Thursday, August 6, 2009

Right Brain / Left Brain Quiz for Artists

Psychobiologists tell us the brain is composed of a left and a right hemisphere, which can result in to very different ways of creative thinking.

If so, is it relevant to artists if they are right-brained, left-brained, or whole-brained?

The left half of the brain is verbal and processes information in an analytical and sequential way. This left hemisphere ability is the predominant focus in schools and society.

The right brain is visual and processes information in an intuitive and simultaneous way. It is also able to recognize holistic patterns and similarities and combines those elements into new forms.

For some reason, our right and left hemispheres control the “opposite” side of our bodies.

No, hand dominance does not indicate brain dominance. Just like you don’t do everything with only one hand, so your brain doesn’t do everything with only one side.

The notion that left-handed people are more creative than right-handers is an old belief, kept alive mainly by lefthanders. However, a number of famous artists were indeed southpaws, including Michelangelo, Klee, Durer, Escher and da Vinci (right hand paralyzed?).

How is Right Brain / Left Brain thinking relevant to artists?
When we start a painting with a mental image of the final painting, the right brain is working on several things simultaneously -- choosing the compositional elements, colors, shadows and highlights, etc. But at the same time the left brain is taking a critical, analytical look at what we’re doing. Supposedly, there is a kind of “dialog” between the two hemispheres of our brain.

Some say, by learning whether your thinking is dominated by your right or left brain, you might be able to deliberately adjust your way of thinking while painting, with surprising results.

Others are skeptical -- they argue the entire concept is wrong-headed, pop-psychology.

An interesting approach to using and controlling the right side of the brain is found in “Drawing on the Right Side of the Brain” by Dr. Betty Edwards. An artist, painter and educator, Edwards uses the findings of brain research as an organizing principle to enable millions of people around the world to learn to draw. Her book is used as a standard text in many art schools.

Take the Right Brain/Left Brain Test for Artists to find out if you are right-brained, left-brained or whole-brained.

SAMPLE QUESTION:
1. Is your painting studio or painting area:
a. Neatly organized, with everything having a place
b. Chaotic and disorganized, though you probably know where most things are

NOTE: The test is posted for the sole purpose of intellectual stimulation, general information and entertainment.

Visit the BINDERS website at www.bindersart.com!

Monday, August 3, 2009

Back to School . . . Back to School



Remember that you can get all of your back to school art supplies at BINDERS! Check with your teacher to see if he or she has posted your class supply list on our dedicated back to school site!

Visit the BINDERS website at www.bindersart.com!

Sunday, August 2, 2009

This Week @ BINDERS - August 3-9

ART CLASSES • WORKSHOPS • EXHIBITS

Monday, August 3:
Guided Open Studio with Kay Powell
10:30am-2pm • Every Monday
Fee: $15/session. No sign up needed. Please pay the instructor.

Guided Open Studio with Kay Powell
6:30-8:30pm - see details above.


Tuesday, August 4:

Painting - Design and Technique with Charles Y. Walls
1-4pm, Tuesdays, July 21-August 25 • Fee: $140 per 6 session series • Open to all levels.

Bookmaking with Anne Elser
6-8:30pm, Tuesdays, July 28-September 1 • Fee: $140 per 6 session
series.

Painting - Design and Technique with Charles Y. Walls
6-8:30pm - see details above.

Wednesday, August 5:
Express Yourself with Allison Smith
1:30-4:30pm, Wednesdays, July 22-August 12 • Fee: $120 per 4
session series.

Italic Calligraphy with Anne Elser
6-8:30pm, Wednesdays, July 29-September 2 • Fee: $140 per 6
session series.

Painting Without Frustration with Frank Bannock
6-8:30pm, Wednesdays, July 22-August 26 • Fee: $160 per 6 session series.

Thursday, August 6:
No classes today.

Friday, August 7:

Paint & Sketch Models - Depicting the Human FigureCharlotte store only
9am-8pm • Every Friday until August 14 during our extended summer Fridays

Saturday, August 8:


Acrylic Painting - You Can Do It! with Barry Sholder
11am-4pm, Saturday AND 12pm-5pm Sunday, August. 8 and 9 • Fee: $140

Chinese Brush Art with Gail Racy
11am-2pm • 8 sessions, Saturdays July 11-August 29 • Fee: $150

Sunday, August 9:

Acrylic Painting - You Can Do It! with Barry Sholder
12pm-5pm
- see details above.

See all upcoming Art Classes and Workshops at BINDERS

Please note: Classes on this schedule are in our Atlanta store unless otherwise indicated. For more information please contact: Kristina Breneman at 404.237.6331 ext. 203.

EXHIBITIONS AT THE LIMELIGHT GALLERY

New exhibition coming soon!
Open to the public during store hours.

Visit the BINDERS website at www.bindersart.com!