How to Draw Realistic Eyes with Cel Shading
This guide provides a twelve-step process for drawing large, realistic eyes using the cel shading technique common in anime and manga. It covers everything from initial outlines and iris placement to adding highlights and final shadows.
Establishing Eye Structure
Begin by sketching the eye outlines with enough space between them to fit a third eye, ensuring the inner corners remain open for tear ducts. Define the irises as large circles partially obscured by the eyelids, then add the pupils and highlights, ensuring the light reflections are positioned consistently in both eyes. ## Detailing and Shading Refine the drawing by adding eyelashes, eyebrow hair textures, and eyelid edges to create a more realistic appearance. Finally, apply cel shading by filling in the pupils and adding solid, non-gradient shadows to the upper irises to complete the look.
