Drawing Realistic Eyes: Guide to Eye Anatomy

Written by Daisie Team

Published on 10 July 2023 6 min read

When it comes to drawing realistic eyes, a solid understanding of the eye anatomy is your best friend. In this blog, we'll walk through the key features of the eye anatomy for drawing and provide a step-by-step guide to creating realistic eye drawings. You’ll find that the eye is not just a mere circle with a dot in the center, but a complex structure with several elements that contribute to its unique appearance. So, let's dive right in!

1. Get to Know the Eye Structure

First things first, let's familiarize ourselves with the basic structure of the eye. This will lay the foundation for your drawing and help you understand where each feature should go and how it contributes to the overall look of the eye.

Iris and Pupil

The iris is the colorful part of the eye that surrounds the pupil. It's like a personal rainbow for each individual, varying in colors from brown, blue, green, to even hazel. It's responsible for controlling the diameter and size of the pupil — the black dot in the center of the eye. When drawing, pay attention to the variations in the iris color and the size of the pupil, as these details can significantly affect the realism of your drawing.

Eyelids and Lashes

Eyelids and lashes are more than just protective covers for our eyes. In terms of eye anatomy for drawing, they add depth and character to the eyes. The upper eyelid usually covers a small part of the iris and casts a shadow on the eye, while the lower eyelid adds a sense of roundness to the eyeball. The lashes, on the other hand, are not just straight lines shooting out from the lids. They have a specific direction and curve that adds a charming touch of reality to your eye drawing.

Sclera

The sclera, commonly known as the 'white of the eye', is the smooth, white outer layer that surrounds the iris. It's not completely white, though. Depending on the light, it might have different shades and shadows that you should consider to make your eye drawing more realistic. Plus, since it's visible around all but the top of the iris, understanding its shape and how it interacts with the other parts of the eye is key to mastering eye anatomy for drawing.

2. Pick the Right Drawing Tools

Now that you have a grasp on the basic eye anatomy, let's move on to the tools of the trade. The right tools can make your drawing process smoother and your end result more polished.

Graphite Pencils

Graphite pencils are a staple in any artist's toolkit. They come in a range of hardness levels, from 9H (hardest) to 9B (softest). For drawing eyes, you'll probably find yourself using a variety of hardness levels. Hard pencils are great for sketching the initial shape and soft pencils are perfect for adding shadows and details. Remember, it's all about creating depth and contrast.

Charcoal Pencils

Want to add more depth to your drawing? Charcoal pencils might be just what you need. They're great for creating rich blacks and a wide range of tones. The deep, intense black of a charcoal pencil can help you achieve the darks of the pupil and the shadows cast by the eyelids. But be careful — charcoal can be a bit messy!

Blending Tools

Blending is an important part of drawing realistic eyes. It can help you create smooth transitions between different tones and shades, which is particularly important when drawing the iris and the sclera. There are several tools you can use for blending, such as a blending stump, a cotton swab, or even your finger. Choose the one you feel most comfortable with and start blending away!

3. Start with a Basic Sketch

With your tools in hand, it's time to put pencil to paper. But before you dive into the deep end, let's start with a basic sketch. It’s a lot like making a blueprint before constructing a building—you wouldn’t skip that step, would you?

Shape of the Eye

The eye isn't just a perfect circle or a simple oval. It's actually a bit like an almond. Start by lightly sketching this almond shape. Keep your lines loose and light—this is just your guideline and you'll refine it as you go along. Paying attention to the shape is the first step in nailing down eye anatomy for drawing.

Placement of Features

Next, you'll want to outline the main features of the eye: the iris, pupil, and eyelids. The iris is typically a circle in the middle of the eye. The pupil is another, smaller circle within the iris. The eyelids, on the other hand, follow the curve of the top and bottom of the almond shape. Getting the placement right is key to a realistic drawing.

Symmetry

Keep in mind that eyes are symmetrical. The top and bottom eyelids mirror each other, and the iris and pupil are centered in the eye. This symmetry plays a big role in the overall look of the eye, so take the time to get it right. But remember—no one's perfect, and a little asymmetry can make your drawing feel more natural and lifelike.

4. Add Details and Shading

Now that you've laid out the basic structure, it's time to dive into the details. This is where you'll really start to see your drawing come to life. Remember, the devil is in the details—especially when it comes to eye anatomy for drawing.

Shading the Iris

Let's start with the iris. It's not just a flat color—it has texture and depth. Use your drawing tools to add some shading. Remember, the top of the iris is usually darker because of the shadow from the upper eyelid. The color also tends to be denser around the edges compared to the center. A realistic iris can really make your drawing pop!

Highlighting the Pupil

The pupil is the darkest part of the eye, but it also has a little spark. This is called a highlight, and it's what gives the eye its shiny, glassy look. To create this effect, leave a small area of the pupil unshaded. This will be your highlight. It's a small detail, but it can make a big difference!

Eyelids and Lashes

Lastly, don't forget the eyelids and lashes. The eyelids have a slight thickness to them, and they cast a small shadow on the eye. And then there are the lashes—long and curved on the top, short and straight on the bottom. They may seem like minor details, but they contribute a lot to the overall realism of your drawing.

5. Polish Your Drawing

After you've added all the details, it's time to step back and take a look at your drawing as a whole. This is your chance to add some final touches and make any necessary corrections. It's like adding a cherry on top of a sundae—it's a small step, but it can make your drawing look complete and professional.

Add Depth and Texture

One way to polish your drawing is by adding depth and texture. For example, you might want to darken the shadows or add some more highlights. You can also add texture to the iris and the skin around the eye. Remember, every eye is unique. So, don't be afraid to add some personal touches!

Correct Any Errors

Finally, don't forget to check your drawing for any mistakes. Maybe the shape of the eye isn't quite right, or the pupil is too big or too small. It's easy to overlook these things when you're focusing on the details. So, take a moment to look at your drawing from a distance. You might be surprised by what you see. After all, nobody gets it right the first time, and that's perfectly okay. What's important is that you learn and improve. And who knows? You might just become the next Leonardo da Vinci!

If you've enjoyed learning about drawing realistic eyes and want to take your skills even further, don't miss the workshop 'Painting 101: How To Paint The Human Eye' by David Shepherd. This workshop will guide you through the process of painting the human eye, helping you master the art of capturing its beauty and depth.