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 and nuances of this process.
Human eyes are one of the most dynamic and expressive parts of the face and can convey a wide range of states.
An artist should be able to draw eyes in an open state and apply this skill when constructing them from different angles, as well as 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. This will serve as a reliable reference point for the next steps. If you are drawing a character, place these lines in the upper part of the face. The vertical line will run through the head, dividing the face into two halves, while the horizontal line will help 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 equal to the width of one eye. Then draw the outlines of the eyes with smooth lines, aiming to keep 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 carefully outline them. The eyebrows should be symmetrical and proportional, but you can introduce slight asymmetry if it suits your intent. Use the eyelid contours from the previous step as a guide – the eye contours should align precisely with them. Then begin defining the nose contours, using light strokes to draw smooth lines that taper toward the center.
Step 4: Refine the outlines and clean the guides
Now carefully erase all the construction lines from your closed-eye drawing, making sure not to disturb the essential contours. At this stage, check the proportions and symmetry of the entire drawing and its individual parts. Compare the elements with each other and correct any mistakes if needed.
Step 5: Draw the eyelashes of the closed eyes
Use smooth, slightly curved lines to draw the eyelashes, aiming for a balanced, symmetrical look. As a general rule, in classical art, comics, and anime, female characters tend to have thicker, more prominent eyelashes than male characters, though there are exceptions. In any case, use long, gently curved lines to create the lashes you have in mind.
Step 6: Refine the lines and complete the drawing
Check all the basic lines again and remove any remaining unnecessary guidelines from the previous steps. Then trace and darken the final contours so the drawing looks clean and complete. At this stage, you can make your drawing of closed eyes more volumetric by adding shading or including wrinkles and accessories. You can also add hair texture to the eyebrows.
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 as we know them. When the eyes are closed, the volume remains, but the spheres are covered by the eyelids.
To convey this correctly, it is important to use proper shading and keep in mind the spherical form beneath the closed lids. Study references from different angles and try to reproduce 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 are in a natural, neutral state.
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 be firmly understood through regular practice. Practice drawing closed eyes in different states while repeating the steps of this tutorial and applying them from various angles.
This kind of focused and varied work will help you refine your skills in this specific area and build strong confidence in drawing.
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.
