Why movement source matters
The source of motion defines curvature quality. Wrist joints excel at short corrections and tight turns, but they naturally produce tiny linked segments. Shoulder and elbow joints favor broad, continuous arcs, which translates into higher roundness and cleaner closures. For convincing circles, most artists and designers rely primarily on shoulder and elbow while keeping the wrist quiet.
Wrist‑led circles: strengths and limits
Strengths: fast small motions, convenient on tiny canvases, and useful for micro‑adjustments near the start point. Great for note‑taking and small annotations.
Limits: The motion tends to segment the curve, creating flat spots and wobbles—clearly reflected in lower roundness scores. Wrist tension also increases tremor and compromises closure at the end of the stroke.
Shoulder‑led circles: strengths and limits
Strengths: smoother curvature with consistent radius; centering improves because you can sight the dot and arc relationship from farther away. Closure blends naturally when tangent is already aligned.
Limits: Requires more space and light endurance. If the desk is too high or the device too small, fatigue sets in and quality drops. The fix is ergonomic—adjust chair height, use a mat, or increase radius slightly.
How to transition to whole‑arm arcs
- Posture reset. Sit so your forearm can glide. Plant the elbow lightly and keep the wrist neutral.
- Ghost passes. Air‑draw the circle twice—feel the shoulder setting the radius and the elbow steering.
- Tempo lock. Count a calm 2.5–3 seconds per circle; avoid micro‑corrections.
- Radius choice. Start at a medium radius where whole‑arm motion is comfortable; re‑introduce smaller radii after quality stabilizes.
Technique drills (10 minutes)
- Whole‑Arm Primer (2 min). Ten circles focusing on shoulder/elbow, alternating directions.
- Clock Glide (3 min). Hit 12‑3‑6‑9 in one smooth arc at medium radius.
- Center Lock (3 min). Keep the gap to the golden dot visually constant as you move.
- Closure Blend (2 min). Aim through the start point and match tangent early.
Track roundness and closure in Main Mode. If your roundness jumps but closure lags, add the Portal Drill for a week.
FAQ
Is the wrist ever useful?
Yes—micro‑adjustments and very small circles. But for training a visually perfect circle, lead with shoulder/elbow and let the wrist follow.
How long does the transition take?
Usually a week of short, daily sessions. Expect fatigue the first few days; it fades as coordination improves.