Adding to last week's tips on drawing the structure of an eye, this week I am adding volume to the sketch. This is what I do step-by-step: 1. Add shadow and highlights on the eyeball, using a softer pencil (HB to draw, 2B-6B to shade) - there is always a shadow cast by the eyelashes, the 'whites' of the eyes are only pure white where there is a highlight and more shadow is created where the eyeball recedes around the edges. 2. Add visible texture to the iris 3, Along the way, rub out shading to give highlights - usually one or two on the eyeball and also in the tear duct 4, Add shadow on the upper and lower lid - obviously darkest in the creases 5, Add eyebrow and lashes - note the direction of hair, use an HB to make initial marks, then a softer pencil to add depth and blend. I hope that explains some of the mysteries of drawing eyes. Remember that if you have a go, you can make a post in the general comments area or comment with your picture or questions below. I'd love to hear how you get on or what you are wondering.

I have not included the source picture this time as it was a personal photo. The drawing is a really good rendition of the photo. The feeling of the person is very much there and the angles and spaces are also. The main differences are the angles and spaces in the top left of the photo. I have a strong feeling that either the source or the drawing was flat on a table as it was drawn. The result is that the left part of the top feels a little 'squashed.' I have done this before. Making sure that your drawing and your souce are tilted towards you (on an easel or a board) solves this issue. Apart from that this drawing is very well done. Final thing would just be developing the shadows on the nose and side of the face. Well done! 😊🌟

Yay thanks Helen

I think that we all have a feature that is the difficult one when we draw a portrait, and I will be going through how to approach each one over the coming weeks. Tuesday is the day that I do tips and demos, so keep an eye out. In the meantime, I would love to know from you, though, which is the feature that you find the hardest to draw? Please drop a comment too and tell us about your choice... 💚

Glad you're here. This is a community for people learning pencil portraiture, from complete beginners to people refining their skills. You're in at the start of this, which means it's still being built, by you as much as by me. Here's how it works: - General Discussion — post your own work, even the rough bits. Ask questions, say hello, tell us what you're working on. - Tips and Demos — posted every Tuesday (NZ time — may land a day earlier for you depending on where you are). - Critique Corner — one submitted piece looked at properly, every Friday (NZ time — same applies) from 4 September. Our first live call is 6pm Friday 11 October, NZ time, open to everyone. Btw check the calendar tab for each month's lives. 💚 If you know someone else who'd get something out of this, bring them along. The one thing that I am after is a really enjoyable community where people can share and learn. The only rules this community has are there for that purpose: 1. Be respectful to other members 2. Keep posts on topic 3. Please respond to other members' posts 4. Enjoy learning and remember to only measure your progress against yourself - we all come to this with different experience and styles Paid membership is open now at $9/month (USD), locked in for life if you join before 15 November. After that the price moves up to $19/month for new members. Paid gets you the full 12-module self-paced course and priority in Critique Corner. Please introduce yourself and tell us what you enjoy drawing most.