How to Sketch Eyes & Eyelashes

Shape is especially important when sketching an eye.

Eyes are amongst the most interesting things to draw. Simple changes made to the shape of the eye can be used to convey emotion or age. By default, most people will start drawing eyes by drawing their own unknowingly. Looking into a mirror can be helpful if you are trying to capture a certain look in your sketch. The eyelashes can make or break the drawing because they often come out looking cartoon-like. If you concentrate and don't rush through it, your finished product will look great.

Things You'll Need

• Pencil
• Piece of paper
• Eraser

Instructions

1. Use a pencil to sketch the general outline of the eyes on a piece of paper. Sketching involves using lots of smaller lines combined rather than a simple, single line. The eyes should have the length of another eye in between them, with the inside corners slightly rounded. Add a very thin line on the inside of the eyes' lower edges.

2. Add a small, curved line above the eye outline to create the eyelid. The eyelid needs to follow the general shape of the eye itself. For example, if the eye outline is long and thin, then the eyelid wouldn't be as big or soft as it would for a larger, round eye outline. Repeat for the other eye.

3. Gently sketch the inside circle of the eye, or the iris. Usually the iris will have a complete circular bottom and be cut off by the top edge of the eye. Add a small, black circle on the inside of the eye for the pupil. Use the side of your pencil to shade the iris according to your preferences--use very light strokes for light eyes and heavier, bolder strokes for dark eyes.

4. Draw the eyelashes one at a time, in small clumps over the bottom and top edges of the eye. Don't make the eyelashes too long, as it will come off as unrealistic and over the top. Create the eyelash by pressing the tip of your pencil on the outline of the eye and wisping it away in one quick movement. Frame the eye with eyelashes, especially in the outer corners.

5. Use an eraser to correct any mistakes and remove stray lines from the sketch.

References

• Drawing Factory: How to draw eyes
• Sketch: Eyes and eyelashes

Resources

• Snippets: Suggestions on how to draw eyes