Author: Betty Edwards
Location: SGVA Drive
Drawing on the Right Side of the Brain is based on the premise that the left and right hemispheres of the brain process information in very different ways. While this theory has become somewhat outmoded, it is still a useful model to explain the way we function. The right-side concept is referred to continually throughout the book, which focuses extensively on the "how and why" behind the mental process of drawing, rather than simply demonstrating the techniques.
The first chapters of this book are largely devoted to explaining the left/right model, and explaining its relevance to drawing - or more importantly to SEEING. The stages of development in children's drawing are explored, and the impact of the persistence of the childish symbol-system discussed. The book includes many drawing exercises, including upside down drawing, blind contour and modified contour drawing. Edwards also takes an unconventional approach to perspective drawing. A chapter on portrait drawing covers some key problems that occur in portrait drawing,
This edition includes, along with various additional illustrations, and changes to some material through the book, an important note on the process of drawing: Edwards notes that some 6 months after the publication of the original book, in an "aha" moment in class, she realized that drawing was in fact a global skill, composed of separate, learnable skills that become synthesized into the single smooth and seamless process we call drawing. She identifies these components as five perceptions: edges, spaces, relationships, lights and shadows, and the perception of the whole (gestalt). Important and very useful ideas like this make it well worth reading.
my fifth grade students are doing some of the exercises in the book drawing on the right side of the brain. so far we've done the vases and faces, upside down drawings and negative and positive spaces exercise.
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