One of my favourite stories in Art & Fear by David Bayles and Ted Orland is that of the college professor who divided his ceramics class into two groups. Group A were told they would be graded on the number of pots they produced at the end of the term. The more they produced the higher the grade. They were told not to worry about how good the pots were in terms of quality. Group B were told they only had to produce one pot and that would be graded therefore, they had to try and make it as perfect as possible.

At the end of the term when they reviewed the work of the two groups, the group producing the highest quality work was Group A – the ones who were churning them out without worrying about perfection.

We can get very stuck on aiming for perfection – this moves us into a judging, critical frame of mind which is counterproductive in terms of developing the skill of drawing.

So whether you are someone who is just starting out or have been drawing a while remember:

• the more you draw the better you will get
• let go of wanting a particular outcome – it’s the process of drawing that is important rather than the drawing itself
• Reflect on a finished drawing and notice what you might do differently next time but for every negative point you raise match it with one positive to get a balanced view of your work.

HOW YOU CAN LEARN TO DRAW I am offering two options - one for people new to Drawing on the Right Side of the Brain and another for those of you who have worked with me before.

5-day Drawing on the Right Side of the Brain Workshop in Scotland.
March is now full but I've added a new date for April and there is also a May date available. Places are limited and after May, the next courses will be in the autumn. I don't have any plans to be teaching in London or elsewhere in the UK in 2024.

2-day Follow-on Workshop in Scotland
I'm also delighted to be finally offering the 2-day follow-on workshop, developed by myself with Betty Edwards and Brian Bomeisler. This is for those of you who have already completed the 5-day workshop. More details below.

Both workshops will be held in Scotland and are residential. This gives you the opportunity to relax and recharge in beautiful surroundings on the shores of Loch Goil (just over an hour from Glasgow Airport or 2.5 hours from Edinburgh airport). The workshops are held in my studio and so the group is small - maximum 5 participants - and you get to have the company of little Mac Black - my yorkipoo as a bonus! You will stay in Rowan House, the five star rated B&B run by my husband and I.

A couple of people have mentioned that my emails have gone into their spam folder so if you email me but don't hear back please check your junk folder. If you are having problems you can always use anna.black@btinternet.com.

5-day Workshop

• 5 days of drawing
• 35 hours of teaching
• includes portfolio of drawing materials and unique Drawing on the Right Side of the Brain® tools to support your drawing (RSP £115)
• Supportive and encouraging learning environment
• No more than 5 people in group

MARCH 2024 Saturday 23rd March (check-in after 4pm) until Friday 29th March 2024 (check out by 10am). The workshop is Sunday 24th - Thursday 28th March 9.30am to 5.30pm.

fully booked

APRIL 2024 Monday 1st April (check-in after 4pm) until Sunday 7th April 2024 (check out by 10am). The workshop is Tuesday 2nd - Saturday 6th 9.30am to 5.30pm. one place left

MAY 2024 Sunday 5th May (check-in after 4pm) until Saturday 11th May 2024 (check out by 10am). the workshop begins Monday 6th May 9.30am and ends by 5.30pm Friday 10th May.

JUNE 2024 Saturday 22 June (check-in after 4pm) until Friday 28th June (check out by 10am). The workshop begins Sunday 23rd 9.30 and ends by 5-5.30pm Thursday 27th June.

5 Days to Learn to See - and Draw!

Day 1 EDGES An introduction to Drawing on the Right Side of the Brain and the importance of strengthening 'R-mode' ('right brain') so you can choose which mode of mind you can use depending on the task in hand. You will also learn about edges and how knowledge can get in the way of drawing. You will start using the unique Drawing on the Right Side of the Brain tools you will receive in your portfolio. You will also do your pre-instruction drawing.

Day 2 NEGATIVE SPACE The modified contour drawing of a foreshortened hand is all about edges and negative space. In the afternoon we draw a chair focusing on negative space and start learning how to draw things in proportion with the correct angles - sighting. We choose a chair as there is nowhere to hide and misperceptions in sighting will show up clearly.

Day 3 SIGHTING Often said to be the most difficult skill to learn, learning to sight angles and proportions correctly is key to depicting a 3-dimensional object/scene in two dimensions.

DAY 4 PROFILE PORTRAIT You will learn key proportions for drawing someone from life in the profile view. The profile portrait is a chance to practice all the skills you have been learning.

DAY 5 BRINGING IT ALL TOGETHER After learning about the theory of light and shadow (although you will be using light and shadow all through the week), the main drawing is the self-portrait. Students get to see the progress they have made compared to their pre-instruction drawings.

Whether you are interested in drawing, painting, printmaking, design, photography... learning to see as an artist sees is an essential first step. Now the journey really begins!


If you would like further information and to book please reply to this email.

2-Day Follow-on Workshop

• You have had a break in drawing after the 5-day workshop and are struggling to get back into it.
• You feel you were just getting the hang of the concepts at the end of the 5-day workshop and would like to reinforce and consolidate that learning.
• You are looking for an opportunity to practice and strengthen the drawing skills learned on the 5-day workshop.

APRIL 2024
Monday 15th to Thursday 18th April 2024
(Workshop Tuesday 16th and Wednesday 17th April 2024) One place left

May 2024
Mon 20th May - Thursday 23rd May
(Workshop Tuesday 21st and Wednesday 22nd May)
Places available

HOW MUCH Course fee £195 plus accommodation fee in B&B or self-catering apartment. Further details on request.

Note - this workshop is only open to those who have completed the 5-day workshop>

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Drawing on the Right Side of the Brain® USA

If you are in the USA and want to find out about Betty Edwards' Drawing on the Right Side of the Brain® courses run by Brian Bomeisler in the USA and overseas visit www.drawright.com

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