Let’s look at one of the most affordable ways to practice figure drawing: using drawing figures, also known as artist mannequins.
Overview: Best Artist Mannequins and Drawing Figures for Artists in 2026
Body-Kun & Body-Chan action figure model set with accessories
Male and female set
Mannequins with joints for figure drawing
Male and female set
Manikin with base and flexible body
Perfect for drawing the human figure
Two figures set
Classic mannequin with joints and base for figure drawing
Manikin hand model for drawing, sketching, and painting
Wooden sectioned opposable (left and right) hands with joints
11-inch anatomical reference for artists by 3D Total Publishing
10.5-inch anatomical reference for artists by 3D Total Publishing
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My Pick: Male and Female Action Artist Mannequins with Accessories
Body-Kun and Body-Chan action figure model set with accessories :: Male and female set :: Action Artist Mannequins with Accessories
My first choice for a higher quality Body Kun and Body Chan set (so you can have both genders) is the Abbony-Duo Male and Female Body Kun/Body Chan Artist Mannequins, which keep and hold poses well and offer a real feeling of the human form, line, and movement in any pose.
Also Great: Male and Female Drawing Mannequins with Stands
Mannequins with joints for figure drawing
Male and female set
This Body Kun and Body Chan (male and female) articulated drawing figure set offers nearly as good a look and feel as the Abbony-Duo couple mentioned above and is a great value at a little more than half the price.
Classic Pick: Wood Male and Female Drawing Mannequins Set
Two manikins set (male and female) with base and flexible body :: Perfect for drawing the human figure
This male and female pair of drawing figures are meant to be no-frills. A more old-school approach to artist mannequins, the US Art Supply wood drawing mannequin is not designed to resemble a human being in features or overall look but is a fairly featureless basic figure.
Budget Pick: Hard Wood Articulated Drawing Mannequin with Stand
Classic mannequin with joints and base for figure drawing
Another more traditional featureless wood mannequin, like the US Art Supplies couple above, the HSOMID drawing figure offers the same high accuracy in proportions and overall balance, strong and flexible articulated joints for a wide range of poses , and excellent material quality with its hardwood construction.
For Drawing Hands: Wooden Articulated Human Hand Models
Manikin hand model for drawing, sketching, and painting
Wooden sectioned opposable, left and right, hands with joints
A high-quality model made from hard wood, the Fashionclubs hands set comes with both left and right hands. They are fully articulated, so you can put the hands in any position or pose for modeling or drawing practice.
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11-inch anatomical reference for artists by 3D Total Publishing
10.5-inch anatomical reference for artists by 3D Total Publishing
Accompanying anatomy book for the 3D Total Male and Female Drawing figures
These are human models and can give different – and extremely important – insights into figure drawing and different things to practice.
Learning anatomy, musculature and mechanics can be as important as line, flow, proportion, and perspective, and the following two models are the best ways I know to learn and practice.
Even if you are getting one of the great drawing mannequins I’ve included in my artist’s guide of best drawing figures for artists, I would still strongly consider getting one or both of these.
The combination will give a complete and detailed view of the human body, from the inside and the outside, that you will fully understand exactly what you are drawing – and can practice it all to your heart’s content.
Main Criteria for Choosing a Drawing Figure (Manikin/Mannequin)
A good drawing figure should help you understand proportion, rhythm, and light—not fight you with stiff joints or bad anatomy. Prioritize accuracy and pose-ability, then check stability, finish, and value.
Proportions & Anatomy Landmarks
- Look for: believable head-to-body ratio (≈7–8 heads adult), clear landmarks (ASIS, rib edge, scapula, patella, Achilles).
- Watch out for: “heroic” or cartoony exaggerations unless that’s your style.
Articulation & Range of Motion
- Look for: ball/double joints in neck, shoulders, elbows, wrists, spine, hips, knees, ankles, plus torso tilt/rotation.
- Range tests: arms overhead, cross-body, deep squat, contrapposto, on-toes.
- Friction: joints should hold micro-adjustments without springs snapping back.
Stability, Stand & Mounts
- Look for: weighted base, adjustable support arm/gooseneck, ankle/waist clips or magnets for airborne poses.
- Watch out for: topply bases and loose clamps that drift mid-sketch.
Material, Finish & Surface Color
- PVC/ABS: durable, detailed joints; best all-round.
- Wood: classic, sturdy, limited anatomy/range—good for gesture and block-ins.
- Silicone over armature: lifelike volume, but joints may loosen.
- Finish: matte, neutral grey/tan to read light without glare.
Scale & Workspace
- Common sizes: 1:12 (6″), 1:8 (8–9″), 1:6 (11–12″).
- Rule: bigger = clearer landmarks & easier lighting; smaller = more portable.
Swap Parts & Accessories
- Look for: extra hands, feet, heads (expressions), prop grips, drapery clips.
- Nice-to-haves: proportion grids, weapon/gesture sets, removable hair.
Gender, Age & Body Type Variety
- Look for: male/female bodies, different body fat/muscle levels, teen/child options if you need them.
Durability & Maintainability
- Look for: replaceable joints, spare pegs, screws you can tighten.
- Care: joints that can be re-tensioned; parts available open stock.
Photographic Reference Friendliness
- Look for: matte surface (no specular hotspots), stand that allows consistent light angles, heads that tilt for eye-line studies.
Budget & Value
- Spend on: anatomy + articulation + stand first.
- Skip: giant bundles of props if the body can’t pose well.
2-Minute In-Store (or At-Home) Tests
- Pose & hold: set contrapposto and a deep squat; should hold for 2 minutes without droop.
- Arms overhead: check scapula/shoulder rotation—no unnatural block.
- Micro-adjust: nudge wrist and head a few millimeters—friction should keep it.
- Light check: hit with a desk lamp—edges read cleanly, no harsh glare.
Quick picks:
- For dynamic anatomy studies, choose a matte PVC body-kun/body-chan–style figure with a weighted stand and swappable hands.
- For quick gesture and proportion blocks, a wood manikin is fine—just pair it with photo reference for anatomy details.
More articles on pose references, figure drawing, and human anatomy:
- Best Pose Reference Websites, Apps, and Books
- Anatomy for Artists: Resources
- 41+ Best Drawing Books for Kids, Beginners, and Intermediate Artists
Hi, I am Iva (rhymes with “viva”). I am a full-time self-taught artist behind Art Side of Life® and a Top Teacher on Skillshare. I have 15 years of experience in the creative field as a concept designer, illustrator, art director, and now freelance artist, content creator, and art instructor. My goal is to help you get your creative groove on with Procreate and make awesome art through practical classes, tutorials, Procreate brushes, and guides on art tools, supplies and resources. About me »
