How to Draw Holding Hands: Easy Step-by-Step Guide

Capturing the gesture of two hands holding is a wonderful way to practice drawing human anatomy. This tutorial is perfect for artists ages 7 and up. Grab a pencil, an eraser, and a piece of paper to start building your confidence with organic shapes and overlapping lines.

10 Steps

🎯 Final Result

Final colored illustration of two hands holding, presented as a finished art project

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Sketching the First Wrist

Pencil sketch of a single wrist using two parallel curved lines

Draw two diagonal, parallel curved lines to form the first arm. Tip: Keep the lines soft and rounded to suggest the natural curve of a wrist.

Step 2: Forming the First Thumb

Drawing the thumb shape extending from the wrist

Extend a curved line from the wrist and loop it back to create the thumb. Tip: Think of the thumb as a rounded 'C' shape attached to the side of the hand.

Step 3: Adding the Pointer Finger

Sketching the index finger with a defined knuckle angle

Extend a line from the thumb to form the pointer finger, doubling it back. Tip: Add a slight angle at the top to represent the knuckle—this makes the finger look more realistic.

Step 4: Completing the First Hand

Outlining the full hand with all fingers connected to the wrist

Draw the remaining fingers by extending curved lines from the pointer finger, connecting them back to the wrist. Tip: Vary the length of the fingers slightly so they don't look like identical sticks.

Step 5: Starting the Second Hand

Adding overlapping finger shapes for the second hand

Begin the second hand by drawing two elongated, rounded shapes overlapping the first hand. Tip: These shapes represent the fingers of the second person holding on.

Step 6: Adding More Fingers

Continuing the second hand with additional finger shapes

Add two more rounded shapes to the second hand, overlapping the thumb area. Tip: Keep the shapes soft to show that the fingers are wrapping around the other hand.

Step 7: Defining the Second Thumb

Drawing the thumb of the second hand resting on the first

Extend a curved line from the base of the second hand to form the thumb. Tip: Make sure this thumb looks like it is resting on top of the first hand.

Step 8: Cleaning Up

Erasing unnecessary guide lines for a clean drawing

Carefully erase the overlapping guide lines inside the fingers. Tip: Use a kneaded eraser if you have one; it’s great for lifting graphite without damaging the paper.

Step 9: Adding Final Details

Adding final details like fingernails and knuckle lines

Draw the second wrist, add small curved lines for knuckles, and sketch tiny rounded fingernails. Tip: Keep these details subtle; too many lines can make the hands look older than intended.

Step 10: Bring Your Drawing to Life

Finished colored drawing of two hands holding each other

Add color to your drawing! Tip: Use a light peach or brown for the skin tone, and try adding a slightly darker shade on the sides of the fingers to create a soft shadow effect.