Drawing Hands from Posemaniacs.

[Kharnaghe]

So I've been trying to break 200 drawn studies today, but I started drawing the hands from posemaniacs, but I'm not quite sure if their part on drawing hands would be an adequate reference . I ask this because the hands are, like, polygonal hands, not smooth like normal hands. Also, I'd like to know if anyone else knows of any other hands references? And would 200 30 second figure studies be considered a good achievement for one day?

[Flake]

Assuming you only draw with one hand, use the other for reference?.

If you need variety use a shaving mirror.

[Kharnaghe]

So utterly simple. I now feel like a fool. Thank you flake.

[Scribble King]

Honestly, I really don't like Posemaniacs that much. Sure, it's fairly decent for quick gesture drawing, but since they're 3D models, the anatomy is a bit wonky and I especially wouldn't use those hands as good reference. Try getting ahold of Bridgman's "The Book of a Hundred Hands" if you're looking to do hand studies. Then again, I'm just a noob so what do I know. LOL

[JeffX99]

When you start working from life you begin to realize what utter garbage that stuff is (posemaniacs, poser, whatever). It is really stunting people's efforts and development. As Flake suggests - draw your other hand - use a mirror - draw your feet - draw other people's hands.

The second part of your question is more important...is 200 30 second hand/figure studies good for one day? Well, what did you learn? It isn't just a numbers or "sketch time" thing - it requires diligent study, observation and attention. What is important is to learn and understand - if you learned a great deal from that excercise it was valuable - if it just meant you reached a number goal without really being engaged then it wasn't. You may be better served by slowing down and applying everything you're got to understanding what you're seeing and how you can capture what you want to say - what do you want to say about that hand? What gives it character? Is it relaxed? Tense? Old? Young? Gnarled? Rough? Feminine? You get the idea. Just another approach worth trying - it takes a variety of excercises to develop skills. Just depends on your "learning mode" and that may change from time to time and with different media as well. Good luck!

[Kiera]

And would 200 30 second figure studies be considered a good achievement for one day?

Defending Posemaniacs a bit.. I did 1000 poses a week a half year ago and it helped me a lot with understanding gesture, direction, form and dimension, with discipline, concentration and speed, with hand-coordination and with my attitude towards mistakes.
If you get sick of looking at the same 3d models, collect some photos from different gallereries and use the posemaniacs timer with them
(http://jademacalla.deviantart.com/
http://cobweb-stock.deviantart.com/gallery/ (that guy has some hand poses)
http://pepstock.deviantart.com/gallery/
and my fav: http://gentlemansclubstock.deviantart.com/)
Good thing is that you can use all of those reference photos for hand gestures, so that you can see the situation and emotion in which those hands are used and the interaction with objects.

After 1000 30 sec poses you will get the natural need to slow down a bit and look at the details.
Have fun C:

[Black Spot]

I think the hands are the best bit of posemaniacs personally. They are simple blocks that show the structure, every thing else has to be down to observation.