How to Crosshatch a Realistic Eye: Step-by-Step Guide

Materials Needed

✏️ 2H & 2B pencils
📄 Smooth sketch paper
🧽 Kneaded eraser
🔍 Magnifier (optional for details)

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1. Pencil Outline (Loose but Accurate)

• Sketch lightly:

  • Almond shape for eye opening

  • Circle for iris (slightly covered by upper lid)

  • Mark shadow areas:

    • Crease above eyelid

    • Outer eye corner

    • Under lower lid

Tip: “Imagine the eyeball as a sphere—shadows wrap around it.”

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2. Horizontal Lines (First Layer)

• Follow the eye’s curvature:

  • Upper lid: Lines curve downward

  • Lower lid: Lines curve upward

• Pressure:

  • Light for mid-tones

  • Skip highlight areas (tear duct, iris reflection)

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3. Vertical Lines (Build Depth)

• Darken strategic areas:

  • Eyelid crease

  • Outer eye socket

  • Top 1/3 of iris (natural shadow)

• Blend: Use a stump for smooth transitions

Common Mistake: Avoid straight verticals—curve lines with the eyeball’s roundness.

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4. Diagonal Lines (Refinement)

• Iris details:

  • Radiating strokes from pupil

  • Leave a white spot for reflection

• Eyelashes:

  • Draw from lid outward (vary lengths)

  • Cluster at outer corner

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5. Final Darkening & Polish

⚫ Deepest Shadows:

• Pupil (solid black)

• Upper lash line

• Corner of eye socket
  ✨ Preserve Highlights:

• Erase any stray marks on cornea reflection

• Add subtle white gel pen dots for wetness

Pro Tip: “Squint at your drawing—the value contrast should read clearly from a distance.”

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Eye Crosshatching Checklist

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Why This Works

• 3D Illusion: Layered lines mimic eye contours

• Emotion Control: Darker upper lid = more intense gaze

• Efficiency: Diagonal lines suggest texture without overworking

Style Variations:

• Cartoon: Exaggerate lash clusters

• Hyper-Realistic: Add veining in whites

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Need Help? I can:

1. Provide an eye anatomy reference sheet

2. Demonstrate tear duct shading via video

3. Share iris color techniques (for brown/blue eyes)

(Art credit: Techniques adapted from Burne Hogarth’s “Drawing Dynamic Eyes”)