The legend about a painter that makes painting come alive if he draws the eyes is a Chinese legend of "Ma Liang's magic brush". I can't find the full version that specifically mentioned the eye part, but here's the best I have:
https://www.chinadaily.com.cn/life/2011-03/17/content_12187694.htm
Basically, as adapted in the manga, Ma Liang sold "incomplete" paintings that were missing eyes for a living so that his magic won't be found out.