Workshops that Enhance Creativity and Artistic Confidence
Dr. Betty Edwards' book “Drawing on the Right Side of the Brain” is the most widely used and highly praised drawing instruction book in the world. It has been on the New York Times best seller list and has sold more than 2.5 million copies and translated into 13 languages. Her new book “Color – a course in mastering the art of mixing colors” was published in 2004 and is already being used as a comprehensive reference for the subject.
Dr. Edwards' drawing workshops has successfully taught thousands to master the art of drawing using her approach. While the focus of the workshops is on drawing, no previous art training or special talent for drawing is necessary.
What is the difference between these workshops and other drawing classes?
Dr. Edwards applied decades of brain-research findings to the development of her five basic perceptual skills needed to learn how to draw. She believes that without these skills, it is very difficult to draw from memory or from an imagined image, even for a trained artist. Anyone who wants to learn to draw, and who will try, can do so in a short period of time. Like all other skills, with practice, the skill can be perfected.
Her methods have been demonstrated and the results have been dramatic!
Why is learning to draw so important?
To quote Dr. Betty Edwards:
" Just as we teach our children their ABC's so that they can read and write; and as we teach them their numbers so that they can compute and calculate; so too, must we teach them the non-verbal, non numerical skills of visual perception. Without that, we are robbing our children of the use of important brain functions. With perceptual skills training, students are far better able to concentrate, to learn, to grasp abstract concepts and ideas, and to see and appreciate the world around them. Learning to draw is an efficient means for tapping into latent observational skills."
Teachers have reported that they have discovered definite links between drawing instruction and other areas of study. For example, the skill of "sighting" proportions is linked to fractions and ratios. Learning to see and draw lights and shadows is linked to setting and mood in literature. Science teachers report that children are better able to observe detail and relationships and express more interest in science and art.
The Workshops
The Beginner Workshop (for ages 8 and up)
This workshop is designed for everyone, from students who can’t even draw a stick figure to professional artists. Anyone can learn to draw once they learn the five perceptual skills to drawing.
Perception of Edges
Perception of Space
Perception of Angles and Proportions
Perception of Lights and Shadows
Perception of the Whole (integration of the above skills).
The Color Workshop (for age 12 and up)
This workshop has been designed for those students who have already taken the Beginner Workshop and would like to go one further step by understanding the use of color through painting. Hands on exercises will focus on how to use the basic theory of color to achieve harmonious color and how to see and efficiently mix specific desired hues. Brief lectures will focus on traditional color attributes such as hue, intensity, and on various perceptual and psychological aspects of color.
The Instructor
Ms. Kristin Newton received her degree in Fine Arts from California State University, Northridge, and taught there before being invited to Japan on an art exchange program. She studied under Dr. Betty Edwards since 1988 and was certified to teach her programs. She has been teaching "Drawing On the Right Side of the Brain" in Japan since 1993, and in Hong Kong since 1997
Dr. Betty Edwards' book “Drawing on the Right Side of the Brain” is the most widely used and highly praised drawing instruction book in the world. It has been on the New York Times best seller list and has sold more than 2.5 million copies and translated into 13 languages. Her new book “Color – a course in mastering the art of mixing colors” was published in 2004 and is already being used as a comprehensive reference for the subject. 
This workshop is designed for everyone, from students who can’t even draw a stick figure to professional artists. Anyone can learn to draw once they learn the five perceptual skills to drawing.
Ms. Kristin Newton received her degree in Fine Arts from California State University, Northridge, and taught there before being invited to Japan on an art exchange program. She studied under Dr. Betty Edwards since 1988 and was certified to teach her programs. She has been teaching "Drawing On the Right Side of the Brain" in Japan since 1993, and in Hong Kong since 1997
