Drawing on the Right Side of the Brain Workshop:
Taught by Lisbeth Firmin
September 12 through 15, 2023

 

For many of us, drawing seems to be a mysterious process, reserved for the few who are “talented,” but the work of Drawing on the Right Side of the Brain has debunked this myth, and proved that anyone can learn how to draw.

An intensive combination of lectures, demonstrations, and studio exercises that packs a semester-long art course into five days, this workshop, led by full-time painter/printmaker Lisbeth Firmin, is designed to develop the perceptual skills necessary for drawing with confidence and has proven valuable both for people who feel they have little talent for drawing, and for those wishing to expand their abilities. 

Students will explore the relationship of drawing to the specialized functions of the right- and left-brain hemispheres, based on the pioneering work of Dr. Betty Edwards. In a carefully sequenced process, they will learn the basic strategies of “seeing” that enable one to draw with a high degree of skill and produce finished drawings of high quality. Through these exercises, people unlock their creative side and begin to ‘see’ in a whole new way.

As a group, students will do several drawing exercises a day, each day presenting a new challenge. Ms. Firmin will demonstrate all exercises beforehand and there will be a group critique of all the work after completion of each. Ms. Firmin will act as a skillful, positive guide throughout the process, encouraging each student to reach his or her max creative goals.

 

RESERVE MY SPOT!

 HI! I AM KRISTI STANGELAND AND I’M EXCITED TO HOST LISBETH FIRMIN, OUR RETREAT LEADER FOR DRAWING ON THE RIGHT SIDE OF THE BRAIN!

Hi, I’m Kristi Stangeland, founder of My ParaVita, a company that helps busy women find balance, wellness and a sense of achievement in all they do. As your retreat host, I am blessed to meet wonderful women teachers like Lisbeth.

Lisbeth Firmin is a contemporary American realist known for her urban landscapes. For over five decades her work has been in hundreds of solo and group show across the country and internationally. Honors and awards include inclusion in” “New Prints 2018/Winter, IPCNY, “2017 North American Print Biennial”, 2017 solo exhibition at University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, a 2017 Printmaking Residency @ Scuola Internazionale di Grafica, Venice, Italy, Printmaking Residency  @ Tides Institute in Eastport ME, 2016, a NYFA Fellowship (2007), Pollock-Krasner Grant (1999), full fellowships to the MacDowell Colony, National Seashore Residency, the Vermont Studio Center and Saltonstall Arts Colony.

Her paintings and prints are in several public collections including the New York Historical Society, Provincetown Art Association & Museum, Munson Williams Procter Arts Institute, Arnot Museum, Tides Institute and Museum of Art, Fleming Museum, University of Texas, Cape Cod Museum, and Hofstra University. Firmin moved from downtown NYC in 2000 to a small village in upstate NY, where she paints every day. 

Lisbeth Firmin is an accredited teacher for Drawing on the Right Side of the Brain and was trained by Dr. Betty Edwards. She has taught dozens of Drawing on the Right Side of the Brain workshops for more than 25 years.

“Here at DRSB, I have been so glad that Lisbeth Firmin continues to teach our five-day workshop at retreat centers around the country.  Beth was part of our early small staff when we were still working out the teaching methods and sequences for our workshop.  She is a wonderful artist and teacher and she embodies the most important requirement for teaching drawing: she herself has wonderful drawing skills.  She will have you drawing in five days.”

—Dr. Betty Edwards

“I can’t recommend Lisbeth Firmin’s Drawing on the Right Side of the Brain enough.  I took her workshop at 1440 Multiversity twice. She is a terrific teacher and lovely person who is able to support and foster the abilities of a very diverse group of students. The most important part of this workshop for me was the immersion experience wherein we focused all day on our creative work. I was a total beginner with no innate artistic talent, yet I felt so good about the process and what I learned.  As a psychotherapist, I particularly appreciated Lisbeth’s ability to support each of us individually as well as to create a collaborative and very warm group learning experience.“

—Gretchen Hoskins, MA, MFT, Director, MARIN THERAPY CENTER

Don’t think that you are an artist or can draw?

Try this simple exercise and be amazed.
Show me!

 Early Bird Discount Until August 15.
  ($450 USD class fee plus $1,490 for a shared room for two with two beds. Private rooms at $1,790)

 

 

Click Below To Reserve Your Spot Today!
($300 deposit)

Secure my spot today!

WHAT IS INCLUDED AS PART OF THE WEEKEND?

 

Lush Accommodations

Every room offers plush bedding, warm honey-hued woods and take-your-breath-away views of the fabulous Rangeley Lake.

Outdoor Activities

From water sports, including kayaks and paddle boards, to hiking and optional “field trips” including a lake cruise, there is something for everyone during free time.

Gourmet Fare

We prepare fresh foods daily for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Savor delicious fare that is prepared from the heart.

Spa Services

Our spa services include:

  • Massage treatments
  • Jacuzzi with lake views
  • Newly installed sauna

Stay an Extra Night on Us!

Your 4th night is free (lodging only). Arrive a day early or stay an extra day to enjoy the breathtaking scenery.

Additional Classes

Morning meditation or Qi Gong sessions are offered along with daily yoga.

“You start off as a group of strangers and end up with a family of deeply connected kindred spirits.” 

Christine P.
Former Healthcare Marketing Executive at Zimmer of Canada and Eli Lilly of Canada

 Early Bird Discount Until August 15.
  ($450 USD class fee plus $1,490 for a shared room for two with two beds. Private rooms at $1,790)

 

 

 

Click Below To Reserve Your Spot Today!
($300 deposit)

 

Secure my spot today!

THIS ALL SOUNDS GREAT BUT…

How do I get to Rangeley?
Transfers are available from Portland, Boston and Montreal or enjoy a scenic drive to Rangeley, traveling a route that scales the Appalachian Mountains ridgeline before dropping into rolling valleys and hills. Just be sure to keep an eye out for moose that frequent the region’s roadsides to feed on tender grasses, leaves and branches!

We are only 4.5 hours by car from Boston or Montreal. Portland, Maine is two hours away.

I have special food requirements.

No worries! There are many gluten-free options for breakfast. Lunch and dinner can be modified for vegetarians & vegans.

I'm so busy!
Happiness experts tells us that we derive the most lasting pleasure from experiences. So give yourself an amazing gift this summer – a retreat at an extraordinary destination that will spark your spirit.

 

 

 Early Bird Discount Until August 15.
  ($450 USD class fee plus $1,490 for a shared room for two with two beds. Private rooms at $1,790)

 

 

 

Click Below To Reserve Your Spot Today!
($300 deposit)

 

Secure my spot today!

Copyright © 2020 My ParaVita. All Rights Reserved. Privacy | Terms of Service | Contact Me