Art Experiences Workshops
By
Wilderness Artist
Kristen S. Boyesen
Groups will participate in a series of short art exercises to activate the right side of the brain. The activation of the right side of the brain can have many benefits, such as stress reduction, restoration of functioning after a stroke, increased intuition, more creative problem-solving, and a sense of well-being.* One- to three-day workshops are available for groups of 5 to 50 for businesses, clubs, schools, wellness centers and organizations in the Greater Cleveland Area.
Large-view concepts and group cooperation are best realized through the utilization of both the left and the right sides of the brain.
Unfortunately, success in today's world is mostly measured by the functioning of the left side of the brain, where we do our writing, keep our schedules, balance our accounts, and make step-by-step plans for our futures.
The right side of the brain is, for the most part, ignored, misunderstood, and forcibly squashed by the "keep busy left side".
The right side, however, is where it all comes together. Those "Aha!" insights that just pop into existence are the result of right-brain processing. Cooperation and group dynamics are right-brain functions. Creativity and emotions come from the right side of the brain. (The emotional part of the right side of the brain is what gives it such a bad reputation in our logic-driven world. If the truth be known, it is the cascading fears and nagging dialogue of the LEFT side of the brain that messes up the emotions on the right!)
Art Experiences art workshops are for everyone.
Art Experiences is not about creating art.
The goal of these classes is to experience the PROCESS of drawing.
The exercises are intended to help train the hand to make marks on the paper that correspond to what the eye is seeing, rather than what the mind says is there. Art Experiences will help workshop participants to see shapes, lines, volumes, forms, and the spacial relationships between them.
Keeping the right side of the brain active and accessible will help the intuitive process that is so important in all aspects of daily life, both personal and professional. Letting go of the way the mind THINKS a thing should be opens it to new ways of seeing and new ways of solving problems.
Workshops can be held for 5 to 50 participants, paid in advance. Tables are needed for the set-up of objects to be drawn. (Three long folding tables, placed side-by-side to create a large square, will seat twelve. The preferred method for larger workshops is to create a longer table to promote group synergy rather than to have separate tables.) Participants work on clipboards of 8.5 x 11 paper with soft pencils. Materials are provided and are part of the workshop fee.
Workshops need to be a minimum of three hours. An all-day or two-day session with a group lunch and discussion creates the most benefit. Workshops can also be presented in the form of a retreat. A retreat allows more time for the brain to relax, let go, and accept new ways of thinking.
How does it Work?
Different still-life objects will be arranged down the center of the long table. The goal will be to use the drawing techniques below to help see the shapes and spatial relationships of the objects. There will be demonstrations or examples shown of each of the projects to be covered.
Gesture Drawings. The essence of the shape is to be drawn in 15 to 30 seconds. The group rotates around the table and draws the next object in view. Analyzing what is seen and transforming that information to paper in such a quick fashion leaves little time for the left side of the brain to impose pre-conceived notions on what the drawing should look like.
Don't-Look Drawings. Exactly that. No looking at the paper. You are not responsible for the results!! (But be prepared to be delightfully surprised.)
Scribble drawings. Draw everything but the edges of the objects, using the scribble of choice. The resulting drawings will be shadow representations of the shapes, and helps with spatial observation.
Negative space drawings. Draw the spaces between objects. Draw parts of objects in a limited space. Draw only the outer edge of a group of objects.
Cross-hatch drawings. Focus on a segment of the objects set-up. Cross-hatch areas of shadows.
Line drawings. Draw parts of things in an interesting pattern. Looking at parts, rather than the whole, forces observation to be keen.
Drawing with light. White charcoal on black paper.
Final drawings. Return to area of choice for additional practice or instruction.
Each segment will be followed by a short break to walk around to see what the other drawings are like, and for discussion.
Cost depends on the number of participants, length of workshop, and the location/cost of the facility. Workshops can also include an outdoor segment for drawing from nature.
á This program is designed to encourage healthy living and is presented for educational purposes only. Participation in the program is not to be considered as a substitute for medical or psychological counseling, therapy, or treatment.