In this tutorial, we’ll explore the intricate process of drawing and shading the human eye using pen and ink. Through step-by-step guidance, you'll learn how to capture the structure, texture, and depth of the eye, mastering the art of controlled line work and shading techniques.

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Sketching

The first step, you can find a center point. Then, start drawing a circle to represent the shape of the eyeball.

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The proportion between the iris and the eyeball can be different. But to keep it simple, you can divide the circle into nine equal parts with horizontal and vertical lines, and the iris will be a smaller circle in the center.

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To define the width of the eye, the eye width is about double the length of the iris (and the eye width is slightly shorter than the eyeball diameter). This ratio is just an estimate and can vary depending on human age.

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Next step, let’s draw two curved lines to express the eyelids. In normal state, these lines usually overlap part of the iris. Unless you're drawing a surprised eye or something like that, where the eyelids are wide open, revealing the entire iris.

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Use straight sketch lines to define the natural shape and the overall structure of the eye. After that, you can erase the unnecessary sketch lines to outline and define the areas for shading.

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Transfer the Drawing

Now, let’s move on to the transfer process. Flip the paper over and locate the sketch area you have drawn on the front. You can hold it up to the light to make it easier to see - this is why we use thin paper for doing this sketching. Once you define the area, shading the back of the paper with a layer of pencil. You can use dark pencils like 6B for this step.

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Flip the paper back to the front, and use a hard pencil like an H or HB, or even a ballpoint pen if you prefer, to trace the outline of your sketch. Now, you’ll see the lines transferred onto your drawing paper through the layer of pencil on the back. Focus on the key details without worrying about tracing everything or adding shading.

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Make the Eye Drawing Look Like Engraving

Let’s get to the main part. As I mentioned in other videos, I always start with the darkest areas. In the eye, it is usually the pupils, or small details in the corners, under the eyelids, and the eyebrows.

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To draw the iris and make it more realistic, I make the line directions that move to the center of the iris, like you’re drawing a clock. Then, I used slightly wavy or shaky lines to capture the texture of the iris. Depending on the eye color, the iris might be lighter or darker. However, it’s usually a little bit darker around the edges and a bit lighter towards the center. Because the light is coming from the top, the shadow cast by the eyelid will affect part of the iris, so I will make this area darker.

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The next step is to define the overall value by combining solid and broken lines. These lines will follow the 3D structure of the eye using the Cross-Contour method. I used solid lines in the dark and mid-tone areas, and broken lines in the brighter areas like the direct light, and the highlight.

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After expressing the overall shading, I focus on the dark areas and core shadow. The method is to make the lines in these areas thicker. By changing the thickness, you can control the light and dark values. The thicker the line, the darker the value. I suggest not to touch or overlap the lines. No matter how thick the lines are, always keep a thin white gap between them. Continue shading the dark areas on the eyebrow. To draw the eyebrow, use short wavy lines that follow the natural direction of hair growth. These lines may or may not overlap to give a more engraving style look.

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Next, you can start working on the mid-tones to create a smooth transition between light and dark. Try to draw slowly and carefully in this step because if the mid-tones are too dark, it could throw off the balance of the values in your drawing. While shading, pay attention to the cast shadow to ensure all the elements of the eye are connected well.

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Once you have achieved the values you want, you can enhance the contrast and balance the values using the Cross-hatching technique. The cross-hatching lines will be angled about 15 to 45 degrees from the hatching lines and will follow the form of the eye using the Cross-Contour method. Like with hatching, I started in the dark areas and core shadow to express the key values. From there, the other shading components will follow this key value. In the light areas, you can also use broken lines for cross-hatching.

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After completing the cross-hatching layer, we’ll spend some time refining and adding details like eyelashes or the reflection of eyelashes on the eye's highlight. Here, I noticed the iris value is a bit brighter than I wanted, so I’ll make it a bit darker. You can also add any details and textures you like in this step.

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And that’s it! This is the process of drawing an eye and making it look like an engraving. I hope this post has provided you with some useful information.