Photography & Art blog by
GuyM
Who is Betty Edwards and Why She is Crucial to the Art World
2024-01-09
The power art has to evoke emotion, ignite the imagination and trancend boundaries, artistic, physical and emotional is widely accepted. The power of art to soothe the soul is undisputed.“To practice any art, no matter how well or how badly, is a way to make your soul grow, for heaven’s sake. So do it.” – Kurt Vonnegut
Betty Edwards is a name that stands out in the artworld, not just as a creator of pretty images but as a teacher, a guiding force if you will. Today I am going to explore just why she is one of my all time greats and what her contribution to art is.
The Early Years: A Journey into Art and Education
Born on June 26, 1926 in San Fransico, Betty Edwards was to become a great influence on art. Like Bob Ross, Betty had a goal of making art accessible to a wide audience, promoting the idea that anyone can be creative.
Betty's approach was focused on drawing and perception and Bob Ross on oil painting. Both of these people along with a horde of other artists have made their mark on me and many many other artists.
Betty's early experiences were the stepping stones to a great career as an artist, an author and educator.
Academic Prowess: A Scholar in the World of Art Education
Before Betty Edwards became a teacher she was a student, earning her bachelors degree in Art from UCLA and a Masters degree from California State University.
Her book "Drawing on the Right Side of the Brain," first published in 1979 was a best seller and gained Edwards widespread recognition as an educator.
Her book revolutionised the way people approached drawing, she challenged traditional methods and introduced us to tapping into the creative side of the brain. This focused the attention on perception, creativity and intuition.
Betty Edward's emphasis on drawing as a teachable skill helped many, like myself to go from not being able to draw to doing sketches with recognisable features. Her method impacted the field of art education significantly.
Shifting from an analytical left brained approach to drawing to a creative right brained mindset made drawing simpler and easier.
By breaking down the barriers to creativity, she played a pivotal role in making art a reality for those with "no ability" or skill. Anyone can learn to draw using her approach. I was 50 when I started to learn to draw. and regular rereading and redoing of the exercise she taught imp[roves my art every time.
"Drawing on the Right Side of the Brain" has been translated into numerous languages and continues to be a bestseller worldwide. Edwards' influence extends far beyond the classroom, reaching individuals eager to unlock their creative potential.
Legacy and Continued Influence
Betty Edwards' impact on the art world goes beyond her own artistic creations. Her legacy is reflected in the countless individuals who have discovered the joy of drawing through her teachings. Art educators worldwide continue to draw inspiration from her methods, incorporating her innovative approach into their teaching practices.
Conclusion: A Guiding Light in the Artistic Landscape
In the tapestry of art history, Betty Edwards emerges as a guiding light, illuminating the path for aspiring artists and educators alike. Her pioneering work in art education, coupled with her dedication to demystifying the creative process, has left an indelible mark on the world of art.
As we celebrate the life and contributions of Betty Edwards, we recognize the enduring importance of her teachings in shaping the way we perceive, create, and appreciate art. She remains a beacon for those who believe in the transformative power of artistic expression.
Betty Edwards – an artist, an educator, and a visionary whose influence continues to resonate across generations.
Here at GuyM artist I offer classes using her methodology
Having studied the book and improving my own techniques and abilities every time I work through it, I have a need to share what I have learned from many others while painting for fun more than anything else. I believe "Drawing on the right side of the brain" is the only way to start your artistic journey. I didn't and was never happy with my art until Sue Dickinson, One of South Africa's better wildlife artists introduced me to Betty.
My art classes are my way of giving back to the world what I was taught by Betty, Sue, Lourens, Bob and a number of others over the last 15 years. Click here for classes.
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