Testimonials
I have been an elementary art
teacher for almost 7 years now. I have a Master's in Art Education with a focus
on painting. I love to
paint but have had a lifelong fear of drawing and have always ended up
frustrated and depressed whenever I attempted to draw. In college and
graduate school I was never taught the fundamentals of drawing. This
led me to always feeling like a big fake at work. How could I be a
good art teacher and not be able to draw? This fear affected my life every
single day. I finally took the big step this summer to go and take your
class. This class has changed everything for me!! I
have a new confidence that I have never had before! I find myself choosing to
draw instead of painting!! The success is so real in this class for every single
student. I was sure I was going to
be your one 'hopeless case' that you would not be able to help. Wrong! Every
student improved immensely. I was
even scared that when I got home that I would not be able to draw. However, the
lessons you taught us in those five short days are still with me and I can't
get enough. I cannot recommend
this class enough to anyone who has a desire to draw. It is worth every penny you spend and every second you
agonize over having to draw with a class of strangers (like I did). After
this class, you will have a new group of friends, you will have improved a huge
amount and you will have a new confidence in yourself!
Robin K San Francisco Workshop August 2008
The class greatly increased my confidence when drawing and has altered the way I see the things around me. I now find myself noticing the negative space be it in my friends photography (completely changing the feeling of the image) or just while driving or walking. The class has also changed the way I look at images I have seen for many years. For example, for the last three years I have owned Ansel Adams calendars and looked at his work everyday. The day after the class I was looking at a photograph and it seemed to come to life as if I had never seen it before. The texture of his gray scale seemed more real and alive, adding to my appreciation for his art. Really cool stuff...
Thanks for the instruction, it has definitely changed my life.
Mike A. May 2007 NYC
A word of thanks and appreciation. I had always wanted to paint. My results were so poor that it was
discouraging. I took your class in
September and since then have not stopped drawing and painting: sketch book, still
life, live model, watercolor, oil, and my progresses are
constant and a constant source of satisfaction and pleasure.
This would not
have happened without your initial training. Thank you to your mother and yourself! Warmest Regards, JeanTimsit jean.timsit@wanadoo.fr
-Anne Parker took my drawing and painting classes and this is her blog-
http://annedarbyparker.blogspot.com/
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Brian, Just wanted to drop you a line to say once again, "Thank
you!" for coming to Sedona June 2006 and giving your basic drawing
class. When I took your class that year I was a flight
attendant. I took an early retirement this summer as my long commute
from Payson, AZ to O'Hare was getting to be too long for me. Well, I
retired the end of July this year, took a month off and started to look for
my next job. I was hired in September as an art illustrator!!! I was shocked, that as a beginner, I would get
the job (my boss does not know I am a beginner.) And God has blessed me
exceedingly with this job as after traveling for a living for 38, almost 39
years, I now work at HOME!! I love drawing and I love being at home
and this new job affords me both. But thanks to you (and please extend my thanks to your mother,
whom this all started with!), I am now able to do both draw and stay at home
and get paid for it!! You have another success
story for your teaching. So now
I am not just doing a job, but starting my next career: art. Thank you. God bless Beverly Samp
samp@npgcable.com
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Brian, I came home and couldn't stop
talking about what a great teacher you are. My wife is a teacher so I
know how difficult it is to express thoughts in a meaningful and understandable
way. I admire your patience. I am drawing. I really enjoy
it. I cannot believe how time flies when I draw. It makes me feel
good. So, I'll draw as much and as often as I can. I have a
greater appreciation for art and artist as a result of taking your course. Now if I could only
get my hand to stop shaking! Gary Wright - Oct 2006
Gary Harding's 5 day and Advanced Class
drawings:
http://www.garyrhardingdesign.com/drawpaint.htm:
gary@garyhardingdesing.com
The morning after Friday and I am in
state of disbelief. Am I the same person who drew those pictures:
Stravinsky, a hand, a chair, the angular porch, Matthew's profile, and my
"before and after" self-portrait? I think "surprise"
is a better word to describe my state.
Before the class, I was not
sure if I should take the class; not sure if I ought to take a chance; and not sure if it's merely a
whim, a waste of $2000 plus (plane trip and all)? There in Santa Barbara,
I knew it was worth it.
Now in Fairfield, CA, I
still know it was worth: I was worth it. Still, there's this new state of disbelief after the course: "Do
I take the chance again?" I don't believe it....
I made copies of the
pictures I drew. I am sending it to my friend Mike in Germany
(he asked for one). I am sending one home for
my brother, Joe and my mother, Antonia, to see.
I told my brother who believes that drawing is a kind of magic, a
talent, and not a skill. My mother would probably think it's too expensive or a waste
of time. I framed my second self-portrait with a reduced version of the first self-portrait on
the front right corner. It's proof that my hands drew and eyes saw and my brain put
it together. I need all my witnesses.
Anyway, I am grateful for
your guidance, your line or stroke, or drawing, or erasure that led me to draw
further and to define what I saw.
The one thing I regret is
not staying longer for our dinner. It would have placed better
closure to the whole experience. Next time I'll know better. Overall, I want to thank you, to thank
the class, and to ask advice on how to keep drawing. Right now, I am
thinking of repeating the exercises in the course to solidify and to
own what I learned. I need to figure out which eye to use and to develop
the skill of sighting. I know that solitude is important but I also know
that art needs nurture. I hope you can advise me on what the
"right nurture" is. If it's too much to ask, don't give it. But a "little line or erasure" would help now and then.
John Maningas
From: Elizabeth Eisner thelibrary@knology.net
Date: May 31, 2006
To: BB4art@aol.com
Subject: Thank You
It always surprises me that when I am with a
group of unknown folks, working on an intense project and at a fast pace, that
a bond can develop so quickly. I miss some of them. But the photos make me
feel not so lonesome for them and you.
I had a show and tell session with my drawing
chums, today.
They all were asking about the various classes
that you had. I'm
going to get them copies of the list. I know that I will be back and I do
think there just might be one or two others from Augusta coming with me.
Oh, yes, they thought that the week greatly
improved my drawing abilities!
Thanks, again, for everything....you know,
its not just a drawing class that you teach............
My best regards to you, Betsy Eisner
Hi Brian,
The
minute my husband saw me get off the plane he couldn't believe how much my look
had changed. Not literally but in my
eyes and in my self-confidence. The week has changed my whole life in the way I
look and observe anything I draw. Before I left for your class I started a painting of an angel and my interpretation of Saint
Jerome. Totally lost. I came back (thank God for paint) and covered and repainted using what I
learned in class. It was unbelievable the attention I got from other
artists who couldn't believe the change in my
work. Not only was the material and theory great, but
the way you teach is incredible, never making me feel as though my drawing
might be the worst or that I couldn't do it. Your inspiration has allowed me to make such great strides in such a short amount
of time, Thank You. Have to hit the husband up for the January painting
class.(LOL).
Again
Thank You and regards to Roya,
Sheila
Sheila Peters Studios
Sheila Peters, Owner
Phone: 585-314-1716
Email: speters@rochester.rr.com
--Colin -
Cambridge August 2005:
Firstly thanks again for the course, it has opened up new
possibilities for me even if it never earns me a cent. I have kick started
my drawing efforts by asking friends and family to send me photos of themselves
to do. I will be publishing my work on this web page. http://homepage.mac.com/colin_mcgowan/PhotoAlbum9.html.
--Bob Cook - NYC July 2005
I noticed that it seemed helpful to you if you got endorsements from satisfied students and so as one of the most satisfied, I submit the following. There are a tremendous number of self-improvement books and courses these days, which promise transformation of the reader or student. Generally, they fall flat which is why I was so impressed with BrianÕs course: Drawing on the Right Side of the Brain. IÕm a business manager taking a year off and while I had always enjoyed art, I couldnÕt draw more than a stick figure. I tried some of the exercises in Betty Edwards famous book of the same name and made so much progress that I elected to try the course in the New York City venue. I was one of nine students and was able to not only experience amazing development in my ability but to see it blossom in the others. We made friends and learned from each other despite disparate backgrounds ranging from an art teacher to a computer software developer. I can comment on the NYC venue in that it is great to spend a week in the SOHO area of NYC which is vibrant with cultural and shopping resources. I came from Virginia and although my wife did not attend the course, she really enjoyed the trip to the City. IÕd be happy to talk to any prospective student by email bobcooktexas@gmail.com or phone 540-520-2325.
--Estelle - estelle.slon@verizon.net July 2005
Hi
Brian,
I've
just returned from a fabulous vacation at the shore and I wanted to
write to you right away to let you know how much I enjoyed the class and
how much you have inspired me. I drew several pictures while at the beach,
something I never would have done had I not just completed your class. I
am really feeling great about the whole experience. I am so impressed with the
results. If you would like to add me to your list of references to
give future students I would be thrilled and honored to talk about how
absolutely wonderful and motivating your teaching is.
I will be back for more classes soon.
Regards,
Estelle
202-387-3634
I found the course in Cambridge to be a life changing experience
and it has caused me to
look at other areas of my life where I think I really
ought to be able to do something but have, over the years,
assumed I lacked ability. I am presently looking for a course for people
who think
they cannot sing but really can.
Best wishes,Graham Cook
* * * *
Hey Brian
this e-mail may sound a little strange my name is Luis Hernandez I first read
your mothers book in 1995 while I was
incarcerated
in the federal correctional facility in Florence, Colorado in solitary confinement. From the
moment I opened and read the first page I was hooked this in turn helped me
cope with the situation I had put myself in IÕve followed the instructions to a tee the countless hours and days did not
matter from that moment on my life has changed. My
incarceration ended in 2003 that summer I had my first art exhibit I showed
twenty pieces my medium is pencil. Your probably wondering what my crime was it
was conspiracy to distribute marijuana. So Brian if you get the chance Please let your mother know that
she made a profound difference in my for this I will always be thankful. Give me a call
my cell is 269-4208857 or call me at my office 269-9652935 tell the person that
answers the phone you would like to speak to Lou I own the company.
Taking the class with you this summer has opened my eyes wide to
seeing the world differently. Not just in my drawings and not just when
looking at something around me, but in how I think about solving problems.
Building on the right-mode/left-mode concept, I think that exercising both
modes makes for a stronger whole. It's another path to full body health and well-being. It's building brain synapses. Thank you for
teaching me how
to access the rest of my brain!
Regards to your family,
Laurie
©2008 Drawing on the Right Side of the Brain Inc.