Wide stance
A broad, planted stance with both hands on the hips and the elbows flared outward.
Feet spread and hands planted on the hips, the figure becomes a rectangle: the feet define the bottom edge, the elbows the top corners, and the head rises out of the center. Weight is shared evenly, so both legs are straight but engaged and both hips sit at the same height, with the pelvis slightly tucked to keep the torso upright.
Of all the standing studies this one has the most assertive read, because the flared elbows widen the upper body and the wide feet widen the base at the same time. It is a common choice for character attitude, authority figures, and any moment where a figure needs to occupy space rather than fill it.
The recurring mistake is the elbow angle. When the hands rest on the hips, the elbows point out and slightly back, not sideways to the sides, so the upper arms form a narrower triangle than most drawings suggest. Draw the wrist bend clearly, since the back of the hand meets the hip and the fingers wrap forward. Keep the feet turned out a little, and make sure the head is not perfectly aligned between the shoulders, which would make the pose read as a diagram.
Drawing notes
- Aim the elbows outward and slightly back rather than straight to the sides.
- Show the wrist break where the back of the hand meets the hip.
- Turn the feet out a little and avoid a perfectly centered head.
Pose prompt
The description used to generate this study. Copy it into your own workflow, or hand it to the studio with your photo.
Adult woman standing with feet wide apart and hands on hips, full body.
Working notes
- A broad, planted stance with both hands on the hips and the elbows flared outward.
- The widest reading of the pose comes from elbows back and feet turned out together.
Put this pose on your own reference
Take this study to the studio and generate a new image in the same pose, or browse the rest of the standing studies first.
