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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.
Steps
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Draw the shape of the eye. -
Draw the details for the pupils, iris and eyebrows.Advertisement -
Draw the details for the eyelashes, pupil highlights, iris and eyebrows. -
Apply light shading over the drawing to simulate light shadows. -
Complete the drawing by using a darker shade to fill areas with darker shadows.
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Draw the shape of the eye. Use magazines of photographs as guides for drawing different types of eyes. This is step one. -
Draw the Pupil and the Iris. -
Draw in the additional details. -
Use a darker shade to draw over the artwork. -
Apply a light gray tone or shade over the eye -
Apply a slightly darker shade for light shadowed areas. -
Apply a darker shade of gray for darker areas or you could try to shade in to the little details. -
Apply the darkest gray for areas with very dark shadows (but not black). -
Blend the edges of each layer of gray to simulate a realistic eye using shades of gray.
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Community Q&A
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QuestionHow can I draw an eye that shows kindness?Community AnswerLarge 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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QuestionHow do I draw youthful eyes?Community AnswerDraw 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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QuestionHow do I draw two eyes evenly?Community AnswerDraw 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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Tips
- Don't go crazy with the eyelashes, as this can result in a weird looking eye.Thanks
- Remember not all people are artists, but everyone can work up to it if they try.Thanks
- Draw thicker, darker, eyelashes for girls.Thanks
Tips from our Readers
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
Article Summary
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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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Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 742,269 times.
Reader Success Stories
- "The article contains step-by-step instructions which were short and effective. In every step, the new part of the drawing is clear and not at all confusing. The importance is given to drawing technique. For beginners very helpful." ..." more
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"The article contains step-by-step instructions which were short and effective. In every step, the new part of the drawing is clear and not at all confusing. The importance is given to drawing technique. For beginners very helpful."
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"The first step was honestly the most helpful. I've always had trouble getting the right shape for eyes and I've finally been able to get it how I like it. It was also helpful to see what parts of the eye were meant to be shaded."
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"I have watched many videos of realistic drawings. I thought I could never be as good as that. I went through tutorials just to try, and this one helped the most. Thanks, wikiHow!"
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"It helped me to see each step. It was hard for me, but by looking at the eye, I got a easier idea of how to draw it. The pictures stood out most."
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"Express the eyes with the size of the pupil and shape of the eye, e.g. rounder eye shape and larger pupil. Looks like a kind, softer expression."
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