This past week I started walking my students through Betty Edwards‘ Drawing on the Right Side of the Brain material using the DRSB video. I was excited to try out this course since learning to draw is top of the list for nearly all of my students and had hoped Dr. Edwards’ credentials would have added some credence to the material. Sadly, this hasn’t been the case.

We’ve only just begun, however I’ve been a little disappointed in my students:

1. At the top of the list is the fact that the first couple of exercises (vase-faces and upside-down drawing) weren’t taken seriously. Many talked through the exercise instead of being silent and concentrating.
2. Their complaints that they couldn’t draw and how hard the exercises were droned on during most of my three Studio classes.
3. On top of that, a few spent more time trying to find ways to trace the second project than simply doing it as instructed.
4. Although I think they made too much of it, most complained about Dr. Edwards’ voice during the video. I tried to explain that her professorial voice is pretty common in colleges and they should get used to it. Of course, she could have hired someone but perhaps it wouldn’t have made the presentation as credible. Who knows. Either way, most of the students weren’t buying it.

Monday and Tuesday of this week, I had the students create the small viewfinder (there are two sizes). I guess I shouldn’t have been surprised, but I was disappointed when many of my students couldn’t do the measuring using the ruler. I’m hoping tomorrow I’ll be able to get started on the exercises using the viewfinder. I’ll keep you all posted.

Has anyone used the Drawing on the Right Side of the Brain material? What was your student response to it? I’d really like to hear your thoughts. Also, does anyone have any other recommended drawing courses they have successfully used for high school students?