How To Draw Eye Expressions Step By Step

This tutorial shows how to draw nine different eye expressions. It explains how the eyes tend to change with each expression and provides six drawing steps for each example.Eye expressions drawingAs shown above the expressions included in the tutorial are:Reading: how to draw angry eyes

Normal
Thinking (can also be daydreaming)
Surprised (can also be scared)
Angry
Skeptical (can also be plotting)
Focused
Scared
Happy
Tired (can also be sad)

Please note that as this tutorial focuses on getting a certain expression the examples show a somewhat simplified drawing of the eyes. For drawing more detailed eyes see:How to Draw Eyes Step by StepWhile the provided examples are fairly simple it’s still recommended that you do the tutorial in pencil and make light lines that you can easily erase in case you make a mistake. The lines in the examples are dark simply so that they are easier for you to see. You can darken your lines in the last step of the drawing before adding the shading.It’s also highly recommended that you read over the drawing instructions for the normal expressions even if you don’t plan on drawing it. It provides some information that is not included in the other examples (to avoid repetition).

Eye Spacing When Drawing Eyes

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Eye spacing when drawingOne important thing to be aware of before drawing any of the expressions below is the spacing between the eyes. Generally this should be enough to fit another eye in between them (as shown in the above example) Remember that this space also includes the width of the tear duct.Finally also keep in mind that the distance between the eyes should remain the same regardless of the expression.

How to Draw Normal Eyes Step by Step

Eyes drawing step by stepThis first drawing is of the eyes in their natural relaxed state. This example is what the rest of the expressions in the tutorial will be based on.

Step 1 – Draw the Outlines of the Eyes

Eyes outline drawingBegin with the outline of the white of each eye without any of the other details.The shapes and angles of the eyes can vary between different people. In this case they will be angled slightly downwards towards the nose.For drawing different types of eyes see:How to Draw Different Eye Types Step by StepBe careful that you position both eyes on the same level so that one is not too high or too low in relation to the other. You can optionally draw a straight horizontal line right above where you want to draw the eyes to help you do this.

Step 2 – Draw the Irises

Eyes irises drawingInside the outline of each eye draw the irises with their tops slightly covered by the upper eyelids and their bottoms just touching the bottom eyelids.Again this can change depending on the person but generally drawing the irises in such a away will help show a normal/relaxed eyes.

Step 3 – Draw the Eyebrows

Eyes eyebrows drawingJust like the eyes the shape of the eyebrows can also change from person to person. Usually however eyebrows will tend to be thicker towards their inner ends and thinner towards their outer ends. Also towards the outer ends they will tend to have a bit of a bend in their shape.Taking these things into account draw the eyebrows just a little bit above the eyes as shown in the example.For more detailed examples of different types of eyebrows see:How to Draw Eyebrows Step by Step

Step 4 – Draw the Eyelids

Eyes eyelids drawingIt’s important to note that the lines that outline the white of the eyes are technically the eyelids also. So when this tutorial refers to the “eyelids” it’s actually talking about the top of the upper eyelids and the bottom of the lower eyelids. The reason for this is to simply keep the steps a little more organized and to avoid some repetition.For a fairly basic drawing of the eyelids first add a pair of curves to show the upper and lower eyelid of each eye as can be seen in the example above.You will usually want the curves that define the lower eyelids to be lower down in relation to the eyes when compared to the upper eyelids.Also please note that these are somewhat simplified drawings of the eyes there is no need to draw the individual eyelashes. You can however extend the upper outline of each eye to go slightly past it’s outer corner. You can also make this line slightly thicker than most of the other lines. Doing this will create the impression of eyelashes. You should however save thickening the line for when you are almost done with the drawing (right before adding shading).

Step 5 – Draw the Pupils & Highlights

Eyes line drawingTo finish the line drawing add the pupils as well as a pair of highlights (one for each eye).the pupils should be positioned directly in the center of the irises while the position and shape of the highlights can vary depending on the light source and other factors. As the focus of the tutorial is on showing eye expressions it will not go into this in too much detail.You can simply make the highlights oval in shape and draw them slightly overlapping the pupils (as is often the case).

Step 6 – Add Shading

Eyes drawingEven a little bit of shading can help a drawing stand so to finish you can add some as shown in the example. Before doing this you can also tracer over your lines with a darker stroke. As mentioned earlier make the line that defines the upper part of the white of the eyes thicker to create an impression of eyelashes. You can also give a slightly thicker outline to the irises.For the shading fill in the pupils with black (or very dark pencil shading) and make the irises and eyebrows a dark grey (keep the little highlights white).Once done you should have a basic drawing of the eyes with some very simple shading.

How to Draw Thinking Eyes Step by Step

Thinking eyes drawing step by stepThis expression shows “thinking” eyes. Kind of like when a person is trying to make a decision or to remember something.