Drawing: People with Debra Kauffman Yaun

Hands

Hands are very complex and involve many moveable elements, which can be a challenge to draw. Some positions of the hand are more difficult to draw than others. You may want to try posing a hand—yours or a model’s—in many different positions and drawing them for practice. In general, draw men’s hands more angularly, with a heavier line quality; draw women’s hands lightly with smooth, graceful lines. When sizing a hand to a figure, remember that a hand is about the same length as the face, from chin to hairline. If a hand is posed in a way that does not allow you to see all the fingers, don’t be tempted to draw what you can’t see or it will look unnatural. Try not to be discouraged if your first few drawings aren’t lifelike; hands definitely ...