- Nathan Hughes
- Last Updated: September 23, 2023
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Gathering references can be just as time-consuming as making the art itself. Fortunately, there are many handy figure drawing websites filled with free references you can use.
Art poses references have evolved significantly over the years. Instead of a few photos, you can have timed sessions or 3D models you can manipulate.
To save you time finding your next favorite resource, I’ve compiled some of the best pose reference websites below. Once you’re done, you’ll be on your way to more dynamic and exciting art.
Contents
- Art Poses References Compared
- 1. Proko Figure Drawing Models
- Pros:
- Possible Cons:
- Our Rating
- 2. New Masters Academy
- Pros:
- Possible Cons:
- Our Rating
- 3. Line of Action Figure Study Tool and Reference Photos
- Pros:
- Possible Cons:
- Our Rating
- 4. Quick Poses App and Reference Images
- Pros:
- Possible Cons:
- Our Rating
- 5. Sketch Daily Drawing References
- Pros:
- Possible Cons:
- Our Rating
- 6. Croquis Cafe
- Pros:
- Possible Cons:
- Our Rating
- 7. CharacterDesigns.com Artist Resources
- Pros:
- Possible Cons:
- Our Rating
- 8. AdorkaStock
- Pros:
- Possible Cons:
- Our Rating
- 9. Pinterest Figure Drawing Reference
- Pros:
- Possible Cons:
- Our Rating
- 10. Free Stock Photo Websites for Figure Drawing Skills
- Pixabay
- Unsplash
- Pexels
- How to Get Better at Drawing People and Gesture Drawing
- 1. Figure Drawing Fundamentals Course by Stan Prokopenko
- 2. Constructive Figure Drawing Course by Steven Huston
- 3. Figure Drawing Books
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Is It Okay to Use Pose References in Art?
- How Do I Find the Perfect Pose Reference?
- How to Practice Figure Drawing?
Art Poses References Compared
Product
Strength
Product Details
Best Well-Rounded Pose Reference
- Photography packs for independent study
- Daily sketching bundle for regular practice
- Dozens of figure drawing courses to learn the fundamentals like anatomy, shading, and more
#2: New Masters Academy
Check Out New Masters Academy
Best Advanced Figure Drawing Resource
- Provides courses and live critiques from famous working artists
- Offer timed figure drawing classes
- They have a 3D tool for in-depth studies
Best Timed Practice Tool
- The Timed Practice tool lets you choose different time intervals and ‘class-style’ modes
- Comes with a free newsletter and practical workbooks
- Helps learn the art of pencil weight, too
Best Gesture Drawing App
- App lets you learn on-the-go
- Timed tool lets you customize your quick gesture sessions
- Fun Challenges section to spice up your learning
Best Figure Drawing Variety
- Offers a good variety of poses as well as animals and houses
- Allows you to toggle off NSFW photos if studying in a public space
- Generally high-resolution images
Best Online Live Sessions
- Offer live figure drawing sessions on Vimeo
- Separate their sessions into basics like foreshortening or short poses
- Few copyright restrictions on studies
Best Character Design Support
- High-resolution images that help with character-design goals
- Newly launched GG Academy offers diverse design courses
- Active community on Facebook and Instagram
Best Updated Poses
- Regularly updated photo packs for fans of their work
- Well-lit, high-resolution photos
- Timed study tool
Best Casual Gesture Drawing Experience
- Plenty of diverse photos for casual drawing
- Generally high-quality images
- Easy-to-browse tags
#10: Free Stock Photo Websites
View Our Favorites
Best Free Resource
- No subscription tiers
- High-resolution photos with free downloads
- Few copyright restrictions
#11: Figure Drawing Books
View Our Favorites
Best On-Hand Reference
- No Internet connection or subscription tier needed
- Classic knowledge from famous working artists
1. Proko Figure Drawing Models
With a classic approach featuring diverse models in different poses, Proko is a great place to start for beginners. The creator, Stan Prokopenko, seeks to make drawing fundamentals fun and casual.
- Perfect For: Beginner and intermediate
- Paid and Free photos
- Specialty: Gesture, shading, anatomy, pretty much everything you could want for figure drawing.
Pros:
- A plethora of photography packs to use as a pose for artists who prefer to study independently.
- You can download packs specifically for action poses, casual poses, or a variety of poses.
- There’s a daily sketching bundle to make it easy to get your minimum practice in – it has over 2,500 high-resolution photographs with a variety of poses.
- They offer nude models to get you comfortable with lighting and anatomy – they also have clothed and armored options.
- Dozens of courses to help artists establish drawing fundamentals such as portraits, human anatomy, shading, and more – several of these courses revolve around figure drawing.
- You can supplement your knowledge with their Photoshop master pack – it offers dozens of brushes, smudge tools, and paper overlays to transform your pose references.
Possible Cons:
- The copyright usage is complex and lengthy but still provides several details on what artists can or can’t do with the references. If you are planning to sell your artworks, be sure to double-check the copyright.
Our Rating
Pose Variety: 5/5
5/5
Photo Quality: 5/5
5/5
Image Variety: 5/5
5/5
Course Variety: 5/5
5/5
Copyright License: 4/5
4/5
A little complex, but detailed on what you can and can’t use the images for. If you’re ever unsure, keep your studies for personal practice and don’t use them for professional work.
Check out Proko Figure Drawing Models to practice gestures in a fun and casual environment.
Check Out Proko Figure Bundles
2. New Masters Academy
When you want more intensive figure courses and pose references, New Masters Academy provides a wealth of knowledge from working professionals. Their subscriptions offer everything from video instruction to reference images of a huge amount of different models.
- Perfect For: Intermediate and Advanced
- Paid Subscription
- Specialty: Pretty much everything you can think of – figure study as well as character design, VFX, storyboarding, and more
Pros:
- New Masters Academy has a high pedigree – their instructors have working experience in animated films, AAA games, and teaching university students.
- A strong option for artists interested in a commercial art career – the ability to study from working professionals is priceless.
- Their courses come with an online library containing thousands of high-quality references that help you polish fundamentals like anatomy, lighting, and design.
- You can stream these art courses from the comfort of your home or wherever you’re traveling to.
- One of their standout figure drawing resources is their 3D model tool – this program allows you to manipulate the model to get the precise pose and angle you want before studying.
- They offer drawing sessions with a time limit.
- It is accessible to beginners and has tonnes of content suitable for intermediate and advanced artists due to its course variety.
- New Masters Academy has group coaching and live classes. Their group coaching sessions come in different tiers depending on how much feedback you need and whether or not you want to exhibit your work.
Possible Cons:
- Copyright license is long and complex (though still clear on what is or isn’t allowed). If you are planning to sell your artwork, be sure to do your due diligence.
Our Rating
Pose Variety: 5/5
5/5
Photo Quality: 5/5
5/5
Image Variety: 5/5
5/5
Course Variety: 5/5
5/5
Copyright License: 4/5
4/5
Long and complex, but in a nutshell, subscribers are allowed to create derivative works from all the images. However, you can’t download or distribute these reference images.
Check out New Masters Academy to gain access to figure drawing courses and more.
Check Out New Masters Academy Here
3. Line of Action Figure Study Tool and Reference Photos
The human figure can be challenging to capture in a short amount of time. Line Of Action is a practical study tool that helps artists create dynamic figure drawings quickly.
- Perfect For: Beginner, intermediate, and advanced
- Free
- Specialty: Quick gestures, movement, and variety in subjects (people and animals)
Pros:
- Their drawing tool prompts you to fill out basic information to create your ideal study session. You can choose between gender, age, and whether or not they’re clothed.
- You get to choose how long each drawing takes, such as thirty seconds, five minutes, or manual.
- Life Of Action offers a setting where all drawings can take the same length of time or you can simulate a class environment – their ‘Class Mode’ starts off with quick gestures, then eases you into longer sessions.
- If you sign up for their twice-monthly newsletter, you’ll get useful tips and industry news to inspire your craft.
- They’ll also send over a practice workbook to help you with pencil weight to create more naturalistic drawings.
- They offer sections on animals, still lives, and environments.
Possible Cons:
- Photographs aren’t as high-resolution as the other figure drawing websites above
- Low variety of courses – not ideal for artists who want to consider an art career
Our Rating
Pose Variety: 5/5
5/5
Photo Quality: 4/5
4/5
Image Variety: 5/5
Course Variety: 4/5
4/5
Copyright License: 5/5
5/5
Check out Line Of Action Figure Study Tool And Reference Photos to work on your gesture skills.
4. Quick Poses App and Reference Images
The Quick Poses App allows you to study from your computer or from your phone. You can also gain a certificate after completing a certain amount of poses over a period of time.
- Perfect For: Beginner and intermediate
- Free
- Specialty: Quick gestures, variety in subject matter (people and animals), on-the-go study
Pros:
- You can obtain a Beginner certificate by doing sixty minutes per day for twenty days or thirty minutes per day for forty days. If you’re a little more experienced, their Intermediate course is even longer.
- Their certificates go all the way up to a Master level if you want to go all out with your figure drawing skills.
- Their Timed Study section lets you choose from poses, hands, and faces (as well as animals and environments if you feel like branching out).
- You can choose from different genders, clothing levels, and time intervals.
- Their Challenges section is enjoyable, letting you focus on different styles or poses like chiaroscuro or lying distortion.
Possible Cons:
- Poses are generally standing, bending, or laying down – good for starting out, but not very dynamic for intermediate artists
- Quality control is low – photos are sometimes grainy and low-resolution
- There are no courses other than a course-like certificate
Our Rating
Pose Variety: 3/5
3/5
Photo Quality: 3/5
3/5
Image Variety: 4/5
4/5
Course Variety: 1/5
1/5
Copyright License: 5/5
5/5
Try out the Quick Poses App And Reference Images to do fast, simple drawing poses.
5. Sketch Daily Drawing References
One of the best-known pose websites is Sketch Daily, a website dedicated to helping artists overcome the fear of a blank page. The website has grown over the years to include more pose reference images.
- Perfect For: Beginner and intermediate
- Free
- Specialty: Quick gestures, variety in subject matter (people, animals, structures)
Pros:
- Sketch Daily helps you focus on drawing characters quickly and loosely – you can customize your session by gender, clothing, pose, and view (such as front or back).
- You can switch over to study animals, vegetation, or specific body parts – there’s a new section for you to study houses
- You can shake up your pose reference with jumping, posing, and relaxing models to get you comfortable with the human form.
- Generally, high-resolution and well-lit images make it easy to study smaller details for longer sessions.
- If you’re studying in a public space, you also get the option to toggle off NSFW images.
Possible Cons:
- Sketch Daily is a lean website, offering no courses or downloadable apps. This simplicity could feel limiting to illustrators who want many references, but appealing to beginners.
Our Rating
Pose Variety: 3/5 – the poses are simple but effective for establishing basics of standing, jumping, or laying down.
3/5
Photo Quality: 4/5 – almost all the images are solid. Not super high-resolution, but crisp and well-lit.
4/5
Image Variety: 4/5 – there’s good variety in ages and outfits.
4/5
Course Variety: 2/5 – there’s some variety in subject matter, but no true courses to speak of
2/5
Copyright License: 5/5
5/5
Simple and straightforward, you can use your studies for personal or commercial use.
Check out Sketch Daily for daily access to timed pose references.
6. Croquis Cafe
While their YouTube channel is no longer active, this online drawing resource continues on Vimeo. They provide live sessions to help artists get comfortable with drawing poses.
- Perfect For: Beginner, intermediate, and advanced
- Free
- Specialty: Live model sessions
Pros:
- Live online figure drawing sessions to replicate studying in the classroom – perfect for artists who travel a lot or can’t afford in-person courses
- All drawings you produce can be for personal use or commercial use.
- Varied sessions that focus on different aspects of drawing the human body – short poses, foreshortening, and more
Possible Cons:
- YouTube channel is no longer active – some artists might not like the more restricted format of Vimeo
Our Rating
Pose Variety: 5/5
5/5
Photo Quality: 5/5
5/5
Image Variety: 5/5
5/5
Course Variety: 4/5
4/5
Copyright License: 5/5
5/5
You’re allowed to use your studies for personal or commercial use.
Check out Croquis Cafe over on Vimeo to practice drawing different models.
7. CharacterDesigns.com Artist Resources
If you’re eager to learn more about gesture drawing to create interesting characters, this resource is for you. CharacterDesigns.com provides several resources, such as full-body nude models and diverse photo reference sets.
- Perfect For: Beginner, intermediate, and advanced
- Free and Paid Subscription
- Specialty: Character design
Pros:
- A wide variety of full-body nude and clothed references in high-quality poses
- Plenty of unique photo reference sets such as cosplay, statues, and maquettes
- Active on Facebook and Instagram – you can participate in free workshops or enjoy exclusive interviews with working artists
- They recently launched a character design course called GG Academy – these offer classes, live Q&A, and weekly critiques
Possible Cons:
- Some GG Academy classes are a paid subscription – their Bronze subscription offers the first class for free, however…
- Their classes are on a first-come, first-served basis – you’re not guaranteed to get a spot
Our Rating
Pose Variety: 5/5
5/5
Photo Quality: 5/5
5/5
Image Variety: 5/5
5/5
Course Variety: 5/5
5/5
Copyright License: 5/5
5/5
Modification, redistribution for educational purposes, and usage for commercial work is allowed as long as you give credit back to the website. However, you can’t take any image and resell it.
Check out CharacterDesigns.com when you want to transform your pose references into dynamic characters.
8. AdorkaStock
Do you regularly use stock photos for pose references or gesture drawing? AdorkaStock provides high-quality stock photos separated into convenient sections – even better, most are free.
- Perfect For: Beginner, intermediate, and advanced
- Free, Paid Products, and Patreon
- Specialty: Pose reference as well as timed drawings
Pros:
- The majority of stock photos are free – subscribers get first access to new photos, but these photos eventually become free, too
- Poses are separated into sections such as high angle, low angle, lying, or sitting
- They also have sections based on different objects, such as household items or wings
- Photos are high-quality – well-lit and high enough resolution to see smaller details
- There’s a useful timed feature where you can select a custom time
- Recently released The Fancy Foot Book – a print or .pdf resource on drawing feet
Possible Cons:
- No courses for artists who want additional classes on lighting, environment, or design
- Timed feature doesn’t have the option to choose between models or other elements, such as items or environments
Our Rating
Pose Variety: 5/5
5/5
Photo Quality: 5/5
5/5
Image Variety: 5/5
5/5
Course Variety: 1/5
1/5
Copyright License: 5/5
5/5
Free for modification and commercial use as long as you credit the source. If for personal use, credit is not required (but appreciated).
Consider trying out AdorkaStock when you want a dedicated model who releases new images on a regular basis.
9. Pinterest Figure Drawing Reference
Artists who regularly browse Pinterest already have a good resource to choose from. Pinterest Figure Drawing Reference is a collection of images to help you practice high-quality poses.
- Perfect For: Beginner and intermediate
- Free
- Specialty: Casual and professional photography, modeling, fashion
Pros:
- No subscription tiers – everything is free to study and use
- Wide variety of models and different types of lighting
- Since Pinterest is an image-based website, photos are generally high-resolution
- Useful tagging section to help you find people based on details such as age, the type of pose, and the items being held
- Pins are updated on a regular basis to bring in new poses
Possible Cons:
- No timed drawing feature to practice fast gesture drawing
- Not a reliable source for nude models or new features like 3D modeling tools
- No online courses or live critique sessions for students
Our Rating
Pose Variety: 4/5
4/5
Photo Quality: 5/5
5/5
Image Variety: 5/5
5/5
Course Variety: 1/5
1/5
Copyright License: 4/5
4/5
Some photos are stated to be royalty-free, but some are copyrighted. Use your discretion and, if in doubt about the usage rights, keep your studies personal.
Try out Pinterest if you want a low-stakes resource to practice gesture drawing.
10. Free Stock Photo Websites for Figure Drawing Skills
If Pinterest isn’t quite your style, there are several other free stock photo websites to choose from. These websites offer plenty of pose references for personal use and commercial use.
- Perfect For: Beginner and intermediate
- Free
- Specialty: Portraits, models, fashion
Pixabay
Pros:
- Several thousands of free images to help you practice clothing, poses, or expressions
- Photos are free for use with modification – just don’t directly copy the image and attempt to sell it as your own
- Pixabay photos are high-resolution and come with free downloads
Cons:
- It can be difficult to find specific poses based on the sheer volume of photos and inconsistent tagging system
- Some photos are overexposed and grungy – not a good choice for studying lighting
Unsplash
Pros:
- Strong variety of well-lit models in different outfits, poses, and environments – useful for gesture artists who want to go into character design or illustration
- Very similar website to Pixabay – ongoing contributors submit royalty-free stock photography for commercial or private use
- Photos are high-resolution and easy to find with elaborate tagging system
Cons:
- Very few nude models due to stricter content guidelines
- No timed feature or 3D modeling software
- Sometimes tedious sifting through tags to find the content you want
Pexels
Pros:
- A very similar website to Pixabay and Unsplash – all photos are available for commercial or personal usage
- Photos are very well-lit and high-resolution
- Ongoing updates means plenty of content to fuel pose references
Cons:
- Very few nude models
- No timed feature or 3D modeling software
- Sometimes tedious sifting through tags to find the content you want
Check out Unsplash, Pexels, and Pixabay to try your hand at casual study sessions.
How to Get Better at Drawing People and Gesture Drawing
Drawing people is a challenge that’s easier with a strong resource on hand. I have several references to supplement your timed sessions and in-person study.
- Perfect For: Beginner, intermediate, and advanced
- One-Time Payment
- Specialty: Fundamentals of studying the human body (gesture, form, anatomy, etc)
1. Figure Drawing Fundamentals Course by Stan Prokopenko
Stan Prokopenko is the creator of the Figure Drawing Fundamentals Course on his website Proko Figure Drawing Models. While creating figure drawings can seem stuffy and unapproachable, he seeks to make the process relaxing.
Pros:
- This course covers basics such as gesture, proportions, and shading.
- He also creates courses to help simplify complex concepts, such as the ‘the bean’ to help with foreshortening.
- Assignments help keep you on track, while assignment demonstrations give you visual aids to help with written instructions
- English, Spanish, and Chinese captions for multilingual artists
- 30-day money back guarantee after the date of purchase if you’re not satisfied
Cons:
- Doesn’t have subtitles for other languages such as French or German
- Not all courses are free
Check out Stan Prokopenko’s Figure Drawing Fundamentals Course if you prefer a class mode with your gesture drawings. We also reviewed this course to give you an idea of what to expect.
Check Out Proko’s Figure Drawing Fundamentals
2. Constructive Figure Drawing Course by Steven Huston
If you’re a complete beginner and are seeking the simplest possible drawing course, Steve Huston has a solution. His course assumes you have no prior training and builds up your knowledge as simplistically as possible.
Pros:
- Extremely beginner-friendly with several workshops on drawing basics – gesture, hands, feet, shading, and more
- Courses are separated by different levels as you progress in skill
- Artists will learn different mediums such as pencil, charcoal, and conté crayon
- Live classes and coaching are available to practice further
- Each course provides closed captions
Cons:
- No timed feature for fast drawings
Check out New Masters Academy’s Constructive Figure Drawing courses. You can also see our thoughts on the courses before committing.
Check Out The Course Here
3. Figure Drawing Books
There are plenty of figure drawing books with high-quality photographs to help you draw the human form. I have a few books that have stood out to me over the years.
Figure Drawing: Design and Invention by Michael Hampton
Pros:
- Created by an artist with several years of experience – he’s taught workshops at leading media companies such as Blizzard and Lucas Arts
- Practical instructions that show plenty of examples on breaking down a figure’s basic anatomy, pose, and expression
- Useful for both beginners and more experienced artists
Cons:
- Some artists may still prefer in-person study or 3D tools to help them understand the human form
- Not much photography
You can find Michael Hampton’s figure drawing book here
Figure Drawing For All It’s Worth by Andrew Loomis
Famous illustrator Andrew Loomis has several decades’ worth of experience in this figure drawing book. This useful resource simplifies the figure by focusing more on form and shape than anatomy.
Pros:
- Very beginner-friendly – doesn’t dive too deep into muscles or bones in favor of form
- Helpful for learning how to stylize the figure as well as draw it realistically
- Practical and interesting information by the author that will get artists excited to learn
Cons:
- Difficult to find an affordable copy
- Some artists may prefer more detailed explanations of muscle and bone structure
You can find Figure Drawing For All It’s Worth by Andrew Loomis here
Figure Drawing For Artists: Making Every Mark Count
This book acknowledges that some artists walk away from figure drawing courses confused and disheartened. If you’re a beginner worried about getting started on the right foot, Figure Drawing For Artists will help you establish fundamentals well.
Pros:
- Beginner-friendly – this book is especially approachable for people who start their journey later in life and worry they ‘don’t have talent’
- Breaks down fundamentals such as gesture and structure with classical art examples as well as contemporary art styles
- Methods are frequently picked up by budding animators
Cons:
- Artists who don’t want to paint may be less interested in the book’s classical painting background
Check Out Steve Huston’s Book Figure Drawing For Artists
Frequently Asked Questions
Is It Okay to Use Pose References in Art?
Absolutely. Even the most experienced artists will use a pose reference (or two) in their art. As long as you don’t copy directly (which could violate terms of use), references will help you craft natural poses or expressions.
How Do I Find the Perfect Pose Reference?
Many useful websites have pose references for you to choose from, such as Proko, AdorkaStock, Pixabay, or SketchDaily. These sites sometimes have drawing packs you can purchase or tags you can browse through to find your perfect pose.
How to Practice Figure Drawing?
Practicing figure drawing is easier when you have useful tools on your side. You can use timed tools on stock photo websites or take online courses. If you want more strategies and techniques, check out our article on how to practice drawing.
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