Testimonials From Students
Since 1979, literally millions have learned to draw using Betty Edwards’ best-selling book, “Drawing on the Right Side of the Brain.” In person workshops have taken place, taught by Dr. Edwards and her son Brian Bomeisler, in locations across the United States, Europe, and Asia; Brian has been the lead instructor since 1998. The drawing workshops — in person and virtual — are the only ones that link so closely to Dr. Edwards’ own teaching methods, as Brian and Betty worked together for so many years before she retired. Here are what a few of Brian’s students have to say:
Stephen’s Intensive Online Workshop November 9-13, 2023 At the risk of seeming overly dramatic, the workshop was a wonderful and life changing experience for me. I spent the whole day yesterday noticing lines, shapes, negative spaces, light, shadows, reflections, angles, and relative proportions all around me that I did not previously notice. And my “demons” about not being able to draw are gone! Thank you everyone, and thank you, Brian!
Karen’s Intensive Online Workshop June 21-25, 2023 If you’ve ever wanted to learn how to draw, or improve on your current skills, THIS is the class to take! I had shied away from drawing, thinking I couldn’t do it after some negative feedback years ago. But Brian Bomeisler’s encouragement and extraordinary teaching dispelled that notion. You’ll learn all the basic skills you need to draw whatever you see. I cannot recommend this class highly enough! Thank you!
Jenny’s Intensive Online Workshop June 21-25, 2023 I loved the class! In just a few days, it brought out my latent drawing skills and completely transformed my abilities and confidence. Honestly, everyone should take it. I am definitely recommending it to everyone I know who is interested in art, and even those who don't think they're interested (yet).
Dr. Jo Eisman’s Intensive Online Workshop April 26-30, 2023 I was interested in this workshop for a long time and it did not disappoint. You think that it must be magic and then you get into the class and you see it’s not- but then it’s over and you realize it was magic. Brian is a Great teacher. I love him.
So encouraging and positive and knowledgeable. The class was Fun and tremendous learning!!!! See HERE
Dr Jo Eisman
Mark M’s Intensive Online Workshop April 26-30, 2023 This course really transformed my relationship with drawing. I had taken art classes as a kid but hadn't really done any drawing for about 20 years. I was trying to draw way to fast and I had a subconscious aversion to checking my proportions. My drawing improved SOOO much in just five days. Now, just 5 days later sitting down for an hour or more to draw is not a painful rushed experience. I've learned to trust the process. Thank you so much, it's life changing! See HERE
Miranda M’s Intensive Online Workshop March 13-17, 2023 Drop your work. Drop your families. And take this. class! The format of this workshop, accompanied by the kind, patient, encouraging guidance of Brian, affords each student the epiphany that we’ve all been endowed with the ability to draw, to create. In such a short time, this workshop has had such a tremendous impact, not just on my drawing abilities, but on my perspective, my outlook, and the love that I show myself.
I would highly HIGHLY recommend any and all take this class. Thank you Brian, and thank you fellow students, for all you taught me.
Susann I Online Workshop January 4-8, 2023 Attending Brian Bomeisler’s Drawing on the Right Side of the Brain (https://www.drawright.com/) five day workshop allowed me to explore the five basic perceptual skills of drawing, that his mother and author Dr. Betty Edwards so vividly describes in her corresponding book. What a beautiful way of honing right brain activity!
So much of what Brian shares about drawing and giving space to our nonverbal, creative R-mode is transferable to situations, in which a complex problem, e.g., within transforming organizations, needs to be effectively embraced by us in our roles as consultants, coaches, and leaders – see also my last year’s post NI – Creative Spaces to Explore New Opportunities and Realities Above and Below the Surface (https://lnkd.in/egFvxD7m).
The "before & after" self-portrait is an eye-opening testimony that drawing is a great pathway to seeing and to appreciating the things and their surroundings as they really are (rather than as what we hastily see them to be).Timothy L on our One Day Still Life Workshop December 4, 2022 I have taken Brian's Drawing on the Right Side of the Brain course twice over the last couple of years. They helped tremendously with improving my drawing.
Now, I have taken Brian's newest class, the still life class. The class was amazing, I was able to reinforce all the concepts I learned in the 5 day courses. It was a great opportunity to continue my study and practice of drawing and to build up on what I learned. As usual Brian is a great teacher and very encouraging. —Thank You
Phil R on our One Day Still Life Workshop December 4, 2022 Just a quick note to thank you, once again, for an excellent class on still life art. As always, I got so much out of this class and can assure you it will keep me coming back for more whenever you have the time and energy to offer another. You’re relaxed teaching style which caters to every type of student as well as your supportive and creative criticism allows us all to learn from each other’s critiques and suggestions.
Keep it up. And be sure to let me know when we’re going to meet up again.
Ray W on our One Day Still Life Workshop December 4, 2022 Thank you Brian for another great class! So glad that you've added 1-day, topic specific classes. Today's 'Still Life' class was a wonderful way to refresh, tune up and learn new skills. I always appreciate that you encourage everyone to be themselves, bring their own style to drawing. Thanks again and looking forward to your next 1-day class! - Ray
Ina D on our One Day Still Life Workshop December 4, 2022 Thank you so much for offering this one-day workshop. It is such a gift to refresh skills from the week-long class and practice new ones!
Sharif R Online Workshop November 7-11, 2022 I was given Drawing on the Right Side of the Brain as a gift at age 18. The book itself is fascinating and well worth a read. Over the next 20 years, I occasionally attempted to work through the exercises on my own, but the demands of life kept me distracted. I have always wanted to take the dedicated 5 day course, but the stars never seemed to align. I was delighted to recently discover that the course is offered online, and I promptly signed up. Brian Bomeisler is an outstanding instructor. All materials are provided, and the online format is executed perfectly. Brian has an exceptional eye, and is able to clearly instruct on the components of drawing/perceiving. Under his guidance, I produced works that I never thought possible, culminating in a complex self-portrait, full of light and shadow. I cannot recommend this course highly enough -- you will be surprised by the results!
Joshua R Online Workshop November 7-11, 2022 I felt nervous and anxious going into this class, and that intensified during certain parts of the workshop. Brian's gentle encouragement helped me get through all of that, and at the end I found myself with an amazing self-portrait drawing and the confidence that I can draw anything I see and learn to improve my skills even further. I'm impressed with how much progress myself and my classmates were able to make in just 5 days, and I can't wait to see how much I'll improve in the future.
Barb H Online Workshop November 7-11, 2022 Brian's class was just so deep and such fun too. On Friday, the last day of class, my heart was breaking at the thought of not having the opportunity to take another DRSB class. As I was mulling over this fact, Brian announced a new one-day class. I signed up as soon as possible. And, it is on my birthday. It is going to be the best birthday present from me to me ever! I have the most tremendous gratitude for Betty and Brian for creating this program and carrying it onward. Do not hesitate to sign-up for this class; you will not have a single regret. My before and after portrait says it better than words. Go for it! Have fun!
Robert S Online Workshop October 24-28, 2022 For decades my “art” consisted of poor stick figures; however, within a few hours of this class I was able to create drawings that were impressive to my family. After a week I could impress myself. This class delivered a huge impact by awaking me to innate talent I had no idea I had.
Ye Y Online Workshop September 12-16, 2022 It was a great pleasure learning to draw with you this week, and thank you so much for teaching us those precious drawing insights and wisdom. I have learned a lot from you in this workshop.
Thank you so much also for your patience, encouragement and kindness as well. It is your kind and wise teaching that have kept me enjoying the learning.
I will definitely be continuing utilizing the methods you'd taught us, and follow your mother's book to practice drawing, and I may enroll your other type of workshop in the future again should you have more types of workshops opening.
Please help transfer my gratitude to your mother for discovering and inventing such good drawing teaching method, that allow the pople like me can learn to draw and enjoy it too, and wish your mother feeling better soon too and keep good health too. Thank you so much again also for working with your mother and yourself throughout the years to spread the wisdom of drawing and the right side brain understanding and utilization, that will not only good for the drawing, but also in creativity, problem-solving, intuition, life enjoying, potential developing and many other parts of our life.
Thank you so much again and wishing you and your family all the best, and I may see you again in your other types of workshops in the future. :)
Ye
Sarah B Online Workshop August 3-7, 2022 Just a written thank you for the most incredible gift: learning how to see again and to draw what I am actually seeing.
I loved every minute, even the struggles. I will keep on practising during my year of maternity leave and beyond - thanks for setting me off on the best foot forward of this journey of drawing with confidence.
All the best to you,
Sarah
Tara Online Workshop June 20-24, 2022 I would highly recommend this workshop to anyone who wants to learn to draw. The workshop exceeded my expectations. I heard about Betty Edwards’ book from a person in a Facebook group. I found a copy at my local library and then bought the book and the workbook. While the book can be used independently, I really wanted to attend a class that taught the concepts of the book. The book says that anyone can be taught to draw. I was always of the belief that you were either born with the ability to draw or were not.
Brian Bomeisler is a patient and knowledgeable teacher who happens to be the author’s son. Coming into the class with no formal drawing instruction, I was really hopeful that Brian could get through to me and teach me to draw in just one week. The class curriculum is well thought out and designed for the success of each student. After completing the course, I now have the tools to attempt drawing any object without relying on tracing on a light board or using a Camera Lucida app. And I feel that I can now produce a beautiful drawing on my own. Thank you Brian for giving me this newfound skill of drawing.
Ina Online Workshop May 23-27, 2022 I had already completed the "Drawing on the Right Side" book on my own prior to this workshop, but certainly needed the extra time and attention to get my sketching to a more artistic level. Brian was wonderful in his guidance, patience, and generosity of spirit when helping me and others in class with our drawings. I didn't know exactly what would come out of the class, but at the end of the week I was very pleased with the "next level" to which Brian helped me bring my drawing capabilities. Now I know I can always slow down and enjoy my process drawing (and the result!) with the new ways of seeing I've gained in this fantastic course. Thank you for bringing this joyful activity back into focus for me!
Shareef R Online Workshop May 2-6, 2022 I was given Drawing on the Right Side of the Brain as a gift at age 18. The book itself is fascinating and well worth a read. Over the next 20 years, I occasionally attempted to work through the exercises on my own, but the demands of life kept me distracted. I have always wanted to take the dedicated 5 day course, but the stars never seemed to align. I was delighted to recently discover that the course is offered online, and I promptly signed up. Brian Bomeisler is an outstanding instructor. All materials are provided, and the online format is executed perfectly. Brian has an exceptional eye, and is able to clearly instruct on the components of drawing/perceiving. Under his guidance, I produced works that I never thought possible, culminating in a complex self-portrait, full of light and shadow. I cannot recommend this course highly enough -- you will be surprised by the results!
Susie K Online Workshop April 18-23, 2022 DRSB workshop was my gift to myself; and worth every penny! It was great to have the live teacher and classroom experience and to get the help I needed to push forward to help me draw. Now I feel inspired to draw; I do look at things differently now, this class has also helped me improve my eye for what to capture in a composition, and I now know that I can take on drawings like never before. Brian truly helped me cross over from my former way of thinking about drawings and doing drawings; I'm on a new page forward. A great foundation accomplished in one week! Thank you Brian Bomeisler and thank you Betty Edwards!!
Daniel B Online Workshop April 4-9, 2022 What a week! Truly incredible! Really had such a great group, so friendly and hardworking. Thank you Brian!
Alyssa Online Workshop April 4-9, 2022. Great job everyone! Your drawings are awesome! It was very nice working together with all of you. Brian, thank you so much! :)
Dora Online Workshop March 25, 2022 Drawing on the Right Side of the Brain workshop has been life-changing for me. I have no previous experience drawing or creative art of any form. My curiosity began recently and I thought I was just too old to learn how to draw. I learned so much through this workshop in such a short period. I am encouraged to continue to improve and practice everything I learned. This workshop was a great way to get me started on my drawing journey. Thank you Brian! (See Dora’s Before and After drawings HERE)
Ray C Online Workshop February 7-12, 2022 Your class has been beyond my expectations, far beyond anything I could have imagined! I came in hoping to learn the art of drawing and to broaden my perception of the physical world around me and this class accomplished both unreservedly in equal measure.
Your teaching and guiding style was so helpful in immediately calming any nerves I had coming into the class. Your thoughtful, kind and encouraging expert feedback was so very helpful in focusing my attention on exactly what I needed to see in my drawings and what I needed to do to understand and improve them. It was also wonderful learning along with the other students (we had a great group of people from across the globe) as we shared our challenges and successes.
Finally, your occasional “divergent” stories from what has clearly been an extraordinary artist’s life were such a pleasure to hear. I hope, for your future classes sake, you continue to share your stories…for me, they were the shading that makes the drawing really come to life!
Thank you, Ray
Amy V Online Workshop February 7-12, 2022 The leap in my skills during the 6-day class was phenomenal. I felt really engaged in the drawing process, and learning to shift my perception was invaluable. I’ve wanted to take this class for years, and it was worth the time and money — so glad I did it. -Amy
Catherine T Online Workshop January 17-22, 2022 Thank you so much for a life changing class. I feel comfortably launched into drawing.
Karla W Online Workshop January 17-22, 2022 Thank you so much for such a wonderful course. I have really enjoyed it.
Marilyn W_T: Online Workshop January 17-22 Thank you so much for an amazing experience. It was just wonderful and you are an amazing teacher and such a kind and patient person. I am you sending deep gratitude and good wishes for the future.
Tony C took the 6-Day Online Workshop November 22-27, 2021 I was fortunate enough to attend Brian's drawing class. It is a skill I've always wanted to learn more about. Brian patiently and attentively guides all of his students to help the right-side brain win the tug-of-war! I really loved the small group dynamics and everyone was so inspirational. I would highly recommend the class to anyone that wants to learn to draw, especially those who think they will never be able to learn. My before and after speak for themselves (see Tony’s Before and After Self-Portraits). Thank you Brian!
Brenton Leanhardt; The Red Hat Group September and October 2021 Thank you for your encouragement. My team absolutely loved the class. I know we'll have two more team members take the class soon (or maybe three) but my real hope is that we can find a way for more people beyond my immediate team to join in the fun. To really get people excited I've approached our videography team about doing a short segment on our experience for all employees to watch. Our video team creates beautiful shows every 3 months and I believe if they are willing to air our segment we'll see a lot of interest in your course from Red Hat. I'll let you know if anything comes of this. If they were to create anything I'm certain I could get permission for you and Brian to watch. Brenton
Timothy L took the 6-Day Online Workshop July 19-24, 2021 Great experience! The class was super fun and I learned so much to improve my drawing skills in such a short amount of time. I will definitely recommend it to my friends or any artist looking to improve their drawing skills. Brian is an awesome instructor, very patient and encouraging. Looking forward to any future classes being offered.”
Vince O took the 6-Day Online Workshop July 19-24, 2021 I turned 55 during Brian's course, and as a total beginner with no drawing skills I had very few preconceptions, which for me turned out to be a good thing. I learned how to see and the importance of good composition. Brian also shared a toolkit of techniques for us to play with so that we could put on paper what we were seeing through our new eyes. As well as all of this, a massive, albeit unexpected outcome was that my total immersion in the process opened-up a path to mindfulness, which had previously eluded me. Thank you again Brian. I learned so much, and please count me in should you run any more workshops in the future.
Mimi B took the 6-Day Online Workshop July 6-10, 2021: “Dear Brian, Thank you so much for your great instruction during our class and your patience with those of us who are beginners. This course was very enlightening to me. I learned a lot in a short period of time. I have looked forward to taking this course for quite a long time and now that I've recently retired, I have the time to focus on drawing. This course was a great way to get started and very motivating to keep going. Best wishes!”
Marie M took the 6-Day Online Workshop June 7-12, 2021: “This is a grueling week in many respects and in others it is relaxing. For me it was 6 days of 4 hours of class time followed by 2-3 hours of homework. The way I got through this class was to remind myself: • Follow your teacher’s instructions. Pay attention. That part can be hard because as you focus on your drawing sound disappears. • Cooperate. While that sounds easy, for me and at least one other person in the class I could see it was difficult. • If you do miss an instruction, do not be afraid to ask nicely for him to repeat himself. He will be happy to do so. • Don’t argue with the instructor. He is right even if your logical mind says otherwise. • When the instructor points out something misperceived with your image, he is right, you just didn’t see it properly. Relax, and do what he says. Erasing is good and a right brain activity. • Arguing that you are right is a left-brain activity, and by-the-way, he’s always right • If you don’t want to do the self-portrait, do it anyway. Especially if you don’t want to do it. It will look so much better than the photo, and so much more artistic. • Send him your before and after images. If you don’t that’s bad karma. And everyone will be so impressed with your improvement Taking this class will teach you a great deal. It is just the beginning of a hopefully wonderful journey. Good luck!”
Nancy S took the 6-Day Online Workshop June 7-12, 2021: “Prior to this workshop I lived in a world in which perception occupied a distant and inferior place in relation to language and concepts—a world in which “I see” meant “I understand”. Now “I see” means “Oh! There’s a shadow, a contour, a space, an edge!” To say this is transformative would be a huge understatement. Add to this the change in me from a person who has never, despite many attempts, been able to draw, to a person who just might be “getting it”. Thank you, Betty, Brian and Sophie.”
Patricia Y took the 6-Day Online Workshop February 8-13, 2021: “I purchased Betty Edwards' Drawing on the Right Side of the Brain 4 or 5 years ago after learning about it from one of my landscape drawing instructors. I tried some of the exercises in the book but wasn't consistently drawing. When I saw that the DRSB course was being offered online I jumped at the chance to take it. Brian and his daughter Sophie are very patient and encouraging instructors. I had a great time learning from them and from the other attendees and am now inspired maintain a sketchbook and practice the skills that we learned during class. Thank you Brian & Sophie!”
Barbara L took the 6-Day Online Workshop December 14-19, 2020: “I took Brian's course at age 67, an absolute beginner with no drawing skill whatsoever. What I learned was something more valuable than how to draw, though I have to say I did improve. I learned how to see differently, how to perceive spatial relationships, understand negative space, and even get a little better with perspective, a skill that spills over into life. I am so grateful for my new eyes. Muchas gracias, Brian!”
Gary D took the 6-Day Online Workshop July 29-August 3: “All my life I thought I couldn’t draw. After the workshop, I can draw! The book is powerful, but it took the workshop to launch me into an exciting new adventure. I find myself now looking at everything with a new appreciation of light, shape, and beauty. Thanks so much to Brian and Sophie for giving me the motivation to continue.”
Jeremy S took the first DRSB 10-Day Virtual Workshop April 13-22, 2020: “With my work on hold and sequestered in my home I imagined learning a new skill that could bring me pleasure at this time. I’ve always wanted to draw but never had the skill or patience to sit down and learn.
I had read the first few chapters of Drawing on the Right Side of the Brain 30 years ago and remember being fascinated by the possibilities of “unlocking” that part of my brain but I was moving around too much and looking back it was probably the left side of my brain telling me that I didn’t have the time or the need to draw. Cut to this strange moment and this window of time to sit and learn something. I signed up for the ten day workshop and without sounding too dramatic, it has not only changed my ability to draw (in astonishing and inconceivable ways) but it has also changed my perception of the things around me and my perception of the limitations I place on myself.
Brian has this simple set of “skills” which almost magically unlock this artist inside all of us. The fact that he and his daughter Sophie who assisted him in the workshop could impart those skills and the confidence to use them immediately was uncanny. I saw in all 10 of us this remarkable leap in skill and perception. We all came to the workshop with different skills and goals and everyone seems to have accomplished what he and she set out to do. All in 30 hours. The demonstrations are incredible to watch. The lessons are simple and I looked forward to seeing everyone’s work each morning at the start of the day. I sat down to write this two days after the end of the class because I was a bit melancholy about it being over. I am about to draw the lamp in front of me. The idea that I would even say that sentence 12 days ago or that I would think that was something I could even attempt would seem absurd to me. And yet, here I am with a pencil and sharpener and eraser going for it. I have sent pictures of my drawings to friends and family and people cannot believe I drew the things I drew. 30 hours can change your life. Crazy! Thank you Brian!”John E took the first DRSB Virtual Workshop April 24, 2020: “I just completed the first ever Virtual Drawing on the Right Side of the Brain workshop. It was done virtually using Zoom due to the Covid crisis. In the class we had 5 first time attendees and 5 return drawers taking the course for the 2nd or 3rd time. I was a first timer. I learned about the course thru taking a 2 hour Learning Hour to draw class using Betty Edwards book when our family was vacationing. I had an eye opening experience with that 2 hour version so I was so excited to dig in deeper and take this extended class. In a word, the results were Unbelievable. In a few words I would say “the course far exceeded my expectations”. I am a 56 year old, former CEO of 2000 person company. All my life I thought being able to draw was analogous to “being a good singer” or “being athletic”. Either you are or you are not. Thankfully, I could not have been more wrong. I now believe that anybody and everybody can learn how to draw really well. One really has to see the results to appreciate how much was accomplished in this class in such a short period of time. You can find on the before and after self-portraits from those who have taken the class at drawright.com. Suffice it to say there was no way I thought my self-portrait could look like these, but in fact I was wrong. I hope to take this new skill of using the right side of my brain to continue to learn how to draw and do other forms of art. Perhaps most important is how using the right side of your brain can translate into many other areas of your life, giving you a perspective you never had before. Brian, Sophie, classmates and content were so good that I am already planning on taking the class again in 3 months. Thank you Brian and Sophie for this life altering experience.”
Nicky S., took the DRSB 5-Day Workshop in La Jolla, CA, January 2020: “Sitting at home with a cold one day, and tired of mindlessly watching Netflix, I thought, Why don’t I teach myself how to draw? I had gone to a painting class earlier that year and purchased a How To Draw book and started skimming the pages. It didn’t take more than 45 minutes for my patience to begin to disintegrate. Aggravated, I drove over to Blick Arts Supplies and looked through their collection of instructional books. It seemed as though every single one went from step 1 to step 5 in an instant. I told an employee and she said, “Try this one.” What she handed me was none other than Dr. Betty Edwards’ Drawing on the Right Side of the Brain. After the first few pages, I was hooked. I am a lover of psychology and sociology, and it was riveting to read about brain plasticity and the human capability to gain new skills like drawing. After some research online, I found the DRSB workshops online and signed up for the La Jolla class.
“Doing something like that on a whim can be scary. I read the reviews and saw the before-and-afters, but still thought to myself, ‘No way I can do that.’ Little did I know that it was my left brain talking!
“Brian Bomeisler, Dr Edwards’ son and instructor of the class, was truly amazing. Every day we took on a new project and every day, each student was proud of his/her work. No time was wasted and there was clearly an organized, well-thought-out plan for each lecture, demonstration, and lesson. We learned so much in one day, i thought my brain might implode, but only in the best way possible!
“The DRSB 5-Day Workshop with Brian was life-changing. Where I once only saw 2-D I now see 3-D, with every angle and line in relationship to that of another. I find I even look at faces differently, noticing that no two faces are ever the same.
“Brian is a master at teaching. He is focused, patient, and knows when to butt in and help, and when to push for his students to make that connection themselves—to have that ‘Ah-Ha’ moment. He is personable and funny, which I feel is very important in such an intense workshop.
“I would highly recommend this workshop for any individual who would like to expand his/her creativity. This class is not just for those who specifically want to learn how to draw, but for anyone who needs an opening for more joy and depth in their life. Thank you, Brian, for the tools and the perception you have given me! I have been continuing my drawings on my own, something I know I would never normally have done without your help. You see, I am not the type to take on a new skill or to allow myself to feel as though I am failing in order to make the steps to progression. On the contrary, I was always taught to what I call ‘coast in comfort,’ to do what you know you are already good at. Dr. Edwards’ book gave me the confidence to take the plunge, and Brian kept me coming back every day for our 5-Day Workshop. If you’re on the fence, do it! You won’t regret it!”
Amy took the DRSB 5-Day Workshop in New York City, November 2019: “Brian, It was an absolute pleasure to experience a week of mind-bending learning with you! I showed my team at work the results of my efforts and they have twisted my arm into drawing each of them in time for the holidays. The pressure is on. Warm regards to you and to my drawing colleagues!”
Kate B, took the 5-Day Workshop in Austin, February 2019 : “The really important teaching/learning is how to SEE differently...This is my major premise: having learned to know perceptual skills through actually using them in drawing will enhance your success in transferring your visual skills to thinking and problem-solving... These visual skills are useful for problem-solving of all kinds, in every field of human endeavor, from solving business or personal problems to enhancing general thinking about world problems (large-scale) or local problems (small-scale). More important, they can help you produce new and unique innovations of social value... What the pre-instruction drawings represent is the age at which the person last drew, often coinciding with the age at which the person gave up on trying to draw. -Betty Edwards (1979/2012)
Thank you, Brian Bomeisler, teacher and artist extraordinaire!”
Alessandro F., a student in St. Augustine in March 2018, wrote: Brian, you are the best instructor i ever had. Clearly the method is rock solid. You were always present, in the moment, for five days! Few instructors can do that! Thank you for the wonderful and transformative experience.
John DeR., another St. Augustine student in March 2018, wrote: Brian, it was an awesome week. I can't think of any other course I've taken that changed my actual ability to perceive the world.
Miriam L. took the class in New York City in 2016, and she wrote: “Your wealth of information, patience, dedication, passion, knowledge, and commitment are immeasurable. I appreciated your sense of humor and timing which allowed us to slowly get into the way things were going to flow through the week... I came away with a wonderful discovery. A silence that speaks to me, that has opened up a side of me that was untapped. I started feeling it during the drawings in class. The more my left brain quieted down the more the silence emerged, like the sun in the morning, quietly, brilliantly. I met a friend for coffee the other day and suddenly in the middle of our conversation while I was listening to her, peace descended upon me, my mind quieted down, I recognized it, and allowed it to be. I took in every word she was saying, I was in the moment, not thinking of answering, just present. It was a magical moment and I thank you, Brian, for helping me reach that. Your voice, your message come to me in many ways... Let me share this with you: I loved the way you look into people's eyes while you talk. We live in a world where that is a rarity and as I listened to you and sustained the look, it showed me how much of that we don't have, how much I don't have and how nurturing it is, and what a better world it would be if we all did it. Thank you Brian for all you gave me... I have already gotten so much from the course, ,and allowing this silence to surface is where I am today. You are very gifted teacher. And sharing your wisdom with the world is the best one can hope for. I am very thankful for the way you touched my life.
Mary Anna C., Student in St. Augustine, September 2016, wrote: “Hi Professor Brian, Thank you so much for your deep and rich insight into the process of art production. The DRSB 5-Day course has expanded my abilities in one week… Unlocking the creative silent lady who lives in the right hemisphere! I showed my drawings to one of my art teachers. She is super-critical and she offered great praise for what I had produced. There are few people in this ol' world who can claim to have changed it. Your mother, Betty Edwards, did that! I have followed her work since the 1980s and have finally really been able to access some of her concepts. Your own contribution is absolutely invaluable! I am so grateful, but more than that, I have new tools to maintain my drawing momentum. So thank you, thank you, thank you!”
Mihaela D., DRSB Student (from Poland), took the course in Seattle, March 2016: “I took the class because I had a constant inner call to draw and paint. I didn't have any training in drawing and I hoped this class would give me the ‘know-how’ fast and easy. Sure, I was afraid I'd be the only one who didn't get it and that I'd make a fool of myself. Fortunately, I got it—way faster and easier than I thought I would, just like all the people in the class. We all got it. We all started out having no idea how to draw; and we all ended the class drawing beautiful self-portraits. Doing the self-portrait in the 5th day, I realized I never really knew what I looked like. What was the shape of my eyes, of my nose, of my lips? I judged my body countless times, but never really saw it. Amazing mind-shift! This class is one of the most precious gifts I have given myself and a gift that I can also easily pass on to my daughter. Aside from the knowledge I gained about drawing, it felt to me like a deep healing retreat. It helped me realized how fast and superficially I looked at the world and how many things, spaces, lights, shadows I missed. I am grateful for the opportunity to learn, to heal, and finally to be able to draw real people, real spaces, real stuff. Thank you so much, Brian, for doing this work and for being such an amazing teacher.“
Linda G., DRSB Student, Seattle, took the class in Seattle, in 2016: “I find myself still astounded, 3 days later, by the entire experience. In a matter of 5 days, our ability to draw a self-portrait was transformed, due to learning how to use the right side of the brain. We practiced using different techniques, which helped us access our creative side while quieting our internal critic. I was amazed and pleased by the comparison of my pre-instruction self-portrait and the final drawing we completed on the fifth day. On Day One, I really didn’t think this would happen to me. But as each day went by, I was gaining more drawing skills; my observations of lines, shapes and negative spaces were becoming more acute; and I was becoming familiar in using the tools that are supplied in the DRSB Portfolio. This wasn’t my first drawing class—I’ve taken two others. But this class was hugely different and has given me a skill set to use going forward, which in turn renewed my interest in drawing. Thank you, Brian!”
Terry G. took the 5-Day course in Seattle, March 2016, and wrote of the experience: “My five-day drawing course with Brian Bomeisler exceeded all expectations. Overall, I cannot recall an educational experience that taught me so much in such a short period of time. It was an enjoyable, positive, and reinforcing atmosphere for all of us in the group. There are several ways we learned--through Brian’s presentations, demonstrations, and insightful feedback. We also learned from our fellow students as we shared our questions, problems, successes, and insights. Each of us received the one-on-one time with the instructor that we needed, to get us over the bumps. This method of teaching drawing skills and techniques should be translated to many other educational programs, it’s so effective! Bottom line: it’s exciting that in only five days, one can go from the stick-figure drawing of your childhood to drawings that actually look like the subject. Wow!”
Nancy B. took the course in La Jolla in March 2016, and she wrote: “Drawing on the Right Side of the Brain opened my mind and eyes to see the world in a completely new way. It’s a life-changing experience that gave me an amazing, fresh perspective on how to view challenges. Plus, I gained the skill to draw, which helps train your brain to slow down and absorb what’s really there—not what you think is there—something I desperately need in the fast-paced business environment.”
Dr. Janette Larsen, DDS, San Diego, took the 5-Day course in La Jolla in November 2014, and she wrote: “I am letting my dentist friends know about your workshop. They were all amazed that I could learn to draw so differently in 5 days. While I have had only a few opportunities to practice drawing, I am using the skills daily in my dental practice.”
I just wanted to say that, almost 4 years later, I am still drawing and I am so thankful for the course and for your thoughtful and patient teaching. Expression through drawing has been such a joy, that I just wanted to pass along my thanks once again. Melissa, DRSB Student, 2014
Thank you for giving me the opportunity to learn from you at this wonderful workshop.I found that all things are possible and that I really can draw. I do so appreciate your excellent teaching skills. You seem to have endless patience, and I appreciated your quiet unassuming manner, and highly organized way of presenting the material.It all seems so logical and simple, and although it will need a lot of practice to hone this art, you have provided me with the tools to work with in the future. I did step right out of my comfort zone in taking your course, but you made me feel perfectly at ease in the group. Gillian T., DRSB student, Santa Barbara, March 2014
I loved the course! It exceeded my expectations and I feel such satisfaction knowing that I now have the tools and techniques to begin drawing. I have taken time to draw almost every night since the course ended, and it feels great. I think I sleep better, too, because I allow my left-brain to take a bit of a vacation before bed. Thank you again for a fabulous course. It was a very steep learning curve for me and I was frustrated at times, but it was totally worth it. Colleen K., DRSB student, Seattle, January 2014
I really enjoyed the class and love the discussion by each person at the end of each day. I am planning to teach the color theory to my grandkids, which will give me the opportunity to remember what I learned and show someone else. Thanks so much again for a wonderful experience. Patty M., DRSB painting class, NYC, 2014
Kate B took the course in St. Augustine in 2012: “I have always loved art but, unfortunately, was one of those folks who just was not born with the ‘drawing gene.’ Or so I thought. About six months ago, I read Betty Edwards’ book Drawing on the Right Side of the Brain, which really piqued my interest into what would be possible if I tried to develop the skills talked about in the book. I thought it would be wonderful to attend a course based on the book and, luckily, found yours. So, with a little trepidation, I turned up on Day 1 and after an introduction by Brian about the course, we embarked on our first drawing (pre-instruction): the self-portrait. Mine was the archetypal left-brain drawing full of symbols, with my nose and eyes still looking like they did when I drew them as a 12-year-old. Brian put all the students’ drawings away until the last day. For the rest of the week, we were immersed in lectures and practical work about lines, negative spaces, perspective, etc., and learned the skills and techniques that all artists use. I looked forward to each day. Although the work was challenging and, at times, a little frustrating, it was amazing to see my skill level improve each day as each of my drawings got progressively better. Then, Day 5 was upon us and our assignment was to do the final drawing: another self-portrait. My husband came to pick me up and Brian asked him to join the class for the final unveiling and critiques of the initial/final self-portraits. When Brian asked him for his thoughts, he said, "I am almost speechless. I would never have believed that such an improvement in five days could happen. I'm stunned." This course completely demystified drawing for me. It is not about having the ‘drawing gene.’ It is about learning a new skill, which is challenging; but if you immerse yourself in the experience, with the benefit of Brian's wonderful tutelage, anyone can achieve amazing results. I had a lot of fun, met some wonderful people, and, above all, discovered the joy of actually being able to draw.
Candy F. took the course with her husband Tom (Boston 2012): “My husband and I recently took the Drawing on the Right Side of the Brain class, as an anniversary gift to each other. I had some drawing background from college; my husband had no previous drawing experience. After attending the one-week workshop, we have found that we look at the world differently. Everything is new and interesting. Spaces we never knew existed are now visible and, by applying the basic theory of negative spaces, our drawings are much improved, recognizable, and interesting. We both can draw everything now, and are very excited to continue to practice what we have learned and take more advanced classes in the near future. We strongly recommend Brian Bomeisler’s classes to anyone who wishes to enhance their life through a heightened "seeing" skill. It is amazing, wonderful, informative, and fun.
There has been very little in my life that I can say has changed my vision of things, literally and figuratively. I am very glad to say that your wonderful drawing course is one of them. One week later, I am walking around NYC and everything looks different and new to me: shadows, lines, negative spaces, angles, faces, colors, trees, street signs, buildings: all of New York City is more alive. Or maybe it's just me. I've been riding the subway for over 35 years and yet, had it not been for the class, it never would have occurred to me to look and see one of the steel pillars and draw it and see it as a "pillar of the community.” Every time I draw something, I am initially pleased and then begin to see what I could improve on in the next drawing. That, too, is exciting. In the class I felt like I was inside a snow globe and everything was swirling around me. Nothing was making much sense. Now that I've had some time alone after the class, and watched the DVD and gone out and started sketching and sighting things, the blizzard of new information is settling down and making sense. I am delighted to see that everything is eye-appealing to me and capable of giving me a new-found visual pleasure. Brian, I owe you and your mother so much for this new gift. I am deeply grateful to you both. John L., DRSB student, NYC, September 2012