How to Draw Closed Eyes: Simple 9-Step Guide for Beginners

Perfect for young artists ages 6+, this tutorial breaks down the anatomy of closed eyes into simple, manageable shapes. You only need a pencil, an eraser, and a piece of paper to get started. By the end of this lesson, you will have the confidence to add peaceful, sleeping, or happy expressions to any character you create.

10 Steps

🎯 Final Result

A collection of different closed eye styles, perfect for character design practice.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Sketching the Eyelid Curves

Two simple, light pencil curves forming the base shape of closed eyelids on a white background.

Draw two gentle, downward-curving lines to represent the closed eyelids. Teacher's Tip: Keep your pencil pressure light here; these are just guidelines, and you want them easy to erase if you need to adjust the shape later.

Step 2: Defining the Lid Contour

Adding a secondary curved line above the first to define the eyelid crease.

Draw a second, slightly smaller curve above each eyelid. This creates the crease of the lid. Teacher's Tip: Try to keep the distance between the two lines consistent to make the eyes look symmetrical.

Step 3: Adding Depth to the Lids

A third curved line added to represent the upper eyelid fold.

Add a third, subtle curved line above the previous one, bending slightly in the opposite direction. This adds volume to the eyelid. Teacher's Tip: Think of this as the 'thickness' of the skin above the eye.

Step 4: Drawing the First Eyelashes

Drawing small, pointed teardrop shapes along the eyelid to create the appearance of eyelashes.

Sketch small, teardrop-shaped lines along the eyelid curve. Teacher's Tip: Start with tiny lashes near the inner corner, and make them gradually longer as you move toward the center of the eye.

Step 5: Completing the First Eye's Lashes

Finished set of eyelashes on one eye, tapering in length from the center.

Continue adding lashes, making them shorter again as you reach the outer corner. Teacher's Tip: Don't worry about making them perfectly uniform; real eyelashes have a natural, slightly messy flow.

Step 6: Starting the Second Eye

Beginning to draw the eyelashes on the second eye to match the first.

Repeat the lash-drawing process for the second eye. Teacher's Tip: Use your first eye as a mirror guide to ensure the lashes on the second eye follow the same length pattern.

Step 7: Finishing the Second Eye

Both eyes now have a full set of eyelashes, creating a balanced look.

Complete the lashes on the second eye, tapering them down toward the corner. Teacher's Tip: If you make a mistake, gently dab with your eraser—don't rub hard, or you'll smudge the graphite!

Step 8: Sketching the Eyebrows

Adding simple curved guidelines above the eyes for the eyebrows.

Draw a soft, curved line above each eye to serve as the base for the eyebrows. Teacher's Tip: These should follow the natural arch of the eye socket.

Step 9: Defining the Eyebrows

Finished eyebrow shapes with a blunt inner edge and a tapered outer point.

Complete the eyebrows by adding a second line to create a tapered shape. Keep the inner side blunt and rounded, and the outer end pointed. Teacher's Tip: A slight arch in the brow can change the character's expression from peaceful to surprised!

Step 10: Adding Color and Final Touches

The final drawing of closed eyes, colored and ready for a face.

Your closed eyes are ready! Use your favorite skin-tone markers or colored pencils to fill them in. Teacher's Tip: Try adding a tiny bit of shading under the eyelid line to give the face more depth.