Sketching is one of the most beautiful and most creative ways to express ones self. The ability to create an image out of nothing more than a white sheet of paper and a pencil takes creativity and a vast imagination, not to mention great hand eye coordination. When I was a child I remember looking over some old comic books that were once owned by my father. I remember thinking, "How in the world do these artist create such works of art?". Shortly after I tried to sketch some of my very own super hero characters. The sketching came out okay except for the one very noticeable feature, the hands. Trying to figure out how to successfully sketch out hands took a considerable amount of time, but thankfully I have uncovered a few tips and tricks over the years that can help you sketch out the most beautiful pair of hands you have ever seen.

The Process of Visualization

The first step you should take before putting your pencil to your paper is to visualize. You must visualize the hands you are trying to draw. One method to help you visualize how the hands will look is to ask yourself some questions. What positions will the hands be in on your character? Are the hands you are trying to create proportional to the character you are creating? What will the hands be doing? After you have a general visualization and have concluded what the hands are going to look like, you are now ready for step two of the visualization process.

The Process of Visualization - Shapes

The second step of the visualization process requires you to break your hands into simpler shapes. Think of shapes such as ovals, circles and short cylinders. When sketching out the shapes try to make the shapes overlap at the joints. Once you have completely sketched out your hands with circles, cylinders and ovals you are ready for the final step.

Final Step

If you haven't noticed, you will see that the foundation for your hands are done. The final step is for you to erase what is not needed and to add the aesthetics. Remember if your sketch doesn't look to good the first time, don't worry, because It takes a good amount of practice. Just keep on practicing. Remember that this strategy can work on Sketching Drawings and paintings.