There is Connection and Magic

in the Drawing of Wild Eyes

Helloooo wild ones!

If you have been here for more than 5 minutes, you may well know I have a bit of a (all good and healthy) obsession with eyes. With connection to people, human or otherwise (mostly otherwise, let’s be honest), through eye to eye contact. I truly believe it fosters so much compassion and connection. Of course the person I am gazing at must be a willing participant (again, human or otherwise) - I am all about understanding and respecting sovereign safety and autonomy.

Have you ever found yourself completely lost in the eyes of a wild being? That moment when time seems to stop, and suddenly you're not just looking at them, but truly seeing them? Maybe for you that has only ever been with our little wild-hearted furry or feathered family and companions - but I hazard a guess you know exactly what I mean. There's something quite magical about that connection, isn't there?

This week I want to share something that brings me endless wonder - drawing the eyes of our wild kin. And not just any eyes (though ALL eyes are amazing and I will try so hard to draw as many of them as I can until my last breath), but specifically, this week zebra eyes!

Did you know they have rectangular pupils? This fascinating adaptation helps them spot predators across vast African grasslands - just one example of nature's endless creativity. Think of it as predator-panorama-cam. It blows my mind.

I often find myself completely absorbed when drawing eyes. There's something about the careful observation required that takes me into an almost meditative state. It's like having a silent conversation with the being I'm studying - each tiny detail revealing another facet of their story. We share connection, though I know they are not aware, it is never-the-less reverential and founded on reciprocity.

Here's a little practice that might help you find that same sense of wonder:

An Eye Connection Practice:

1. Find a photo of a wild being's eye (I'm sharing a zebra reference in today's video)

2. Take three deep breaths and settle in

3. Before picking up your pencil, really look at the eye's structure

4. Notice how the light plays across the surface

5. Imagine what this being sees through this remarkable organ

6. Only then begin to sketch, staying connected to that sense of wonder

Remember: This isn't about creating a photographically perfect eye – it's about building a bridge of understanding between your world and theirs. It's about honouring the incredible diversity of ways to see and be in this world. It is about seeing, then seeing more!

I've written more about this practice, zebra vision, and specific drawing techniques, over on my blog [link]. And if you'd like some guidance through the process, come draw with me in today's video ⬆️ where we explore the magic of drawing wild eyes together.

Never forget that you are inherently creative and worthy of taking this time to connect with your wild heart through art. We need your unique way of seeing and celebrating these remarkable beings.

✨ Tell me, what fascinates you most about drawing wild eyes? Or if you haven't tried it yet, what makes you curious about it? ✨

Keep letting your wild wonder guide your creativity, you beautiful humans, and I'll be back with more wildlife art love next week.

Mwah!

PS: Want to get even deeper into this magical practice of at making? Come get curious, courageous, connected clarity in Hedgerow, a place for wild-hearted creative women!