Uploaded May 2026 | Updated September 2026, 1 week ago
► Outline sketches and reference photos are available here: patreon.com/posts/mastering-value-157751853
In this new tutorial, I’ll be taking you through my full process for a series of grayscale watercolor eye studies, from pencil sketch to layering watercolor for depth, realism, and believable texture.👀🖌️
Grayscale studies are one of the best ways to strengthen your understanding of value, which is the foundation of light, form, and dimension in any drawing or painting.
And when we focus specifically on eyes, we also sharpen our observation skills and gain a deeper understanding of anatomy and the subtle details that bring portraits to life. 🙌✨
► Apply for one-on-one online sketching and watercolor sessions here: erikalancaster.com/one-on-one-classes-application.html
► Access my Drawing Mini-Course for the Total Beginner for Free here:
erikalancasterartist.kit.com/2a06aa492f
► Recommended Resources:
Block-In Basics: How to Start Your Drawings the Right Way youtu.be/DPaLL_M_X7U
Why Work on GRAYSCALE Studies Watercolor Practice youtu.be/Hi8klL2h2JY
Watercolor Paint Consistencies Explained youtu.be/1Adb6c-ZL5Y
Color Theory 101: Everything Beginners Should Know youtu.be/sp5EivHJNv8
Wet-on-Wet vs. Wet-on-Dry Guide and Exercises for Beginners youtu.be/PQSgi0tSb5s
Wash Practice Session: Flat, Graded, and Variegated youtu.be/ihx1gvqRrXY
Set of Eyes Step-by-Step Graphite Drawing Tutorial youtu.be/EcxkdDMgrfc
Must-Know Tips for Believable Watercolor Eyes youtu.be/qOMSD92abg8
► Supplies:
-Baohong Cold Press 100% Cotton Watercolor Paper amzn.to/4tyRtp3
-Royal and Langnickel Zen Watercolor Brushes Round (14) amzn.to/4d4UyGF
-Winsor&Newton Cotman 111 Series (8, 6, 0) amzn.to/4cYM83r
-Van Gogh Watercolor Set amzn.to/4t3nTal
*Colors: Payne’s Gray
-Faber-Castell 9000 Series Graphite Pencils (HB) amzn.to/3y9q9Xm
-UniPin FineLiners Mitsubishi Pencil Co. 6 Pack amzn.to/4jWBvBi
-Blue Scott Absorbent Towels amzn.to/3ObA0QO
-1” Artist Tape amzn.to/3VWTTjJ
-General’s Three-Pack Eraser Set amzn.to/3Q57pRk
-Mr. Pen Kneaded Eraser amzn.to/4cWkcfP
► Gear + Art Business Tools:
-Canon EOS Rebel T7 DSLR Camera
amzn.to/4caJ99g
-Manfrotto 196B-2 143BKT 2-Section Single Articulated Arm with Camera Bracket (Black) amzn.to/2l7HJ8j
-Yeti Microphone amzn.to/3PtzE9G
-LED Desk Light with Arm Mount amzn.to/4kft2cK
-MacBook Pro 16 inch amzn.to/3sFavQe
► Music:
Facile by Kevin MacLeod
*Courtesy of YouTube's Free Audio Library.
*Disclaimer: This channel is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to amazon.com. It is also a participant of Share-a-Sale, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for content creators to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Shareasale.com partner companies.
#watercolortechniques #watercoloreyes
00:00 Introduction
01:19 Pencil Sketches
06:09 Layer 1
08:17 Layer 2
12:29 Layer 3
18:10 Layer 4
23:26 Eyelashes and Refinements
► Outline sketches and reference photos are available here: patreon.com/posts/mastering-value-157751853
In this new tutorial, I’ll be taking you through my full process for a series of grayscale watercolor eye studies, from pencil sketch to layering watercolor for depth, realism, and believable texture.👀🖌️
Grayscale studies are one of the best ways to strengthen your understanding of value, which is the foundation of light, form, and dimension in any drawing or painting.
And when we focus specifically on eyes, we also sharpen our observation skills and gain a deeper understanding of anatomy and the subtle details that bring portraits to life. 🙌✨
► Apply for one-on-one online sketching and watercolor sessions here: erikalancaster.com/one-on-one-classes-application.html
► Access my Drawing Mini-Course for the Total Beginner for Free here:
erikalancasterartist.kit.com/2a06aa492f
► Recommended Resources:
Block-In Basics: How to Start Your Drawings the Right Way youtu.be/DPaLL_M_X7U
Why Work on GRAYSCALE Studies Watercolor Practice youtu.be/Hi8klL2h2JY
Watercolor Paint Consistencies Explained youtu.be/1Adb6c-ZL5Y
Color Theory 101: Everything Beginners Should Know youtu.be/sp5EivHJNv8
Wet-on-Wet vs. Wet-on-Dry Guide and Exercises for Beginners youtu.be/PQSgi0tSb5s
Wash Practice Session: Flat, Graded, and Variegated youtu.be/ihx1gvqRrXY
Set of Eyes Step-by-Step Graphite Drawing Tutorial youtu.be/EcxkdDMgrfc
Must-Know Tips for Believable Watercolor Eyes youtu.be/qOMSD92abg8
► Supplies:
-Baohong Cold Press 100% Cotton Watercolor Paper amzn.to/4tyRtp3
-Royal and Langnickel Zen Watercolor Brushes Round (14) amzn.to/4d4UyGF
-Winsor&Newton Cotman 111 Series (8, 6, 0) amzn.to/4cYM83r
-Van Gogh Watercolor Set amzn.to/4t3nTal
*Colors: Payne’s Gray
-Faber-Castell 9000 Series Graphite Pencils (HB) amzn.to/3y9q9Xm
-UniPin FineLiners Mitsubishi Pencil Co. 6 Pack amzn.to/4jWBvBi
-Blue Scott Absorbent Towels amzn.to/3ObA0QO
-1” Artist Tape amzn.to/3VWTTjJ
-General’s Three-Pack Eraser Set amzn.to/3Q57pRk
-Mr. Pen Kneaded Eraser amzn.to/4cWkcfP
► Gear + Art Business Tools:
-Canon EOS Rebel T7 DSLR Camera
amzn.to/4caJ99g
-Manfrotto 196B-2 143BKT 2-Section Single Articulated Arm with Camera Bracket (Black) amzn.to/2l7HJ8j
-Yeti Microphone amzn.to/3PtzE9G
-LED Desk Light with Arm Mount amzn.to/4kft2cK
-MacBook Pro 16 inch amzn.to/3sFavQe
► Music:
Facile by Kevin MacLeod
*Courtesy of YouTube's Free Audio Library.
*Disclaimer: This channel is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to amazon.com. It is also a participant of Share-a-Sale, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for content creators to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Shareasale.com partner companies.
#watercolortechniques #watercoloreyes
00:00 Introduction
01:19 Pencil Sketches
06:09 Layer 1
08:17 Layer 2
12:29 Layer 3
18:10 Layer 4
23:26 Eyelashes and Refinements
