The exquisite corpse drawing game (also known as combination man) is a fun drawing activity to do with family or friends.
Updated July 2024
You may have grown up playing what many people call the Exquisite Corpse (or Combination Man) drawing game. In the game, a group of people take turns drawing sections of a human body, passing the covered drawing to the next person, and adding to the next drawing.
This game is great fun for kids and adults alike and is a good game to play together with immediate or extended family and even friends. Any child who is drawing people (ages 3 or 4 on up) can play this game, although the younger ones may need some coaching on where to start and stop.
You can also play a fun version with just portraits and added watercolor details!
The Exquisite Corpse Drawing Game
MATERIALS
INSTRUCTIONS
- Start with a paper and pen
Each player starts with a piece of paper and a drawing tool and sits so that his or her drawing is somewhat hidden from the person in the next seat. The element of surprise at the end is half the fun!
- Start your drawing
Each person draws a head and neck. This can be human, animal, alien, robot, whatever.
Fold the top of the paper down to conceal your drawing, letting only the bottom of the neck show. Hand the drawing to the person to your left.
- Continue the next drawing
Everyone draws the torso and arms, using the neck lines as the beginning point.
Again, fold the paper down to conceal your drawing, letting just the bottom of the waistline show. Hand the drawing to the person at your left. - Keep going
Draw from the waist to the knees. Fold the paper down, and pass to the left.
Draw from the knees to the feet. Fold the paper and pass again. Sometimes we just draw from the waist all the way down to the feet, especially with younger kids - Reveal your combination man!
Finally, each person unfolds the piece of paper they are holding to reveal the funny Combination Man (woman, animal, etc.) that has been created.
Take turns sharing the finished drawings.
We always get such a kick out of seeing the finished drawings!
Have you played the Exquisite Corpse (or Combination Man) drawing game, either yourself or with your kids?
More Drawing Games for Kids
- Double Doodle Art for Kids
- 12 Kids Art Games for Fun and Creativity
- A Back-and-Forth Drawing Game for Kids
- A Fun Family Drawing Activity That Will Make the Everyone Laugh!
- Magazine Pictures as Drawing Prompts
- The Scribble Drawing Game for Kids
Does your child want to explore the world of drawing and expand their skills? Check out our three-part Drawing Skills Master Class for kids! Your child can learn to draw at home with 3 unique modules: Line & Shape, Light & Shadow, and Perspective. With at-home video lessons and easy-to-follow printable workbooks, your child will build skills and confidence as they learn to draw!
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