Figure drawing is a staple for artists. It was actually my favorite class in college and a great opportunity to grow and learn. But most of us don’t have steady access to a classroom and live models. So here is my list of the top sites to practice figure drawing!
Quickpose offers timed practice sessions and a large library of photos to browse. The time session allows you to customize your subject (people, portraits, animals), gender, clothing, and more. You can adjust how many total pictures you’ll see, and how long each photo is viewed. This setting is great to warm-up sketches. The library of photos has a nice variety as well. Most photos do lean towards action poses and costuming but are high quality.
2. Sketchdaily
Sketchdaily has a large variety of photos available in timed sessions. These sessions are similar in setup to Quickpose, with such options as gender, clothing, and more. Photos available here are more diverse and varied.
Similarly, Line of Action only offers timed sessions as well. The library is not quite as large, but comparable to our previous sites. They additionally have many articles and lessons on figure or gesture drawing. If you are newer to the subject, I would recommend starting here.
4. AdorkaStock
With both a photo library to browse and timed sessions available, AdorkaStock is a popular option. Formerly known as Senshistock, this site has a smaller library than others. There is a large variety of body types and themed categories to help you search through.
Next, Character Designs is a library-only reference site. It hosts a wider range of images including live photos, staged pieces, and concept art. While hosting a variety, Character Design tends toward the fantasy genre most. I recommend this site for art pieces over practice.
6. Figurosity
Figurosity is a 3D Model site. It boasts many body types in the models as well as many pre-made poses for you to reference. They have timed sessions as well though, similar in setup to our other sites. While some poses aren’t as fluid as real-life photos, there is a large library to browse.
7. Pose My Art
Another 3D modeler, Pose My Art requires the most out of you. It provides full customization to move around, light up, and more. There are multiple body types available, and even some preset poses you can use. This site works best when you have an idea already in mind.
8. Google
While simple, it is no less helpful. Google is the largest library we have to browse from. I favor googling “dancer” or “athlete” for very motion-focused poses. There is plenty to browse through, and it is easy to refine.
9. Pinterest
Finally, we have Pinterest. Similar to Google, it hosts a large library people are constantly adding to. I find a great selection of more relaxed and cute poses here. I also tend to find tips for drawing as I am browsing for poses as well.
Those are my top figure-drawing sites to use. While each is a little different, it helps to few multiple sites to switch through. Check out the full video below for even more details and previews of each site. Share any of your favorite sites, or your artwork from these! Let me know if you want a follow-up on how to figure draw!
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