In a standard tripod grip, the tip should extend roughly 1–2 inches (2. 5–5. 1 cm) below your hand. Drawing demands quite a bit of stability and precision. For this reason, it’s best to use your dominant hand. [2] X Research source
Since this is the same hand position that most people use when first learning to write, the tripod grip is also sometimes referred to as the “writing” grip. Squeezing the pencil too tightly actually makes it harder to control, and can cause your lines to come out jagged and shaky.
If you leave your wrist on the drawing surface, you’re more likely to curve your lines involuntarily as you run out of room to maneuver the pencil. By simply picking up your wrist, you can avoid this common problem. [5] X Research source The only time it’s useful to let your wrist remain on your drawing surface is when you’re filling in especially small areas that don’t require you to move the tip of the pencil more than about 1 inch (2. 5 cm).
As an alternative technique, try letting the first knuckle of your pinky finger glide along the paper as you draw. This will force you to keep your wrist up while also guiding and adding stability to your movements. A basic tripod grip is best suited for making short lines, small, intricate shapes, and other fine details. [7] X Research source
The tip of the pencil can be anywhere from 1–3 inches (2. 5–7. 6 cm) away from your fingers. Do what makes the most sense to you.
Another option is to leave your middle, ring, and pinky fingers completely free if you feel like they’re going to get in the way. If you choose to wrap your fingers, be careful not to close your hand enough to press the shaft of the pencil into your palm. This will change the angle of the tip and take some of the flexibility out of your wrist. [10] X Research source
An underhand grip is ideal for tracing long, light lines and contours that span much of the paper.
An underhand grip is usually most comfortable if you’re drawing on an easel, elevated desk, or similar upright surface. When drawing on ordinary desktop, table, or other flat surface, an overhand grip may feel more natural. Keep in mind that you’re not locked into a single technique. You can switch back and forth from underhand to overhand as often as you like based on what feels good and creates the desired effect for your drawing. [13] X Research source
Start with light pressure to add a sense of texture to blank spaces and increase the pressure or go over the same area multiple times to create gradually deepening shadows.
With a brush or brush-style grip, your hand might be anywhere from the middle of the pencil to the very back end.
It’s also possible to take a loaded tripod grip by angling the pencil down slightly and putting most of the emphasis on your forefinger.
An inverted grip can come in handy when you’re working on an especially detailed drawing and need to be able to watch what you’re doing carefully. Because the inverted grip doesn’t offer the precision of a tripod grip or the consistency of an underhand or overhand group, it’s best to only use it on occasion.
