artistic | Outside The Lines

Is it possible for someone to learn to draw in a short period of time? More specifically, can one learn to draw well in a matter of weeks?

Dr. Betty Edwards would say, without hesitation, yes.

Can a Book Quickly Teach Someone to Draw?

In the 1970‘s, Edwards authored a booked titled Drawing on the Right Side of the Brain. Since the book’s release in 1979, it has sold over 2.5 million copies. The book’s popularity is due largely to the fact that its exercises garner results that any aspiring artist craves: the quick acquisition of skills necessary to draw beautifully.

Targeting the Right Brain is Key in Picking up Artistic Skills

The theory behind Drawing on the Right Side of the Brain is simple: tapping into the right side of the brain via practicing certain exercises can increase a person’s ability to swiftly obtain the artistic skills required for drawing. Concerning the right/left brain theory, scientist and neurosurgeon Richard Bergland said, “…your left brain is your verbal and rational brain; it thinks serially and reduces its thoughts to numbers, letters and words… your right brain is your nonverbal and intuitive brain; it thinks in patterns, or pictures.”

Because the right brain thinks in patterns and pictures and is non-verbal, it makes sense that primarily using that side of the brain when learning to draw would increase the chances of successfully gaining artistic skills.

This Simple Exercise Can Help You Learn to Draw

Drawing on the Right Side of the Brain is packed with tools that target the right brain and teach drawing skills. Here is just one exercise that can help you begin your journey of learning to draw; the exercise is called “Breaking Up Space”:

Only draw vertical and horizontal lines
Do not think in terms of words
Relax
Draw at a slow to medium pace
If you run out of space just retrace the lines you have already drawn

This exercise “helps put the left side (of the brain) to sleep and exercises the right side.” It’s important not think in words while practicing this. Using this technique is a first step you can take to begin to get your right brain accustomed to being used somewhat independently of your left brain. This creates an ideal mental environment for learning to draw.

Besides her book, Dr. Edwards also offers other materials that foster right-brained learning of artistic skills. These resources include DVDs, workshops, and more.

Are you a natural when it comes to drawing? If not, have you always wanted to learn to draw? Has intimidation discouraged you from trying? Share with us in the comments box below.

Read more Segmation blog posts about art and color:

Gregg Visintainer Finds an Emotional Outlet in Drawing

Figure Drawing Tips

Tips for Improving your Landscape Drawing Skills

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How important is creativity to you? Do you enjoy expressing your creativity by incorporating art activities into everyday life? Do you try to be artistic at least once a week? Many times per month? Or whenever there is spare time in your busy schedule?

People who identify themselves as artistic often make time for creative expression on a regular basis. Unfortunately, a job can get in the way of spending time exploring these passions. Because of this, it is important to find a place of employment that compliments your unique energy and artistic flare. When working in an environment that hinders such expression, the creative spirit can wither away. As an artist, this can be harmful to your self-esteem and life satisfaction.

Have you struggled to balance your work life and creative ambitions? Many artists work full time jobs, and pursue other ventures they are passionate about outside work hours. Is this you? If so, does keeping up this busy schedule seem exhausting? A good solution is to work at a job, and in a position that speak to your creative nature.

Whether this means changing how you work in your current role, or searching for a new job that utilizes your artistic abilities, it is important for you to infuse your work world with unique creativity.

This is the very thought behind the Color Career Counselor, a popular assessment offered by Careerpath.com. This short test directs individuals to ideal jobs based on personal color preferences.

This test is created by Dewey Sadka, the author of The Dewey Color System (http://www.amazon.com/The-Dewey-Color-System-Choose/dp/1400050626). In a complimentary article, the short test is described as a tool you can use to find a job that speaks to your creative nature “by determining which primary, secondary and achromatic colors you prefer most and least.” The results of this test can enlighten you to understand:

Your unique approach to work.
Which work environments and career paths best suit your personality.
How you accomplish goal-oriented tasks and fulfill job expectations.

If you are searching for a job, or looking for a purposeful career, this full assessment may help guide you towards a place of employment that is in line with your personality and artistic interests.

Do you seek to gain clarity and creativity within your career? Let your favorite colors lead the way.

Sources:

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Did you know that you can decorate your home office to inspire creativity? It’s true.

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