Illuminara

Program: Drawing with the Third Eye

I offer art-based programs and workshops for individuals and groups of all ages.

CREATIVITY IS ABOUT BEING INTUITIVE!

One of the most uplifting and thrilling workshops I offer, developed over several years, is Gestures: Drawing with the Third Eye. The idea behind this is to learn to use your eyes to see the subject before you a little differently. “Seeing” a subject (a living, breathing human being, posing), and going into a visual free fall of self-trust, allowing yourself to absorb visual information rapidly, and act on it by allowing your hand to make marks quickly to express the information you have gathered about that living person standing before you is what this is all about. The “Third Eye” aspect of this means that you do not block information your field of vision receives. As you practice seeing in this intuitive way, you make marks based on that intuitive knowledge your eyes offer, before editing your thoughts and allowing self critique to take over.  In this exercise, you are to draw based on seeing and feeling, or sensing what the person you are drawing is feeling (which is expressed in the gesture). Drawing with the third eye is to capture someone’s essence as seen in their gesture after truly regarding them from the heart. It is thrilling! And the best part about this is that we are making marks which are ultimately compassionate. That person you draw matters, and we honor ourselves in putting our marks on paper, without self-editing first out of fear of being “wrong” or “bad at drawing”. This exercise is about compassion and intelligence. Yours, mine, and everyone present.

“Elaine has collaborated with the Westport Public Library’s Children’s Department to bring drawing programs for children in a new and exciting way. Elaine combines her artistic talents with a unique ability to inspire people to unleash their creativity in a dynamic and supportive environment. Everyone had a great time—can’t wait to have her back!”

Most of the marks made by children in school are subject to scrutiny and grading, which can create a fear of expression and hinder young writers and artists, leading to writer’s block and self-esteem issues. This fear or lack of self-esteem around writing usually does not just go away, and can literally block adults from thinking they are capable as writers or artists or creators of their world. In this exercise, we unlock the fear of being judged, and encourage the making of marks based on our unedited, first response knowledge, trusting our minds, feelings and skills to guide the way. This exercise helps students claim their feelings and thoughts, without judgment in order to develop a strong voice, which is essential to becoming a writer or abstract thinker of any kind.

Gestures: Drawing with the Third Eye is effective, fun and mind-expanding for all ages. I have done this workshop with college students and pre-schoolers, large and small groups, and for individuals who wish to develop their creative skills. All levels of awareness are heightened and in group sessions, working as a team to encourage everyone in this activity is one of its strengths. This exercise encourages cooperation, respect and joy in self discovery, the discovery of others and their experiences.

To book a Gestures: Drawing with the Third Eye session, use the email form on the About/Contact page, or call (203) 557-3890. See you at the easel!