CATEGORY
Upper Body Pose References for Drawing
Bust and half-length studies where the hands and head carry the expression.
9 studies in this category · 6 of 7
A cropped figure changes the job of the drawing. With the legs gone, the hands, neck and tilt of the head have to announce what the whole body is doing, so every small rotation of the ribcage reads louder than it would in a full figure.
These studies are made for character portraits, book and editorial illustration, expression sheets and lighting tests on skin. Block the shoulder line and the two forearm angles before rendering anything, and keep the crop from cutting the wrists in a way that hides the gesture.
Chin on handA front-facing portrait with the chin supported on one hand, compressing the jaw into the palm.
Over the shoulderA cropped portrait where the chest stays angled away and the head turns back toward the viewer.
Arm over headA cropped figure with one arm lifted above the head, opening the armpit and lifting the ribcage.
Side profileA true side view of the head and shoulders, where the facial profile and the neck angle carry the drawing.
Hand on cheekA portrait where the head leans into the palm, so the face is supported at an angle rather than lifted.
Portrait with folded armsA square-on portrait crop closed off by crossed arms, with the shoulders brought forward.
Looking to the sideA portrait facing near the camera while the eyes and head turn away to one side.
Hands claspedA downward-tilted portrait with both hands joined in front of the chest and the shoulders rounded.
Forward portraitA direct portrait where the torso tips toward the viewer and the face is brought close to the lens.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.
- Action Pose References for Drawing6 studies · Explore action pose references for drawing figures walking, running and lunging.
- 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.
- Fashion Pose References for Drawing22 studies · Editorial standing and seated studies with styled lines, clear attitude and deliberate angles.