Realistic Eye Drawing

Andre Gennie

23 January 2025

Before you put pencil to paper, it’s essential to understand the basic eye anatomy. The key parts include Sclera, Iris, Pupil, Eyelids, Eyelashes, and Tear Ducts.

Step 1: Understand Eye Anatomy

Begin by lightly drawing a horizontal guideline. Sketch the almond-shaped contour for the pencil eye. Inside the outline, draw a circle for the iris and a smaller circle for the pupil.

Step 2: Sketch the Basic Outline

The sclera isn’t pure white; it has subtle shadows due to the eyelids and surrounding structures. Use an HB pencil to lightly shade the sclera.

Step 3: Shade the Sclera

Fill in the pupil with a 6B pencil to achieve a deep, rich black. Use a 2B pencil to lightly shade the iris, starting from the edges and moving toward the pupil.

Step 4: Draw the Iris and Pupil

At this point in your pencil eye drawing, you must add eyeashes, eyelids, and using a kneaded eraser, draw highlights.

Step 5: Refine Details