How to Draw an Arm: Male Figure

Hey friends!

In today’s drawing lesson I’ll teach you how to draw an arm of a male figure.

We’ll do this step by step, so you understand exactly how to draw the arm’s shape, including the muscles and the hand.

Check out the full video tutorial, or read on if you prefer text instructions (=

1. The Setup

I have a square that is 5.2 inches long on each side.

 I divided it into 4 relatively equal parts, using two lines: horizontal and vertical.

In addition, there is another vertical line dividing the left half into a third and 2 thirds.

2. Beginning to Draw the Arm

Begin drawing the shoulder muscle, as well as the muscle “hidden” behind it.

The arm is facing towards us (while the hand is turned downwards). In this angle – these are the muscles we get to see.

3. Another Muscle

Add another long, oval-shaped muscle that begins below the shoulder muscle, and ends in the center of the square.

4. Lower Part of the Arm

Next it’s time to add the lower part of the arm.

I will mention how I am, as always, using reference for this. I still can’t draw these things entirely from imagination.

Actually, drawing this from memory is quite an amazing feat, that not many possess.

5. The Hand!

Hands are a well-known landmine for artists – but fear not! By using reference you are already somewhat immune.

In this angle, the hand is pointing downwards. We also see its inner part, and so the thumb is pointed towards us. There is some foreshortening going on too.

I begin with the area of the thumb.

Notice how the entire hand is going to be contained within that left-most third.

Next, I start drawing the fingers one by one. Make sure to have them pointing at slight different angles. This creates a natural look.

Notice how I made the pinky point in a very different direction than that of the other fingers. That’s a nice little effect that helps convey looseness, and the absence of tension in the hand.

By the way, I believe I made the hand a tiny bit too small, but I’m still pleased with the result.

6. Let’s Add Some Shading

This is what’s going to really give the muscles their shape and volume.

And this is it! Here is the final scanned result:

I hope you enjoyed this lesson, and learned how to draw an arm. Feel free to leave a comment or ask a question below (=

And as always, Be sure to SUBSCRIBE HERE to get my eBook for free + great tips and advice on drawing, delivered straight to you! (=

And I’ll talk to you soon,

– Liron