Since I published the original edition of my first book, Drawing on the Right Side of the Brain, in 1979, it has been astonishing to see how far it has traveled around the globe. Clearly, there is a hunger to learn perceptual skills through learning to draw, and we know for a fact that this also has far-reaching effects on thinking skills in general. Learning to draw is valuable, whether or not you choose to pursue a career in the arts. In the complex world in which we live, it is so important that people strengthen their own perceptual skills to see things as they truly are, as well as to appreciate the beauty that is all around us.

This article was published in the Los Angeles Times a few years before Drawing on the Right Side of the Brain was released.

Over the years, through this website, I have received thousands of heartfelt messages from readers. Just today, one came in from a Finnish reader: “Hi, I am from Finland and just wanted to say thank you of the best drawing book I ever seen. I bought it several years ago, but found it again and started just few months ago do exercises. Wonderful book and I just wanted to say thank you.” Another Scandinavian reader sent a message a few days ago. I had met her in Los Angeles many years ago, and on June 21, 2024, she wrote this kind message: “When I got back in Sweden I wrote about our meeting and it effected my teaching ever since. Later I wrote a doctoral thesis in the same academic field. This message is to tell Betty what a precious memory that meeting is. Please send her my best regards.”

I hear from so many wonderful readers in England, France, Italy, Spain and elsewhere in Europe, as well as Eastern Europe and Russia, China and the Far East, India, Mexico, and South America. I love it! Forty-five years ago, when the book was first released, I could never have dreamed how it would be helpful to a global audience. Today, my books are translated into 25 languages.

Wherever you live, and whatever language you speak, I hope you will take the time to learn to draw – you will find so much beauty and joy in the world around you!

~ Betty