Drawing on the Right Side of the Brain - The Definitive

The workbook doesn’t go with the book. They are two different editions. The exercises from the book are completely different from the ones in the workbook. Very confusing. Makes workbook a waste of money.

Many years ago I purchased Ms Edwards' book and then got side-lined with life. I re-discovered it in a box and began once again at the beginning. Unfortunately the binding of the book had aged and the pages fell out. I ordered this new addition (the 4th) and began again. There is additional information in this addition that is more technical, but quite helpful.

I would highly recommend this book for anyone interested in developing their hidden artistic talents.

It's a great book, really. Every artist/aspiring artist should read this. However it was pretty much 90% of things I already learned myself in my life because I've drawn since I could hold a pencil, pretty much. So if you are a new artist, I highly recommend this! And if you are a drawing veteran like me, you should buy this if you just need motivation and inspiration. It helped motivate me to practice more and put in text a lot of my experience with art.

If you are serious this is for you. Totally different method than in schools...which is pretty poor. This works because it addresses how the brain works...my students were winning awards after only two years!

I started reading the 2nd edition that I had from many years ago but never read. After reading starting the first chapter I decided to see if there was a more recent edition, and I am glad that I did. This 4th edition is much better organized and the explanations are much clearer. Also the exercises are the result of more experimentation so the progressions are much better than in the 2nd edition. I wish I had learned to draw this way back in school.

For a retired scientist with not a shred of artistic talent, this book is a "dream come true." Author just doesn't show the steps, but explains why. I skipped through it at first, not entirely convinced. However, when I was able to draw a chair (using glass picture plane and marker pen) and it turned out pretty good, I couldn't believe it. Proportions reasonable. For those that think drawing is easy, try drawing a chair that's turned sideways and getting all the legs to line up. It took me two 90 minute sessions. Now I am going back through entire book slavishly following her instructions. Each morning, I take phone off the hook, "get in the zone," and work on drawing for an hour. I am not only learning a new skill but exercising a long undeveloped side of my brain. Thank you, Ms. Edwards!

Sheer magic. How come years of art classes in school never got results like this? I went from untalented hack to "YOU drew that?" gasps of admiration. I'll never be a Rembrandt but not bad for a rank amateur. Thank you, Betty Edwards!

I have flipped through the whole book and just started reading it. I purchased a used copy because I saw that the newer copies have print issues. I really do feel like this book is going to help me refine my drawing skills.

This Edwards' classic is essential reading for anybody that wishes to exercise
the part of the brain we use to think creatively aside from the fact that it is
probably the best guide ever written on how to draw.

Even if you are not interested in drawing or visual media, the exercises Ms.
Edwards has put together in this book will activate or reactivate parts of
your brain you may not have known you possessed of forgot you had.

Great book, just like the earlier versions. But, really not anything really new from the older versions. You will get just as much from any version you get, so save your money on the newer one and get a used older version.

Drawing on the Right Side of the Brain....this is a great book for a beginner person learning to draw. I especially love the exercises where you draw the picture upside down. It helps me not feel like I have to get it perfect, which works well for me since I am not a perfectionist. It allows me to just draw and enjoy the process. I would recommend it to beginners and artists as well.

I borrowed the book from the library and started to do the exercises, when I realized that I would never get all of them done by the time the library book was due to be returned. I am really glad that I read the book before starting on this workbook though. While you do not have to read the book, I would highly suggest it, so you can at least understand how your brain works and why it is important to make the shift from left side of the brain to the right side. I would love to tell everyone that after reading the book I am now great at drawing and it's so easy, but since I really haven't put in the hard work (the actual drawing) I can't do that. I did take some of the tips and incorporate them into my own drawings, but I still suck, lol. It seems that I can paint fine, but once I actually have to draw something my brain turns to mush, but just reading the text gave me much needed insight into why I couldn't draw anything really well.

This book is kind of fun though, it's wire bound so it's easy to keep open while you work on it. There is a list of materials needed at the beginning of the book and a few definitions, then it goes right into the exercises. Some people have said that it is distracting to see the print on the page under it, but I don't think it is much of a problem. I think some of the time lines are really too quick though. I can't draw a self portrait in 30 minutes, especially if I am looking in the mirror while doing it, so just remember that the times are just a guideline and have fun. Hopefully I will become better at drawing and so will everyone else who plays with this workbook

This book came highly recommended. Helps you to train your attention and take in more detail from the world around you. This makes the world a richer place in which to live. It's like regaining a lost sense. I'm very grateful to the author for being so passionate about her field of expertise.

The main reference/text for 'Drawing On The Right Side of The Brain." I bought this book, and the work book, plus the color theory )all by Betty Edwards) and they remain by ny side during every project. I am a newby and have a lot to learn and these books fill the "void" in my knowledge. A great buy for me.

The concepts in "Drawing on the Right Side of the Brain" are concepts that should be taught in every school, but probably won't be.
See "Dumbing Us Down, The Hidden Curriculum of Compulsorily Schooling" by John Taylor Gatto for an explanation of the "probably won't" part of this review.
Also, if one already knows the book's concepts, the book may seem as if Dr Edwards is preaching to the choir.

For me, however, the book is not the type of instruction I need, and that is my fault.
This book teaches one to draw what one sees in the world around one, not how to create a sketch from an idea in one's head. Since I am into drafting and design, my emphasis is on making sure someone else understands my ideas. Once the idea has come to life, then I could go back and draw it, but I'll leave that to someone else.

NOTE: One will need supplies. Dr Edwards has a web site with a store where one can purchase the basic materials one needs, but one does not find this out until after she has told one what one needs. Do yourself a favor and read past the supply list and order the supplies from Dr Edwards. Having priced and purchased the supplies without seeing her offering, I can tell you that the package she offers is very reasonable and one will get more for one's money. I paid about the same money for supplies as she sells her kit for and I did not get as much. There are two items in Dr Edward's supply package that are not mentioned in the supply list that you will receive if you buy from her.

This book came highly recommended. Helps you to train your attention and take in more detail from the world around you. This makes the world a richer place in which to live. It's like regaining a lost sense. I'm very grateful to the author for being so passionate about her field of expertise.

The main reference/text for 'Drawing On The Right Side of The Brain." I bought this book, and the work book, plus the color theory )all by Betty Edwards) and they remain by ny side during every project. I am a newby and have a lot to learn and these books fill the "void" in my knowledge. A great buy for me.

The concepts in "Drawing on the Right Side of the Brain" are concepts that should be taught in every school, but probably won't be.
See "Dumbing Us Down, The Hidden Curriculum of Compulsorily Schooling" by John Taylor Gatto for an explanation of the "probably won't" part of this review.
Also, if one already knows the book's concepts, the book may seem as if Dr Edwards is preaching to the choir.

For me, however, the book is not the type of instruction I need, and that is my fault.
This book teaches one to draw what one sees in the world around one, not how to create a sketch from an idea in one's head. Since I am into drafting and design, my emphasis is on making sure someone else understands my ideas. Once the idea has come to life, then I could go back and draw it, but I'll leave that to someone else.

NOTE: One will need supplies. Dr Edwards has a web site with a store where one can purchase the basic materials one needs, but one does not find this out until after she has told one what one needs. Do yourself a favor and read past the supply list and order the supplies from Dr Edwards. Having priced and purchased the supplies without seeing her offering, I can tell you that the package she offers is very reasonable and one will get more for one's money. I paid about the same money for supplies as she sells her kit for and I did not get as much. There are two items in Dr Edward's supply package that are not mentioned in the supply list that you will receive if you buy from her.

As a professional artist for over 40 years I really enjoyed this excellent instructional work that uses tried and true as well as innovative approaches to teaching drawing. I plan to incorporate many of these tactics into my own instruction of students. If anyone, even the totally unschooled follow the instructions in this book I am sure they will enjoy successful and quick progress in their drawing skills. I hope and pray that our educational system someday realizes the mistake they have made in eliminating art curriculums from our public schools. In the meantime read this book and educate the right side of yourself and your kids.

Great book, fine updates. Loved the Kindle edition as I could take it and all my textbooks on one tablet and read when stuck in lines or waiting in doctor's office, etc.
Book is loaded with useful material for both layperson and teachers. A must have in a teacher's arsenal.

Clearly, one NEEDS the workbook with the original book, or else, one will have completely forgone the opportunity of a lifetime! I have always loved this book and its accompanying workbook and will purchase it many more times as gifts for my burgeoning artist friends and relatives. Enjoy!

The 1999, and older editions, of this famous book contain a section on penmanship in the back of the book. I'm reviewing this 1989 edition (pink cover, white-collared portrait), which includes the penmanship chapter.The newest edition (2012, grey&pink cover, Madonna-like portrait) dropped the penmanship section, alas. I, who grew up with terrible handwriting, really benefited, as an adult, from Betty Edwards' thoughts on improving penmanship. I wish my penmanship teachers in public school had known Edwards' ideas, it would have made a difference to me.

I suppose penmanship was dropped from the 2012 edition at the behest of school boards who have dropped penmanship from public schools. That's a shame. Be warned, get a older edition if you want penmanship advice. No matter what your age, you, or your child, will probably enjoy improving your penmanship using Edwards' techniques.

I have been teaching "Drawing on the Right Side of the Brain" art classes for 10+ years. If one will give it it's due diligence, and 'stick' with it...you can actually learn to draw and paint very well in a short amount of time...my classes usually take about a total of 40 hours....If you learn on your own...it may take twice that, but it's well worth it...if you love to draw...don't give up...you really will be able to "see" as an artist "sees" with this book!

In a recent art class, this book was mentioned. I decided to check it out and found the reading was interesting and the exercises intriguing enough that I was totally immersed and time just slipped away. Ms Edwards is a wonderful teacher. Highly recommend for anyone wishing to improve their perception and observation in honing art skills.

This book is beyond excellent to teach how to draw! Seeing and drawing on the right brain is the whole secret about drawing. Once I drew my hand in a fist,by drawing only what I seen.i kept thinking by lines.iI was amazed by what I drew!