The Eyes Have It

No matter whether you are a BJD collector who likes creating your own acrylic eyes, or a vinyl doll collector who likes doing re-paints, here's a little tip that may (or may not) help you.

When painting doll eyes, it's good to know a little about the anatomy of the human eye.

Sclera ~ the white outer layer of the eyeball.
Iris ~ the flat, coloured, ring-shaped membrane behind the cornea of the eye, with an adjustable circular opening (pupil) in the centre.
Cornea ~ the transparent layer forming the front of the eye.

As you can see by the pictures above and below, every eye is different and each one has a combination of many colours, with each of those colours forming slightly different patterns.

The sclera is not actually a bright white, it also differs with every eye, some show noticeable veins while others appear much clearer.

One could study eyes all day and not see two identical, not even when they are a pair. Try it yourself, look your own eyes when you have some free time, I'm sure you'll find them quite fascinating and it will certainly help you understand how to paint them better and make your dolls appear more lifelike.

Inspiration

People often ask me "Where do you find your inspiration?". Well believe me when I tell you, I don't go looking for it, more often than not, inspiration finds me.

I began drawing at an early age and eventually earned my living as a commercial artist. I realised if I wanted to do well, I had to become fully aware of my surroundings and learn to recognise the beauty in daily life. Over the years, I have found I do this instinctively and when I least expect it, inspiration comes along and taps me on the shoulder.

Quite some time ago, when I used to make teddy bears, I was reading about the English artist, Gainsborough and was inspired by this painting of "The Blue Boy" . . .

. . . to design and make this little soul who is now living with a Swansea family, in the U.K.

Gainsborough also painted the lesser known, Pink Boy which now hangs in Waddesdon Manor, just near Aylesbury, Buckinghamshire. You can find the painting here. This is my interpretation of this lovely painting . . .

. . . I named him "The Pink Cavalier" and he is now living a lovely life in Scotia, New York, USA.

Where do you find your inspiration?