At Natural Pursuits’ first Nude Figure Drawing Night, we tried a live-model version of Exquisite Corpse. It took a minute for everyone to understand the rules, but once they did, they loved it.
Nico Kiray photographed the images in this article. Attendees of the September Drink and Draw created the illustrations.
Exquisite Corpse Is a Collaborative Drawing Game
The Surrealists in Paris popularized Exquisite Corpse in the 1920s. One person draws part of an image, folds the paper so the next person can only see the edge of what came before, and passes it along.
For our version, each drawing is based on one nude model. The paper stays with that model as different artists draw different sections of their body.
How to Play
We used three minutes per section and divided the body into three or four sections.
- Split the group into models and artists.
- Give each model a sheet of paper.
- Fold the paper into three or four sections. (Decide as a group how many sections you want)
- Give the artists three minutes to draw the first section.
- Fold that section behind the paper, leaving only the bottom lines visible.
- Give the paper back to the model.
- The model moves to another artist with the paper.
- Repeat until the drawing is finished.
- Switch models and artists for another round.
You do not need enough sections for every artist to draw every model. Three or four sections worked well because they were easy to fold and gave each artist enough of the body to draw.
Possible Variations
Keep the Rotation Orderly or Make It More Random
Depending on how much chaos your group wants, you can switch up how you choose the next artist.
- For a structured version, have every model move in the same direction after each section.
- For a more chaotic version, let each model choose the next artist after the paper is folded.
Use Different Drawing Tools
Mixing materials makes the finished drawings more interesting. You can use:
- pencils
- Bic pens
- colored pencils
- crayons
- markers
You do not need proper art supplies. Slightly heavier paper is easier to fold, but printer paper works too. If you use printer paper, avoid anything that bleeds through or ruins the surprise.
Change the Rules After the First Round
If the group wants fewer sections, more sections, or a different rotation, change it. There is no reason to keep a rule that is making the game less fun.
This Works Best With People Who Can Laugh at the Results
Nobody needs to know how to draw. A detailed torso attached to stick-figure legs is part of the point.
If someone would be uncomfortable with how they might be drawn, make modeling optional.
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