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Here you will learn the basic steps, as well as some tips and tricks, that are required for the art of drawing hands. Images and written steps walk you through the process step by step.
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 A Common Issue:
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The art of drawing hands and feet are two skills that beginning artists tend to. These are skills that take a long time to develop, and that are difficult for even experienced artists to master. They are, however, extremely important and many “expert” artists will judge another artists’ skill by their ability to draw hands and feet.
There are a few steps that, make the art of drawing hands a little easier. Start drawing at the beginning and work down:
- Bones
- Plump
- Flesh
- Details
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There are many books available (such as the one above) which discuss the art of drawing hands and feet. |
Art of Bones:
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| Begin the art of drawing hands with the basic structure and size, the “bones.” Use a small square to represent the palm and connect the fingers and thumb to the bottom, center of the square. Four circles at the top of the square to represent the first finger knuckles, and one to the side of the square. Draw a line up from the knuckle and connect another circle (the second knuckle). |
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With circles for knuckles (where fingers bend) draw the four fingers and thumb. Note: the lines between the first, second, and third knuckles will be the same length when on the same finger (all index finger lines are the same length, as are all middle finger lines, but index finger lines are not the same length as middle finger lines).
If you need help drawing the basic shape and positions of hands,
Richeson Adjustable Hands 
are adjustable manikins that are highly recommended.
Art of Plump:
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The palms have three plump, or meaty, areas. These are found at the end of the thumb, the side of the palm directly across from the thumb, and at the base of the fingers. When practicing the art of drawing hands, make sure that the palm fleshes out at these points. |
Also, between each finger is a small U. Sometimes fingers are pressed together making the U unnoticeable, other times it is very obvious. Keep the space between the fingers in mind, as it is rare that all the fingers are squeezed together.
Art of Flesh:
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Trace around the edge of your drawing to get the flesh of the hand. Remember, plump the flesh out around the “meaty” areas (sometimes, when you draw the initial art sketch, this area is too large and you must bring it in a little).
Depending on the age of the person whose hands you are drawing, the flesh may also plump out around the knuckles. Older people tend to have large knuckles and their palms get smaller at the base. |
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Art of Details:
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Adding details to your hands is what turns them from cartoons to realistic art. The details start with the crease lines created where the plump areas meet. If you are drawing the hand with the palm up, you will also see two large tendon lines in the center of the wrist. The art of drawing hands palm down will show off a few of the veins in the hands and the tendons which connect to the knuckles.
Another great book on this subject is Draw Real Hands! 
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Random Drawing Notes:
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The basic skeleton created during the art of drawing hands stays the same regardless of the position and angle of the hand you are drawing. However, the length of the fingers, and shape of the palm change based on position.
- Sometimes the palm is more rectangular or trapezoidal, rather than square.
- Sometimes all of the fingers are not visible.
Another note is that fingers are rarely straight. When relaxed, they tend to bend inward to the palm. When tensed they bend rigidly.
Keep these basic steps and notes in mind when practicing the art of drawing hands.
