Shift into Right Brain at Gallery ArtPlus

When I met with one of the artists last week a very interesting topic was brought into our conversation: we spoke about the left-brain/right-brain theory.
This theory is guided by the cerebral hemisphere and split-brain research which suggests that the two different hemispheres (left and right) of the brain perform entirely different functions.
The evidence gathered through research concluded that the right side of the brain functioned as the intuitive, emotional, more abstract and visual side of the mind. While the left side of the brain worked in a logical, sequential manner, concentrating on details and organization.

Roger Sperry, the doctor who originated the split-brain theory.

But how is this theory relevant to the visual arts?

Well, it is believed that individuals who are "right-brained" are more creative and artistic.
To support this, in 1970's artist and author, Betty Edwards, wrote a book called Drawing on the Right Side of the Brain. Betty's theory was that any person had within them the ability to draw, to really become an artist. Her book teaches the five basic skills of drawing (perception of edges, spaces, relationships, lights and shadows and the whole) and is guided by the left-brain/right-brain theory in the sense that she teaches the individual how to tap into their artistic side by accessing the "right side" of their brain.

Betty Edwards' instructional book, Drawing on the Right Side of the Brain

Ironically enough, last week I also received an e-mail from a visual arts website that was titled, "Shifting into Right Brain". Making it more apparent to me that this theory was a very influential movement in the direction of how art is instructed today

Which is also the reason why the artist whom I met with makes a small play on this theory in his classes as well.
For if you find that you are so organized, so concentrated on detail, that you feel you need to take major risks to develop your creative potential, you may want to find a way to "shift into right brain".
Taking an arts course at Gallery ArtPlus may be able to provide you with tips to do just that.
In the near future Gallery ArtPlus will be providing courses in mixed media as well as a basic photography course.

Take a basic photography course at Gallery ArtPlus

If you have any questions or comments please contact me at:

Brittany.Knapp@galleryartplus.com
613-961-1977 ext. 231

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