How to Draw an Eye Using the MONO Drawing Pencil Set 3

Hey everyone, Katie here from Studio Katie! Today, I want to show you a simple guide on how to draw an eye using pencils. One of my favorite things to draw when I’m killing time (you know those doodles, while you’re on the phone or waiting for your computer to update..) is an eye. They’re easy and so fun. Let me show you!

Drawing a realistic eye is a fundamental skill for any artist. The human eye is expressive and full of intricate details, making it both challenging and rewarding to sketch. This step-by-step guide will walk you through the process of drawing a highly detailed eye using the Tombow MONO Drawing Pencil Set, ensuring depth, texture, and realism in your artwork.

Materials Needed:

Before starting, gather the right tools to achieve a professional-quality sketch:

• Tombow MONO Drawing Pencil Set (grades 4H to 6B)
• High-quality sketch paper for smooth shading
• Tombow MONO Zero Eraser for precision erasing
• Blending stump or cotton swabs for smooth gradients
• Ruler and compass for accurate measurements

Step-by-Step Guide to Drawing a Realistic Eye

Step 1. Understanding Eye Anatomy

To draw a realistic eye, it’s essential to understand its basic structure:

• Sclera: The white part of the eye
• Iris & Pupil: The colored and central dark area
• Eyelids: Upper and lower, creating the eye’s shape
• Eyelashes: Curved hairs framing the eye
• Tear Duct: A small but significant detail near the inner corner

Understanding these elements will help you create a proportional and lifelike drawing.

Step 2. Sketching the Basic Eye Shape

• Use a 2H pencil to lightly outline the almond shape of the eye.
• Ensure symmetry and proper proportions by measuring the width and height.
• Draw a guideline to position the iris and pupil

Step 3. Drawing the Iris and Pupil

• Sketch a circle for the iris, keeping it centered.
• Inside the iris, draw a smaller circle for the pupil.
• Leave a highlight within the pupil to reflect light.

Step 4. Adding Eyelids and Tear Duct

• Draw the upper and lower eyelids, noting their curvature and thickness.
• Include a subtle crease above the upper eyelid for added depth.
• Sketch the tear duct with soft edges.

Step 5. Drawing Realistic Eyelashes

• Use a 4B pencil to sketch eyelashes with a natural curve.
• Vary the length and thickness of the eyelashes.
• Upper eyelashes are denser, while lower eyelashes are finer.

Step 6. Shading the Pupil and Iris

• Darken the pupil with a 6B pencil for a deep black tone.
• Add radial lines in the iris using a 2B pencil to mimic natural patterns.
• Blend softly with a blending stump for a smooth transition.

Learn more about the different values included in Tombow’s MONO Drawing Pencil Set and how to use them in this post!

Step 7. Rendering the Sclera (Eye White)

• Lightly shade the sclera with an H pencil to prevent a flat look.
• Add subtle shadows where the eyelids cast onto the eyeball.

Step 8. Enhancing Depth with Shadows and Highlights

• Deepen shadows under the upper eyelid and in the eye corners with a 4B pencil.
• Use the Tombow MONO Zero Eraser to lift graphite and create natural highlights.

Step 9. Refining the Final Details

• Check for areas that need additional shading or refinement.
• Ensure smooth transitions between different tones.
• Clean up stray marks to achieve a polished final look.

Tips for Realism

• Use real-life references or high-quality photos.
• Adjust pencil pressure for a dynamic range of tones.
• Regularly step back to check proportions and make corrections.

Recommended Resources:

• More Drawing Tutorials on Tombow Blog
• Dual Brush Pen History