I have been searching for ways to improve my drawing and competently express the stories I see around me. Being limited to painstakingly replicating reference photos annoys me.
Betty Edwards book ‘Drawing on the right side of the brain’ contains inspiring ideas, a way of learning that makes sense to me.
Betty’s theory is that our left brain wants to be in charge and it’s summary of what we see is not enough to draw accurately from. It’s only when we relax and almost trick the left brain into clocking off that the right brain is allowed out to play. The right brain is patient and calm and enjoys following shapes and lines and dark and light without trying to make them conform to a known symbol or pattern.
Last Christmas holidays I had the most incredible time working through the drawing exercises to help see things differently. The results were fun and so interesting. I felt fascinated by the insight Betty’s lessons gave me.A focus on paying attention to what is – as opposed to what is assumed. Doing these exercises opened me up to the idea that awareness is an incredible gift that can be powerful in all parts of life. To be more conscious of the well worn paths my brain follows automatically.
Drawing is still tricky for me but I am beginning to love the process and find it so relaxing. The triumph I feel when I manage to draw something i like is enough to keep me going for days.
Thank you Betty Edwards!
