Cartoon Eyes and Expressions - Drawing Tutorial

Jacquelin Vanderwood May 15, 2004   1 Eyes are a very important part of any artwork you create whether it be realistic eyes or cartoon eyes. The expression they portray makes up the mood of the scene. The mouth, the bend of the head, the nose, all play important roles in creating great characters. In this lesson I'd like you to practice a variety of eyes and expressions. When you have finished these examples, try creating some new eyes and expressions that are not in this lesson. Below is a look of surprise with a little hurt mixed in. Try sketching the face below for practice.   2 The eyes in this sketch seems to portray a look of "I know something and I'm not going to tell". Go ahead and sketch this example.   3 Here the eyes and mouth seem to say "I'm not really interested". There's a sweetness and innocence to the eyes. Go ahead and sketch this example.   4 In this sketch we can see the stubborn look. Draw the example below.   5 The surprised look. Notice how the eyes are gazing upward as though the character has just witnessed an unbelievable sight. The mouth is in the shape of an O. Try sketching it now.   6 The quizzical look is obviously one that is used quite often in cartoons. Sketch it now.   7 The look we find here portrays a happy and almost nervous feeling.    8 This sketch shows a look of "I'm not gonna do that" type of expression. Try drawing the example below.   9 Mean--what can I say? The squinted eyes, the scrunched nose and lips. Sketch it now.   10 This example is quite angelic and whimsical.   11 The character below expresses sadness. Try drawing it now.   12 This expression is the "I'm not listening" type of attitude. Try drawing it. Well I hope that these examples helps open up new avenues to drawing eyes and expressions, and gives you ideas for your own sketches.     Copyright 1998-2004, Jacquelin Vanderwood, All Rights Reserved