drawing on the right side of the brain

A couple of years ago I read Dan Pink's book 'A Whole New Mind'. In chapter six, he talked about a drawing class he took in New York City called 'Drawing on the Right Side of the Brain'. The course was developed by Betty Edwards and the emphasis is on teaching you how to see.

I was fascinated and searched to see if there was someone in Melbourne teaching the same way. I found Sophie Balchin, who trained under Brian Bomeisler (Betty Edward's son). Not only is she in Melbourne but she teaches just ten minutes from where I live. So it felt like it was meant to be.

I can't draw to save myself - really. There are some things I'm good at and being an artist just isn't one of them. When I told my girls that I was taking up drawing they both screwed up their faces and told me that would be hilarious. But I joined Sophie's evening course regardless and here's the unfinished piece I drew in last night's class (the girls are mildly impressed). It's no Raphael I know, but it's a good start considering I've attended just five sessions and I haven't had the chance to practise in between. If I did, I think I could possibly be ok!

I didn't join a drawing class because I wanted to become an artist - it was more to do with challenging myself by trying something new. And something to do with being courageous enough to step outside of my comfort zone. I don't enjoy doing things I'm not good at (do any of us?) but I know they teach me the most about myself. I also know that being creative in any way is going to help me to be a better writer - and that's something I'm really interested in.

I've taken far more away from this class than I'd imagined I would. I've learned how to see the world differently physically and of course that will change my perspective metaphorically too.

I can't recommend this course more highly. (And no, you really don't want to see the drawing I did in week one!).