They say that eyes are the window to the soul, but if you’re a beginner artist, they’re more like a window to frustration. You’re sitting there, pencil in hand, trying to make a drawing pop, and instead, you end up with something that looks like a cross between a Simpsons character and a fish.
But we’ve all been there, and there’s really no reason to be discouraged. This post will tackle the most common mistakes beginners make when drawing eyes, and with a little guidance and more than a little practice, you’ll be creating mesmerizing gazes in no time.
1. Forgetting the Anatomy
Eyes aren’t just floating ovals slapped onto a face. They’re complex structures with lids, tear ducts, and all sorts of details that give them their expressive power. That’s why you have to study up on the anatomy of the eye first. Without that knowledge, you may be able to draw something that resembles an eye, but you’ll never quite get there.
Spend some time studying where the cornea, iris, and sclera fit into the puzzle. Notice how the upper eyelid overlaps the iris slightly and how the lower lid curves beneath it. Don’t forget the tear duct in the inner corner — it’s a small touch, but it adds a lot.
The best way to get started is by grabbing an anatomy book or simply looking up an eyes drawing guide online. Study reference photos and sketch different angles until you’re comfortable with your eye’s structure.
2. Drawing Both Eyes Identically
Butterfly wings may be perfectly symmetrical, but human faces? Not so much. Beginners often draw two eyes that look like copy-paste jobs, resulting in a face that’s uncanny at best and creepy at worst.
The truth is, no two eyes are perfectly identical, even on the same person. One might sit slightly higher, or the shape might differ subtly. Paying attention to these differences can make your drawing look more natural.
Observe your subject carefully. If you’re working from imagination, add slight variations to each eye. Rotate your canvas or use a mirror to spot symmetry issues.
3. Misplacing the Iris and Pupil
We’ve all seen it: eyes with irises that look like they’re staring off into space, or worse, eyes that look cross-eyed. Placement is everything when it comes to making your eyes look believable.
The iris should be partially covered by the upper lid in most natural expressions. If you draw the entire iris, your subject might look shocked or unnaturally alert. Similarly, the pupils should be centered within the iris unless you’re drawing someone looking to the side.
Study photos of eyes in different positions and practice drawing them. Use light guidelines to map out where the iris and pupil should sit.
4. Overly Dark Outlines
A beginner’s instinct is often to outline everything boldly. While that works for cartoons, it’s not ideal for realistic eye drawings. Outlining the iris, eyelids, or lashes too heavily can make your drawing look harsh and unnatural.
In reality, edges are soft and blend into surrounding areas. Even the iris has a subtle transition rather than a hard outline. Use lighter, softer lines for outlines and build up darker values gradually with shading.
5. Neglecting Reflections and Shadows
Reflections can add realism and dimension. The eye is slightly wet, so it reflects its environment subtly. Capturing this can make your drawings pop.
Also, pay attention to the shadows cast by the eyelid and lashes. Add subtle gradients to the sclera (the white part of the eye) to make it look round. Study reference photos to understand how reflections and shadows work.
6. Overdoing the Highlights
This is the flip side of the reflections coin. Highlights add life to eyes, but too many can make them look like disco balls. Beginners often go overboard, placing random highlights without considering their light source.
Highlights should follow the logic of your lighting. A single, well-placed highlight can make an eye sparkle, but multiple, poorly-placed highlights can ruin the illusion. Decide on a light source before adding highlights. Keep them small and concentrated on the same side of the iris for consistency.
7. Rushing the Process
Drawing eyes takes time. Beginners often rush through the details, eager to finish the piece. But eyes are all about subtlety and precision. Skipping steps can lead to a drawing that looks unfinished or amateurish.
Slow down and enjoy the process. Break the drawing into stages: sketching, refining shapes, adding details, and shading. Patience pays off.
Drawing eyes as a beginner is no easy feat, but it’s a skill that’s well worth mastering. Take the time to study, practice, and refine your technique, and you’ll be well on your way to creating eyes that truly captivate.