Draw Eyes

What can I use instead of a mirror or special pencils if I don't have them?

If you don't have a hand mirror or printed photo use your phone's front camera for the two-minute observation, and if you lack a soft drawing pencil use an HB pencil with lighter strokes and a tissue for smudging when shading.

What should I do if my iris looks flat or my highlight disappears when I shade?

If the iris looks flat or the highlight vanishes, erase the parts of the iris covered by the eyelids so it appears tucked under the lids, add thin radiating pencil strokes for iris texture, and keep the bright highlight area white before shading around it.

How can I change the activity for younger or older kids?

For younger children, have them trace a big almond shape and draw one large iris and highlight with a chunky crayon, while older kids can follow all steps adding the curved crease line, tapered eyelashes, thin radiating pencil strokes, and subtle shading under the upper eyelid for realism.

How can we extend or personalize the finished eye drawing before sharing on DIY.org?

To personalize the finished eye, add colored pencils or light watercolor over the iris after shading the pupil and radiating strokes, try different crease lines and eyelid positions to show emotions, or draw both eyes and a surrounding face before sharing on DIY.org.