Drawing arms and hands
When drawing an arm, consider it in
three parts: the upper arm, the elbow
and the lower arm. The upper arm is
attached to the shoulder from which
it may pivot depending on the angle
of the torso. It has a smooth, gently
tapering upper section that reaches
down to the elbow position. The
elbow can be drawn in a variety of
ways depending on whether the
arm is viewed from the front, in
which case a discreet line is usually
sufficient; or from the side, when its
flexible, more ‘pointed’ character
defines the angle of the lower arm.
This part of the arm tapers more
visibly to where it joins the hand.
Women’s wrists should be narrow
just above the hand and may
sometimes be adorned with a
bracelet or bangle depending
on the desired look.
In drawing terms, the hands have
two main parts: the front or back of
the palm and the fingers and thumb.
Both parts may be elongated to offer
the fashion figure a range of gestures
and actions, which will all enhance
the drawing. Consider the angle of
the lower arm when drawing the
hand. Fingernails may be included
but knuckles are not usually
emphasised: too much detail
on a hand can make it look wrinkled.
You could also try drawing the hand
resting on the hip with the fingers
hidden from view.