Softly Softly Catchy Monkey
87Drawing right side up
Parallel Ways of Knowing
I once took a drawing class called 'Drawing on the Right Side of the Brain'.
The Instructor was an older woman, a prolific artist, who exuded wisdom, and I felt very privileged to be in her class.
She explained the difference between left brain and right brain thinking with the following list.
Right
intuition
divergent
analogical
concrete
free
imaginative
relational
nonlinear
intuitive
multiple
subjective
simultaneous
Left
intellect
convergent
digital
abstract
directed
propositional
analytic
linear
rational
sequential
objective
successive
Drawing excercise
One excercise we did in the class was to draw a copy of Pablo Picasso's portrait of 'Stravinsky'. The first drawing was a copy of the figure viewed right side up.
For the second drawing we were asked to view the figure upside down, and draw it that way on the page.
It was quite a surprise to see what appeared on the page.
Drawing upside down
Drawing upside down - turned right side up
Betty Edwards
Our teacher cited from Betty Edwards' book on drawing on the right side of the brain throughout the session.
She explained that you use the left brain to do things like balance your checkbook. It is self critical, creates friction in your progress with any kind of creativity. The left brain is sequential, loves abstractions.
"Be nice to your left brain", she warned us. "To protect yourself, be very nice to your left brain. because you will need it".
On the other hand, she said love is a great one for the right brain. When we are in love we cannot seem to get enough of our beloved.
"You can't stop staring at this turkey".
Similarly, drawing can be just as blissful.
"A mini break from this life".
Frederick Franck and Ferlingetti
Our teacher also cited ideas from Fredrick Frank's book 'The Zen Of Seeing'.
She discussed the concept of using negative space in drawing - defining solids by defining negative spaces. Shadows can be used just as accurately as conveying the solid form.
She said to look at shadows the same way you look at the object. Get a lamp and shine it bright on something, draw the shadow as a thing in it's own right.
She told us about Ferlingetti's experience of standing in a garden, and not wanting to stand there too long because he felt like he was occupying the space. He felt that he had to leave so the garden could be itself. (note: I haven't actually been able to find the source of this Ferlinghetti anectdote. If any readers can help me with that I would appreciate it.)
Drawing a Face - my notes
Sighting Methods - my notes
Make a frame (a window) with your fingers so you can always relate the object to the vertical and horizontal.
Example:
Street scene, get yourself a unit. Hold the pencil at arms length, and horizontal, and put thumb on the pencil to determine the width of object.
Then, hold pencil vertical to decide if building is half as high as unit, or twice as high.
This method works with a figure also.
Stuff is everywhere. You don't have to arrange it. Look through the frame, or the pencil and finger.
Drawing your own hand
In this exercise the idea is to actually look at your own hand while drawing it, and to keep your eyes on your hand, but not looking at the page you are drawing on. The other part of the exercise is to keep the pencil on the page the whole time you are drawing the hand, not lifting the pencil off the page until it's done.
The drawing of one's own hand is done while not looking at the page as you draw, and not lifting the pencil from the page until the drawing is finished.
My Dear Teacher
Drawing Class - my notes
The goal in drawing should be to encounter the reality of the experience. Like meditation, reading, and travel, drawing sharpens the senses.
The purpose of drawing is not to put lines on paper any more than jogging is to arrive somewhere. The desired goal is to see ever more deeply.
Epilogue
I became fast friends with my dear art teacher long before the class discussed here. When I knew her she went by her married name "Chris Nancarrow", and was fondly known as "The Painter" in the small Island community of Alert Bay where she made her home.
Our lives intersected many times. At one time I sold her paintings out of my car (and earned a small commission). I have a collection of her work that I treasure dearly.
Carpenter was born in Leytonstone, England and studied at the London School of Art. She came to Canada in the 1960's by way of Australia.
The term "Softly Softly Catchy Monkey" was her way of describing the process of making art, but also sums up her philosophy on life.
More about Betty Edwards
Betty Edwards Drawing Courses
- Drawing courses in the UK based on Drawing on the Right Side of the Brain
5-day right-brain drawing courses at venues around the UK
More on Frederick Franck
- Spirituality & Practice: Remembering Spiritual Masters Project: Frederick Franck
A profile with bibliography and distinctive contributions to spirituality of Frederick Franck, a true Renaissance man who was an artist, sculptor, writer, and visionary. Part of "Remembering Spiritual Masters" project of www.SpiritualityandPractice.c
Lawrence Ferlinghetti
About Upside-down Drawing
- Upside Down Drawing
Upside down drawing - investigate one of the more interesting drawing exercises to familiarize yourself with truly learning to see with artist eyes.
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Thanks for stopping by on your busy day LVidoni5, you are welcome back any time.
Dear snakeslane,
How fabulous to get to know this side of you, your relationship with your inspirational teacher.
I have such an admiration for artists and you have much talent from both sides of that brain!
Voted UP & UABI. SYS at the Cafe, mar.
Thanks so much Mar! I feel like this Hub is just a sketch. There is so much more to say about this amazing woman.
Hello snakeslane. What a nice way to express how you feel about your good friend and art instructor. Your sketches are very professional in look and they emitted a very Picasso feel.
Well thank you very much mckbirdbks. Picasso ish, wow! I seem to do best in the classroom atmosphere. I enjoyed putting this piece together, appreciate you stopping by.
Hi Snakeslane,
This was so good! I have never had art lessons and there is so much I need to know. I love to draw. Will have to use this as a reference, I had to bookmark..so interesting. Thank you.
Sunnie
Hi Sunnie, you are very welcome thank you! I'm happy you found this interesting, drawing and painting is worth doing.
And mckbirdbks, I'm thinking the drawing we used for this exercise (the seated man) could very well be a Picasso. Will have to look it up. I didn't buy the book that came with the course.
I looked it up mckbirdbks. Yes, it is a portrait of Stravinsky by Picasso. We used that drawing for the exercise. I should make a note of that in the hub I guess heh.
We 'copied' that drawing for the excercise I should say.
AY Hah!!!!! I knew it. No not really, I just had a sense about it. The fact remains that it was produced from your pen.
Hey mckbirdbks I am so glad you mentioned it because I had not made notes on the actual drawings and I had forgotten whose drawing we were copying.
I love this - and also will come back and read it in more depth. Right now, I'm just meandering and wandering among the thoughts it gives and the thoughts it stirs.
I read a book once about writing with the right brain. How about that! I'm almost equally right and left brained but comfortable in either. 49% left and 51% right. They don't fight. I just slip in and out of them and enjoy blending them when it's called for.
I am fascinated with your teacher/friend. I just love her listing of the characteristics of the right and left brains. I've never seen it so clearly contrasted and defined. Her method of teaching seems particularly effective. It would have been such fun to take her class.
"The Zen of Seeing" - ah, yes! And negative space is vital in drawing, and probably in seeing. Now I'm curious about the Ferlinghetti idea. I'm quite sensitive to allowing others to be themselves, and it does extend to inanimate others, as well. It is to behold rather than to try to possess or impose upon others.
Capturing the life of what is being drawn matters so much - it's movement and direction. A painting is a bit like one frame among many in a video and must suggest what has been in the preceding and the following frames as the subject continues its living activities. It's the basis for much oriental art, I think and it can be suggested with so few actual lines or strokes, so long as they have that movement.
Your drawings show great sensitivity in the lines. I noticed it in your handwriting, as well, here and in other instances.
My beloved George was a good photographer and he always framed his scenes with his fingers. He was also an engineer, so there were elements of right and left brain going on in that, I think, in somewhat meticulously defining the scene his creativity wanted to capture.
Well, I warned you - it set me meandering. And I will love returning and meandering further! Thank you for sharing such a lovely person and your experience with this. It's certainly not a run of he mill hub!! Hugs.
Oh Nellieanna thank you so much for the visit. Please come back because I have actually been tweaking the Hub since you've been here. I just pulled bits from my notes and I don't feel that it really flows well on the page yet. But I will keep playing with it til I get it right.
I do appreciate the list Nancarrow gave us too. It simplifies the concept down to its essentials. She probably pulled the list from Betty Edwards' book, but presented it in her own handwriting, so I'm not sure.
See you soon I hope. Thanks for the great lengthy comment. I'm so happy you find the information useful.
And thankyou for commenting on my handwriting. It's a cross between actual writing and printing that I've developed out of laziness I think. Not sure, but I am thrilled that you like it. The drawing, I am not very practised at these days, I've pretty much let it slide.
I've not analysed myself for right and left brain traits. How does one measure that? Is there a test?
I have always felt that my presence imposes on the space of others, people and animals. I am quite shy about being in other people's spaces. Self concious may be a better way of putting it.
I am finding that you are a woman of many talents as we learn a little more about you.
I was amazed at the Pablo Picasso's portrait of 'Stravinsky' done without looking at the page.
This is a great well presented hub.
Hi Rosemay. Thank you for visit. The drawing without looking at the page is an exercise used often in art classes I've taken in the past, so when I got to the Stravinsky I'd already had some practise, but yes it is interesting to basically draw 'blind'. (no peeking) I'm so pleased you thought it well presented. I always feel there are gaps to fill once I see something I've done on the page. Never satisfied. And then old mckbirdbks came along and jarred my memory about the Picasso drawing, so I had to do a big re-write. Having this kind of feedback is so helpful. Seeya Rosemay, hope you're having a great summer.
Snakeslane, You are quite talented as an artist, perhaps some Picasso genes entered in the mix. I loved your artwork here and also your tribute to your dear teacher who taught so much more than mere art lessons. Nicely told and beautifully illustrated. A great remembrance of her. Peg
Thank you Peg. I'm glad you see some talent in this. I discovered my artistic 'genes' rather late. It was a surprise really, as I had never done any drawing in the past. Yes, Chris Nancarrow was a big influence on how I view the world, if I can only emulate her in some small way I will be happy. She was a grand woman, yet very down to earth.
Hello sankeslane, I see that the revised work has a smoother flow to it. Your appreciation of the artist/mentor/friend is admirable.
Thanks mckbirdbks, appreciate you taking another look. I am a little embarrased how many revisions I've had to make to get that first drawing exercise right. Would have helped if I had made better notes during the class. Seems to be all good now. I hope I haven't totally confused people who read earlier before the changes.
Thank you for your thoughtful comment.
P.S. I love your drawings!
Thank you very much Jhamann!
A LOT of talent Snakeslane. Isn't it funny how we discover so much about ourselves as we get older? I believe that looking back on people who influenced us early in life is key to discovering our root values.
PS I've been singing that Johnny Cash tune all day:)
Hi Peg! Disco to Johnny Cash...where will it end? I agree, it is important to acknowlege people and events that have informed and formed us...
Wow, This was interesting..Can you believe i drew a perfect hand. I was kicked out of an art class in my sophomore year because i couldn't draw a straight line. ( True story ) I can't remember the teacher's name. It was the beginning of the year, we were trying to decide what we wanted to do, she was kind, saying, " Perhaps you would like to find something that suits you better? " Hee..Enjoyed..Thank you...
Hi always, you drew a perfect hand when? Just now you mean? Tell me more please! I can't draw a straight line either. That teacher sounds like a ----- if you will parden my French.
A lovely insightful hub, but as insightful of you as of your mentor.
I loved it. I used to be drawing all the time, and yet haven't drawn anything at all for years and then the other day I found I was scribbling, and Oh My, how I enjoyed it.
"I've not analysed myself for right and left brain traits. How does one measure that? Is there a test?"
If you even find the answer to the above question, please let me know. Our Nellieanna seems to know the the exact percentage point where her brian does its zapping... Over the last two days I have wondered if mine is on annual leave
I almost feel that Left Hand Brain and Right Hand Brain have skipped off into the sunset, hand in hand, and left my cranium dangerously empty.
But nature abhors a vacuum, I have heard, and I am sure that the space will be filled.
Thanks again for a great, and particularly unique hub,
Ian
Hi Ian, I am just trying out the new handy dandy 'Reply' button that has suddenly appeared on my page. Thank you for visit. I'm thinking if there is a test I would 'fail'. Probably should have worded that differently. I have a feeling that I am a Brain Binger. It is all or nothing with me. So when old Left is running the show I would lose all creative powers...Then when Right wants to dominate I would probably end up bouncing a check and staring longingly at a flower for endless hours...well you get my drift. I guess this is where the 'balance' comes in. Very trickey stuff. That Monkey is running wild as we speak. Maybe I need to slow down.
I enjoyed your drawing. Love the expression your teacher used. I think we can use that with an artistic creation. Glad you had a great relationship with her. Good teachers are hard to come by and I see she has a great student in you. Rated up.
Hi anglnwu, thanks so much for stopping by. Happy to be rated up by you! The softly softly mantra works for me...My art teacher was a matter of fact no nonsense woman. She was a gifted artist and a generous warm human being. I am very fortunate to have known her.
Thank you for such a wonderful reply, snakeslane.
I see several new additions. The upside-down drawing is amazing. That requires both a very visual and also an analytical kind of brain use, I'd think. Or it would for me. I'd tend to mentally draw it right side up and then flip it. Perhaps a more right-sided person would immediately visualize it upside down. What do you think?
The drawing of your hand is interesting, too. You weren't to look at the paper where you were drawing it, but were you allowed to look at your hand? I think I could do that, with or without looking at my hand. I must try it.
Again I must study this whole article more. I was distracted when your question about how to find out whether you're right or left-brained sent me off looking for right brain/left brain tests and there are many. One caught my attention for several reasons so I took it. The scores were pretty much consistent with my earlier test but I didn't recall just where it was: it's been several years ago. It was among interesting tests in a site which turned out to also be a match-making site, which I hadn't realized. haha - I guess they were trying to match folks intellectually. I was taken to task by one guy who demanded to know why I was on the site if I wasn't looking for a partner! I wasn't - I was happily married, but ended up on that dating site when I just wanted to take the tests!
Oddly, just now taking this test I found, (not a dating site!) - I was trying to copy and paste the analysis information about the percentages, but the figures got lost in translation. (They break it all down into several subdivisions). So I decided to re-take it so I could capture those, but the percentages shifted slightly on the second go-around! I answered all the questions each time with care, but perhaps the 2nd time my left brain had taken control. haha. First time it was shaded a tiny bit toward right and second a tiny bit toward left. Interesting. I'm aware myself when one side is more active and in charge than the other, though usually they really seem to be blended, except when I'm doing things which really call upon one side or the other, such as tax preparation vs. writing poetry or designing.
Anyway - the test is from the Art Institute of Vancouver, which I thought might especially interest you. I'm sure you'll be fascinated by the way they break it down into most and least prominent within each 'side'.
http://www.wherecreativitygoestoschool.com/vancouv
But go to Google and look up "right and left brain tests" to see other tests. There are numerous test sites listed.
When I was in teens, I tried to learn how to draw. I could do nothing more than a nude. LOL
I loved your sketches.
I'm thinking further about your last statement in your reply: "have always felt that my presence imposes on the space of others, people and animals. I am quite shy about being in other people's spaces. Self conscious may be a better way of putting it."
One reason I'm mulling over it is that I realized along the line somewhere that my presence might or does impose on others'. I was always shy and had always thought I held back because I didn't measure up to 'them', but it dawned on me that it was possibly because my full presence might overshadow and I didn't want to do that. Subconsciously I chose to shrink rather than to blossom. It was a gentle turning point in my life. Gentle, in that I found that I didn't have to overshadow in order to simply BE.
Do you suppose that might be your fear?
Hi Nellieanna, Hi Vinaya. Two of my favorite people here on the page, only seconds away.
By the way - B A L A N C E has always been one of my main challenges and one I've had to consciously work on. Oddly, though, it is possible to shift from right to left without totally losing sight of all else but whatever that side you're in addresses. But so what if one does lose it at times? It's not fatal. When I am creative - I thrive on chaos! Everything for the creative project needs to be out and in sight. If it's designing, all the laces, ribbons, fabrics are practically flying in the air; - asunder is a word for it, too. But when I'm focused, everything has to be orderly, organized, systematic and right where it belongs. Those are extremes but they can co-exist. It almost feels good to experience the shift back and forth. It's like a burst of newness and inspiration - whichever direction it is needed. It feels remarkably sane, even! :-) Whew- what a relief! haha
Ok, here goes. Nellieanna you are the best commenter! Your comments could be whole hubs on their own. Thank you for the brain test! I just did it now and discovered I am like you pretty much half and half with 2% more on the left. Wow. That's a relief.
Now the upside down image, trying to remember actually doing it. I guess it has a lot to do with 'letting go'. I know some people are horrified by the results, but I think that's because they want the drawing to be 'perfect'. I think, because it's a figure, one would be inclined to want to start at the head, which is difficult because suddenly the head is on the bottom.
When I first did the hub I had forgotten what that exercise was about and mistakenly called it drawing with the left hand, which it wasn't. Lucky there is a lot of information online about the upside down Stravinsky.
But writing with the left hand (or the least dominant hand) has always intrigued me because I've been told this is a way to get in touch with your inner child.
Drawing your hand without looking at the page goes like this: (I'm assuming everyone is right handed) Lay your left hand kind of flat out like a glove on the table in front of you. Study your hand. Don't take your eyes off of it. While looking at start to draw it with your right hand. It's awkward. Don't look at what you are drawing. And don't lift the pencil from the page until you're done. Have to get in a comfortable position to do this.
Funny funny about hanging out at the dating site just to use the brain test Nellieanna!
My discomfort in others spaces is probably complicated too. But for sure I don't want to impose. For what reasons, I guess I feel I don't belong there, so used to being on my own, usually just feels uncomfortable. With animals, I wouldn't want to startle them. You've got me thinking now! So great to chat with you Ms Nellieanna. Thank you for taking such an interest.
And Vinaya, drawing the human figure nude is the highest form of art. So you were headed in the right direction. Thank you for checking out my drawing hub. I'm pleased you loved the sketches.
This article intrigued me greatly, especially reading about left brain/right brain because I am also equal in both which often challenges me with its dilemma. It is encouraging to find others who are the same and are learning to find ways of expressing from both sides! I have the book, "Drawing On The Right Side of The Brain" and have never worked through it, but now I want to do that. Thank you!
Hi FloBe, we are equally challenged! Thank you for visiting my page and commenting. Nice that you have the book. Enjoy!
What i meant about drawing a perfect hand...You said to close your eyes and draw a hand and i did, and it was perfect..I'm looking at it now and thinking, i might have gotten better if given the chance..I have a Sister ( Eva ) who is a beautiful artist. Her ability to draw was noticed in the first grade. Her art teacher adored her, often asking her to stay after school to help. My favorite pasttime is going to a museum to look at all of the beautiful paintings.. Cheers My Friend
Oh wow always, that is so interesting, you drew a perfect hand with your eyes closed...I don't know what to say, that is remarkable. In this exercise the idea was to actually look at your own hand while drawing it, and to keep your eyes on your hand, not looking at the page you are drawing on. The other part of the exercise is to keep the pencil on the page the whole time you are drawing the hand, not lifting the pencil off the page until it's done. Thanks for coming back!
I love to draw, I wish I'd had your instructor, this is so interesting and your sketches are great!
Thank you for sharing and voted up.
Hi Movie Master, you are welcome, thank you, and thanks for vote!
Hello snakeslane. Pretty cool that your sketch made it to the front page of the topics DRAWINGS section. Your sketch is very good.
Evening mckbirdbks, thank you! I am so amazed this is the highest hub score I've got yet for an article. Chris Nancarrow must be sending me some good energy from beyond...
Don't ever be surprised at getting high scores, Snakeslane. Everything I have seen of yours is such high quality, and has that "extra something" many hubbers will never attain.
You are a great contributor, my friend.
Snakeslane, I agree with all the comments you are so talented. Congrats on your hub score. Look forward to reading and seeing more of your art work.
Hugs,
Sunnie
Morning snakeslane. That is a very nice hub score. You certainlt deserve it.
Group hug...thanks guys, you are so sweet Twilight Ls, Sunnie and the book man!
I actually saw your comments before I looked at the page and thought oh wow! what's all the fuss about? is it 100??? When I got to the page it is 93 which is well within the range of maintaining some sense of modesty lolol.
Hi snakeslane
It is fascinating how our brain works.
When it comes to drawing, my brain doesn't work. I can't draw a straight line with a ruler.
Voted up and away!
Hello Ms Swan, I actually have the same problem, but this drawing class seemed to 'draw' it out of me, if you will pardon the pun. Thank you for up and away!
Snakeslane, What a warm, wild and wonderful sharing of your art and the meditations by a unique teacher! In particular, I liked the upside down and the hand drawings. Additionally, it's so inspirational the way you focus on the journey and not the destination inherent in creativity.
Thank you for caring and sharing, voted up + all,
Derdriu
Hello Derdriu, thank you so much for your awesome comment! This was fun to work on, and kind of wrote itself. I had so much to work with from the actual drawing class, and great memories of this remarkable artist and friend.
Very nice hub. Just ran into it today and voted up.
Hello Marla, thankyou very much for the visit and your kind words and the vote!
This is an exceptional hub on drawing, right brain left brain dichotomy and how to engage both sides of our brain. I love how you have shared memories of your art teacher, illustrated with your drawings and written in such a captivating and cohesive manner. I do write and sketch and when I teach medics and encourage them to exercise their creativity through right brain/left brain drawing exercises. It is stimulating to see them unleash pent up creativity - your discussions on negative space, little drawing exercises and discussions around the Zen of seeing are invaluable additions to my toolkit. voted up and awesome!
Hello Docmo, really appreciate your generous critique, thank you very much for the vote up and the awesome. Your work teaching medics sounds intriguing, I'm pleased you found some useful ideas here.
LVidoni5 Level 4 Commenter 4 months ago
This is way interesting. I'm going to have to come back and read this a little more in depth when I have the time. Thanks for sharing, it's some good stuff!