Strategies how to learn to

Draw The Method of Betty Edwards

“Drawing on the right side of the brain”

Betty Edwards theory

O Betty Edwards has used the terms L-Mode and R-Mode to designate two ways of knowing and seeing

O the verbal, analytic mode and the visual, perceptual mode - no matter where they are located in the individual brain.

O You are probably aware of these different characteristics.

TheoryL-mode/ R-mode

O L-mode is a step-by-step style of thinking, using words, numbers and other symbols.

O L-mode strings things out in sequences, like words in a sentence.

O R-mode on the other hand, uses visual information and processes, not step-by-step, but all at once, like recognizing the face of a friend.

Known Portraits

Fig. 1 — Self Portrait of PicassoFig. 2 – Portrait of Marylin Monroe, by Andy

Warhol

Visual shapes – with the outline

Fig. 3 — Shapes of the Portrait Fig. 4 – Shapes of the Portrait of Picasso of Marylin Monroe

L-mode/ R-mode

O Most activities require both modes, each contributing its special functions, but a few activities require mainly one mode, without interference from the other.

O Drawing is one of these activities.

The Vase/Faces Drawing

Here is a quick exercise designed to illustrate

the mental conflict that can occur between L-

mode and R-mode.

This is a famous optical illusion drawing, called "Vase/Faces" because it can be seen as either

two facing profiles or as a symmetrical vase in

the center. Fig. 5 — Vase/ Face exercise

Strategies of training to draw

Fig. 6 — Method to draw by square the line of the shape of the side face

3 Steps of the exercise

Fig. 7 – Process to draw a portrait of side face – Lines, Shape, Shadows.

Fig. 8 — Pablo Picasso (1881-1973), portrait of Igor Stravinsky. Paris, 24 de may de 1920

One example to drawing up side down with lines

The exercise with the figures up side down

Fig. 9 — Portrait of Matisse Fig. 10 – Result of the draw of up side downthe portrait

Perception of the Form on a Space - the Positive aspects of the negative space:

when the spaces assume forms

Use one view finder to formthe shape:

Use the line of sight in the center to aim the object to draw on the paper

The Global Skill of Drawing

O What does a global skill mean?

O Other global skills are reading, driving, learning to ride a bicycle etc.

O Can you remember how difficult it was learning these skills?

Learning to draw

O Learning to draw follows the same process.

O Just as once you had to learn the alphabet and how a sentence was constructed before you could learn to read… with drawing, if you learn the component perceptual skills of drawing you will be able to draw a perceived object. something you can see 'out there'.

Perceptual Skills of Drawing

O What are the Perceptual Skills of Drawing?O The perception of edgesO The perception of spacesO The perception of relationships/proporcionalO The perception of lights and shadowsO The perception of the whole

O The last one is a bonus as it just evolves out of learning the first four skills.

The Training

To do the training your hand to draw,

you can use the sketch book.

And draw systematic to learn and practice

Fig. 11 — Sketch books

Practice drawing parts of your body – hand, feet's, or any object you like.

Fig. 12 — Exercise – draw of hands – student, J.P. 2012

“Never found anyone completely unable to learn how to draw”

John Ruskin, XIX century

Bibliography

Betty Edwards, Drawing on the Right Side of the Brain, 1979

Challenge:Vase/face

Challenge:Portrait

Faced down