Art can be taught through a step by step technical process. However, the demonstration below is not a detailed tutorial on drawing the hands per se. It is a guide on how you might approach any subject. A window into my thought process while I draw.

Come join me, and good luck!

A Drawing Demonstration with Hands

Reference Image – Free download

————— Affiliate Links to Supplies I Used in the Demo

1) Faber Castel – 120 Color Pencil Set – https://amzn.to/35brD1V
2) Factis Retractile Eraser – https://amzn.to/3lg5llo
3) Kneaded Eraser – https://amzn.to/3eDqG5u
4) Fabriano Artistico 300 lb. Hot Press – https://amzn.to/2U4pAXc

Have you smudged your drawings while you work, or messed up the piece storage? I might be able to help.

I recommend interleaving Glassine between a finished drawing during storage and between the sheets in your sketchbook. You can also use Glassine to shield your hand from the drawing surface while you work so that you don’t smudge the piece. Keep in mind, that nothing can permanently protect your work by itself. There are too many factors such as moisture, critters, and temperature fluctuations to name just a few that Glassine cannot protect against. However, it’s a superior smooth archival barrier. Great for use when surfaces are stored for long periods, and it will mitigate a lot of the issues of smudging and the transfer of dirt and oils from your hand. It’s archival, does not get brittle or yellow.

I think it’s a must have in your studio practice. You should be able to buy it at most art stores, online or otherwise. The video below is posted on Instagram and the first of my Quick Tip Series. Watch the video if you want to see what Glassine looks like.

But lets start at the beginning: I began this drawing with the intention of completing one drawing on a sheet of 22″ x 30″ Fabriano paper. You can see the first layer of the drawing below mixed with a digital collage to map out where the birds would go.

Initially the piece was to compositionally end with the middle drawing. ( One figure with a birds nesting in her hair ) However something didn’t feel right. Though I quite like the pose and the mood of the composition, I wanted a greater conflict within the piece and to create a sense of wonder and mystery for the viewer. It is this wonderment, discovery and curiosity that keeps me creating, painting and drawing day in and day out. With these thoughts in mind I came up with the idea of adding more birds.

Many more birds. . .

I like the movement so far and the variety of scale in the birds. I must be honest though that it is a little daunting thinking about drawing 100 birds. I will post more as the piece grows.

-Scott Hutchison

2014 JUNE UPDATE: You can get a sense of scale:

Medium: Conte on grey paper

Medium: White and Black conte on grey paper

Medium: Graphite on white pape

Medium: White conte on black paper

Reference images