Learn how to draw cute eyes using circles, highlights, and gentle expression lines. This drawing for beginners develops a balanced pair across six simple steps.
What You Will Need
- Drawing paper
- Pencil and eraser
- Black marker or colored pencils
Here are my RECOMMENDED Art Supplies!
- Crayola Coloring Set (140 Pieces – Mega Value!)
- 24 Colored Crayon Set
- A4 Printer Paper
- Crayola Coloring Pencils
- HP Home Printer with Instant Ink!
Time needed:
21 minutes.
Step-by-Step Drawing Guide
Step 1: Place the Eyebrows
Draw two short downward-curving eyebrow lines with a wide gap between them. Keep both arcs light and gently raised toward the center.
Pro Tip: Mark equal distances from the center before placing each brow.
Step 2: Outline the Left Eye
Draw a large oval beneath the left eyebrow. Make the shape slightly wider through its lower half.
Pro Tip: Leave a comfortable gap between the eyebrow and eye outline.
Step 3: Detail the Left Eye
Add a smaller inner oval to form the iris area. Place one large highlight high inside and a smaller highlight near the bottom.
Pro Tip: Preserve white space around both highlights to keep them bright.
Step 4: Outline the Right Eye
Draw a matching large oval beneath the right eyebrow. Compare its height and width carefully with the completed left eye.
Pro Tip: Check the lower edges align before strengthening the new outline.
Step 5: Detail the Right Eye
Add an inner oval and two circular highlights inside the right eye. Place the larger highlight high-left and the smaller one low-right.
Pro Tip: Match the highlight positions to maintain a consistent light source.
Step 6: Add a Small Smile
Draw a short upward-curving smile centered below the two eyes. Keep the line simple so the sparkling eyes remain the focus.
Pro Tip: Center the smile using the inner edges of both eyes.
Step 7: Color in your drawing!
Fun Facts
- Large highlights make illustrated eyes appear shiny and expressive.
- Matching highlight placement suggests that both eyes reflect the same light.
- Small eyebrow changes can quickly shift a character’s apparent emotion.
Pin it now, Draw later!
Darken the eye borders, preserve the highlights, and refine the gentle brows. Your step by step drawing is complete, so test these eyes on a character.
Get the FREE Printable Drawing Guide
FREE Download Printable Cute Eyes Drawing Tutorial
Frequently Asked Questions
How can I make both eyes the same size?
Compare their height and width with light guide marks before adding details.
Why do my highlights look uneven?
Place the larger and smaller circles in matching positions within each eye.
Can I change the expression?
Yes, adjust the eyebrow curves and the direction of the small mouth.
