drawing on the right side of the brain definition

Drawing on the right side of the brain is a state of mind in which one is able to perceive what one sees in a new way.  By entering into the “zone” or the “R-mode,” one looks at things at things in a way that is different than by seeing the same thing as perceived by the left side of the brain.  The act of drawing is about how one perceives relationships.  By learning how to switch into the right side of the brain, from the usual left side of the brain, drawing becomes a joyful and at times seemingly effortless process where time seems to end and intuition guides the artist.

There are five basic skills to drawing.  These basic skills include the perception of edges, the perception of spaces, the perception of relationships, the perception of lights and shadows, and the perception of the whole (gestalt).  Switching to the right side of the brain allows one to perceive all of these things in a way that faciliitates greater ease of drawing them.  

In order to access the right side of the brain, it is necessary to shut off the left side of the brain so the right side can take over the job.  This process is achieved by presenting the brain with information that the left side of the brain does not want to process.  In essence, the left side of the brain gives up, thereby giving the right side of the brain the freedom to operate freely.  A number of drawing exercises can assist this transition.

Most people prefer to use the left side of their brain to operate on a day-to-day basis.  Reading, writing and arithmetic are all activities that the left side of the brain enjoys because the left side of the brain is analytic and verbal.  But in order to draw, it is best to switch into the right side of the brain, because it can best handle information that is spatial, nonverbal and holistic.  Tapping into the right side allows one to ease into a state of drawing with success.