Drawing on the Right Side of the Brain: A Book That Transforms How You See and Draw

Drawing on the Right Side of the Brain: A Book That Transforms How You See and Draw

Have you ever thought, "I can't draw" or "I was just not born with artistic talent"? If so, Drawing on the Right Side of the Brain by Betty Edwards might just change your mind. This book has been a game-changer for artists of all levels, and I want to share how it has influenced my own practice, as well as how you can use its methods to improve your drawing skills.

Find the book here: Amazon (affiliate link)

What is Drawing on the Right Side of the Brain About?

Betty Edwards, an art teacher and researcher, wrote this book to help people shift the way they see the world. Her main idea is that learning to draw is not about talent but about perception. She argues that many of us rely too much on the left side of our brain—the part responsible for logic, language, and categorisation—while ignoring the right side, which is more intuitive and visual.

She teaches exercises that train your brain to switch into "right-brain mode," allowing you to see shapes, edges, negative space, and relationships more accurately. By doing this, you can learn to draw realistically, even if you have always struggled before.

Why This Book is So Powerful

Many art books focus on techniques—how to shade, how to hold a pencil, or how to structure a face. While these are important, Edwards takes a completely different approach. She believes that the real barrier to drawing well is not technique but the way we see things.

For example, when most people try to draw an eye, they often end up with a generic almond shape instead of what is actually in front of them. Why? Because their left brain tells them, "This is what an eye looks like." Edwards teaches methods to bypass that mental shortcut, so you draw exactly what you see rather than what you think you see.

Key Lessons from the Book

Here are some of the most impactful ideas I took from Drawing on the Right Side of the Brain:

1. Learning to See Differently

One of the book’s first exercises asks you to copy an upside-down drawing by a famous artist. The idea is to trick your brain into seeing the drawing as a collection of lines and shapes rather than a recognisable object. This simple exercise can be eye-opening, as it helps you realise how much your preconceptions affect the way you draw.

2. The Power of Negative Space

Another concept Edwards introduces is negative space—the shapes formed around an object rather than the object itself. By focusing on these empty spaces, you can often draw more accurately. This technique is particularly useful when sketching complex subjects like hands or chairs.

3. Measuring and Proportions

Instead of guessing proportions, Edwards encourages measuring. By using a pencil as a measuring tool and comparing angles and distances, you can achieve more accurate drawings. This is something I now teach my students when we work on portraits and still life sketches.

4. Contour Drawing

One of the most famous exercises in the book is blind contour drawing—drawing an object without looking at your paper. The purpose is not to create a perfect drawing but to slow down and train your eyes to truly follow the edges of what you’re seeing. This exercise can feel uncomfortable at first, but it’s incredibly effective in improving observation skills.

5. The Shift Into Right-Brain Mode

Perhaps the most profound lesson is recognising when you are in "right-brain mode"—that focused, peaceful state where you lose track of time and feel deeply immersed in your work. This is something I have experienced often in my own art practice, but I never had words to describe it before reading this book. Edwards explains that this state is crucial for deep creative work, and the more you practice entering it, the easier it becomes.

How This Book Made Me a Better Artist

Before reading Drawing on the Right Side of the Brain, I had already developed a strong drawing practice. But this book helped me refine my approach in ways I did not expect. Here’s what changed for me:

• More Accurate Drawings: By focusing more on edges and negative space, I started seeing and capturing details I previously overlooked.

• Better Teaching Methods: The book gave me new ways to explain drawing to my students, especially those who think they "can’t draw."

• Greater Mindfulness in Drawing: I became more aware of when I was in "right-brain mode," which made my drawing sessions more enjoyable and immersive.

• Stronger Foundations: Even as an experienced artist, these exercises helped me go back to basics and sharpen my fundamental skills.

How You Can Use This Book

If you want to improve your drawing skills, I highly recommend working through the exercises in this book. Here’s how to get the most out of it:

1. Follow the Exercises in Order: The lessons build on each other, so take your time and do them as instructed.

2. Don’t Rush: Many people want instant results, but these exercises take time. Trust the process.

3. Be Patient with Yourself: Some of the exercises, like blind contour drawing, may feel frustrating at first. Stick with them—they work!

4. Keep a Sketchbook: Track your progress. You will be amazed at how much your perception and drawing skills improve.

5. Use These Techniques in Everyday Sketching: Even after finishing the book, continue applying these methods when you draw from life.

   
   

Final Thoughts

Drawing on the Right Side of the Brain is more than just a drawing book—it’s a guide to seeing the world differently. Whether you are a beginner or an experienced artist, the methods Edwards teaches can have a profound impact on your work.

For me, this book reinforced something I have always believed: drawing is a skill that anyone can learn with the right mindset and approach. If you’ve ever felt discouraged about your drawing abilities, I encourage you to give this book a try. You might just discover that you are far more capable than you ever thought.

If you’re feeling inspired by Drawing on the Right Side of the Brain and want to take your artistic journey further, I’d love for you to join my community! It’s a welcoming space where we draw together, share tips, and support each other on our creative paths. Whether you’re just starting out or looking to refine your skills, you’ll find a group of like-minded people who are passionate about learning and growing as artists. Join us and be part of a fun, supportive environment where you can feel confident in your creativity and make meaningful progress. You can sign up today at Here. Let’s create together!

Irene

Me, Holding up my sketchbook