Action Pose References for Drawing
Explore action pose references for drawing figures walking, running and lunging.
6 studies in this category · 3 of 7
These action pose references include walking, running and lunging figures. To make a figure caught mid-motion read clearly, look for where the weight is moving: the shoulders and hips counter-rotate, one side of the body compresses while the other stretches, and the trailing limb finishes the gesture.
These are good for gesture practice, storyboard beats and character sheets that need the figure from more than one angle. Draw the leading foot and the center of mass before the arms, or the pose will end up floating even when the limbs are individually correct.
WalkingA mid-stride figure seen from three-quarter front, with one leg advancing and the opposite arm swinging.
RunningA side-view running figure in full stride, legs opposed and the torso pitched forward over the lead foot.
Side lungeA front-view lunge with one leg bent and the other extended, giving a wide, low, ground-hugging shape.
Walking stepA relaxed side-view stride with the arms swinging naturally and the shoulders level.
Running strideA three-quarter running figure with the elbows held bent and the legs driving in opposition.
Reaching forwardA figure pitched forward with both arms extended ahead, upper body and hands leading the pose.Generate your own reference in one of these poses
Use any study above as the pose input, with or without a photo of the person you have permission to draw.
Other categories
- Standing Pose References for Drawing10 studies · Upright figures where the whole body is visible and the line of action runs from the floor to the head.
- Seated Pose References for Drawing6 studies · Browse sitting pose references on chairs, stools and the floor for figure drawing and character art.
- Floor Pose References for Drawing9 studies · Reclining, kneeling and inverted shapes that leave the upright line and redistribute weight to the ground.
- Balance Pose References for Drawing5 studies · Single-leg support studies, useful when you want a figure to look suspended in its own effort.
- Upper Body Pose References for Drawing9 studies · Bust and half-length studies where the hands and head carry the expression.
- Fashion Pose References for Drawing22 studies · Editorial standing and seated studies with styled lines, clear attitude and deliberate angles.