How to Draw a Dragon Eye

Dragons are mythical, legendary creatures, usually depicted with a long, snake-like body, wings like a bat, and the ability to breathe fire. The word “dragon” is derived from the Greek word drakōn, meaning “large serpent.” Some dragons are depicted as vicious monsters, while others are friendly and even helpful to human companions.

Myths of dragons arose independently in various parts of the world. In the Middle East, they were derived from the existence of large, poisonous serpents. In Egypt and elsewhere, some deities were dragon-like in form. In China, dragons were often seen as a force for good, and their image represented the imperial family. In Europe, dragons featured not only in legend but on shields, ships, and coats of arms. Maps from past centuries at times held the words “here be dragons,” or depictions of the animals, in unexplored or dangerous regions.

Dragons have long featured in art, as they continue to today. From ancient vases and throne rooms, to modern religious items of China and Japan, to fan art and t-shirts, dragons are abundant.

A number of books, movies and television series highlight this creature, including the Dragonriders of Pern series by Anne McCaffrey, the original film and remake of Pete’s Dragon, various fairy tale cartoons such as Shrek and Sleeping Beauty, and the wildly popular Game of Thrones television series.

Would you like to draw a dragon’s eye? This easy, step-by-step drawing guide is here to help. All you will need is a pen or pencil and a sheet of paper. You may also wish to use crayons, colored pencils, or something similar to shade your finished drawing.

If you liked this tutorial, see also the following drawing guides: Cartoon Castle, Charizard, and Cartoon Princess.

Watch 'How to Draw ​​a Dragon Eye' Video Tutorial

​Step by Step Instructions for Drawing​​​​ ​​a Dragon Eye

1.​ ​​Begin by drawing a long, curved line to outline the top of the eye.

2. ​​​​​​​​​​​​Draw another long, curved line, meeting the first on each end, to enclose the shape of the eye. Notice the curve of the line, how it forms a rounded point; how this gives the eye a nearly rectangular appearance.

3. ​​​​​​​​​​​​Draw a curved line upwards from the corner of the eye. Draw another line from the eye to meet this one at a steep angle. This forms a scale along the dragon’s eye ridge. From the first scale, draw another curved line, and enclose it by drawing another line from the eye. Repeat this process a third time, forming a third scale.

4. ​​​From the corner of the eye, draw a curved line, downward. From this point, draw a series of short, curved lines that meet in jagged points. Follow the contour of the eye, and connect the final line to the eye near the opposite corner. This forms the scales beneath the eye.

5.​​ ​Enclose two curved triangle shapes, overlapping near the back of the eye. These represent additional scales.

​6.​ ​​​​​​​​​​​​​​Draw a large circle within the eye, forming the dragon’s pupil.

​7. ​​​​Draw two curved lines within the pupil, enclosing a narrow, curved triangle and forming a snake-like slit.

​8.​​​ ​​​​​​Draw short, curved lines, connected in jagged points, as well as individual short lines, above and below the eye. This offers additional texture of scales.

9.​​​ ​Draw a series of lines parallel to the bottom of the eye, forming the eye’s waterline. Then, within the pupil, draw short lines emanating from the slit.

​10. ​Color your dragon’s eye.

Would you like to improve your skills with more draconic drawing guides? We’re here to help. Then, give your dragons a backstory using our tutorials for drawing castles and princesses.