To me, eyes are infinity pools of how we see the world. They are the direct messengers to our experiences and they convey to others some things that can’t be said. They are maps to our internal constitution and commonplace amongst all species. It is known in advertising that a set of engaging eyes will trump any graphic or type style advertisements, as there is a strong instant connection between the eyes on the ad and the one looking at it.

I tried my hand at an illustration of a detailed eye in purpose of practicing photorealism. This is my first attempt and as I was focusing quite intently on every line in both pressure and angle, I didn’t manage to get any progressive shots. I was too far gone in the process. This eye took a good hour to complete, I had to remind myself not to rush it as my usual style is more of a free flowing saturated spurt of anything goes.

Photorealism takes discipline and a deep understanding of physics, which is hugely appealing to me. I can appreciate the lose interpretation art can have, but the skill and patience it takes to pull off a real life replica is something entirely different.

I used an array of graded graphite Derwent pencils from F to 3B and black colour pencil right at the end in parts like the pupil and the lashes. It’s difficult to know where to stop and where to lay it on in order to create a natural contrast. I think I did OK here but I surely have a loooong way to go.

** Staring at stuff