Drawing
the Eye
Step
1 - The Initial Line Drawing
There
are two things that you should carefully observe when
starting your drawing of an eye:
1
- The difference in shape between the upper and lower
eyelids.
2
- How the upper eyelid covers the top of the iris.
(mouse over)
Step
2 - The Eyeball
There
are two main elements to consider when drawing
the glassy surface of the eye:
1.
A bright glint of reflected light should be left
as unshaded paper at the start of the tonal drawing.
This will become the brightest element in the
eye. This reflection is further enhanced by its
contrast with the pupil - the darkest element
in the eye.
2.
The iris contains a variety of tones and flecks
which radiate to the centre of the pupil. It is
usually darker around its outside edge and lightens
towards its centre creating a translucent effect.
Step
3 - The Eye Socket
The
final step is to render the solidity of the eye socket
and surrounding area using graduated tone.
The
upper eyelid casts a shadow which forms a dark curve
across the top of the eyeball. This gradually softens
into the shaded areas at each corner of the eye.
Graduated
shading is used to cover the outline detail and build
up the tone of the eyelids and surrounding area.
Eyebrows
and eyelashes are formed by soft, delicate hairs, so
draw these lightly and pay particular attention to the
direction of their growth.
