How to Paint Eyes - The Biggest Mistake Artists Make

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  • Опубліковано 15 жов 2022
  • In this portrait painting tutorial, realist painter Alex Tzavaras will demonstrating how to paint eyes, he also shows you the biggest mistake artists make when painting eyes and how to avoid it.
    To see the full length version of this portrait visit:
    / simplifydrawingandpain...
    Most tutorials on painting realistic eyes only focus on how to paint just one eye on its own, but painting one is actually quite straightforward compared to painting both eyes together. By far the most challenging thing to do when painting the eyes, is making sure both eyes are alligned correctly with each other. Not only is it really easy to make the eyes crooked, but there are some other really common art mistakes to avoid. You can also paint the eyes too far apart, too close together, or you can make one eye bigger than the other.
    In this portrait painting demonstration, Alex will be showing you how to paint both eyes together and he will be sharing with you the techniques he uses and the artistic anatomy he checks, to help him avoid making these really common art mistakes
    Alex Tzavaras is a contemporary realist artist offering portrait painting and alla prima oil painting tutorials. Alex teaches the traditional oil painting techniques artists used to draw and paint from life up until the start of the 20th century.
    Connect with Alex:
    / alex_tzavaras
    alextzavaras.com

КОМЕНТАРІ • 790

  • @epm6694
    @epm6694 Рік тому +52

    Hi Alex! Again, I love your videos. The one-on-one via Patreon was awesome. I feel like I learned a wealth of instruction in a single meeting. I sincerely appreciate the time and energy you invested. Can’t wait til the next video…
    Racquel

  • @tabbi888
    @tabbi888 Рік тому +362

    my eyes are about 4mm different in hight when you look at the corners of the eyes. if I was to paint a self portrait it wouldn't look like me if I didn't offset them, and although more attractive probably definitely not accurate. My eyebrows sit at different heights too. Having an uneven face is extremely common to varying degrees and personally I wonder if these old masters didn't make a mistake but portrayed it actually accurately. As with me if you were to correct this it actually takes away from the likeness.

    • @watLegends
      @watLegends Рік тому +18

      Exactly!

    • @JudeandherPencil
      @JudeandherPencil Рік тому +32

      That’s what I was thinking… I think accuracy is more important than symmetry 🤔

    • @SIMPLIFYDrawingandPainting
      @SIMPLIFYDrawingandPainting  Рік тому +13

      What if the person is moving the whole time?

    • @SIMPLIFYDrawingandPainting
      @SIMPLIFYDrawingandPainting  Рік тому +22

      But I bet the middle of your mouth lines up directly under the bridge of your nose when viewed from the front and your eyes are still approx half way down between the top and bottom of your head? It still helps to know where these centrelines are and their angle, you can deviate from them. Also, your eyes probably aren't as crooked as some people paint them?

    • @Foxglove963
      @Foxglove963 Рік тому +5

      @@JudeandherPencil There is symmetry, albeit with subtle differences which you can discover.

  • @kilgoretrout2046
    @kilgoretrout2046 Рік тому +18

    The eyes are the window to the soul... so best to get them right! Thank you for the well articulated instruction

  • @shobestudiosartphotography2972
    @shobestudiosartphotography2972 6 місяців тому +9

    Hey Alex.. I really appreciate your style of narration that helps describe to the viewers what you are focused on as you lay down your brush strokes. For myself, it helps to align my understanding of your perspective and it will be put into use on developing methods for my own paintings. I feel it''s not only important to understand how to paint... it is also important to learn how and why to see, think and feel through the process. THANK YOU!

  • @carlosreira2189
    @carlosreira2189 Рік тому +39

    I like the way the artist reduced contrast, for example the shadow along the nose, and reduced the fullness of the jaw, maintaining the bow of the lips to give her a Renaissance look. Very cool. He also toned down the eyebrows somewhat and increased their distance above the eye.
    All this is good, and historical, even if he doesn't know he's doing it!

    • @SIMPLIFYDrawingandPainting
      @SIMPLIFYDrawingandPainting  Рік тому +3

      Thank you Carlos! The shadows and the eyebrows are actually lighter when you see them with the naked eye, the camera makes them appear darker. If I made the distance between the eyes and the eyebrows too great that wasn't intentional, I did so by mistake.

    • @carlosreira2189
      @carlosreira2189 Рік тому +6

      @@SIMPLIFYDrawingandPainting Oh, thanks for the reply. You bring up another point that artists might not appreciate-- no camera lens is yet as sophisticated as the human eye, and the camera tends to increase the contrast of values.
      You however, have a very good eye.
      I hope you keep up some of those "mistakes" which are actually very beautiful bits of artistic license.
      Some things I've noticed from studying master paintings (Google Art Project is a great resource). Shadows under the chin were very much toned down, even neglected, even in baroque lighting, though the typical ruff hid them a lot of the time.
      Sargent was not one to tone down a nostril generally, though typically this was done too, often painted very reddish.
      Eyebrows were often super sophisticated bits of brush magic. Even with your mid century illustrators, eyebrows zigged and zagged with much more life than life.
      Keep up the good work and keep the videos coming. They're some of the best on UA-cam.

  • @EasyZee69
    @EasyZee69 Рік тому +9

    The interesting thing about eyes, nobody has symmetrical eyes. If you look closely at anyone, their right and left eye are quite different.

    • @SIMPLIFYDrawingandPainting
      @SIMPLIFYDrawingandPainting  Рік тому +3

      Yes, the eyes have a slightly different shape and different sizes, but for the vast majority of people they are still aligned with each other and parallel with the other features, particularly the irises and pupils. Look in a mirror and hold a pencil up to your brow bone, the irises and the corners of you mouth. I've a good mind, for my next video to take stills of all my recent models and draw lines on their face to prove this fact!

  • @WMatthewRogers
    @WMatthewRogers Рік тому +18

    Beautiful painting of a beautiful model. The way you used color to achieve the end result is amazing to me. That alone is such excellent instruction. Thank you for your insightful and precise explanations. You truly are an exceptional portrait painter.

  • @press1776
    @press1776 Рік тому +5

    Great video.. I must say I would not be able to paint her . She is absolutely stunning to look at ..
    You are a great teacher. Love your videos..

  • @parisasun2541
    @parisasun2541 Рік тому +4

    Absolutely excellent ! I’m subscribing. Finally a comprehensive tutorial. So good ! Thank you !! Mastery in painting AND teaching ! ❤️

  • @ideasareLIMITLESS
    @ideasareLIMITLESS Рік тому +5

    Absolutely fantastic explanation / teaching here..really learnt a lot in this one video. You are a born teacher because you explain WHY you do everything too.

  • @abigailhumes6646
    @abigailhumes6646 Рік тому +2

    Beautiful job. Thank you for sharing your skill and observation.

  • @mimithompson3049
    @mimithompson3049 Рік тому +1

    Excellent. Excellent. Excellent! Best tutorial I've watched so far and I've been at this for years. Something about the way you explain is very simple and very accurate.

  • @annamariavonschalien9346
    @annamariavonschalien9346 Рік тому +6

    I so enjoy your videos you talk so clearly about what you are doing and how to think when painting. Thank you so much for sharing ❤️

  • @jonroads8281
    @jonroads8281 Рік тому +6

    Absolutely brilliant video as always mate, looking forward to getting onto this part of the course!

  • @oakwood7730
    @oakwood7730 Рік тому

    Your model deserves much praise for being the "perfect" art model. Very Well Done!

  • @boltneck1705
    @boltneck1705 9 місяців тому +1

    Bravisimo Maestro! You've captured her perfectly! You have my utmost respect, and much can be learned here!

  • @arriluce09
    @arriluce09 Рік тому +2

    Thank you very much for this wonderful masterclass that has been so inspiring!

  • @soumyajitchoudhury9641
    @soumyajitchoudhury9641 Рік тому +10

    Always love the way you explain so lucidly. And you are one of the best alla prima artists I came accross in YT. Regards

  • @5809AUJG
    @5809AUJG Рік тому +3

    Thank you! Excellent instruction on the most difficult part of the human face from a master. Glad I found you!

  • @joannschoenleber813
    @joannschoenleber813 Рік тому +4

    Fantastic!! Thanks maestro!! You’re such a awesome instructor. Sooo helpful and easy to follow 🙏 Thanks Alex

  • @humanityone1644
    @humanityone1644 Рік тому +4

    Very insightful Alex. Such clear explanation. Thank you.

  • @zewnatury2010
    @zewnatury2010 Рік тому +2

    Beautiful! Thank you.

  • @AvalonDreamz
    @AvalonDreamz 9 місяців тому

    Just amazing. I love to watch artists paint portraits. It's always like magic watching these marks made turn into a face.

  • @martingreen8471
    @martingreen8471 Рік тому +4

    Great tutorial, fascinating how it comes together.

  • @jodestella2746
    @jodestella2746 Рік тому +1

    Thank you , Alex ; I like your ability to clearly explain your process.

  • @harrypalmer3481
    @harrypalmer3481 Рік тому +1

    Excellent, generous, lesson. Very enjoyable as well as informative to watch. Thank you.

  • @Ztandard32
    @Ztandard32 Рік тому +1

    Thank you. That was very helpful. Good to see you back again.

  • @myalicioglu
    @myalicioglu Рік тому +2

    Oooow long long comments. Alex you are perfect and the piece is wonderful. Thanks

  • @alexkocharov4292
    @alexkocharov4292 Рік тому +1

    I got a pleasure by watching and understanding the details of not simple concepts of drawing portrait.

  • @ElianaLemosArt
    @ElianaLemosArt Рік тому +3

    So wonderful! Both technique and teaching, thank you for sharing.

  • @rosey_ie
    @rosey_ie Рік тому +2

    Good to see you back! Thanks for the informative video 🙌🏻

  • @nvandenhurk
    @nvandenhurk Місяць тому

    Thank you Alex for this excellent instruction of painting the eyes. I have learned al lot of it in looking to the alignment of the features

  • @TheLindosguy
    @TheLindosguy Рік тому +1

    Such a beautifully painted portrait. Exceptional work!

  • @cathyserafinowicz6374
    @cathyserafinowicz6374 Рік тому +1

    Beautiful painting and tutorial.Thanks for sharing.❤️👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻

  • @burtvincent1278
    @burtvincent1278 Рік тому +1

    Thank you. Very helpful.

  • @nestingbirdcreations
    @nestingbirdcreations Рік тому +1

    Super helpful video-thank you!

  • @davidthomspson9771
    @davidthomspson9771 7 місяців тому

    Whoa...you just cleared up a bunch of questions I had and mistakes I've made .Thank you

  • @galleterryn
    @galleterryn Рік тому +1

    thank you for this fluent demo + explanation. You are a talented teacher.

  • @audetreuille4252
    @audetreuille4252 Рік тому +3

    Excellent tutorial, so descriptive, thank you !

  • @coralieceredig-evans670
    @coralieceredig-evans670 Рік тому +1

    fantastic lesson, thank you Alex.

  • @TimConceivable
    @TimConceivable Рік тому +6

    crooked eyes are a very common trait in humans. it's quite possible the eyes are accurately depicted in the example paintings shown.

    • @SIMPLIFYDrawingandPainting
      @SIMPLIFYDrawingandPainting  Рік тому +2

      I agree, faces are asymmetrical and the eyes have a slightly different shape, but the eyes are still broadly parallel with the other features, eyes, nose, brow bone etc. Look in a mirror, are your eyes as crooked as the Ribera painting? It's very easy to prove, I shall make another video with photos of some of my previous models, and I will draw lines between the eyebrows, the eyes and the corners of their mouths and you will see that they're parallel.

    • @TimConceivable
      @TimConceivable Рік тому

      nah, you're probably right. i was sort of playing devil's advocate anyway. i also struggle to make eyes parallel myself, so it's possible that i may also have difficulty telling just how crooked those examples you gave are. it's probably better to make eyes more parallel than they actually are anyway, as that's going to end up with a more attractive result. sorry for the sort of negative comment. your videos are great, keep up the good work!

  • @user-fm5sb2dn1d
    @user-fm5sb2dn1d 10 місяців тому +1

    It is masterpiece of a young master. fresh, characteristic, the eyes are wetty, great.

  • @T.C.Bronart
    @T.C.Bronart Рік тому +1

    Great teaching! Thank you for sharing your beautiful art and information

  • @sandrapowers6099
    @sandrapowers6099 Рік тому +21

    You really explain your steps so clearly and easy to understand. Thank you so much for this lesson.🥰

  • @Onthebeaches45
    @Onthebeaches45 Рік тому +15

    I think you're an excellent teacher and the quality of your art is a delight to see emerge. These are the only art videos on UA-cam I've been able to keep watching. Thank you.

  • @youbuddha1
    @youbuddha1 Рік тому +1

    Blimey that is magical ! Great lesson ,amazing portrait

  • @artofsedone
    @artofsedone Рік тому

    Thank you! This helped me with my work.

  • @johnkent3976
    @johnkent3976 Рік тому +2

    A really inspiring video Alex thankyou for this. It was very helpful to see how you progress from the initial block in and establishing the main shapes and lines and angles and your tip of how if you fail to keep refering to this and get lost in refering to the altered movements of the sitter you can get a bit lost.

  • @MissErinChase
    @MissErinChase Рік тому

    Wow--that was amazing to watch! You're SO TALENTED!!

  • @lindabaker6034
    @lindabaker6034 Рік тому

    You are a brilliant artist. This is the best eye tutorial ever. Thank you for sharing.

  • @tomwaldenofficial
    @tomwaldenofficial Рік тому

    beautiful work - thanks for filming and posting - much appreciated.

  • @themysteriousdomainmoviepalace

    Very helpful. Thank you! Good model too. She sat so still.

  • @emiliosorni5800
    @emiliosorni5800 Рік тому +3

    Hey Alex, amazing video, i always struggled with this, great lesson lots of good information, thanks 🙏

  • @Samahra01
    @Samahra01 6 місяців тому +1

    That's the thing about the human face...rarely; in fact hardly ever are faces anatomically correct. Even the most symmetrical looking faces aren't symmetrical. Your work is so incredibly beautiful! Thank You for sharing with us all!

  • @pennyerrill8071
    @pennyerrill8071 2 місяці тому

    Very useful indeed, thankyou so much

  • @sabelosibisi9762
    @sabelosibisi9762 Рік тому +1

    Great lesson and amazing end result!

  • @richmoab
    @richmoab Рік тому +2

    Great to see you're making new videos.

  • @susankashmiri6199
    @susankashmiri6199 6 місяців тому

    just amazing! Thank you for this very helpful demo.

  • @MrAcdc2323
    @MrAcdc2323 Рік тому +1

    Great video. I tried this today with a portrait drawing today and it really helped with the proportions

  • @AnestesiaASMR
    @AnestesiaASMR Рік тому +1

    Very helpful!

  • @thejaben
    @thejaben Рік тому

    Fantastic painter.

  • @richardlewis595
    @richardlewis595 Рік тому

    Excellent demonstration.

  • @williameldridge5991
    @williameldridge5991 Рік тому

    Truly inspiring.

  • @primemover7898
    @primemover7898 6 місяців тому

    Amazing video. Thank you.

  • @vocalpro
    @vocalpro Рік тому +6

    Mind blowing. I'm not an artist but that was fascinating watching her come to life on the canvas

  • @artsyheartsy
    @artsyheartsy 4 місяці тому

    Brilliant! Thank you!

  • @shahzadqurashi7728
    @shahzadqurashi7728 Рік тому +1

    Amazing lesson , brilliant

  • @macropsialberto
    @macropsialberto Рік тому +1

    Wonderful tutorial very clearly and personally, I´m beginning to understand the concept of the light in the painting. Thanks a lot. Greetings from Bogotá, Colombia!

  • @Vilidaite
    @Vilidaite Рік тому +18

    Beautiful work and really lovely eyes on the model. I would love to see a similar video on painting older eyes where the eyeball shape isn't as obvious. I'm currently stuck on trying to paint my grandmother (85y.o.) who has very small eyes with skin and wrinkles covering the shape of the eyes.

    • @SIMPLIFYDrawingandPainting
      @SIMPLIFYDrawingandPainting  Рік тому +4

      Thank you! Here is an older video I made about painting my grandmother. She's wearing glasses so I'm nit sure how helpful it will be. But basically, any shapes or wrinkles that can be seen on both sides of the face should still have the same tilt, approximately parallel with everything else: ua-cam.com/video/GSSVlNz5Y94/v-deo.html

    • @racheledington5447
      @racheledington5447 Рік тому +2

      Or even how some men have barely a sliver of an eye.

    • @Vilidaite
      @Vilidaite Рік тому

      @@SIMPLIFYDrawingandPainting Unfortunately, that painting is not very helpful as the model still has big, well-defined eyes with large eyelids. What I'm talking about are eyes such as Jimmy Carter's in present day.

  • @kathleensullivan9014
    @kathleensullivan9014 7 місяців тому

    Absolutely excellent instruction and video

  • @es1653
    @es1653 3 місяці тому

    A wonderful teachable moment. I learned a lot. Thank you for your generous sharing of knowledge.

  • @dianenovetsky9685
    @dianenovetsky9685 Рік тому

    Absolutely terrific lesson!

  • @Big2bees
    @Big2bees Рік тому

    Thanks for this great video! Its almost a complete portrait tutorial which is really helpful!

  • @polyestermammoth740
    @polyestermammoth740 9 місяців тому

    This is wonderful. Thank you Alex

  • @viswanathanmuthurangam2759
    @viswanathanmuthurangam2759 Рік тому

    Very excellent painting and you teach very well thank s

  • @MrAllan9
    @MrAllan9 Рік тому +1

    That was enjoyable, thank you for a nice easy tutorial to follow along with ease.

  • @deannastomer7145
    @deannastomer7145 Рік тому +1

    Fabulous, your observations really help.us to understand your thinking processes!

  • @richardstiers9010
    @richardstiers9010 Рік тому

    This is BEYOND amazing!

  • @dharmaofdog7676
    @dharmaofdog7676 Рік тому

    Beautiful style & interpretation. I'm sure the Model, if the Recipient, will be thrilled to have such a stunning Painting of herself in the prime of her Life.

  • @jeffhreid
    @jeffhreid Рік тому +1

    Great tips as to alignment and keying the value of the white of the eye off the local fleshtone. Good video

  • @stephanyfaycohen3842
    @stephanyfaycohen3842 9 місяців тому

    Many thanks for an excellent demonstration video.

  • @olegprovochevitch8851
    @olegprovochevitch8851 Рік тому +1

    Alex, a terrific painting! It looks more like Rosie than Rosie herself!

  • @MarietaTruter
    @MarietaTruter Рік тому

    Fantastic lesson! Thank you so much!

  • @kathryndohring5481
    @kathryndohring5481 Рік тому

    Wow! Amazing work. Thank you for posting this very helpful video.

  • @bobymox
    @bobymox Рік тому +1

    Just great!!

  • @jllbruce11
    @jllbruce11 Рік тому

    Thank you... very helpful.

  • @guapitatessa
    @guapitatessa Рік тому

    Wow! How I wish that I can paint portrait I hope I can learn someday. Your instruction is cleared

  • @photocoach896
    @photocoach896 9 місяців тому

    Brilliant, thank you

  • @danglybit1
    @danglybit1 7 місяців тому

    Bravo Alex!

  • @annnoyes6915
    @annnoyes6915 Рік тому +1

    Absolutely beautiful.
    ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️

  • @supertramp6011
    @supertramp6011 Рік тому +7

    I can’t really draw or paint to save my life, but I really enjoyed this. Beautiful work, and a very good model too. My sister, who is a natural artist, always said, just draw what you see, not what you imagine you see. I’ve always found that really useful advice, especially when trying to do life drawing. Thank you for sharing. 👌

  • @englemanart
    @englemanart Рік тому +1

    What a wonderful treat! Thanks.

  • @kunos7821
    @kunos7821 9 місяців тому

    Thank you so much for your wonderful teaching

  • @sopihasmith8104
    @sopihasmith8104 Рік тому

    Brilliant tutorial, very helpful, thank you for sharing

  • @e.conboy4286
    @e.conboy4286 Рік тому +1

    Thank you. This is so helpful.

  • @paulwillner202
    @paulwillner202 Рік тому

    Thank you Alex for sharing your gift with us. ⬆️

  • @pamelacorbett8774
    @pamelacorbett8774 10 місяців тому

    Excellent. So well explained and demonstrated.

  • @hallymariah45
    @hallymariah45 4 місяці тому

    SO talented!!!!

  • @AlexanderLennox
    @AlexanderLennox Рік тому

    He is a master of the arts. Outstanding work.

  • @marlenemeek9030
    @marlenemeek9030 Рік тому +22

    Absolutely top notch lesson! I can't thank you enough.