Hands have a reputation for being difficult to draw. Some portrait artists avoid them entirely, choosing instead to use folds of clothing (or flowers, or a even a strategically placed small pet) to block them from view. Yet, the hands are wonderfully expressive. With a bit of practice and an understanding of their basic structure, you may discover that they become one of your favorite drawing subjects. Here’s a quick tutorial, drawn in 2B pencil. I use a step-by-step approach, starting with the basic forms and then working outward, to get accurate proportions:
You can practice “fleshing out” your simple palm-fingers-thumb-wrist sketches by drawing from photographs of hands in action… or use your own non-drawing hand as your model.
Thank you. I once had an art teacher tell me that if I could master hands, I could draw anything. I think she was right. It has been so long since I have taken the time to draw anything, and I just hooked up my husband’s tablet last night, so I’ve been fiddling around. Perhaps I’ll try and draw a hand sometime. :)
this is a wonderful tutorial! thanks for showing the step by step. it makes it look doable and i guess with practice i can make some decent hands!
You’ve inspired me to practice hands! I’m an ardent doodler rather than artist but your tutorial has made me want to draw… great post thank you!
You’ve inspired me to practice hands! I’m an ardent doodler rather than artist but your tutorial has made me want to draw… great post thank you!
Amazing tutorial here Val – thanks so much for sharing, I love drawing hands, and I alos love hearing new ways to approach drawing them as well :)