Learning to Draw by Using the Right Side of Your Brain
What Do I Know? My Background
I have always had some artistic ability, even as a small child (before computers, iPads and the like) my favourite pastime was drawing and sketching. I studied Commercial Art through ICS Correspondence School (before computer digital art took over that field).
While employed at Central Queensland University, Rockhampton, I was asked to draw cartoons for the Library introduction manual, and to illustrate posters and displays for 'Orientation Week' each year.
I read the book "Drawing on the Right Side of Your Brain" by Betty Edwards and was impressed by the theory and exercises discussed. I just present the basic idea here for you to try to consider if you are interested in improving your artistic ability. I am confident if you follow the instructions given in the exercises your drawing will improve dramatically. Good luck in your endeavours.
Right Brain vs. Left Brain Theory
The right brain-left brain theory originated in the work of Roger W. Sperry, who was awarded the Nobel Prize in 1981.
The Right Brain
According to the left-brain, right brain dominance theory, the right side of the brain is best at expressive and creative tasks. Some of the abilities that are popularly associated with the right side of the brain include:
- Recognizing faces
- Expressing emotions
- Music
- Reading emotions
- Color
- Images
- Intuition
- Creativity
The Left Brain
The left-side of the brain is considered to be adept at tasks that involve logic, language, and analytical thinking. The left-brain is often described as being better at:
- Language
- Logic
- Critical thinking
- Numbers
- Reasoning
The Right Side: Natural Artistic Ability
Have you ever wondered why some of us have artistic ability and seem to be able to create amazing drawings, paintings and sculptures, while the rest of the population are confined to drawing basic stick figures? (Writers and poets are also included in those with artistic ability.)
Well, although 'outstanding' artistic ability is God-given talent, that doesn't mean the rest of us can't train ourselves to at least be able to draw or paint at a more than satisfactory level.
It has been a long-time accepted theory that we all have an in-built pre-disposal to using either the left or right side of our brains predominantly and this is one of the major factors in determining where most of our abilities as human beings are directed.
Recent research has shown that there is not always such a distinct leaning of individuals towards the predominant use of one side of the brain over the other as previously thought. For example, new studies show that abilities in subjects such as math are actually strongest when both halves of the brain work in tandem. Neuroscientists now know that the two sides of the brain work together to perform a wide variety of tasks and that the two hemispheres communicate.
That being said, this system of improving your artistic ability still works, and individuals still seem to display some preference to the attributes associated with the right or left brain.
Exercise One: Drawing Upside Down
Drawing upside down is a common exercise art students are asked to work on in order to improve observational skills and help switch from the logical mode (left-brain) to the creative mode (right brain).
One of the exercises in Betty Edwards' wonderful book "Drawing on the Right Side of the Brain" is to copy a sketch of Picasso's "Portrait of Igor Stravinsky," but draw it upside down. I was able to do it quite well the right way up (I do have natural artistic ability and am naturally 'right brain' oriented) but was surprised how much easier it was when I turned the original drawing upside down.
The point of the exercise is to draw what we actually see and to discourage us from focusing on recognizable shapes that our brain interprets from its stored concept of that shape. It is hard to switch off our logical mode completely so here are a few tips that may help you complete this exercise:
- Focus on separate lines and how they relate to those around them rather than look at the whole shape
- Look at blank space around the lines to get a more accurate placement of the those lines
- If you can't stop seeing recognizable shapes, focus on one part of the sketch and place a piece of paper over your original to cover parts that you aren't sketching. Once you are done with that section, move the paper to uncover the next section
These are the tips that have worked for me. Why don't you take the time to give it a try now.
Cover up the image that is the correct way up, and try to draw the upside down portrait of Stravinsky (below). I'm sure you will surprise yourself. This is only one of the helpful exercises in this outstanding book that takes pride of place in the "art" section on my bookshelf.
Or Try This
If the portrait of Igor Stravinsky doesn't appeal to you, or you feel it is too much of a challenge, you may prefer to attempt to draw the following t-shirt design I sketched of a boy riding a hobby horse.
Exercise Two: Vases and Faces
- Another of Betty Edwards' recommended exercises is “Vases and Faces”. This involves drawings which display both left and right hemisphere mode and shifts made by the artist.
- Start by drawing a profile of a face on the opposite side of your dominant hand, naming the features of the face as you draw them.
- Next, copy the profile on the opposite side of the paper, drawing as closely as possible what you drew on the first side—without naming the features of the profile. The forehead and neck are then connected which makes the negative space of the drawing appear to be a vase.
- After this exercise, draw another in the same manner, but with the strangest profile you can imagine.
Before and After Drawings
Below are some examples of drawings by the same people before and after they practiced the exercises to encourage the use of the right side of their brain. The level of improvement is incredible.
With a little practice and devoting some time to these exercises you will soon be turning out professional looking drawings, or even paintings like this.
Well, maybe not. But at least like this one of mine below.
Who is your favourite artist?
Questions & Answers
Can I use an eraser when practicing drawing?
Yes, you can always use a good quality eraser. Most artists do, so by all means feel free to do that.
Helpful 2
© 2014 John Hansen
Comments
Matisse cos he invented a new art form - cut outs - to beat his decline .
Jodah --- expert work. Tremendous artwork. Loved it.
Making art is my life i do it good or bad but it's fine so my art is fine at normal but on what i do it's easy. The thing is all art is on paper but on picture and at all this it's just about writing what you did. All the lines you did you just do it good or fine and at all the good at seeing art for the first thing.
Fantastic article,
I'm going to try and incorporate these techniques in my self-education from now on.
Also my favorite artist is Caspar David Friedrich (1774-1840).
Jodah, I don't know why HP did not choose this to be neutered, I mean niched. I think this is great.
I have had two hubs that HP said that I could have them niched if I did XYZ but the one thing they said which told "me they did not read my hub 'Learning how to drive a 4 speed manual stick shift' which is a true story of my learning to drive a car with a manual trans, and not a DIY anything. HP told me I should have put bullet points?
I redid/rewrote 'Are there any Conservatives in Hollywood' at the request of HP twice and it was not moved to the niche site. I don't know if the moderators really read what we have written.
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I found your drawing of Marilyn Monroe fascinating. Although it seems almost devoid of detail, it's immediately clear who the subject is. I wonder if anyone has ever done a psychological study of just how little detail is necessary to recognize a face.
Hi John. I read this great guide some time back and did actually try to improve myself. Although I did not improve dramatically I was at least able to come up with a couple illustrations for the short story I call the Ladder Trees of New Hawaii, which you were kind enough to read. So for better or worse, the 'credit' for my pencil sketches goes to "Jodah".
Jodah, this is truly a very informative and educational hub about drawing. I'm linking this to my hub :)
Whoa!! I…. I…. I have no words. I am speechless. What a remarkable artist you are! No buttering. It’s coming from the bottom of my Heart. This means that I owe you another dedication :) Just for you!
My! my! I’m drawn to you now. (he he). You know something – I feel like we all humans have a hidden talent, yet very few know how to exactly unlock their concealed skills. You seem to be an Aquarian or a Gemini – both of these astrological signs are well known for versatility in art. It’s spiritually and scientifically proven. I am an Aquarian by the way :) I’ll send you my art, and I would love to hear your feedback. This is my favourite hub so far. I bow my head before thee, my dear Jodah. Salutations… much salutations!
P.S. – Have you thought of publishing your sketches? Your sketches would grace your fictions further… or how about a comic book?
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Great article. I used to give these 8 week drawing workshops for several years at an art college during the eighties. Nice to read up on it again. My favorite artist was not on your list. I have several but one is Salvador Dali
I read every word of this outstanding work John, and resolved to give everything a try. The drawing upside down thing did not work out for me. The blood rushing to my head made me feel like I was going to pass out.
Next I tried Betty Edwards 'Vases' exercise but my brain turned that into a Rorschach test and I shudder to think what people might say when they know that the first vase became 'Tweety Bird' from the Looney Tunes cartoons. And the second one was a woman who actually sang to me; "I'm Chiquita Banana...." Yep, it was Carmen Miranda!
But seriously, I wish I could draw well and I envy all of you who can. As usual, voted up and fantastic.
Jodah,
Good. It couldn't happen to a nicer, more-talented hubber.
Kenneth. I did get your info on the art transfer. Thanks.
Jodah, my friend,
I should have written my comment and pasted it here. I am amazed at the number of comments. That is a sure-sign of a talented writer.
I love, and I mean, Love this hub and your artwork.
Would you please inbox me the answers to the these questions:
1. Do I need a special paper to draw on?
2. Do I really need a pencil?
3. Do you flat-bed scan your artwork to your PC and save it in PNG or Jpeg?
I love PNG more tan Jpeg. Speaking of that. I am going to start weaning myself away from those websites with general artwork. I am going to start using my wife's digital camera and take REAL abstract photos for my hubs. I guess I am vain for that way I can type my own name in the Source box.
Ahhh, setting sail me friend to de cove of complex adjectives.
Your Friend for Life,
Kenneth
This is quite interesting. Looking at the description for right and left side, it looks like I have a little bit of both. Anyway, I will have to bookmark this and try some exercises. Rated up.
It's a great book. Like you, I worked through the exercises and I think it improved my drawing. I like the detail in your article, and especially your pictures. Rating up and following you.
Jodah, So happy to have found this hub today. I love to paint and create beauty with the brush. I've always thought I couldn't draw because of 'the lines' but your article created a curiosity and it makes sense - I'm going to give it a shot.
My drawings look like the ones you illustrate on the left and rather than working on it I quit, because I think, it's not my thing.
Thank you for giving me inspiration today. Who knows maybe I will get past stick figures and enjoy the art of drawing. Loved ALL your drawings, especially the one of your wife and baby.
Blessings!
Mekenzie
OK, just read this one again, Jodah, after about 6 months....... gonna try the upside down exercise...taking advantage of my latest drawing "phase". Wish they happened more often. Do you go through phases too? I can write anytime but with the art...its different...left brain/right brain stuff, eh!!! Guess we should write another 'retrain the brain' hub... perhaps a collaborative effort is in order! Stay Cool my friend!!!
I can't draw worth diddly, although my brother is quite talented in that department. You're quite the artist, John!
I love to read about drawing... but I'm not very good. Thanks for a great read... and look. Thanks for sharing!! ;-)
My favorite artist is Norman Rockwell.
Jodah, I was on my way to more on the your story with an end and found my here. I also draw, I never thought of drawing upside down, and I am going to try this. Both my mom and 1 of my 2 brothers are artists with formal training, mine I just do it.
Voted up across the board except (funny), pinned and shared.
Shyron
Great hub Jonas. Your hub brought back memories. I have giving these drawing workshops for 11 years at a college in Port Elizabeth. I have several before and after portrait drawings my students did after my 8 week course. From there on I moved onto workshops on (doodling) mind drawing though the higher self and my first workbook on the Language of Light was published in 2003. Voted up
The before and after drawings are very convincing, as there is such a dramatic difference. Voted up and shared.
This hub is fascinating. I'm afraid I'm in the stick man category re art but I still find this intriguing. You are definitely a talent and you presented this hub with such flair I'm in awe. I'm thinking of buying the book for my young grandson. Voting up and...
I love your drawings, Jodah. I found this hub especially interesting because I bought Betty Edwards' book a number of years ago and tried her techniques. They were definitely helpful, although I'm not as good an artist as you! I remember the excitement that I felt when I saw what I had created after following Betty Edwards' suggestions.
Very interesting study of the right and left brain and how to use them in tandem. I used to have some raw drawing talent as a boy but I am afraid that has fallen by the wayside with disuse. Great hub!
Tthis looks so unreal. yet a fine post.
Incredible isn't it? You presented with such lovely photos and the use of the left side of the brain is a great thought indeed.
Jodah, my talented friend.. what a wonderful hub ... well the whole thinking with both sides of the brain concept idea was fascinating.. Love the drawings too voted awesome...
Jodah, your art is very beautiful. I will try your exercise since I am one of those people who can only draw stick figures. This was a very well thought out hub thanks for sharing.
I had a great upbringing, I was told I had no left brain talents at all do I worked the devil out of my right side. College testing showed it was opposite. hihihihi. So now they work great together.
This hub is awesome and I hope people respond accordingly.
John, simply brilliant, you're surely blessed, in the artistic department. I particularly loved the sketch of your wife and baby, but they're all exceptional. I couldn't draw to save my life, not even if i used every cell in my brain, right and left.:) My favourite artist is Monet, although I also love Van Gogh. Beautiful work my friend.
I started to draw the upside down man, i started at the top of the page, of course i only had room for his head. I'm a hopeless case. I have a sister Eva who paints beautifully. I guess one could learn to paint/draw, but i believe the really good ones are God gifted. My sis never had a lesson, yet was able to draw pictures of people anyone would recognize. BTW you are good at drawing. Great fun trying. Thank's..
Wonderful and very useful hub, Jodah. I just got out my drawing pencils and pad to do some practicing. I have not worked much on drawing since art classes in college many years ago. You have motivated me to make some drawings. Thanks!
Albrecht Durer is my favorite artist. I love his work.
Interesting--and so wonderful to see your work John--you could add singing at the same time as you draw to this list perhaps. Singing uses both sides of the brain--
Oh, John, if it were only that easy. LOL Maybe, just maybe, if I had a one on one tutor, they might be able to help me move beyond stick men, but that's a mighty big maybe.
By the way, your artwork is lovely. Well done.
Beautiful, these are some awesome tips. I love drawing and took it in college and the exercises we practiced really made a difference. I bet some of these would also give me a boost. Now I need to get out my sketch pad. Thanks for sharing, voted up.
Interesting before and after pictures. The exercises are worth practicing to help us improve our abilities. Never thought of it, but I think I should try them. Thank you for this valuable information.
John, You're very artistic. I enjoyed your examples and find the whole concept of upside down practice drawing interesting. Those before/after examples are really quite something. You should do more art hubs!
Morning Jodah,
Excellent hub and so interesting! It is fascinating how our brains work. My side of the family is very artistic in many areas. My son is especially artistic too in writing poetry, painting, drawing and music, and yet he is also very logical. My daughter is as well and has a degree in fine arts. Your art is fabulous and beautiful. Really love that Marilyn Monroe one, that first one, the shipyard and the one of the mother holding the baby. Well, really all are excellent. No doubt you have natural artistic ability. Love the exercises here with turning the art upside down. I thought, no way, but with your useful suggestions there about concentrating on the shapes or one area at a time, now I can see it. I will give this a try and share with my son.
Up and more and away
Have a blessed day
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