Breaking up the Parts of the Hand - Drawing Tutorial

Jacquelin Vanderwood June 15, 2004   1 Sketching hands is extremely important to learn. In this first step you'll learn to draw the sections of the hands by breaking them into parts as shown below. Try drawing the one below and then have someone pose and draw it in different poses.   2 Here is a side view of the components of the hand. See how the basic shape of the hand is created in sections. Try drawing the side view in different poses.   3 Below is a view of a sectioned hand in a rather different pose. The three fingers and thumb are folded inward while the index finger is pointing up. Notice how the three fingers are slanting inward toward the middle of the palm. The thumb points diagonally. Try drawing the hand shown below and then try drawing your own hand.   4 Here is the thumb at closer view. The ball between the second and third joint is actually where the thumb attaches to the hand.    5 Depending on how realistic your figure will be will determine the texture that will appear on the hand. Below is a sample of what might be seen through the skin in a more realistic setting.   6 Think of a hand as having hills and valleys. Where are they located? Most generally the smaller hills are located below each finger while the two larger muscles or hills are located at the bottom of the palm of the hand.   7 Here is a divided hand with shade and light applied.     Copyright 1998-2004, Jacquelin Vanderwood, All Rights Reserved