How to Draw Masculine Eyes
As any good artist knows, the eyes are the window to the soul. Even without words, a single glance can convey a world of emotion and information. That’s why, when drawing a portrait or a character, it’s important to get the eyes just right. But it’s not always easy to get them perfect, particularly when you’re trying to depict a masculine gaze.
Luckily, it’s easier than you think. With some practice and a few simple guidelines, you’ll be drawing expressive and powerful masculine eyes with ease.
Choose the right eye shape
When aiming for a masculine look, the eyes should be intense, focused, and confident. To achieve this effect, try an almond-shaped eye. The almond eye looks great in all sorts of characters, but it can really give a face a masculine edge. Make sure the angle of the almond is sharp and accentuated, as this will help to create a gaze that is strong and intense.
Create intense eyebrows
Eyebrows are one of the most important features for creating a masculine and expressive face. Start by penciling a strong shape, with a higher arch and pointy ends. Avoid curves or upward slopes, as they both can give a softer and less serious expression. Thicken the brows as you draw, but be careful not to make them too dark or heavy. You want them to be intense, while still maintaining a natural appearance.
Pick the right color palette
Colors are essential in creating the right mood. For masculine eyes, you want to go with strong, saturated colors. Light blues and greens will look great, as will deep browns, grays, and smoky blues. Play around with the color palettes until you create a masculine look that doesn’t overpower the other features of the face.
Add some finishing touches
Once you’ve finished penciling the eyes, it’s time to give them some extra life. Small details, such as light glares, can add lots of intensity and character. To make these details stand out, use contrast — either by using a darker tone for the shine or by using highlights of lighter color to make the detail really pop.
Emphasize contrast
The last step is to make sure the eyes have plenty of contrast. Most masculine eyes should be dark and serious, with a few illuminated highlights — usually around the center of the iris and the top part of the eyeball. To achieve this effect, shade the eyes with a dark pencil and then add a few white highlights to create a strong contrast.
Practice, practice, practice!
Drawing perfect masculine eyes can take some time and practice. But with a few tips and a little patience, you’ll be able to do it in no time. Draw as much as you can, pay attention to detail, and keep experimenting until you get the perfect masculine gaze.
