Drawing cupped hands is a surprisingly difficult task, even for experienced artists. Fortunately, with a few simple tips, you can become an expert in no time.
1. Study the Natural Form
The most important step in drawing a cupped hand is to memorize and understand the natural form. Study photographs of hands to capture the subtle nuances of the shape and shadows that make up a cupped hand. Use pencil and paper to sketch the shape until you feel comfortable re-creating it your drawing.
2. Test the Proportion
Once you have a basic grasp of the shape, you need to make sure the proportions are correct in your drawing. Test the scale and size of the hand in relation to other elements of your drawing to make sure it looks natural. Additionally, use a reference photo to make sure every line is accurate and proportionate.
3. Shade the Hand
One of the most difficult aspects of drawing a cupped hand is accurately shading the fingers and palm. To get this right, look for areas where light and dark contrast against each other. The shaded areas should be noticeably darker in color than the lit areas. Also, look for subtle shadows in the natural wrinkles and grooves of the palm and back of the hand.
4. Sharpen Your Lines
Lastly, make sure to add plenty of crisp, sharp lines in your drawing. These small lines will help complete the overall look and make your hand look natural and life-like. When adding these lines, think of the hand as a series of shapes and use the pencil to carefully outline those shapes.
5. Test the Natural Motion
Once you have a completed drawing of a cupped hand, use a reference photo to make sure the hand is in a natural position. Test the size and angle of the hand to make sure it looks natural. As you do this, use a pencil to adjust the shapes and lines as needed.
6. Create Depth with Shadows
The last step is to create depth and realism in your drawing by adding shadows. For example, draw a few faint lines to show the direction of light or add a few darker lines to show where the light wouldn’t reach. Doing this will add a striking level of realism to your drawing.
7. Practice and Experiment
The truth is that no two hands are the same, so don’t be afraid to experiment with your drawings. Draw hands in different positions and use different shading techniques to better understand the way light and shadows interact with a subject. With enough practice, you’ll be able to master the art of drawing cupped hands.
