I went to the Art Store on the weekend, and bought a book called Drawing on the right side of the brain, by Betty Edwards. I have not been enthusiastic in reading a book for a couple of months now, so the fact that I was drawn to this book in the first place, made me realise that I wanted to follow it through. The book is about acknowledging our mental awareness, and using it in the best function possible when applying it in drawing. This book is appealing to me as it encompasses the mental projection we create, known as our reality. Betty Edwards notes that drawing is fully operative on the right side of the brain, more so than the left side of the brain, and she takes you on a journey of how to achieve that shift, the nature of real drawings.
I am open to this idea, and so I have chosen to give myself a go within this interesting concept of a learning book. I love the arts, and have been drawing/painting on and off since a young child. This is a gear within motion for me, as I know that my current drawings are not exactly realist to their own perception. I’d like you to enter my experience, so I share whole heartedly my journey upon rekindling my creativity through art, which is a part of my many expressions.
Step 1: Materials
To begin Betty asks the reader/learner to combine together a list of materials, which she mentions are really useful for the various exercises given throughout the book.
The materials gathered and shown in the picture are:
- Drawing Pad of any shape or kind. I am using an A4 drawing pad
- Drawing Pencil (#4B recommended) I am using a #2B.
- A pencil Sharpener
- An eraser
- Clear Plastic Sheet the size of your drawing pad. I am using A4.
The Plastic sheet will need to have a horizontal line and a vertical line marking, that meets in the center of the sheet. (A permanent marker was used)
- A nonpermanent black felt-tip marker
- A graphite stick or pen (#4B)
- Masking tape
- Drawing folder or Large envelope (To store drawing material in)
- Two Clips (Used to fasten the viewfinder to the plastic sheet)
- Two Viewfinders Frames bought or made by hand of any colour or paper.
Betty recommends to make viewfinders out of black card about 8″x10″. From one, cut a rectangular opening of 4 1/4 x 5 1/4″ and from the other, cut out a larger opening of 6″x7 5/8″. I have only created one so far as shown in the picture, and is a close fit to ”4 1/4 x 5 1/4″ . Betty reveals directions of how to make viewfinders in the book which is handy, if you have created one before. If you haven’t than it becomes a different language. If like me, you have never heard of a viewfinder before or know how to create one, then these following links may be of beneficial help to you:
How to make and use a viewfinder by Alina Bradford
How to make a viewfinder by Marco Romanov
Example of a viewfinder Frame by Rob Syvertsen
Step 2: Pre-instruction drawings
This is where the drawing begins, well the present drawing anyway. Betty admits that the beginning stage is just as important, as the journey you direct yourself in. These drawings will act as a base, or seed to the flourish of the journey. Betty says that these drawings must be put away, until the light of a new progress as they are useful to look back on, to see the reflecting changes.
The materials needed for this exercise are:
- Paper (I drew in my writing pad)
- Drawing Pencil
- A small mirror or one which you can see your head and face in.
- A hard board so you can draw on. A desk is fine. (I used my pad)
- Some time – Betty says about an hour and a quarter.
TIP: Once finished, title, date, and sign the drawing in the lower right-hand or lower left-hand corner. I did this with all three, and then put them in an envelope together for sake-keeping.
There are three pre-instruction drawings Betty targets, and asks you to do in this exercise.
1. Self-Portrait
2. A Person drawn from memory
The person drawn from memory, can be a person whom you knew in the past or someone who you know now, and must only be drawn from the head.
3. Your Hand
My outcomes
(Click on thumbnails to enlarge photo)
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- 1. Self Portrait, Drawn 05/09/2009
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- 2. A Person Drawn From Memory, 05/01/09
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- 3. My hand, drawn, 05/01/09
After completing these drawings, I have come to learn and understand a lot about how I am at this very transition in motion. I have not drawn in a couple of long months, and it is seemingly interesting the ways in which perception is embedded in outward expression. This is what Betty asks of you in this exercise, to really see what you have drawn, and make little notes about them at the back. Anything from things you don’t like about the drawing, to what really suprised you about the result becomes an integral part of the journey of your drawings.
Betty answers why the need to draw someone from memory:
Drawing a person from memory brings forth a memorized set of symbols, practiced over and over during childhood. While doing the drawing from memory, can you recall that your hand seemed to have a mind of its own? You knew that you weren’t making the image you wanted to but you couldn’t keep your hand from making those simplified shapes.
When I read that, I could instantly relate as when I drew someone from memory it did seem like my hand was doing more of the drawing, that I forgot about remembering what they looked like. This became apparent in the face that I drew, as it doesn’t look anything like the person. I became more habitual in drawing the body, like I would do as a kid. The only object that was strong during the picture, was the fact that they smoke, their cap, and their clothes, but when drawing, I felt like I was loosing touch of the real person, by drawing any old character.
Another reason for producing these three different drawings, is to see what patterns you can pick up through the drawings. This is so you can understand what is really going on. For me, I find this is wonderfully stimulating as I always like to discover why these things happen. I am finding it a very worthwhile experience, beneficial to my creativity.
Feel free to follow me: Learning to draw on the right side of the brain; Part 2
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Loves your blog, Ana, glad I found it and Happy New Year, sweetie!
kimmi’s last blog post..The Unbreakable Child First Give-A-Way
Hello Kimmi,
So good to see you.
Happy New Year to you too.
I am happy that you enjoy the new blog.
Best Wishes.
I have not been enthusiastic in reading a book for a couple of months now, so the fact that I was drawn to this book in the first place, made me realise that I wanted to follow it through.
That is what I called “a book which calling for me to read it”, ahahaha ^o^
I’ve been waiting for another book like that, the last one I got a “calling” from a book called “Who Will Cry When You Die?”, hehehe
Anywayy.. that seems like an interesting book, Ana, I like drawing but I can’t draw humans, haha, and since I’m very moody sometimes it’s hard to do things when I’m not in the mood to, huhuhu..
And I think it’s interesting. This process of drawings seems like a psychological journey of our past, interesting..
Indah´s last blog ..Others’ Grasses.. Are They Always Greener Than Ours?
Hello Indah,
Nice to see you again.
I think these book callings, show the real yearning from within on our journey of self awareness and progression.
How did you find “Who will cry when you die” when reading it?
When you say you can’t draw humans, it’s rather a choice. Perhaps you just need a little support, or some re-learning of your own, to be able to progress.
It is interesting that you should say that, about the process of drawings being a psychological journey of our past. For most part, the psychological journey is a conditioning of memory stored in the brain, that projects a style of drawing in the usage of memories in shaping who you are, and how you see the world. This is true, as you will find yourself directing your energy into drawings that are of similiar kind. Associative experiences are easier to come by in drawings, as you get a sense of recognition each time you draw. Almost a sense of nostalgic reflex.
I use the art medium as a gateway for existing experiences to pass through, and inner wisdom to shine. I think this book has widened my understanding of the drawing process, and has shown me how deeply culture and society is embedded in our day to day perception. I know that where we live shapes how we think and who we are. By re-connecting with that understanding I have come to pinpoint, the differences between what is genuine and what is influence led. In turn, this has helped me see clearer and more able to create fuller art, through a deeper connection in what I am.
I like your drawings. The self portrait though doesn’t give you justice. You are way more beautiful than that.
ZXT´s last blog ..8 Ways to Improve your Alexa Ranking
Hey ZXT,
Thank you for stopping by.
It is nice to see you.
Thank you, that is a very kind thing to say.
I must admit I drew that, when I hadn’t drawn in a very long while and I suppose I felt a bit confined to draw it. Nonetheless was a good starting point. If you look into my later sketches, you will see that I draw a much clearer self portrait of my face. Sketches which am content with, and are clearer to the realism in the shape of my face.
Anyway, it is very nice of you to stop by and read this entry.
I bought this book but never followed through with it. You are reminding me of my heart’s longing.
Great work and thank you!
Julie Jordan Scott´s last blog .."It Gives a Lovely Light" as do you… Day 18 – Art Every Day Month #aedm
Dear Julie,
I am happy that you found this post, and that it connected with you and rekindled your heart’s longing. Let me know whether you follow it.
Thanks for stopping by.
Your this idea is very nice, and so I have chosen to give myself a go within this interesting concept of a learning book.
Thanks for sharing it.
Terrific work! This is the type of information that ought to be shared around the web. Shame on the search engines for not positioning this post higher!
Done! Keep it up! I sign!