One brushstroke at a time

There’s something truly magical about painting eyes – it’s where a watercolor animal really comes to life. ✨
In this step-by-step watercolor painting article, I’ll take you behind the brush as I paint a realistic snow leopard’s eye in watercolor. You’ll see how I build up the layers — from the first light wash in the iris to the final reflections that give the eye its sparkle.

The fur around the eye is already painted, so we can focus on what makes this detail so captivating: color, depth, and life.

So grab a cuppa and come join me 💛🎨

I start by adding a pale layer of a cool yellow to the iris, making it more saturated to the right side to suggest curve. This is the base layer of the iris.

Sunlight is coming from the left, and the snow leopard’s cheek creates a shadow on the iris’s left side, and it also casts light on the opposite side of the iris. I have added a very watery pale black over the entire iris EXCEPT a small slice on the right side to capture that light
To create the shadow on the left side I add pale black paint, wet on dry, and the darker shadow wet on wet to create a soft transition. I also add in the pupil, which is the center – the anchor – for the next layer. See next layer below.

BUT FIRST:

Okay, now you’re hopefully subscribed and won’t miss a thing – let’s move on to the next layer!

I add more color to the iris, which is not so much color really, but a very pale black. I start above the iris and apply it wet on wet to get soft edges.

I work my way around the iris, and with the same pale black I add the lines that create the pattern in the eye. I’m still working wet on wet to get soft lines.

I have applied a small area of muted blue to the right side of the iris, and begin to add in the darker color on the top part of the iris. This area is the darkest part of the iris, and it’s also in shadow, so it’s quite dark. I also add in this darker color on top of some of the blue area, once it’s dry.

I have applied darker paint in one of the white areas above, which is not an actual part of the iris itself but a darker light reflection. I’ve also added some sky blue in the other reflection area, and I apply pale paint around the pupil.

I have applied a light base layer of paint on the lower eye line, and connected it with the fur in the outer and inner corner of the eye. I start light, to be able to build up the shape and curve of the eye line when I go in with the darker colors later on.

Here I have added the dark upper eye line, leaving spaces in between the dark brush strokes on the top edge, to create light fur.

I have darkened the lower eye line, letting some of the lighter color show through to shape the line and give it some form. I’m also applying paint to the dark area that surrounds the outer area of the iris.

I make sure to connect the dark eye line with the lighter fur around the eye, by adding short brush strokes of fur. I have also darkened the lighter light reflection, leaving a clear, bright spot. Together with the dark areas this adds spark and life to the eye. Contrast is the key to realism.

Every time I paint an eye, I’m reminded how small details can completely transform a painting – and how much joy there is in slowing down and observing. In our fast-paced world, it’s easy to rush through everything, but taking the time to pause and focus on something as simple as a single eye is a gentle reminder that slowing down can be its own reward.

I hope this little glimpse into my process helps you the next time you sit down to paint. Remember, it’s not about perfection — it’s about connection, patience, and enjoying the journey, one brushstroke at a time 💛

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