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tayete · Posted: Tue Oct 12, 2004 7:58 am

I was thinking of buying this book as a complement to "Drawing with the right side of your brain", but... what has this one of improvement over the latter?

May someone who has readen it tell me if it is worth the money? Is it original in any aspects? FAces the theme in new point of view?

Thanks!
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Impaler · Posted: Tue Oct 12, 2004 8:31 am

I assume you're talking about the book by Nicolaides. It's an interesting book, no doubt. It's a stark contrast from Andrew Loomis' work. Loomis endorsed strict proportions and formulas of division for facial anatomy and proper perspective. Nicolaides is more "form and feel"; all of his exercises begin with a gesture sketch. That isn't to say the content isn't thoughtful and informative. His section on drapery was more informative than any other book I've read.

There are 25 "chapters", each of them broken up into a few exercises (64 total). Be forewarned, this book requires a massive investment of time if you plan on going all of the way through it. The beginning of every chapter comes with a drawing schedule to accompany the exercises. He intends for you to spend at least 2 hours everyday on the exercises, producing around 30 drawings (20 of them gesture or contour). Basically, Nicolaides intended to make reading this book the equivalent of taking a full year of classes at his school.

If you can pick this up for 20 bucks or less, do it.
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sweetums · member Member # Joined: 10 Aug 2004 Posts: 236

I bought this book back in 1977, and will readily agree, it's NOT for light reading/skimming. But, oh, some of the things you will come away with, even if you can't complete the arduous drawing requirements!
I've always wondered if Drawing with the Right Side of the Brain was much of an improvement over Nicolades... Confused

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tayete · Posted: Wed Oct 13, 2004 7:36 am

Thanks a lot, guys... just a final question: after reading it, did you notice any improvement in drawing things without a model? I mean, "Drawing with the right side..." just makes you improve in *COPYING* what you are watching, so you always need a model or a picture...
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sweetums · member Member # Joined: 10 Aug 2004 Posts: 236

Not so much per se for me, from a technical standpoint, at least. It really changed my way of looking at things, though. I find it much easier to rough out concepts, and appreciate line, shape, and form much more.
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Life is short. Expect nothing, enjoy everything.
That which does not kill you should make you wiser...