This is my first challenge taken from the book, Drawing from the Right Side of the Brain, by Betty Edwards. I’ve heard quite a lot about this book from many artists who have recommended the exercises. Basically, the author teaches you how to think (and not think) when drawing, but also teaches you the techniques to draw. In short, it teaches the approach and the techniques. Drawing on the Right Side of the Brain works on the premise that the right side of the brain is more suited for drawing, and teaches you how to engage it for drawing purposes. I just read the first chapter and the author is suggesting that I draw a self-portrait, a hand and a picture of someone I know by memory.

There probably is validation about the right side of the brain taking over your creative side when you least expect it. I drew the picture of a giraffe while on the phone talking to my mother. This was my first drawing ( though I copied it from a picture, and later tried my hand at color pencil). This experience led me to believe that I must have some artistic ability.

Too bad I did not hear about the book before I started my art endeavor. But, I have high hopes of seeing improvement in my art. You can decide to get the book and follow the  the exercises, or just do a pre-drawing of your hand, a self-portrait and a friend by memory, please feel free to share.  I’ll post my pre-draw hand, self portrait and someone I know once I complete it on this post next week…or sooner when I get it done! Below are the materials you need: 

• Graphite pencil
• Mirror
• Pencil Sharpener
• Masking tape to hold your paper
• Drawing board
• Paper (stack it in a group of three for padding)
• An hour to sit down and draw!

Betty Edwards, the author indicates your drawing may not be admirable, but we should remind ourselves that this is a pre-draw before instruction!

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Okay…don’t laugh, but I decided to get this done tonight.  Therefore, below is my completed exercise.  I am pleased with my pre-instruction face and hand, but I definitely do not do bodies well.  Hope you do a better job than I did!