When it comes to expressing an animal’s emotions, nothing says it better than a furry, wide-eyed look. Whether you’re a beginner or an artist with a knack for drawing animals, creating a realistically-looking pair of eyes that convey emotion can take your animal art to a new level. Here’s how to draw furry eyes, for a look that is anything but dull and robotic.
1. Create an Eye Shape
The first step in drawing furry eyes is getting the shape of the eye right. It’s key to figure out where the edges of the eyelid will be, as this will help set the foundation for the rest of the features. Trace a simple circle or oval on the face of your animal, taking into account where the eyes would naturally fall. Keep in mind that furry eyes tend to have rounded, soft shapes.
2. Add the Pupil
Now that you’ve got the shape, build up the eye by adding a dark pupil in the center. A small black dot will also make it look more realistic. Make sure to leave a white spot in the eye, as this is where the glint of the eye will be created by reflecting light.
3. Outline the Lids and Brows
To make the furry eyes look more expressive, outline the lips and brows of the animal. A thick outline will give the eyes an inviting and inquisitive look. For smaller eyes, draw a thin line that wraps around the circumference of the eye.
4. Draw the Fur
Now that you’ve got the outline of the eyes and the pupil, set the tone by adding some texture. Use short, curved strokes to simulate fur that swirls around the eyes and lid. To give the eyes a glossy look, make sure to add a few long strokes that wrap around the edge of the eye.
5. Shade the Fur
To make the eyes stand out, use a light and dark tone to shade the fur around the lid and pupil. This can create an exaggerated effect that yields captivating eyes that are sure to impress. When you have the shadows in place, the eyes will appear more dimensional and realistic.
6. Add Details and Shine
Finally, add the tiny details that will make your furry eyes pop. Use a white colored pencil to outlines around the pupil and add shine, as well as areas of under-shadow in the eyes. These subtle touches will help bring the eyes to life and add character to your animal art.
7. Finishing Touches
Now that you know how to draw furry eyes, you can ditch the generic feel of a robotic stare and add some life to your artwork. Just remember that practice makes perfect, and with a little bit of time and patience, you’ll be able to create beautiful eyes that speak volumes about your animal’s personality.
8. Experiment!
When it comes to drawing furry eyes, the possibilities are endless. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different shapes and textures, or to even break the rules a bit by giving your eyes wild, exaggerated characteristics. Have fun, and let your creativity go wild!
9. Add Color
The final step in making your furry eyes come to life is adding color. Vibrant, pastel tones will give your eyes a cheerful and inviting look, whereas more muted colors can add a calm and subtle feel. No matter which color palette you choose, adding a bit of color will make your eyes pop off the page!
10. Practice!
Though it takes practice and patience to perfect your furry eye-drawing technique, it will always be worth it in the end. After you’ve got the basics down, try giving your animal characters a variety of mischievous, coy, and affectionate looks. You’ll be amazed at the results!
