A Smile That Says Too Much
“Floss Every Day” started with a wide, exaggerated smile—teeth stretched across the entire face, forming a kind of landscape instead of just a feature. When a single element takes up that much space, it stops being just a detail and becomes the subject itself.
The eyes sit above, large and reflective, adding a sense of curiosity that contrasts with the intensity of the mouth. They feel almost calm, which makes the rest of the drawing more interesting.
The structure is familiar. Eyes, nose, teeth.
But inside that structure, things begin to shift.
Between the teeth, smaller shapes appear—layered forms, unexpected details, elements that don’t fully reveal themselves right away. What looks like a simple grin becomes something more complex the longer you spend with it.
The repetition of the teeth creates rhythm, but the variation keeps it from feeling mechanical. Some are larger, some slightly uneven, and that inconsistency adds life.
Color pushes the piece even further. Bright yellows and greens bring energy to the surface, while softer pinks and muted tones create contrast within the features. The cooler greens in the upper shapes connect the composition, guiding your eye across the face.
Watercolor holds everything together. The edges soften, the colors settle, and the drawing feels less rigid despite the bold shapes. It keeps the piece approachable, even as it becomes more layered.
A lot of art tells you exactly what to think.
This one gives you space to decide.
Draw With Me
I teach live online drawing classes where kids build confidence by creating bold, imaginative characters like this one.
Parents can explore classes and get started here (includes a first-time student coupon):
https://outschool.com/teachers/Dustin-Carlton?signup=true&usid=qA1G7fA1
For students who want consistent practice, the Draw Every Day Daily Drawing Club offers a calm and supportive space to keep creating:
https://outschool.com/classes/draw-every-day-a-calm-daily-drawing-club-to-build-confidence-prNDyUXM

