Phase 1: Sad Eyes

When people start feeling sad or hurt, their brows start to pucker toward one another (figure 1.b) and their lower eyelid pooches up (figure 2.b), hiding part of the iris. Note: The lower eyelid does the same thing when people get angry, too.) I always draw extra sparkles in my eyes and try to draw them a little wobblier to suggest wateriness (figure 3.b).

Phase 2: Crying Eyes

When the eyebrows severely furrow, a crease will form between them (figure 4). In real life, tears well up and spill over in the inner corner of the eye, near the nose. In manga and anime, however, the eyes are so distorted that this kind of tear flow looks downright weird. So, when drawing in the manga style, have the tears well up in the outer corner of the eye (figure 5). This actually happens in real life, so it won't look unnatural. Tears should be drawn lightly with broken lines to suggest shininess and transparency (figure 6). Small sparkles can be drawn on large tear drops, and features like lashes can be seen through them.

Phase 3: Miserable Greta Garbo Eyes

This comes with all the works: dripping mascara, angry eyebrows, and gunky eyelashes. These eyes scream, "How could you do this to me?!" To achieve runny mascara, use darker lines when drawing the tears. Don't draw solid black tears unless you're into that Dawn look. *shudder* Black flecks underneath the lashes also add to the effect. Don't be afraid to smudge the lashes. They're supposed to look all gunky with wet make up and moisture. The darkening effect also lends to the subliminal message that "this person is withdrawing from the situation." You can show anger, too, by dipping the noseward end of the eyebrow lower than in a typically sad eye (figure 7). These are the same brows you would use if you were drawing someone angry.