In each person’s head, there are really two brains, the left brain and the right brain. These two brains are connected in the middle, forming one person with one personality. The left brain is the centre of logic and language, while, from the right brain, come music and art. The left brain controls the right side of the body and the right brain controls the left side. The fact that most of us are right-handed indicates that, in most people, the left side of the brain is dominant.
Many people would like to enjoy and participate in artistic experiences but feel at a loss as to how to do so. Becoming more creative and artistic is possible and enjoyable. To develop in these areas, the right brain needs to be exercised. How can a person encourage more right-brain thinking? In this case, one learns by doing. Reading, listening and talking do not help engage the right brain. Remember, language processing occurs in the left brain! Some may ask themselves at this point, ‘Why am I reading this article if I am only using my left brain?’ Hold on; don’t stop reading! In this article, you will learn about how to ‘do’ and think with the right side of your brain. (Then after reading, you can actually try thinking with your right brain.)
First, you need to decide what type of creative/artistic endeavour you want to begin with. Many experts suggest starting with sketching. However, if you feel that painting with oils will really be the thing for you, by all means go ahead. A Dallas modern art painter, Esther Ritz, describes her right brain thinking this way, “The canvas becomes a playground for the tug of war between figure and abstraction, my expression, and the insistent nature of the paint itself”.
Next, find a quiet place to work and choose an object on which the art will focus. Look at the object intently. Notice the shapes, colors and textures in the object. Try to observe even the smallest of details. Do not think about it in words, as doing this will cause the left brain to engage. The idea is to keep the left brain quiet so the right brain will take over. Some people find it helpful to play instrumental music.
Now, begin to draw or paint. Nothing is right or wrong in terms of how the work progresses; just continue to focus on the object and guide your mind into only looking and doing, not talking. Esther Ritz, the Dallas modern art painter, explains how she begins a painting, “When I paint, I start with an idea, but quickly let go of my preconception, until the freedom, play, emotion, and energy of the moment take over”.
The more often the right brain is used, the easier it can be engaged. In fact, individuals who begin to develop their creative side will actually soon be able to feel the difference between thinking with their right and left brains. Using your right brain to experience fulfillment through art is a possible and exciting prospect.