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How to Draw the Female Eye Step by Step

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Enjoy this awesome tutorial on how to draw the eye by artist Faith Te (see bio and website link below).

How to Draw the Human Eye by Faith Te

Here is the first tutorial from Art Studio — a female eye. My method in graphite pencil drawing aims to render subjects as realistically as I can. The following is a step-by-step demonstration of how I draw eyes. While I very much hope that it helps you in drawing realistic eyes, do experiment and develop your own way of drawing. I myself sometimes do not follow some of the steps exactly as I like to experiment and try to find better ways of achieving a specific texture or effect. Before I begin, many thanks to Toni-Marie Hudson for the use of her picture. Toni-Marie does animal paintings in mixed media. Visit her web site to view her extremely realistic paintings.

Step 1 – How to Draw the Eye

The outline on Canson Grain. Since the outline was very light and will likely be smudged off when I start rendering or shading, I have carefully and lightly retraced the lines with a soft pencil. In this case, a Faber-Castell 0.5 mm 2B mechanical pencil.

Female Eye Pencil Drawing Tutorial Step 1

Step 2:

Using a soft brush dipped in small amounts of graphite powder, I cover the outline with two or three layers of tone. Any brush can be used as long as it produces a very smooth effect and fills in the tooth of the paper. I try to avoid getting tone on the highlight of the iris. If I do get any graphite there, I tap the area with a clean kneaded eraser.

Female Eye Pencil Drawing Tutorial Step 2

Step 3:

Using a smaller version of the brush I used in the previous step, I begin forming the shapes of the eye by defining the darker areas.

Female Eye Pencil Drawing Tutorial Step 3

Step 4:

With a kneaded eraser, I cleaned up the highlights.

Female Eye Pencil Drawing Tutorial Step 4

Step 5:

I used a Dong-A 0.5 mm 2B mechanical pencil to draw the darkest areas like the pupil, shadow on the upper part of the iris and the crease of the upper eyelid.

Female Eye Pencil Drawing Tutorial Step 5

Step 6:

Concentrating on the iris for now, I use a hard pencil (5H Staedtler) and fairly hard pressure to draw spokes originating from the pupil. This will keep the paper from absorbing a lot of graphite in the next stage.

Female Eye Pencil Drawing Tutorial Step 6

Step 7:

Having used a 5H on the previous stage, I can now draw darker shades on the iris using a dark pencil (2B mechanical pencil). The reason why I use 2B is because it spreads more easily. The 5H is also to keep the tones very smooth when darker tones are added.

Female Eye Pencil Drawing Tutorial Step 7

Step 8:

I further worked on the iris erasing and adding graphite as much as needed to create varied tones. Moving on to the white of the eye, it was also covered with a layer of 5H to create a smooth effect. Then I used a 2B mechanical pencil on the shadow areas to form the eyeball.

Female Eye Pencil Drawing Tutorial Step 8

Step 9:

Here I began working on the skin. Using a 0.5 mm HB mechanical pencil and a light circular motion, I added tones to the upper eyelid and the surrounding skin — starting first on an area which will receive more graphite (in this case, the skin around the crease) and moving towards lighter areas. I used a shop towel and a brush to smoothen out rough spots.

Female Eye Pencil Drawing Tutorial Step 9

Step 10:

Continued with the lower part of the skin.

Female Eye Pencil Drawing Tutorial Step 10

Step 11:

Still continuing with the HB mechanical pencil. I’ve now added shadows to the skin. The 5H Staedtler pencil was also used on the thickness of the lower eyelid. 2B mechanical pencil was used for its darker areas.

Female Eye Pencil Drawing Tutorial Step 11

Step 12:

To create the wrinkles on the skin, I lightly drew lines with the HB mechanical pencil and then used a kneaded eraser to create fine highlights beside each line. A paper stump and a brush were used to soften and blend the lines. The same method used on the white of the eye was also used on the tear duct. The HB was used for the eyebrow — starting with the root of each hair and lessening pressure towards the tip.

Female Eye Pencil Drawing Tutorial Step 12

Step 13:

I always try to keep from drawing the eyelashes until the skin underneath is finished. Since the upper eyelashes will be darker than the lower eyelashes or the eyebrow, I used a Dong-A 2B mechanical pencil which is much darker than a Faber-Castell of the same grade. Again, following the direction of growth and starting from the root, lessening pressure as I come to the tip. Reflections of the eyelashes were also drawn on the highlight of the iris.

Female Eye Pencil Drawing Tutorial Step 13

Step 14:

The lower eyelashes were drawn with the Faber-Castell 2B mechanical pencil.

how to draw the female eye

Step 15:

The final eye. Finishing touches were made and some of the highlights on the lower eyelid were dulled a little. I hope you find these steps and images informative and helpful.

Female Eye Pencil Drawing Tutorial Finished

About Faith

Faith Te

Graphite Pencil, Charcoal Pencil and Pastels Artist

Hello! My name is Faith Te. When I was 16, a great desire to capture nature and the people around me started my passion for drawing. I began to look at drawing not just as a hobby but something which I wanted to do all my life.

I practiced every day and for many hours since. I taught myself to draw by experimenting with different techniques and materials and through helpful tips and advice from other artists.

Initially, charcoal and graphite pencils were the only mediums I used. When I began working in color, I used pastels, and more recently, oils. My main subjects are portraits but I also enjoy doing many other subjects including still life, landscapes and flowers, especially orchids.

I devote many hours and lots of attention to detail into each and every one of my drawings or paintings. My ultimate goal is not only to achieve detail and realism but also to capture the life and character of my subjects.

Thank you for your interest in my artwork. I sincerely hope you enjoy your stay here on our web site. Please visit again soon!

Please take a moment to visit Faith’s Website and Blog to learn more about her and her products and services.

Her Website: https://www.artisticrealism.com/

Her Blog: https://www.artisticrealism.com/artstudio/

Great Resource on Portrait Drawing

Realistic Pencil Portrait Mastery Home Study Course

Comments

  4. Gianna says

    The best demo I’ve seen. Wonderful detail in the instructions and the art. Great step by step pictures and instructons not to mention how beautiful it turned out.

  6. Shirish Deshpande says

    Wow Faith, You have demonstrated the method of pencil shading in a superbly systematic way. Your confidence and judgement of getting the desired tonal strength is really very good. Thanks to you and Ralph for sharing such a wonderful demo. Look forward ro having more..

  7. maria stevens says

    Wonderful! What patience apart from talent. I hope to follow these steps but have a funny feeling they will not be as fantastically realistic as yours Faith. Thanks so much for sharing your info. Looking forward to checking out more of your work.

  8. Chris says

    Faith, That was great. As I scrolled down and admired each image, in the last frame, I was jolted into reality when my face did not appear in the reflection! I hope to learn more from you. Chris

  9. Bee Owens says

    thank you thank you thank you and thank you again you have been very helpful . i will be lookin for your next demo. i sure will use this .Thanks Bee

  10. Faith Te says

    Thank you for all your kind and inspiring words and compliments, everyone! They are very greatly appreciated. I am happy to know that you like this tutorial. I will try my best to create more.

    All the best and happy drawing!
    Faith

  11. Jane Parker says

    This is one of the best demos I have ever seen! Love the use of graphite powder – I bought some a year ago and have not used it, but I will now!
    Thank you so much!!!!!!!!

  14. Peter says

    Thank you for an excellent demo. I love the way you have absorbed the original line drawing into the finished work. Brilliant!

  17. Ann Christmas says

    Very inspiring demonstration.
    Thank you. From a beginner looking for all inspiration possible on refining drawing and sketching.

  22. Denise says

    You are super fantastic. I’ll be teaching a 7th grade art class starting in August and I’m so glad I found a site for the talented students to gain inspiration. I’ll look forward to more.
    Denise

  27. Teresa says

    Your drawings are amazing! Thank you for sharing with this tutorial.

    I don’t know if I’ll ever be able to create the detail that you do, and boy is the knead eraser harder to work with than I originally thought. I don’t know the technique for all those thin lines.

  28. Faith Te says

    Hanan — Glad you like the demonstration!

    Teresa — Thank you for your comment! As for the kneaded eraser, I first roll it into a log shape then use my index finger and thumb to pinch it to make a thin tip. Then I lightly drag that across my drawing to create the fine highlights. You’ll need to repeat the same procedure after one or two uses though so that you’ll have a clean new tip to work with. Also, I find that used kneaded erasers are much better for this purpose because new ones are still too tacky.

    You may also experiment with stick erasers to create those fine highlights. Try the sharp edge of a new stick eraser or use a knife to create a chisel tip. Perhaps you’ll find that easier to use. Hope that helps!
    .-= Faith Te´s last blog ..Paradise in Blue Bottle =-.

  30. Joshua says

    Absolutely love it! This tutorial is amazing. I can’t believe my ‘eye’. Sorry! had to throw a pun in there. But seriously, it’s amazing. Can’t wait to put it to practice.

  32. Melissa says

    Wow… This tutorial is awesome. I am very much a beginner, but I was still able to follow these instructions and come up with something I’m proud of. Thank you so, so much.

  33. Bob Whiting says

    I’m very,very impressed the eye is so realistic I feel if I put a finger on it it would blink and shed a tear.
    As 68yr old pensioner with time between gardening I have just started on pencil drawing, as you can imagine my attempts at portriat drawings would show this. I am taking tips and tricks from other artists like yourself on how it should be done and hopefully achieve a better standard of drawing. I think I can say for all, thank you for sharing how it is done. It’s brilliant.
    Bob Whiting U.K

    Bob Whiting

  34. Krysta says

    You are an extremely talented artist, and this is coming from someone who considers herself an artist as well. However, something didn’t look right to me..and I realized…the eyebrow is backwards. The hairs are going the wrong direction and the eyebrow is shaped backwards completely…I showed it to my fiance and he agrees that it is. I can understand that perhaps you did draw the hairs in the right direction but that it simply -looks- backwards but regardless it definitely seems off because of it. Other than that you are a very talented person and this is a beautiful drawing and good explanation of your technique.
    Regards,
    Krysta

  39. mysketch says

    perfect mastery of objects and a very good technique, also the pencil strokes smooth and neat, impressive picture of the living

  42. Jenia says

    OMG! i’ve tried it, couldnt wait to try, but didnt have right pencils, so i did with just one hard pencil and it turned out well! i will try with the right ones soon, im sure i’ll do it as realistic as you! thank you so much for tutorial! eyes and hands are the most difficult to draw!

  43. Sanjeev Handa says

    “Really very nicely done. Intricate details of all the shades of the eye are taken care of quite well. I consider myself also an artist but am amased with the kind of detailing you have done.” Sanjeev Handa

  45. canvas paintings says

    Wow that is truly unbelievable. I’ve tried drawing eyes before but only on manga style but this is awesome. The shading and depth and life like skin tone are superb. A great tutorial many thanks for sharing.

  46. Alexandra:-) says

    wow! I can`t believe how Faith Te made it I have tried five times to draw that eye and I still don`t get it right and I am on the first step

  48. Ole-Thomas Bechensten says

    Professional performance.This is a tutorial by a pro. I`m stunned! ( if your not professional, go for it! )

  49. Jaime Antunez says

    Wow! I scrolled through the steps and when I got to the end I couldn’t help but have a smile on my face. Thank you for your work. I learned something today.

  50. Steph says

    What a great tutorial! Its helped me a lot with my drawing with your clear diagrams and instructions. Hugs!

  52. Kevin says

    Great!!! I followed your tutorial and made a very nice eye!! (yours is better of course!) Thank you!!!

  53. Bob Whiting says

    I leave, I return,then leave again, then return and see the mess I’ve produced in comparison to your artistic ablility and will never give in and will keep returning until I get things near right. [and left a comment] being in awe of your ablitiy and art media range.

    I can only say ‘Have I got a steep hill to climb’ looking at your art it is astounding such beauty I need to practice more but don’t worry I doubt if I would reach your standard.

    I have two questions which feel free to ignore, What type of brush do you use for shading with graphite powder.

    Would I be better using graphite powder than the current graphite I am using from sanded down HB mechanical pencil lead/graphite for economy until getting used to shading.

    Many thanks for the demo’s and showing of your art.
    Your art is a blessing to see.

  55. stacie says

    That is.. incredible. I must admit, for the first couple of pictures I thought it all looked a bit basic but as the drawing built up it just got so amazing. You must have a lot of patience to take the time to really build your art like that, great job. I hope you do more of these!

  57. bee says

    I recently came across your blog and have been reading along. I thought I would leave my first comment. I don’t know what to say except that I have enjoyed reading. Nice blog. I will keep visiting this blog very often.

  59. christy says

    this is beautiful, I definitely learned a lot reading over this & comparing to my art. I will definitely start using more than one pencil!

  63. *BaNaNa* says

    OMG you are so amazing! I am sooooooooooooooooo going to try this, the instructions are so straight forward, WOWOW!!!!!!!

  65. Amrutha says

    you are really gifted…….. i can see the love for art in you. i would be glad if u give me more of what u know. i have just learned drawing and i too have interest in it……pl show how to sketch potraits

  66. Richard says

    Hi Faith. I too, believe you are very talented and your eye drawing is so realistic. I’ve drawn most of my life, but mostly just sketches of old houses etc, but nothing I’ve done in past years is worthy of putting on display though. Recently I decided to take up drawing again and this time do some fine art drawings. I came across this page and your steps outlining how you drew the Eye are so easy to follow, you explained it so well. I decided to try and draw the eye following your steps, and I’ve completed it I think. My drawing looks real life like I think, but I’m bias lol and I know that a few things aren’t done as they should be in my drawing. When i scan it I would like to email it to you for your opinion? Thank you in advance 🙂 and I can’t wait to look at the rest of your drawings. Keep up the beautiful work. Take care, Richard.

  67. Johnie Singley says

    I thought it was going to be some boring old post, but it really compensated for my time.Thank you so much

  72. Charlie says

    Wow! You amazed me so much with your article. It is truly an interesting piece. I am quiet interested in arts like the one you did above, and I am actually looking for simple online tutorials where I could learn drawing. I really appreciate that.

  79. aarthi says

    i tried this using only one pencil , that too the normal apsara pencil . though not good as the above picture it came out very good for me. it looks great

  80. Janice says

    Fantastic job Faith! I am amazed how you put every inch of your effort and skill in creating an emotion out from an eye drawing. I have tried doing this and following each step you posted, but, the outcome was not as good as yours. I hope that through time and continuous practice,I will get better with giving my best in every inch of detail.

  83. Patricia Walker says

    Hi Faith, your work is beautiful. I’ve been doing portraits since 1988. I’ve worked my way off of Welfare teaching in my small apartment and drawing in a nearby Hotel. I even have a few autographed prints of some of the Football HOF Enshrinees. I stopped drawing for a few years due to sickness. I’m disabled now, but I’m back to drawing now. Your work inspired me to keep going. Thank you for sharing. I would like to share my technique but I don’t know quite how to go about it.
    Artistically Yours. PAW

  85. Rajesh R v says

    your art is cool
    I am also make sketches and try to make parfact
    and quality work attracts me a lot and give me inspiration.
    like you did..
    keep it up , very nice ,
    I’ll try to make like this..
    than show you
    thanks for sharing

  87. Pedro Mazzillo says

    Great drawing!!!
    Great technique!!!
    And great tips too!
    Thank you very very much!
    What is the size of this drawing?
    Mazzillo

  90. Jack says

    Hi Faith, your art is great style. I’m Thai engineer working man, but I like art very much. Your art bring me back to my dream again, So I’ll try back to basic life. Thank you…

  91. Geetha says

    what a wonderful way of explaining the shades! was really very useful for me. looking forward to your step by step drawing methods for the other parts too.. looks the final image looks like a one taken using a camera.. wonderful job..would be great if u were ma tutor lolzz

  93. jyoti says

    absolutely loved this, very very methodical. i feel inspired to pick up a pencil ! however a greedy me demands a video of it so that i do not trouble u for nitty gritty details.

  94. moneim says

    I couldn’t imagine that what you are doing is possible! Its pure art and a pure artist.

  95. Tina says

    I’ve found this insanely helpful. I’ve been drawing for years but never knew how a layout like this was done. You’ve saved me much time and a lot of well known frustration. For traditional artists, this is super helpful. Thank you!

  98. Joey Groenewald says

    This is so FANTASTIC! I am going to practice this, they say practice makes perfect, so this is what I’ll do. Thank you for sharing your talent with others.

  99. Mieke says

    Just when I have almost given up this wonderful inspirational tutorial from Faith Te comes my way. I will certainly give it my best. Thank you for so generously sharing your talent and knowledge. I will try to spend more time practicing!

  100. Carla says

    Gorgeous human eye, but unfortunately the eyebrow hairs are backwards. It’s a right eye under a left eyebrow.

  102. Sheela says

    Really cool tutorial. Video lessons will be more helpful too. You have a great artistic talent and the eyes look realistic too. Keep up your good work.

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