Figure Drawing Fundamentals by SVS Learn

SVS Figure Drawing Fundamentals is a beginner's online class from the School of Visual Storytelling, taught by illustrator and painter Michael Parker. It takes you from simple marks and the line of action to gesture, proportion and constructed figures in full poses. The class has 35 lessons with about an hour and a half of video, eight assignments, eight downloads and a library of 484 non-nude reference photos to practise with. It is included in the SVS Learn membership.

The class is not to be confused with Proko's course of the same name. The SVS version is shorter and designed as the entry point to Level 2 of the SVS curriculum, which is devoted to drawing and designing characters.

What You Will Learn

• Choosing paper and drawing media for figure drawing
• Mark making with straight and curved lines
• The line of action and how it gives a pose energy
• Gesture with shapes and forms
• Ideal proportions and the mannequin figure
• Construction drawing, building the figure from simple volumes

Who Is SVS Figure Drawing Fundamentals For?

The class suits complete beginners in figure drawing and illustrators who mostly draw characters from imagination and want a better grasp of the real body. Because it is short, it also works as a refresher for artists returning to figure drawing after a break.

If you already draw figures confidently, Figure Drawing for Illustrators and Introduction to Gesture Drawing, both in Level 2, go further.

How the Class Works

Each section pairs a short video with an assignment, so you practise each idea before moving on. The videos are brief, which leaves most of your time for drawing from the reference photos. Working in this rhythm, with a little practice every day, is the fastest way to make gesture and proportion feel natural rather than something you have to calculate.

Course Structure

The class is organised in eight sections:

1. Introduction: course overview, paper and drawing media, suggested materials list
2. Mark Making: line and curved line (Assignment 1)
3. Line of Action: introduction and demonstration (Assignment 2)
4. Gesture: shapes, forms and demonstration (Assignments 3 to 5)
5. Proportion: the ideal mannequin figure and its application (Assignments 6 and 7)
6. Construction: construction drawing (Assignment 8)
7. Conclusion
8. Resources: sets of non-nude reference photos

Price and Access

The class is included in the SVS Learn membership. SVS lists its Studio membership at $29.95 a month and shows a $300 annual option on class pages; there is a 14-day free trial with a card, which becomes a paid subscription unless you cancel. Members also get live events and a monthly art challenge.

About the Instructor

Michael Parker is an illustrator and fine art painter. He studied illustration at Brigham Young University, holds a master's degree in painting from Laguna College of Art + Design, and teaches at Brigham Young University and Utah Valley University.

How It Fits the SVS Curriculum

Figure Drawing Fundamentals opens Level 2 of SVS Essentials, the level dedicated to characters. It is followed by Figure Drawing for Illustrators, Introduction to Gesture Drawing, Unique and Appealing Character Design, Stylizing Human Characters and Posing Characters. Working through them in order takes you from anatomy-light figure basics to designing and posing your own characters consistently.

Things to Consider

• Time: an hour and a half of video, but eight assignments; plan regular practice sessions.
• Reference: the 484 photos give you plenty of poses without needing a live model.
• Materials: a materials list is included; pencil and paper are enough to start.
• Next steps: Figure Drawing for Illustrators and Introduction to Gesture Drawing.
• Feedback: share assignments in the SVS community or monthly challenge.

Start the Course

Interested in learning with SVS Learn?

Start Figure Drawing Fundamentals

For the full curriculum and membership options, visit the official SVS Learn website.

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Last verified: October 26, 2026