Line of Action Drawing
Finding movement before detail
Line of action is a way of approaching figure drawing that focuses on movement rather than accuracy. It's an abstract line that describes how a figure moves through space, how it bends, leans, twists, or carries weight.
This line isn't meant to outline the body or describe anatomy. Its purpose is simpler: to capture the overall flow of the pose.
Because it's interpretive, there is no single correct line of action. Two artists can draw from the same pose and arrive at very different solutions. Both can be valid.
Line of action and gesture
Line of action and gesture are closely related, but they aren't the same thing.
The line doesn't need to be continuous. It can be made of several marks. It doesn't need to follow the spine. It simply needs to describe the motion you see.
If it helps, drawing multiple lines of action from the same pose can reveal different interpretations of the movement.
Exaggeration and exploration
Some artists choose to push the movement slightly beyond what the pose shows. Exaggeration can clarify motion and help avoid stiffness.
If a pose tilts, you might tilt the line a bit more. If it stretches, you might extend it further. These choices aren't mistakes, they're part of exploring the pose.
Because line of action drawings are practice, not finished work, there's no need to erase. Drawing over existing lines often leads to clearer solutions.
Using line of action as practice
Line of action drawing is often used as a warm up or daily exercise. The drawings are quick, loose, and sometimes awkward. That's expected.
Their value isn't in how they look, but in how they train your eye to recognize movement.
If your figures feel stiff or overworked, returning to line of action practice can help reintroduce flow and intent.