The human face: The EYE

This week we are furthering our study of the human face. One the first things people are drawn to (excuse the pun) are the eyes on the human face. The eyes tell us a story.

It's important to understand a little bit about the anatomy of the human eye.

The key areas for us to understand as artists are...

• Pupil...This is the part of the eye that allows light in. It is the darkest part of the eye and adjusts based upon the amount of light and emotions. The more scared one feels or angry the smaller the pupil becomes. The more loving or happy someone is the larger the pupil.
• Iris...This is the part of the eye that has color. This will differ from person to person. Typical colors are brown, hazel, blue, and green. However, these colors will very greatly depending on a variety of factors. First, not all colors have the same vibrancy from person to person. Also, metamerism may effect how the color appears. Metamerism is how light effects a color.
• Sclera...This is the not white part of the eye that is a very light flesh tone.         
• Reflected light is how we know the subject is alive. The reflected light gives the subject a soul. The reflected light also is a byproduct of the moisture that eyes naturally have.

Above and below are some good notes for drawing eyes.

Here is a good practice eye that if you draw you can earn extra credit for.