Building Up from Simple Contours to Detailed Eye Portraits

This article explains the eye’s diamond shape, eyelid structure, and ethnic differences in eyelid appearance.

Documenting this week's plaster eye still life sketch theme, guiding students on how to depict volume and arrange light and dark intensity. Along with the first image, which introduces some key points and structure of drawing eyes, interested artists, please read on 🙋

●Basic Eye Shape Understanding:

The outer contour of the eye is similar to a diamond shape, with the inner corner being sharper and slightly drooping, and the outer corner relatively round. Refer to the simple diagram on the right.

●Eyelid Structure:

The upper and lower eyelids cover parts of the eyeball. Different ethnicities have different amounts of fat near the eyelids. Eastern Asians often have single eyelids or inner double eyelids with more fat, making the eyes appear rounder. Westerners mostly have double eyelids, with less fat near the eyelids, making their eyes appear deeper.

East Asians tend to have more eyelid fat, and many have monolids or inner double eyelids.

●How to Draw Eyes:

1. Observe Reference Images and Start Drawing: Carefully observe the shape and proportions of the eye. Use light lines to outline the simple geometric shapes of the eye, referencing the simple diagram on the right.



2. Simplify the Eye Area's Curves: Simplify the eye area's curves into different sizes of planes. Understanding these as similar geometric shapes helps in mastering shape changes. Refer to the top and middle images in the reference picture.



3. Gradually Add Details: Gradually add details like the eyelids and pupils, paying attention to the variations in line weight and thickness.

Want to learn how to draw human body parts and understand the key points? Check out the following further reading:

How to Draw Arms: Learn Arm Movements and Bone Proportions

How to Draw Ears:Simplified Ear Structure and Shading Tips

How to Use Two-Tone Shading: Simple Shadow Techniques

How to Sketch Facial Muscles: Capture Realism and Expression

How to Accurately Master Hand Proportions and Joint Structure

Mastering Nose sketch Structure and Perspective Techniques

Understanding the Three Key Elements of Head Structure

Mastering the basic proportions and structure of portrait drawing

Capturing Realism in Lip Drawing: Key Structures and Shading

I hope this structural introduction helps you understand how to draw eyes. If there are any topics or drawing techniques you'd like to see, feel free to leave a comment or message me. Happy drawing!




Han
Han

Chiu Po-Han - drawing instructor | Art studio teacher | Independent contractor |

Experience: 2017–2022: Instructor at Panier Art Studio for five years 2023–Present: Current instructor at Xin Shou Xiang Ying Art Studio 2023: Guest instructor for the Fine Arts Program at Fengxin High School

About Me: I specialize in guiding students to develop their interest in learning fundamental drawing and watercolor techniques. I also assist students in successfully applying to art and design schools.

I firmly believe that through the process of creating art, students can learn the logical steps of drawing, refine their techniques, and cultivate perseverance. Drawing is not just a skill but an enriching and worthwhile investment of one's time and energy.