How To Draw A Fist From The Side

Easy, step by step Fist drawing tutorial

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The fist is the gesture formed when the fingers and thumb are curled inwards into the palm of the hand. What does this gesture mean in terms of nonverbal communication?

One of the most universally recognized uses of the fist is that of punching. Forming a fist is essential to sports or martial arts such as boxing, karate, kung fu, and taekwondo. Forming or shaking the fist can in many situations be acknowledged as a threat of impending violence.

The raised fist is often used as "a symbol of rebellion, militance, resistance, and unity." A number of organizations have used a raised fist as a "secret handshake" among members, allowing them to identify one another; as a display of rebellion against certain authorities; or as a call to action.

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Another use of the fist is the "fist bump." This is a greeting that may symbolize camaraderie, celebrate victory or accomplishment, or may simply be used in lieu of a traditional handshake. Some physicians recommend the first bump, rather than the hand shake, during cold and flu season to limit contact with germs. A "fist pump" - raising the fist repeatedly by bending the arm at the elbow - can also be used to signify victory of accomplishment.

Would you like to draw a fist? This easy, step-by-step drawing tutorial will help you to use simple lines and geometric shapes to do just that. All you will need is a pencil, a sheet of paper, and an eraser. You may also wish to employ crayons, colored pencil, markers, or paints to shade your finished drawing.

If you liked this tutorial, see also the following drawing guides: Legs, Hand, and Lips.

Step by Step Instructions for Drawing a Fist

Fist drawing - step 1

1. You will begin by sketching shapes to indicate the curvature of the thumb. First, draw a pair of straight, diagonal, parallel lines. Connect these using curved lines on each end. Next, extend a set of parallel lines from the top of the first set. This time, though, set the straight lines on the opposite diagonal. One line should be longer than the other. Connect them using a curved line. Finally, from the tips of these lines, extend two more straight lines. These lines are not parallel, but slant toward each other. Connect them using a curved line.

Fist drawing - step 2

2. Outline the hand a wrist using straight lines. Notice the sharp angle to one side of the thumb, and the length of the lines that form it.

Fist drawing - step 3

3. Now, you will flesh out the hand and thumb, softening the lines and angles. Sketch curved lines on each side of the hand. Notice where they extend outside the straight lines, and where they rest within. Do the same for the thumb, noting the curved lines that indicate the folds of skin on the underside of the thumb, where the knuckle is bent.

Fist drawing - step 4

4. Erase the guide lines from the hand and thumb.

Fist drawing - step 5

5. Begin to sketch the folded fingers. Use long, curved lines to enclose the shapes.

Fist drawing - step 6

6. Erase the guide lines from the fingers.

Fist drawing - step 7

7. Detail the thumb and fingers. Enclose a fingernail on the tip of the thumb. Use short curved lines to note the folds at the knuckles of the thumb and fingers, and at the base of the thumb.

Fist drawing - step 8

8. Use a long, curved line to sketch in the third finger. Indicate a knuckle using a short, curved line.

Fist drawing - step 9

9. Enclose the fourth finger using a long, curved line. Erase remaining guide lines from the fingers. Detail the wrist using short, curved lines.

Complete Fist drawing

10. Color you fist. Would you like to flex your muscles and draw more human features? Check out our selection of people drawing guides.

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Printable Drawing Tutorial

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