Intro

Hiii!

Today I’m going to show you guys how to draw (kind of) realistic eyes, using csp and a reference! This is my first Tips of the month, so if the layout of my tutorial is a bit confusing, that’s why. Still, I’ve tried to keep this tutorial as simple and easy as possible. With that being said, let’s begin :)

 

Disclaimer: English is not my first language

Step 1: Find a reference

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Using a reference might not feel as important as it actually is, but I would say it makes a really big difference. When you use a reference, you get a better understanding of the structure of the eye, as well as the colors of the eye. Pinterest is where I always look for references

Step 2: Insert your reference on your canvas and crop to your liking

Step 3: Add guidelines

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Start by adding a base color, and begin to “study” the structure of the eyes in the reference. Adding red guidelines to the main points of the eye should be enough, but I like to map out the rest of the face too to understand the proportions a bit more.

Step 4: Move the guidelines

Then, move the guidelines on your reference to your part of the canvas.

(Reminder: The lines are only meant to help you with proportions and sizing, so it’s okay if they look ugly!)

Step 5: Make a sketch

Now, lower the opacity of the guidelines, add a new layer and make your sketch. Remember to trust the process!

Step 6: Add base colors and a simple shading

On a new layer, eyedrop some of the main colors of the reference and add them to your drawing. The shading on the reference I’m using is pretty simple, and since I’m not aiming for super realistic results, adding a few strokes of darker colors around the eyelid is enough.

Step 7: Keep adding colors and start rendering

Now add the waterline and pupils, and begin the process of rendering the skin. Add lighter and darker colors to the eyes to create dimension, and add more colors to the shadows around the eye. Only using 2 or three colors may cause the shading to look flat, so make sure to have some more.

Step 8: Finish rendering and add eyelashes

Here is when it starts to look good! Adding eyelashes to an eye may feel like the hardest part, so here are a few things to keep in mind when drawing them.

 

On the picture, I’ve added guidelines to help you guys understand that you should always draw eyelashes in the direction they grow in. Ofcourse, not all eyelashes grow in the exact same way, and the amount of curve to them always differ, so make sure to look at your reference’s eyelashes, and try to add your own guidelines.

Another great tip is that using a thinner brush and drawing the same lash multiple times looks better than using a thick brush and drawing a single, big line.

Step 9: Add details

Now, let’s add the last details. I like to blend the bottom lashes with the waterline a little bit, to keep it looking natural. If you would like to add more details of your own choice, do that. Lastly, check your reference for things you may be missing.

Done!