The New Drawing on the Right Side of the Brain

I was a college art student struggling with my identity as an artist, and what field of art I wanted to get into. I lacked confidence in all aspects of my art, and this my friends helped to change my outlook and pursuit of art as a career. Before I had always been a decent artist, creating maybe one or two good pieces every once in awhile, and although it is still rare, I have much more consistency in my artwork as a whole. The only downside is I wish I would've pursued this book earlier, worked much harder, and luckily for me I have the same teacher this semester who made this a required reading in the first place. Which is exactly what I think this should be for every art student, or anyone interested in art. Betty Edwards is a flawless teacher, and the first who ever taught me anything about art worth knowing through a book. I would be honored to meet her and take a few lessons. Some chapters are hard to get through in the sense that it can be a tad bit boring, but they are all vital, and even people who are proficient artists should go through this book one more time, I know I will. And so with that I highly recommend this to all, and hope you enjoy this, and learn just as much as I have. Cheers.

Too many words. Not enough illustrations. Despite all the words, doesn't say much. Way over rated. Very disappointing.

the best instruction book available. take your drawing abilities to the master level with the ideas and exercises presented.

Great book really helped me improve my skills. However, this book is filled with a bunch of mumbo jumbo that I feels in there to pad the length of the book a bit. However, if you sift though it it'll definitely help your drawing skills that's why I still gave it a 5.

It is excellent. Learn how the brain handles art rather than making excuses about not being able to draw. Do the exercises and become an artist.

It's a good book but complicated. However, you can learn a lot from it from you use it in conjunction with art classes.

work in progress

super read for any artist in whatever medium

I can't believe the difference in my drawing in such a short period of time. It is incredible. Looking at the before and after pictures it was hard to believe it could do the same for mine, but within a few exercises I was drawing like a real artist. The idea is to get you looking properly at what you're drawing rather than the mind just putting what it expects to see, and it gives fantastic exercises to 'trick' your brain into seeing and copying what you see. Would recommend it to anyone who thinks they can't draw and great refresher for all those who can draw a bit but got stuck at school. Amazing.

I decided to buy this book after reading so many positive reviews and comments.If you start reading this book and follow all the instructions, you will be amazed by the results! I was surprised with my drawings to that extent, that I could not believe i can draw like that!There is a lot of theory in this book and I believe, that some of the Edwards' theories have been disproven, but her ideas still worked for me! This book basically teaches you how to focus and how to see and how to translate 3D objects into 2D.I think this is great book for all, not only people, who think, they cannot draw and I'm really glad I have bough it.

I have never had a lesson or joined any sort of Art course but always had a longing to be able to draw and paint. I bought this book and the workbook and must say I am delighted. It makes interesting reading and explains things in a simple and straightforward way. The key is to pay strong attention to line and lots and lots of practice. I am enjoying the journey!

First the cons:- This book is very wordy and goes in to pages of depth about how the brain works and how this relates to art. It’s a bit too much for a person who just wants to draw and it feels a bit like ‘bro science’.Now the good:- Im only part way through and some of the techniques and pointers are very good! Some things are obvious on reflection but not so obvious beforehand and Betty makes sure you are told what you need to know. The above picture is my 4th following the exercises in the book. Still lessons to learn and room to improve but overall I’m happy and wouldn’t have done it without the book.

I wish i had bought this book, when i first heard about it/ read it on a youtube comment.This books really helps you to learn to draw. Buy the actual book , physical book. I made the mistake of downloading a pdf, tried one exercise then immediately gave up. Few months later, did a search on the net for "best drawing book" this BOOK kept coming up,took me a week to finish reading and completing the exercises.This is just the beginning, now that i have unlocked the right side of my brain, i see things differently, like how i would actually draw it. I still have a lot to learn. The main thing i have overcome is the belief " I Can't draw",I hope this review helps you. I gave this book 5 stars because it is the best book for complete beginners, i have read few others, they get too technical. YOU really do need the awareness/ knowledge of the right brain to draw. This is a good starting book.