Free Gesture Drawing Tool: Timed Pose Practice
This free gesture drawing tool shows you timed pose references one after another, so you can practise quick figure sketches right in your browser. Pick your models, choose how long each pose stays up, and draw along. No account needed.
The tool starts with covered models only. Nude figure models, as used in life drawing classes, are available too: pick another Clothing option and confirm you are 18 or older.
1 Choose your models
2 Choose how you practise
Keys during a session: ← → previous / next, Space pause, Esc stop.
3 Pick the poses
Are you 18 or older?
The uncovered poses include artistic nude figure models, as used in life drawing classes. Please confirm you are at least 18 years old to see them.
How to use the gesture drawing tool
- Choose your models. Set clothing, gender and orientation, then press Load images.
- Pick the poses. Switch single poses off with their toggle, or use Filter by tag to hide a whole group, for example every pose with a sword or every seated pose.
- Start a session. In Interval mode every pose gets the same time (30 seconds up to 10 minutes, or your own time). In Class mode the poses get longer as you go, like a real life drawing class, with a break in the longer classes.
- During a session use ← → to go back or skip, Space to pause and Esc to stop. On a phone or tablet you can swipe. Your screen stays on while you draw.
Interval or class mode?
Use interval mode for a warm-up: 20 to 40 poses at 30 seconds or 1 minute each force you to catch the movement of the pose before the details. Use class mode when you have half an hour or more. It starts with quick 30-second gestures and builds up to one long pose, so you warm up first and then have time to work on proportions and form.
Tips for better gesture drawings
- Start with the line of action: one curve that shows the main movement through the body.
- Draw big and loose from the shoulder, not small from the wrist.
- Keep the short poses rough. If the timer runs out mid-drawing, that is fine: move on to the next pose.
- Exaggerate the tilt of the shoulders and hips a little; a slightly overdone gesture looks more alive than a stiff, correct one.
- Do a short session every day rather than one long session a week.
Want the full method? Read our guide to gesture drawing with quick poses, or follow the free Art School Term 1 for 12 weeks of structured drawing practice.
Frequently asked questions
Is the gesture drawing tool free?
Yes. The tool and all poses in it are free to use, with no account or download. Between some poses you will see a short pause that shows the reference pack the pose came from, or our free Art School.
How long should a gesture drawing take?
Most artists practise gesture at 30 seconds to 2 minutes per pose. Short times stop you from adding detail, so you focus on the movement. Longer poses of 5 to 10 minutes are good for checking proportions.
Can I use it on a phone or iPad?
Yes. The tool works in any modern browser on phones, tablets and computers. Swipe to change poses, and the screen stays on during a session.
Where do the poses come from?
The photos are previews from professional reference packs. Each pose shows which pack it is from, so you can get the full set of the same model if you want more angles. Browse all packs in the reference pack finder.