I have always found painting hands to be one of the most challenging aspects of figurative art. The complexity of their structure, with all the bones, joints, and muscles, makes them difficult to render accurately. I often struggle with proportions and the way light interacts with the skin, which can change dramatically depending on the position of the hand. Each finger has its own personality and movement and capturing that can feel overwhelming at times. For many years I avoided them all together. I have since learned that patience is key; I often spend hours studying my own hands or those of others to understand their nuances better. Despite the challenges, I find that when I finally get it right, the satisfaction is immense. Hands can convey so much emotion and storytelling, making them a vital part of any composition. I remember reading somewhere that the great masters of old would charge more for a painting depending on the number of visible hands shown in the work. Many great artists have hidden the hands or shielded them in some way.
Why Hands Are So Difficult to Paint
