Drawing On The Right Side Of The Brain
It occured to me yesterday that the girls and I seem to have inadvertently set up what can only be described as an unofficial online book club. We all know that once a blogger hits the publish button, the fun does not really begin until the first comment arrives. The conversations, feedback and recommendations that a post can initiate is one of my absolute favourite things about blogging.
Drawing On The Right Side Of The Brain is a book that Annie recommended in response to this post. My interest in it was initially piqued when I came across it on Sam's blog but I had since forgotten all about it. It claims that everyone of us can draw if we could only train our brains to accurately transmit the shapes we see in everything and everyone around us. I consider my drawing skills to be adequate but I do have a tendency to rely on artistic license rather than reproduce precisely what I see. This can be fun in itself and often produces whimsical results but I wanted to explore the Betty Edwards approach.
The process begins with three pre-instruction drawings. First up , was the self-portrait. I find that I get bored and/or frustrated whenever I try to depict hair or ears realistically so I chose to draw certain aspects of my features anatomically and reinterpreted the rest.
Next, I was required to draw a person well-known to me - or a photograph of said person - from memory. I chose to draw one of my favourite photos of my daughter as a baby.
The purpose of drawing from memory is to show that we all use the "symbol system" of drawing - using a collection of tried and trusted shapes (from as far back as early childhood) to represent the subject. I didn't realise it at the time but, according to Edwards, certain "symbols would be repeated in my self-portrait and memory drawing and, with the benefit of hindsight, I agree.
As you can see, once again, I relied on what I previously described as artistic license (the symbol system) for the hair and ears.
Finally, I faced my worst nightmare - drawing my own hand. Quite frankly, there's nothing I loathe more than drawing hands and feet. There are far too many angles and perspectives for my brain to cope with and I usually draw a suggestion rather than an accurate representation. I was, however, consoled by the fact that as long as I persevered, it would never be that difficult again.
I'm excited to see how my drawing will change when I move on to the instruction phase and whether I will be any faster at it.
What do you think? Would you ever consider retraining your brain in this way?
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Reader Comments (11)
Chi, seriously, these are so good, and you're daughter is beautiful! Now, I'm thinking I really do need to get my hands on this book. Just added it to my book wish list, which, as you pointed out, grows by the minute with so many of us making great recommendations. Will you please keep sharing your progress? I'm fascinated.
Talking to a woman I play tennis with I mentioned I would like some coaching as it would improve my technique and give me more shots in my repertoire. 'Oh, no, she came back. I'm not having any coaching. You can't teach an old dog any new tricks'.
Really? Shame, I thought. I can't wait to be guided to play better, get rid of bad habits and improve my technique, albeit not easy...
Therein lies my answer.
Betty's book was a bible when it first appeared in the early 90's (from memory) and has been updated for over 20 years. Like the Artist's Way, it is a must for any respectible library of someone who enjoys self-examination and learning!
I haven't used it in years and years and would clearly benefit from a re-visit;)
Your drawings are really very good and I so appreciate you relying on artistc licence, as do I and wanting to 'come clean' ;)) I'm always amazed how real artists, who might choose abstract paintings as their craft, have really mastered the art of drawing first.
What I appreciate most though is your insatiable appetitie for self-development and self-improvement in many areas of your life and I totally applaud you for this!! Your undeniable curiosity and subsequent 'learning' is what makes your blog irresistable! For me, there is nothing more enthralling than the thought of being 'the best we can possibly be'.
'Unofficial online book club'. Bring it on!
Now, don't get me started on L as a baby.... too cute for words!!! x
Oh gracious, your drawings are so gorgeous! As someone who feels twitchy just reading about drawing, I can't pretend to gush over this book, but I can certainly gush over your stunning renderings! I think one of the reasons I like to take pictures is that I really really really feel uncomfortable drawing. I can certainly see though, that this book would mean a lot to you, and I love how it pushed you to try something new (with me, I think you'd need more to start with!). Keep it up, girlie!
These are gorgeous, Chi! Really.
@Theresa: Thanks, T.
I'll show you mine if you show me yours! :) x
@Tina: Aww, thank you, Tina! x
We're all kindred spirits at heart, aren't we?
I cannot imagine being like the woman you described. Learning (and self-development) is way too much fun! :D
@Lauren: Thanks, sweetie! x
"...... with me, I think you'd need more to start with!"
On the contrary. I promise you - even people with the most rudimentary technique went on to produce drawings far more superior than mine in as little as five days!
@Deepa: Thanks, Deepa! How's that little bun of yours? :) x
Oh my goodness Chi how pretty is your little one? Her eyes! Her hair!
Your drawings are a gazillion times better than mine. I showed my friend my self-portrait and she fell about laughing. She said I looked like an Eastern European whore. I still show it to her now and again to elicit some guffaws.
My favourite was Egon Schiel. I still cannot believe that in my third drawing I drew him. And drew him quite well too! I must carry on with this book, I only got to about number eight and then go waylayed.
So glad you love it xx
Awww, thank you, sweet Annie-bee! I didn't do her justice at all, did I? :)
Oh, and thank you for giving me the biggest belly laugh I've had all YEAR.
I simply must have that drawing of you now. From your description it'll make a great pick-me-up! :D x
Well if the above are an example of you drawing on the regular side of your brain without employing the methods in that drawing guide book, I'd say chuck the thing out the window, you don't need it! Those are great. Really, really lovely, but I don't know why I was surprised, you're so talented when it comes to visual and creative endeavors. I still remember your sketches you posted from your fashion line. I do love the unofficial little book-club we've got going. Unfortunately I haven't jumped on the band wagon and joined the club yet. Need to fix that, it seems like you guys are having tons of fun! xoxo
Thanks, duckie! You're far too kind. :D x
I do think that there's room for improvement and that it'll be great to finally learn how to draw like a true pro.
Chi, your daughter is gorgeous. Your drawings are lovely as they are. As a medic, I believe the training the brain concept is definitely possible - we do this everyday with our stroke patients - stimulating the undamaged areas of brain to respond to stimuli via physiotherapy to regain some mobility. But, to be honest, I think one needs to also possess that artistic talent and judging from your drawings, you have it :) Do have a lovely weekend and looking forward to meeting you soon :) x
Thank you, Geraldine. It's certainly an interesting concept and one we are yet to get to the bottom of. The possibilities are seemingly endless!
I'm excited to meet you, too. :)