How to Draw a Realistic Eye

Last Updated: November 23, 2021

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

1
Draw the shape of the eye.
2
Draw the details for the pupils, iris and eyebrows.

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3
Draw the details for the eyelashes, pupil highlights, iris and eyebrows.
4
Apply light shading over the drawing to simulate light shadows.
5
Complete the drawing by using a darker shade to fill areas with darker shadows.

Method 2

Method 2 of 2:

Draw Using Layered Shading and Blending

1
Draw the shape of the eye. Use magazines of photographs as guides for drawing different types of eyes. This is step one.
2
Draw the Pupil and the Iris.
3
Draw in the additional details.
4
Use a darker shade to draw over the artwork.
5
Apply a light gray tone or shade over the eye
6
Apply a slightly darker shade for light shadowed areas.
7
Apply a darker shade of gray for darker areas or you could try to shade in to the little details.
8
Apply the darkest gray for areas with very dark shadows (but not black).
9
Blend the edges of each layer of gray to simulate a realistic eye using shades of gray.

Community Q&A

Question

How can I draw an eye that shows kindness?

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.
Question

How do I draw youthful eyes?

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.
Question

How do I draw two eyes evenly?

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.