What are some tips for drawing a realistic hand?

I'm not too great at drawing hands, but I typically start with a rounded square and then draw the finger guidelines from there. Remember that none of the fingers (expect the pinkie and thumb!) are the same length. For the thumb guidelines I start with a circle and then draw the thumb from there. Don't forget to use references, because using references is never cheating. It will only help you in the long run! Hope this helped!

Explanation:

First, you need to construct the hand correctly.

2. Make sure you're using a quality reference.

3. Know and prepare your art supplies

4. Always start with a light initial sketch, focusing on the largest shapes first

5. Keep in mind that in realism, there are no visible lines

6.  Create gradual, smooth transitions between your different values. (In order for your drawing to really pop out and transmit a sense of realistic three-dimensionality, you have to develop a huge range of values throughout your piece. There have to be very light areas (which will appear almost white at the end), there have to be very dark areas (which will appear almost black at the end) and there have to be a ton of mid-values in between.)

Explanation: Hope this helps

for many centuries, the catholic church has been a patron of the arts. the church has used various scientific methods to maintain its power.

not 100% sure though!