Learning To See: Right Brain Exercises

Mike Guyer
"Grandaddy's Profile"
graphite on illustration board
20" x 16"
1994

Vase Face Image Examples

Drawing Teaches Us To See

"Learning perception through drawing seems to allow a different, more direct kind of seeing.” – Betty Edwards

This unit is about learning how to see like an artist. Instead of drawing what we “think” something looks like, we’re going to trick our brains into actually noticing shapes, edges, and details. Some of these activities will feel weird, but that’s the point.

Exercise 1: Vase/Faces
Have you ever looked at an optical illusion where you can’t tell if it’s a face or something else? That’s exactly what we’re doing here.

Steps:

1. If you’re right-handed, use the vase template on the right; if left-handed, use the one on the left.
2. Copy the first profile (forehead… nose… lips… chin… neck).
3. Draw the second profile to complete the vase.
4. At some point, your brain will fight you—“Am I drawing a vase or a face?” Keep going! That’s when your brain starts shifting gears.

Exercise 2: The Monster Vase
Imagine the face of your worst nightmare… or the ugliest, weirdest creature you can dream up. Now put it in a vase.
Steps:

1. Same as Exercise 1, but this time your profile should be a scary, funny, or grotesque creature.
2. Finish the other side to complete your “monster vase.”

Exercise 3: The Upside-Down Drawing
Think about writing your name upside down. Your brain stumbles, right? That’s because your brain can’t “shortcut” the way it usually does. Drawing upside down works the same way, it forces you to stop labeling and actually see shapes.
Steps:

1. Copy Picasso’s drawing of Igor Stravinsky--upside down.
2. Don’t think “eye” or “hand.” Just copy the lines and shapes exactly as you see them.
3. When you flip it back, you’ll be surprised how good it looks.

Exercise 4: Blind Contour Drawing
Imagine tracing something with your finger in the dark. You’d have to pay close attention to every bump and curve. This exercise is like that, except you’re using your pencil.
Steps:

1. Place your non-drawing hand in an interesting position on the table.
2. Put your pencil on your paper where you want to start.
3. Stare only at your hand. Move your eyes along the outline while your pencil moves at the same speed.
4. Don’t peek at your paper until you’re done.

​We’ll make four blind contour drawings:

• 10 minutes – your hand (dominant hand).
• 5 minutes – your hand (non-dominant hand).
• 10 minutes – a classmate’s face (dominant hand).
• 5 minutes – a classmate’s face (non-dominant hand).