Line of Action Drawing: What It Is and When to Use It

Line of action drawing explained: where the line goes, C vs S curves, why some teachers drop it, and a 10-minute timed drill you can run with a free pose timer.

Line of action drawing starts a figure with one curved line that shows the main force of the pose, usually running down the spine. You put the head, rib cage and hips on that line, then add limbs. The more the line bends, the more movement the drawing shows. It works best on short poses of 30 seconds to 2 minutes.

What is the line of action in drawing?

The line of action is an imaginary curve through a figure that shows the direction and force of its pose. Line of Action, the practice site, describes it as a line that runs down the spine and calls it the first mark in most figure drawings ( Line of Action ). In physics, the same term names the line along which a force acts ( Wikipedia ).

Where does the line of action go in a pose?

The line of action goes down the spine, from the head through the torso to the leg that carries the weight. When the arms lead the movement, as in a throw or a sword swing, some artists draw a second line for the arms. Line of Action suggests finding the line within the first 2 seconds of a drawing.

On the banner photo, the line runs from the raised sword, through the leaning torso, to the planted legs.

Should a line of action be a C curve or an S curve?

A line of action should be a simple curve: a C for most poses, sometimes close to straight for a stiff or upright stance. Line of Action warns against S shapes and squiggles, because a line with several bends stops showing one clear direction. More curve means more force, so a relaxed standing pose gets a gentle arc.

Why do some teachers say the line of action doesn't work?

Some teachers drop the line of action because it has no anatomical basis. Clara Lieu of Art Prof argues that it flattens the figure, leaves out both arms and one leg, and lands in a different place depending on who draws it ( Art Prof ). She recommends a centerline with the rib cage and pelvis instead.

Her argument is about figure drawing. The video says it does not cover characters or animation.

When should you use the line of action, and when should you drop it?

Use the line of action on poses under 2 minutes and on character, comic or animation sketches, where the read of the movement matters most. Drop it, or let it fade, once a pose runs longer and you start building the rib cage, pelvis and centerline. A line you never correct will push the anatomy off.

Illustrator Barbara Baumann treats the action line as personal: two artists can place it differently on the same dancer and both capture the movement ( Baumann Illustration ).

A 10-minute line of action drill with a timer

Published 2026-10-18 on the Refimages blog.