The Thinking Hand Course is an online course designed to introduce students to the Language of Drawing.
“The hand is the
window to the mind.”
- Immanuel Kant
Course Overview & Objectives
In this course, students will be introduced to the language of drawing through the exploration of The Thinking Hand. Students will learn how to use their hands to express thoughts, ideas, and emotions on paper, using various drawing techniques and tools. Through a series of interactive lessons and activities, students will develop their creative thinking skills and artistic abilities.
The objectives of this course are to help students enhance their observational skills, improve their hand-eye coordination, and build confidence in their ability to communicate visually. By the end of the course, students will have a better understanding of the basic principles of drawing, such as line, shape, form, and composition. Students will also have a portfolio of original drawings that showcase their progress and creativity.
Key Lesson Concepts:
- Introduction to the language of drawing
- Development of creative thinking skills
- Enhancement of observational skills and hand-eye coordination
- Exploration of basic drawing principles
- Creation of a portfolio of original drawings
“A hand is not simply part of the body, but the expression and continuation of a thought which must be captured and conveyed [...]”
- Honore de Balzac
Course Objective:
- To guide students in developing the acquired proficiencies needed to attain the basic ability to draw
- To provide a clear and concise criterion to learning the language of drawing
- To provide an easy to follow; linear; focused; step by step plan to learn the foundations of the basic principles of drawing
- To equip students with the ability to bring the right hemisphere functions into focus
- To transfer the perceptual faculties that are activated by “turning on” the right side of the brain into tangible tasks
- To grant one to see in new ways; thus allowing for those skills to transfer into thinking and problem solving.
- To enhance students’ drawing skills to better communicate ideas
- To incorporate both the theory of art and apply the theory to the practical
“...the hand will find solutions before the mind can even comprehend them.”
- Glenn Murcutt
Course Outcome:
- Students will observe the sub-skill components of drawing, which include the skills to observe edges, space, proportion, perspective and relationships and light and shadow
- Will be able to apply these observational skills in actual drawing
- Provide the foundational linguistical awareness to the drawing process
- Application of those skills to transfer them into thinking and problem solving
- Support drawing skills development to make students a better drawing producer
- To incorporate both the theory of art and apply the theory to the practical
This is a story about us...
Course Curriculum
Who should take this course?
- Students studying a design course - whether it’s architecture, graphic design, product design, etc... and are looking to enhance drawing skills to better develop and communicate ideas
- A design professional looking at enhancing their drawing skills to quickly and easily develop and communicate ideas
- An amateur artist who is looking to develop and grow their drawing skills
- Lovers of art; who would love to understand the visual arts and appreciate it better
- Anyone really! Drawing is not just for the elite few; drawing can enhance anyones life, whether a professional in the corporate world looking to tap into the richness of a right hemispheric mode of thinking, or the general lay person who would love to procure this forgotten and treasured skill, anyone and everyone will get so much out of this course!
"I enjoyed the classes with our instructor. I felt very comfortable as a novice and there was a good balance of praise and critique. The class modules were well structured and easy to follow. I now understand how certain ways of thinking and connection between hand and eye can assist drawing technique. I would like to continue developing my drawing skills as a form of relaxing and creative expression."
- Angela
"This is a great course for all levels. There are lots of exercises in the modules to help you learn to draw as well as understand art theory. Our instructor was very helpful with advice and direction. I would recommend this course to anyone wanting to improve their drawing skills"
- Alison
About Our Instructor
Meet Amalie. She will be accompanying you on your journey through: The Thinking Hand Course - An Introduction to the Language of Drawing.
After working in the Architectural and Design industry for over 10 years and after becoming extremely frustrated with the computer-centric approach to design in the industry, she decided it was time to start her own practice.
As such, the practice was born - and with it - the philosophy: "Drawing is a form of thinking and plays an integral role in the design process at the studio."
After showcasing the very important role that the hand plays in the iteration process through social media, students began filling up her inbox. They expressed a desire to work for the studio as they resonated with the important role that the hand played in the practice.
Thus, The Thinking Hand Institute had come into being. It started off as a passion project, teaching drawing in person on evenings and weekends. After some time, it just made sense to expand this knowledge to a larger audience online.
FAQ
I don't have much time, how long will I have to do the course?
Enrol today and do it at your own pace within a period of six months.
What does the language of drawing mean?
Whenever a person learns a language, they must master what we call, sub-skills in order to master what we call, language. These include, phonetic awareness (knowing that alphabet letters represent sounds), phonics (recognising letter sounds), vocabulary (knowing the meaning of words), fluency (being all to read quickly and smoothly), comprehension (grasping the meaning of what is said). A similar concept applies to the language of drawing. In order to master this language, one must learn the sub-skills of drawing in order to be fluent in the language of draw. This course aims to introduce student to this often forgotten language.
What is the recommended age for 'The Thinking Hand Course - An Introduction to the Language of Drawing?'
The recommended age is 18 plus. We are working on a course for kids, so stay tuned!
I am hopeless when it comes to drawing, can I still take this course?
Of course! This course has been developed to cater to the general lay amateur and is very beginner, so you will hopefully have no trouble following along with the concepts.
Is this an in person or online course?
It is an online course. So you can learn how to draw from the comfort of your own home :)