Snow Leopard eye Step by Step Coloured pencil Tutorial

Artist level: Intermediate

This tutorial covers the process of how to create a detailed drawing of a Snow Leopard eye. It was completed using the Caran Dache Luminance pencil range but we have provided a colour chart beside the reference image so you can select the pencils from your own range. It is not important to match colours precisely. The paper we used for this tutorial is the Art Spectrum Colourfix in Black. You can use a different textured paper in another colour or smooth black paper, it is more important to learn the techniques.

Each stage is offered as a series of images and written explanations so you can see how each section is created. Using a group of tones will give you more realism than only using a couple of colours and although the process may look rather complex, following the guides below will help you create an effective drawing.

The reference image is found below, which you can screen grab and print out or view on a tablet whilst reading the instructions on a smartphone or computer.

I hope you enjoy this tutorial and if you would like to request a subject for inclusion of a future mini tutorial, please get in touch!

Snow Leopard eye photograph taken by Steve Tracy

Step 1 - Catchlight

COLOURS: Blues 661, 660 & 159

Begin the eye by placing the colours in the catchlight, beginning light to dark. Each colour has been numbered and is depicted in the image above with the following colour names:
1. Light Cobalt Blue 661
2. Middle Cobalt Blue 660
3. Prussian Blue 159

Step 2 - Iris sunshine layer

COLOURS: Brown 069, Yellow 821 & Green 039

Apply an outline around the outer edge of the Iris (Bottom & left only) and No.4 areas above using Burnt Sienna 069. Apply individual lines around the Iris working from the edge in towards the pupil (as 5 above) using Naples Ochre 821 - follow this up with Olive Brown 039 (No.6) to darken the outer edges of Naples Ochre and apply to the other No.6 area.

Step 3 - Iris inner layers

COLOURS: Greens 181, 739, 220, 225

Starting with the Light Malachite Green 181 colour, fill in the rest of the Iris (No.7), the space between the yellow and the Black pupil. Using Dark Sap Green 739, apply lines to create eyelash shadows directly above the catchlight areas (No.8) Using both 220 Grass Green & 225 Moss Green (No's 9 & 10) add a few extra lines between the malachite green to add more interest and depth to the Iris, this stops it from looking flat only using the one colour of green. Apply a small amount of 225 Moss Green to the outer rim of the Iris too (No.8) this will help to add shape to the eyeball.

Step 4 - Pupil edging

COLOURS: Yellow 832, Brown 407 & Black 009

Add a small amount of Brown Ochre 10% 832 (No.11) in between 821 Naples Ochre which is the yellow section of the Iris (No.5) for extra colour and effect then outline the Iris with Sepia 407 to tidy the edge up. The black pupil can now be filled in as well as adding eyelash shadows.

Step 5 - Under eye fur & rim

COLOURS: Browns 832, 842, 407 Black 009 & White 001 Blue's 159, 660, Grey's 504, 507, 508, 906

Apply individual strands of fur below the eye using colours Burnt Ochre 10% 832, Raw Umber 10% 842 and White as shown in the image above to add definition and interest (No. 14,15,16) Apply a layer of payne's grey 30% 504 to inner rim left section of eye (No.17) then fill in half of the bottom rim using Prussian Blue 159 (No.18) Sepia 407 to left section (No.19) Darken up the areas (No.20) with Black, add a little bit of Middle Cobalt Blue 660 over Prussian Blue (No 18) and blend with Paynes grey 60% 507 all around the bottom section of the eye rim. Apply Sepia 50% 906 to the 'tear duct' area (No.21) soften and fill surrounding area with Payne's Grey 508

Step 6 - Over eye fur

COLOURS: Browns 801, 842, 407 White 001 Grey's 504, 802

Using Buff Titanium 801 (No.22) apply the eyelashes over the eye lid and continue a sparse application above this area, in the gaps apply French grey 802 (No.23) and French Grey 30% 803 (No 24) to offer a tonal effect of fur for greater effect. You can also apply white fur in areas that you wish to give a stronger highlight to. Add a few strands of Paynes Grey 30% 504 (No 26) to the left area of the eye fur for additional effect. Using French Grey 10% 802 (No.25), apply shorter fur lines to the top right section of the eye being aware of the direction of the fur which points upwards as opposed to horizontal. Complete your drawing by tweaking areas that may need a little more work or additional colours.

Snow Leopard eyes in coloured pencils - Caran dache Luminance pencils on Art Spectrum black Colourfix

You can view the time-lapse video showing the progress of the right eye - click here to view the short video

coloured pencil drawing of a snow leopard eye

This is a second drawing I completed for one of my art workshops. This is a little less complex than the one explained in the tutorial as I used different pencils (View the brand here) and I was limited with the colour palette.

These two images prove that you can still achieve realism in your work with a limited amount of pencils, but having a larger palette means that your art will be more realistic. That is not to say that applying as many shades of green or brown that you have will improve your work, it means that you need to study your subject well and pick out all the colours you see.

The base layers are just as important as the fine detail that covers these layers, so it is important to make sure each application is applied correctly in preparation for the next stage.

As you progress on your pencil journey, why not give this tutorial a second try and see how far you have travelled since your first attempt. You just might be surprised!

Artist photo gallery

Here are a few examples of visitors who have tried out this tutorial and allowed me to share their portraits. I always enjoy seeing other drawings as everyone has an individual style, which makes art so exciting. If you would like your design added to this page, please e-mail a photo to me at: karenmberisfordart@gmail.com