By One of our readers has commented all through the alphabet book entries for Carrie. When she mentioned trying to draw eyes herself, and having questionable luck at it, I offered to give a few pointers. She accepted, so this is for Tiffany. Here are a few ideas on drawing eyes, human or otherwise!
The first thing you should remember is that an eye is a sphere. So whatever you draw, no matter the angle, remember what isn't drawn is important as well. In my drawing, I used a dotted line for the whole eyeball. For the iris and pupil, I used a solid line, but of course you don't see the whole iris and pupil unless you open your eyes really wide.
Next, remember that the eye sits inside bones, has an eyebrow and is under the brow. Also, the nose is on one side and the temple on the other for both eyes. Also, the eyes are about half way down when drawing and placing them in the head. Placement is very important. Draw what you see, not what you think something should look like.
When actually drawing the lids and eyes, keep in mind eyes are wet, moist. They will reflect light, so when you put in a highlight, it will be from a light source. Important to remember. In drawing eyes, they are round, so use strokes that show roundness. Don't draw a dish, draw a ball, in other words.
I haven't said anything about the eyelids, but as you look at mine, you will see that they don't look very substantial. I wasn't thinking too much of them, but you should. Just know that the top lid actually has some thickness to it, and a crease. So I should have put some thought into more shadow work for the eyelids, around the eye and by the nose. The beginning is there, but that is all.
There is so much more... When doing animals or people, even if one eye is in shadow, put in all its parts. You won't be sorry. It makes your drawing so much more believable. And birds' eyes, all eyes, need a highlight, fish included. It is like the spark of life. Don't put it right in the middle. It will look like a catarac. Hope this helps, Tiff. There are really good basic books out there, even at Hobby Lobby! The end.
Haven't been paying attention to anyone's blogs (always used to sit at the back. tut...).
Think this a great idea.
Love to know how to draw. The last art lesson I had we were on eye's. Noses are half way down. Good stuff Michele.... MORE MORE.....
Or was it the nose that was half way down?
Lots of love
x x x
Oh my goodness! The eye is a sphere!! Of course it is, but I never really thought about that when drawing eyes. Why hadn't I thought about that? Fortunately, I would draw exactly what I saw, so it would come out mostly okay, but nothing on the order of your talent. I really appreciate you sharing your insight and knowledge with us. I know that the next time I draw a face it will look much more realistic since I will draw what ISN'T seen as well as seen for reference. That was brilliant - thanks, Michele!