How to Draw Eyes Step by Step (Pencil Tutorial for Beginners)

Drawing eyes is one of the most powerful ways to bring life to your art. Whether you’re sketching a face or practicing anatomy, mastering the eye helps you improve proportions, shading, and expression.

In this guide, you’ll learn how to draw a realistic eye step by step using only pencil and paper.

✏️ Materials You’ll Need

HB, 2B and 4B pencils
Blending stump or cotton swab
Eraser (kneaded or precision)
Smooth drawing paper

👁️ Step-by-Step Guide to Drawing an Eye

Step 1: Draw the Eye Outline

Start by sketching a horizontal almond shape. This will be the general outline of the eye. Add a circle inside for the iris.

Step 1: Pencil sketch of an eye showing almond shape, iris circle, and light guideline lines on white textured paper

Step 2: Sketch the Eyelids and Tear Duct

Draw the upper and lower eyelids, curving naturally around the eye. Add a small teardrop shape on the inside for the tear duct.

Step 2: Pencil drawing of a human eye with upper and lower eyelids, tear duct, and darkened pupil on textured white paper

Step 3: Add the Pupil and Light Reflection

Inside the iris, draw a dark circle for the pupil. Add one or two small circles left blank (white) to simulate the reflection of light.

Step 3: Realistic pencil drawing of an eye with darkened pupil, iris detail, and light reflections, on textured white paper

Step 4: Define the Eyelashes and Eyeball Curve

Add light lines for the eyelid crease and a few curved lines extending from the eyelids to begin forming the lashes. Curve the lower lid gently for a more realistic look.

Step 4: Realistic pencil drawing of an eye with shading around eyelids, defined lashes, and textured iris on white textured paper

Step 5: Shade the Iris and Add Texture

Use circular strokes to shade the iris, leaving the reflection area white. Darken the pupil and add radial lines outward to suggest depth.

Step 5: Realistic pencil drawing of a human eye with detailed iris, curved lashes, and smooth shading on textured paper.

Step 6: Final Shading and Eyelashes

Add shading around the eyeball, under the eyelid, and above the lash line. Define the eyelashes with curved flicks of the pencil. Soften shadows with blending if desired.

Step 6: Finished pencil drawing of a realistic human eye with detailed lashes, shading, and subtle eyebrow texture on white textured paper

🧠 Tips for Drawing Realistic Eyes

Always leave a highlight spot to show reflection—it adds life
Eyelashes aren’t straight lines—they curve and vary in thickness
The upper eyelid casts a shadow over the eye
Don’t over-outline the white of the eye—shade lightly instead

🎯 Final Result

With practice, you’ll be able to draw expressive and realistic eyes. Try sketching different eye shapes, angles, or emotions to expand your skills.