows and turn the mouth down: sad. On face three, lower the eyebrows and press the lips together: cross or worried.

One look can mean more than one thing

You may think every smile means that a character is happy. That is reasonable because smiles often show pleasure. But a character might smile because they are nervous, being polite or hiding a feeling, so use the story and the rest of the face as clues.

Faces in art and life

Illustrators use faces to help you follow a story, and performers use them when words are too far away to hear. You can try a clear expression in a silent game or add one to a drawing. Then ask what clues another person noticed, because people may read a look differently.

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