Drawing eyes is a fundamental skill for every artist, but it can be challenging for beginners. Drawing an eye involves understanding its shape, structure, and the interplay of light and shadow on the surface. In this article, we will guide you step by step to help you improve your eye reference drawing skills as a beginner.
Supplies you’ll need
Before starting your eye reference drawing, you will need to have the following supplies ready:
- A pencil
- Eraser
- Sketchbook or paper
- Blending Tool
Step by Step Guide
Step 1: Basic shapes
Begin by outlining the basic shape of the eye. Draw a circle for the iris (colored part), and an almond shape around it for the shape of the actual eye.
Step 2: Adding eyeball details
Add a small circle within the iris for the pupil. Draw two curved lines for the eyelids and a line for the crease.
Step 3: Creating depth
To create depth, darken the pupil and add shadows around it. Use a blending tool to blend these shadows.
Step 4: Adding shading
Add shading to the eyelids and the crease. This will give your eye drawing a more realistic look. Use shading to simulate the light source and add shadows to the eye.
Step 5: Include eyebrows and eyelashes
Draw the eyebrows and lashes carefully, as these are important features that will complement your eye-drawing.
Step 6: Adding details
Outline the details around the eye like veins, wrinkles, and freckles.
Step 7: The final touch
Clean up everything using an eraser, then add final touches to the iris, and re-shade using a blending tool.
Drawing Techniques
- Use a light hand to draw the basic shapes and details.
- Focus on one eye at a time to avoid becoming overwhelmed.
- Draw both eyes similar in shape and size so that they look symmetrical
- Get critique and feedback on your work from other artists to get better
- Use reference photos or a mirror to help you understand the shape and proportion of the eye.
FAQs
Q: How do I choose the right pencil for my eye reference drawing?
A: A regular pencil will do for the basic design, just make sure it’s HB or 2B, and it should be sharp for precise drawing.
Q: What are common mistakes beginners make when drawing eyes?
A: Common mistakes include drawing eyes too large or too small, misaligning the eyes, or spending too much time on one eye and neglecting the other.
Q: How do I make my drawing look more realistic?
A: Add shading, erase harsh lines carefully, and take your time drawing the details.
Q: Can I use a reference photo to help me draw an eye?
A: Yes, using a reference photo can be helpful, as it provides insight into the details.
Q: Do I need to draw eyelashes on both the upper and lower lids?
A: Yes, draw the eyelashes on both lids to make your eye appear more realistic.
Q: Do I need to use colors when drawing eyes?
A: No, shades of gray or black and white are sufficient for shading and creating a three-dimensional look to the eye.
Conclusion
Drawing an eye takes time, patience, and a lot of practice. But with the tips and tricks we’ve provided and a little perseverance, creating a realistic and striking eye is possible! Remember, this is not just about the outline, but its structure, depth, and shading. Keep practicing and enjoy the journey!