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The key principle to be able to draw cartoon hands is to use simple shapes. Namely, cubes, tubes, and ellipses. The simplest way to show this is through The Mitten Method.

Simple shapes break down into more complex shapes.

As the name implies, the idea is to start with a rough, simple form of a shape like a mitten.  The idea being that you can break down and separate the masses of the fingers from one big shape.  The thumb is it’s own separate shape altogether.

Further breaking down the hand. From a mitten, to a box palm, to cylinder fingers.

From here, the fingers and palm shape can be further defined with cubes and cylinders, especially when a more realistic hand is needed.

Of course, since these are cartoon hands, they can be streamlined even further.  Compare these next hands.  See how they’re squared off and drawn very simply?

Draw 3 fingers and a thumb for a classic cartoon hand style.

Fortunately, hands aren’t as complex to draw as other parts of the human body, like feet.  We, as human beings, are very familiar with our hands.  As we grow older, we can easily see how they change from a baby’s chubby hands to an old person’s thin and wrinkly digits.

A woman’s hands are different from a man’s hands.  They’re generally far slimmer across the palm, and the fingers are comparatively long and supple.  Think “tapered”, especially when trying to convey something as subtle as long, manicured fingernails.

Since most people have two working hands, there’s almost always an available model ready for you to draw.  Practice often, and be patient.  Remember, the idea is to start simple, and work up drawing more complex shapes.  No amount of detailing will disguise a poorly constructed hand, so get those first shapes down right.

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