How to Draw Eyes

Eyes are arguably the most important part of the face, the key to facial expressions which reveal emotions and tell a story. It can take a lot of practice and patience to draw eyes that look realistic and give life to a character.

Things You'll Need

• Paper
• Pencil or pen

Instructions

Learn How to Draw Eyes

1. Study pictures of eyes to get a better understanding of how eyes are shaped before you attempt to draw them.

2. Look at real life eyes to see all of the details of eyes and how they look as they move. Pay attention to the lines and wrinkles around the eyes and how the eyelids look when they open and close.

3. Focus on the hairs that grow out of the eyelids and around the eyes on the eyebrows. Eyelashes and eyebrows are important details that can make your eyes look more realistic as you draw them.

4. Mark the face you are drawing with lines to help you place eyes in the correct place before you begin to draw them. Placement lines ensure the eyes you draw are centered and proportional with the rest of the facial features you will draw.

5. Begin by drawing a very light sketch of the eyes. Do not focus on details. Concentrate on the basic oval or round shape and definition of the eyes.

6. Draw the shape of the eyes with the inner corners lower than the outer corners.

7. Place the pupils of the eyes to reflect which direction the eyes are looking.

8. Think about how the eyes are three dimensional objects that are not perfectly round. Keep in mind that the eyes are really orbs inside of an open socket.

Research Drawing Techniques

1. Get tips on how to draw lifelike eyes in the book "Secrets to Drawing Realistic Faces" by Carrie Stuart Parks available at Amazon (see Resources below).

2. Learn how to draw the eyes of cartoon characters and caricature portraits in the book "Face Off: How to Draw Amazing Caricatures & Comic Portraits" by Harry Hamernick available at Amazon (see Resources below).

Tips & Warnings

• Experiment with different techniques to draw eyes. Although there are many guidebooks and traditional ways to execute an eye drawing, you can work to find a style all your own.

Resources

• Go to Amazon for drawing books