| Copyright (c) 2006 Todd Harris | | | | finish with some shading and refining. Draw the |
| Artists consider drawing hands one of the hardest | | | | main visible wrinkles, shadows, nails and then |
| parts of the human form to draw. It takes a lot | | | | refine the lines. |
| of practice to master drawing hands, however, it | | | | Add some rough shading to bring the form out. |
| can be learned and less daunting than the task | | | | Then refine with more subtle shading while |
| seems. Hands are a very expressive part of the | | | | observing the fine lines of the hands. It's good to |
| body, much like the face, this is why it is | | | | know where your light source is coming from so |
| sometimes so hard to draw. There is a formula | | | | you know where the shadows will fall on each |
| to the process that makes it easier for artists to | | | | finger. |
| master drawing hands. Let's take a look at the | | | | There are some tips that you can consider when |
| process. | | | | drawing hands that are helpful. First, draw your |
| Start with blocking in the hand. Artists do this | | | | own hands. Set your hands in various poses and |
| differently, do it the way you feel comfortable. A | | | | look for how the light falls on them. Next, know |
| quick block-in might look a little like a fisted hand | | | | what's underneath the hand. Have a good |
| outline, with fingers outstretched. | | | | understanding of the structure of the hand from |
| When you are drawing the hand, you do not have | | | | an anatomical view point. This should give you a |
| to worry about all of the detail, this will come | | | | good understanding and help you with how the |
| later. You always want to start with the overall | | | | shading should be handled. |
| shape and then work the finer details last. Break | | | | Start with easier poses and then work on more |
| down the hand with simple shapes. | | | | complex poses as you become more familiar. |
| Then form the fingers. Notice the shape of them | | | | Get critiques of your drawings. Feedback is very |
| and the space between them. Make sure your | | | | important when learning to draw anything. Get |
| proportions are correct. Once you have | | | | new perspective from others comments and |
| everything in the right position, then and only | | | | don't be afraid to try them out. |
| then, can you begin to refine the hand. Make sure | | | | Lastly, drawing takes a lot of practice. Don't get |
| the thumb is in the right position relative to the | | | | discouraged if your first few hands don't turn out. |
| other fingers. You can use the thumb and pencil | | | | You'll get it, with persistence and practice, you'll be |
| method to check these proportions. | | | | mastering hands in no time. |
| Once your block-in or lay in is complete, you can | | | | |