How to Draw a Realistic Eye: 14 Steps (with Pictures) - wikiHow (2024)

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  • Drawing People
  • Drawing Eyes

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methods

1Draw Using Buildup of Tones

2Draw Using Layered Shading and Blending

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Article Summary

Reviewed byMark Weiser

Last Updated: August 6, 2024

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Do you have trouble when trying to draw a realistic eye? It is important in any drawing of a person that you want to look realistic that they have realistic looking eyes. This wikiHow will help you draw a realistic eye if you are having trouble.

Method 1

Method 1 of 2:

Draw Using Buildup of Tones

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  1. 1

    Draw the shape of the eye.

  2. 2

    Draw the details for the pupils, iris and eyebrows.

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  3. 3

    Draw the details for the eyelashes, pupil highlights, iris and eyebrows.

  4. 4

    Apply light shading over the drawing to simulate light shadows.

  5. 5

    Complete the drawing by using a darker shade to fill areas with darker shadows.

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Method 2

Method 2 of 2:

Draw Using Layered Shading and Blending

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  1. 1

    Draw the shape of the eye. Use magazines of photographs as guides for drawing different types of eyes. This isstepone.

  2. 2

    Draw the Pupil and the Iris.

  3. 3

    Draw in the additional details.

  4. 4

    Use a darker shade to draw over the artwork.

  5. 5

    Apply a light gray tone or shade over the eye

  6. 6

    Apply a slightly darker shade for light shadowed areas.

  7. 7

    Apply a darker shade of gray for darker areas or you could try to shade in to the little details.

  8. 8

    Apply the darkest gray for areas with very dark shadows (but not black).

  9. 9

    Blend the edges of each layer of gray to simulate a realistic eye using shades of gray.

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  • Question

    How can I draw an eye that shows kindness?

    How to Draw a Realistic Eye: 14 Steps (with Pictures) - wikiHow (19)

    Community Answer

    Large eyes with large pupils tend to look soft and kind. Changing the shape of the eyebrows also changes the expression of the eyes.

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  • Question

    How do I draw youthful eyes?

    How to Draw a Realistic Eye: 14 Steps (with Pictures) - wikiHow (20)

    Community Answer

    Draw the eyes bigger, more expressive, and vibrant. Consider adding more shine/highlights to them, and making them rounder. Eyebrows are important as well; use them to your advantage.

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    Thank you for your feedback.
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  • Question

    How do I draw two eyes evenly?

    How to Draw a Realistic Eye: 14 Steps (with Pictures) - wikiHow (21)

    Community Answer

    Draw both eyes step by step together. For example, if you draw a part on one eye, do the same step afterwards on the other eye.

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    Thank you for your feedback.
    If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission.Support wikiHow

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      Tips

      • Don't go crazy with the eyelashes, as this can result in a weird looking eye.

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      • Remember not all people are artists, but everyone can work up to it if they try.

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      • Draw thicker, darker, eyelashes for girls.

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      Tips from our Readers How to Draw a Realistic Eye: 14 Steps (with Pictures) - wikiHow (22)

      The advice in this section is based on the lived experiences of wikiHow readers like you. If you have a helpful tip you’d like to share on wikiHow, please submit it in the field below.

      • Making some mistakes is very normal when picking up new skills. Instead of getting frustrated, focus on the improvement you're making and keep a positive outlook. With this mindset, you'll get great results over time.
      • Remember to take your time when going through the steps. Read carefully and feel free to check out other tutorials if you need more guidance. Keep at it through any early struggles — you'll get better with practice.
      • If drawing is new to you, begin with basic methods using simpler subjects first. Building core skills gradually will set you up for tougher challenges later, like nailing realistic eyes.
      • Start by drawing the eye you find easier. Observe closely before lightly sketching the other eye. Once roughed out, you can refine the details as you darken the lines.
      • Your main goal should be developing your own style. Don't stress if your drawings don't perfectly match the examples. Be proud of your unique art.

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      About This Article

      How to Draw a Realistic Eye: 14 Steps (with Pictures) - wikiHow (26)

      Reviewed by:

      Mark Weiser

      Artist

      This article was reviewed by Mark Weiser. Mark Weiser is an Artist and Gallery Manager for DKW Art Gallery based in Marion, Iowa. He and his wife Deb manage the gallery, which boasts a variety of art, including paintings, ceramics, and photography. The gallery also provides art classes for the community, hosts shows, and runs events that build awareness of regional artists of all ages. Mark has also owned and operated art galleries in Florida and Georgia. He creates carved slate and wood pieces inspired by Irish and Celtic art, featuring the Gaelic language done in the ancient Ogham alphabet. Some of Mark's previous clients include CNN, Pinnacle Bank, and Collins Aerospace. He received a BS in Business Administration with minors in Education and Psychology from Emporia State University. This article has been viewed 741,830 times.

      3 votes - 80%

      Co-authors: 63

      Updated: August 6, 2024

      Views:741,830

      Categories: Drawing Eyes

      Article SummaryX

      To draw a realistic eye, start by drawing the oval-shaped outline. Next, draw a circle inside the eye with a smaller circle in its center for the iris and pupil. Shade most of the center circle in to make it black, but leave a tiny patch white to show light reflecting in the pupil. Then, draw an arch directly above the eye for the eyebrow. Use thicker lines to add the details of the eyelashes, eyebrow hairs, and pupil. To make it even more realistic, apply some light shading to simulate shadows. Then, use a darker shade to add another layer of shadow to the eye. For more tips, including how to draw light reflecting in the eye, read on!

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