101 things about me

Friday 16 April 2010

Drawing on the right side of my brain...



















Some years ago, I was introduced to the Betty Edwards book, "Drawing on the Right Side of the Brain", you may have heard of it.

It's an extraordinary book that promises to "unlock the artist within and open up a new world of creative enjoyment."

Through it's tasks and lessons, you will soon discover that drawing is a skill that can be learned by every normal person with average eyesight and average eye-hand coordination-with sufficient ability, for example, to thread a needle or catch a baseball. Contrary to popular opinion, manual skill is not a primary factor in drawing. If your handwriting is readable, or if you can print legibly, you have ample dexterity to draw well.

The results in the book certainly show some incredible results, and whilst I have loved the book and done a few of the exercises and tasks, I have barely moved further than the first few chapters.

Just recently I read a post on Kate's blog about some classes she has been taking and it has inspired me to start... again...

Sophie Balchin has studied with the son of Betty Edwards, is a teacher in Melbourne, and she runs regular evening classes and workshops. Her evening classes are a combination of Betty Edwards' methods and her own tips, tricks and lessons that Sophie has learned along her own artistic path.

And so I have decided to pick up my drawing pencils again and do one of her classes.

It starts on Monday May 3rd and runs for 6 weeks (3 hours a week) and is $240... and I can't wait. I have spoken to Sophie on the phone and she sounds lovely and I am really looking forward to meeting her and doing the class.

She's looking for extra numbers, so go visit her website - drawing potential - give her a call, and take the plunge. Come join me.

2 comments:

flossy-p said...

It sounds wonderful! How exciting, you'll have a great time :)

Kate James said...

I'm so glad you're going Jacinta! You'll love Sophie and I am sure you'll get a lot from the classes.

Hobart was beautiful. The perfect place to take a sketchbook and pencil (as long as you rug up).

I know that one of your fave films is Amelie (mine too). We saw Micmacs this week which is also directed by Jean-Pierre Jeunet. It's well worth seeing...the same quirky sense of humour and beautiful design. I think you'd like it. x