How to Draw Sad Anime & Manga Eyes

Posted on by animeoutline

This tutorial shows how to draw sad anime eyes. It includes a line by line drawing video and step by step detailed illustrated examples with instructions.

You can see a preview of the key drawing stages for the sad eyes in the example above. Please keep in mind that this is just one way to show an upset expression, in some anime and manga it may be done differently.

The tutorial is set up in such a way that you don’t really need to erase any part of the drawing unless you make a mistake. However, it’s still recommended that you do it in pencil (unless drawing digitally).

As already mentioned, the above video shows a line by line breakdown of the drawing process for the sad looking eyes. It’s recommended that you both watch it and read the instructions below. Also, please don’t forget to leave a like and to subscribe to the AnimeOutline channel. Your likes are very helpful!

Step 1 – Draw the Outer Shape of the Sad Eyes

Begin the drawing with the outer shape of each of the eyes. For a sad expression make them narrower than normal and draw their bottoms in upside down curves (reverse of when the eyes are in their normal state).

For drawing these eyes with a neutral expression see:

How to Draw Anime Eyes (Normal Expression)

Space the eyes in a way where the distance between them is enough to fit another eye. This may change in some styles of anime and manga but generally is a good guide.

For more on good drawing practices see:

Beginner Guide to Drawing Anime & Manga

Step 2 – Draw the Eyelashes

Outline the inner parts of the eyelashes as shown in the example. As these are anime eyes you will want them to be fairly thick.

Step 3 – Draw the Irises

Make the irises slightly oval in shape (as is common for anime/manga). For this particular expression a large part of each of their tops and a bit of their bottoms will be covered by the eyelids.

Step 4 – Draw the Eyebrows

Draw the eyebrows at average height but with their inner ends curving upwards. This is a very important aspect of showing a sad or upset expression.

Step 5 – Draw the Reflections & Pupils

Draw a pair of highlights inside of each of the eyes. This is the light reflecting from their smooth surface. Make one larger (for the main light source) and one smaller (for the reflected light).

Step 6 – Draw a Hint of the Eyelids

Add just a hint of the eyelids with a tiny curved line above each of the eyes.

Step 7 – Add Hints of Individual Lashes

For the last set of details add some hints of individual lashes. Draw these in clumps (similar to anime hair) at the upper/outer corners of each eye.

For more on drawing eyelashes see:

Step 8 – Add Shading & Finish the Bored Eyes Drawing

To finish the drawing give it some basic shading. If drawing on paper you can use a regular pencil for the black (simply make it darker than the grey). Alternatively you can also use a black marker.

Shade as follows:

Eyebrows – black
Eyelashes – black
Irises (upper parts) – black
Highlights – white
Pupils – black
Irises (lower parts) – grey

If you prefer you can also use a color instead of the grey. As these are anime eyes you can go with just about anything. Even more unusual colors such as pink or yellow.

Conclusion

Drawing anime eyes with particular expression is fairly easy, as long as you know how that expressions shifts their various parts. This tutorial explained the specifics of getting a sad or upset look while adhere to the style.

If you like these types of simple but detailed drawing guides also be sure to check out the following: