See my show in which I talk a lot about Drawing on the Right side of the Brain.

I can’t believe that this book came out in 1979. If I’d have known about it then, I would have progressed so much quicker.

I suppose it was about 8 years ago, that I began my own researches into the state of brain science. I’d come to realise that other people didn’t necessarily see the world the same way that I did. I realised that I was a visual thinker, “seeing” things quite clearly that others couldn’t, visualising the future as clear as day, leaving others confused and thinking I was a bit strange.

It was a while before I came across Betty Edwards’ book, Drawing on the Right Side of the Brain. It chimed with everything I’d learned about the brain and with my own experiences.

Like many people who learn about the right side of their brain, I became “pro Right Side”, thinking the left-siders had taken over the world – actually they have! – but Betty Edwards’ book calmed me down and made me realise that the secret is to combine the best of both hemispheres. If you are not visual, you can become more so by learning to draw. Drawing creates a direct link to your creative side.

Switching off the powerful left side for a while, allows connections and creative thoughts to flow. Then you can use the left side to analyse and put your ideas into practice.

Even though I’d been drawing for years, the simple starter exercises were a revelation, mainly because I’d never been through that process. I’d pretty much taught myself to draw as, in my day, art education had become pretty hands off least the student’s natural style was spoiled or over influenced by the teacher – an attitude I don’t agree with. You learn a lot about drawing by seeing how someone else does it and following how they do it, which is why I make my videos.

The search for an individual style and creative expression are is a different pursuit. Drawing is the groundwork and basic tool that leads to and allows style and expression to flourish. Drawing is the language and vocabulary of visual creativity.

The book begins by explaining how the brain works and how it is split in two, with language, maths and analytical abilities on the left and visual and creative abilities on the right.

The lessons and examples that follow, come from many years research and teaching.

If you work at this book and really follow it through, you will really surprise yourself.

I really do think that anyone can learn to draw. There are many different approaches, which is why I wrote my book – – which inspired by the ancient greek mathematician, Euclid, and his “build it from the ground up” or axiomatic method

If you’ve always wanted to draw or have reached a point where you want to get better or just need to remember what drawing is all about, this book will be one of the best investments you ever make.