Why do the eyes on pictures look as if they're following you around?

Question

creepy

Answer 1

This is a very good question. This is because the eyes are usually so dark you can't tell where the pupil is. The absence of the pupil makes the painting look as if it can be looking at any angle.

Answer 2

It is just the way it is painted. Let's say you have a photograph of someone looking right at the camera - directly forward. The photo will not change at all, so it always seems like the person is always looking at you.

Now get a picture of someone looking noticably to the side. Try the same thing. Even try going to an angle that makes it look like the picture would look at you. No matter what you try, it always looks toward the side, not at you.

Answer 3

Because the picture, you always see the front of the face (since it isnt a physical thing you can actually look around) and all u see is the eyes.

Answer 4

Eyes on pictures look as if they are following you around because pictures are flat.

Answer 5

Not only Monalisa any one does if it is looking at you. It is an illusion as the image itself. It happens because it doesn't change in 3d. It only get condensed. Consider a 3D globe and a picture of globe. It only gets smaller in width. Nothing else changes.
So it looks at the direction where it looks at. Check this in Photoshop or another editing software.

Answer 6

i have noticed that too , Can be very eerie LOL

.I turned a valuable painting, to face the wall when i first got married .
I am used to it now and stick my tongue out , as i go past , to annoys it

It has never frightened me, so it must be contented here .

the artist has to be clever, to paint the eyes , with so much expression, that they follow you around the room

i wish i could paint like that , it is not easy .

Answer 7

When that happens, It's because you love yourself.

The picture is minding its own business, YOUR eyes are following it as you move around the room on your crazy legs you fruitcake

Answer 8

You know, that's a good question. It does make you wonder, and honestly, I don't think I would like to know the answer. You're right. It is creepy.

Answer 9

haha, that's a good question. i think because people tend to look right into the camera. not sure, but i think it's like the way the moon and the sun is as well. you think they're following you around, but they're not.

Answer 10

It's an optical effect. If eyes are directly centered they will appear to follow you. Painters used to use this effect all the time.