Drawing hands from the side is quite an art form. Even the most unique, talented artists have difficulty sketching hands in this position. That’s why it’s important to have a plan and take your time. Here are a few helpful tips for how to draw hands from the side and create a beautiful sketch.
Start With the Palm
Begin by drawing the palm. This will make up the majority of the hand and indicate its size. Sketch the palm shape, including the base of the thumb. Start drawing the lines of the palm as if they were connecting points, as opposed to continuous circles.
Form the Fingers
Using the palm shape as your guide, draw out the fingers. The index finger usually stands straight up, but the other fingers twist and curl around each other. Keep in mind the length and thickness of each finger, as well as how they overlap. make sure each section of the fingers—the joints, nails, gestures—are just as accurate as the palm.
Don’t Neglect the Thumb
The thumb makes up a good portion of the hand, so it’s important to draw it carefully and accurately. Decide where the thumb will be placed and how it will interact with the other fingers. You can add a slight U-shape to the bottom of the thumb and draw the nail slightly lower than the fingers.
Render in Detail
Once you are happy with the basic shape, it’s time to add details. Bring out the texture of the hand by adding lines, shading, and other marks. Draw the nails, lines of creases, and add highlights. Experiment with what you can do to make the sketch more realistic and detailed.
Know When to Step Back
When it comes to sketching, knowing when to step back and reassess is a must. Self-critica can help you identify areas where the sketch can be improved. Remember, the more detail you add, the more your sketch moves towards a polished piece of artwork. When you are done, let your sketch dry and then take some time to appreciate your work.
Add Dimensional Features
Making a hand look 3-dimensional adds a whole new level of realism to a sketch. Begin by drawing the outlines of the muscles, veins, and creases. Next, define these outlines with light and dark shades of graphite to give the hand a lifelike appearance. Finally, use shading to emphasize the details of the hand, creating a picture perfect sketch.
Practice, Practice, Practice
Drawing hands from the side is a difficult task. To become a master of this skill, you’ll need to put in the time and effort. Make sure to practice often and keep adding more detail to your sketches. Eventually, what seemed complicated and difficult to begin with will become effortless and beautiful.
Draw Open Hands
To create a more dramatic and expressive sketch, draw open hands. You can do this by using the same techniques discussed above and adding movement. Experiment with various poses and angles to find the perfect expressiveness for the open hand. You can also use a range of hues to bring out the vibrant colors of the hands and make them look even more realistic.
Include Background Elements
To go beyond the standard sketching format, include background elements. These can be abstract objects, patterns, or environment elements, such as furniture or plants. This will create a more dynamic sketch and add drama to your piece.
Draw Out Cuffs
If you’d like to capture the effect of hands and clothing, try sketching cuffs. This can be done with a few simple lines and contours. To make it look even more real, you can use shading to create a subtle color gradient. This will give you a beautiful and unique sketch with a lot of character.
Play With Proportions
For a unique and artistically daring sketch, play with the proportions of the hands. This means that you can make the hands bigger or smaller than they usually are. You can also make the fingers a different length or make them overlap in creative ways. This will give your drawing a cartoon-like feel, making it an eye-catching sketch.
