It was over 45 years ago while in college that I took "Art for Non-Art Majors" from Betty Edwards, whom went on to become quite famous for her book, "Drawing on the Right Side of the Brain." I had no idea that college class would change the way I "SEE" for my entire life. I actually think she taught me to "see", and that ANYONE can also learn the skill to "see" and translate that vision onto paper.
It wasn't until in retirement I took a couple "art classes" and rediscovered the seeds that Betty Edwards had planted in my brain as a young woman. Some of the things she taught gave me a huge jumpstart back toward "SEEING."
In September of 2018, when I started drawing again (after 40 yrs), I tracked Betty Edwards down via email:
"Dear Betty,
I took your class (Art for non-art majors) around 1979-80. Although I did not pursue "art" as a career, your class did change my perceptual skills and stay with me all these years.
I retired from technical careers (first as a draftsman/engineer/designer, then 25 yrs in the Information Technology (IT) realm)... very far from "art."
A month ago, I decided it was about time to pick up my pencil and try to draw again... remembering what I learned and practiced in your class--I need much more practice now--I felt like I just picked up from where I left off in your college drawing class.
SO, this letter is to tell you THANK YOU. I am looking forward to really learning to "see" again, the way you taught me, to turn off that logical (left) brain and really look at things, to slow down, to enjoy that magical place in my brain when I'm really in that groove of "seeing" and reproducing that image from my mind onto paper. What a joyful time it is, when I am able to get exactly into that moment, where time is meaningless and disappears, and only be in that moment with what I see and putting it there, right there on paper.
Fondest memories. Sincere Thank you!"
She responded:
"Dear Terri,
Thank you so much for your email and for letting me know that you are drawing again. I am so happy for you! I have such fond memories of the old days at Cal State Long Beach and of students like you who made the job fun and rewarding.
Thank you again for writing to me. I means so much to me.
Your old teacher,
Betty Edwards"
"Learning to draw means learning to see"
I highly recommend Betty Edwards techniques and her books. Check out her website:
http://www.learn-to-draw-right.com/right-brain-drawing.html
"With proper instruction the perceptual skills of drawing can be taught to anyone and they can be taught in a relatively short space of time."
-- Drawing on the Right Side of the Brain®
Further thoughts...
After writing the above, I stumbled upon a 2022 interview with Dr Betty Edwards. Here is the link:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jW8dWV3pbgk It was delightful after 45 years to see her face.
Dr Edwards also has a blog that is current as of Feb 2024: