I have begun working on hand studies as planned.  As I have become more and more interested in figure drawing I have felt the need to focus on the details.  Hands are quite tricky, the shape, the size the position and so on.  Here are my first studies but I do intend to do more as it will be so helpful in achieving a more accurate representation in my paintings.  I did intend to go to life drawing classes this year but have decided that I will go once I have mastered some of these basic skills.