How to Draw Closed Eyes

In this tutorial, you will learn how to draw closed eyes from the front view and understand the key subtleties of this process.

Human eyes are one of the most dynamic and expressive parts of the face and can convey a wide range of emotions and states.

An artist should be able to draw eyes in an open state, construct them from different angles, and depict them when closed. However, it is not always easy to make closed eyes look realistic and convincing.

In addition, closed eyes do not represent a single, fixed expression. A person may close their eyes while sleeping, thinking, squinting, and in many other situations.

To convey these nuances effectively, you will need specific skills, which we will discuss at the end of this tutorial.

How to Draw Closed Eyes Step by Step

Step 1: Sketch symmetry guides for the eyes

First, draw two intersecting lines in the center of your sheet. These will serve as reliable reference points for the next steps. If you are drawing a character, place these lines in the upper part of the face. The vertical line divides the face into two halves, while the horizontal line helps position the eyes.

Step 2: Draw outlines of the closed eyelids

Lightly indicate the inner and outer corners of the eyes, keeping in mind that the distance between the eyes is approximately equal to the width of one eye. Then draw the outlines of the closed eyelids with smooth lines, keeping them symmetrical. Remember that the eyes are spherical forms covered by the eyelids, so try to convey this volume in your drawing.

Step 3: Draw the eyebrows above the eyes

Indicate the inner and outer edges of the eyebrows, then lightly sketch their overall shape. After that, use darker, more defined lines to outline them. The eyebrows should be symmetrical and proportional, although slight asymmetry may suit certain expressions. Use the eyelid contours from the previous step as a guide, then begin defining the nose with light, smooth strokes that taper toward the center.

Step 4: Refine the outlines and clean the guides

Carefully erase all the construction lines from your closed-eye drawing, making sure not to disturb the essential contours. Check the proportions and symmetry of the entire drawing and compare the elements with one another before correcting any mistakes.

Step 5: Draw the eyelashes of the closed eyes

Use smooth, slightly curved lines to draw the eyelashes, aiming for a clean, symmetrical appearance. In classical art, comics, and anime, female characters often have thicker, more prominent eyelashes than male characters, although there are exceptions. Use long, gently curved lines to create the lashes you want.

Step 6: Refine the lines and complete the drawing

Review the drawing once more and remove any remaining unnecessary guidelines. Then strengthen the final contours so the drawing looks clean and finished. You can make the closed eyes appear more three-dimensional by adding shading, wrinkles, accessories, or eyebrow texture.

Nuances of Drawing Closed Eyes

As we explained in our basic eye drawing tutorial, this part of the body can be understood as two spherical forms covered by volumetric eyelids.

This structure creates the volume and shape of the eyes. When the eyes are closed, the volume remains, but the spheres are covered by the eyelids.

To convey this correctly, use proper shading and keep the spherical form beneath the closed lids in mind. Study references from different angles and practice drawing various head positions.

As mentioned earlier, closed eyes do not represent a single emotion. The eyes themselves convey less expression when closed; instead, the surrounding features – especially the eyebrows and nearby skin – become responsible for the expression.

A person who is simply sleeping appears relaxed, so both the eyes and eyebrows remain in a natural, neutral position.

If a person is thinking with their eyes closed, the eyebrows may be slightly raised, creating a more thoughtful or dreamy appearance.

In contrast, when a person is squinting tightly, the eyebrows are drawn together, and visible folds appear around the eyes and across the bridge of the nose.

These nuances should become familiar through regular practice. Draw closed eyes in different states while repeating the steps from this tutorial and applying them from various angles.

This kind of focused practice will help refine your skills and build confidence in drawing eyes.

It is one of many essential eye-drawing skills, alongside drawing eyes in three-quarter view and other angles.

Together with your understanding of the human face, this knowledge will allow you to create convincing portraits in a wide range of emotional states.