An enhanced observation method using your sense of touch coupled with gesture drawing.
We predominately observe an object with our sense of sight. As such, we do not detect many aspects of the object that can only be observed via our sense of touch. If we observe an object using more than just our sense of sight, and include the sense of touch (haptics), we begin to gather a lot more data about the three-dimensional form and volume of the object, and as a consequence begin to observe and understand it more completely.
I have developed a novel method of observation (which includes the act of drawing or 'mark-making') that I teach to people who have never drawn before, including medical students, clinicians and anatomy educators. I teach this method in a workshop environment that is focused, dynamic and fun. The outcome is real learning and growth and a sense of excitement and accomplishment.
Course participants will be introduced to the value of observation using a multi-sensory method which crucially involves the sense of touch in addition to sight, coupled with the simultaneous act of drawing. The haptic information that we gather about the form and volume of an object is re-presented in marks on paper.
By observing in this way one literally begins to notice more of the object.
In this course, each participant will be guided through a series of exercises that will enable them to practice this method. The result is that each participant will be able to observe and draw capably using this approach.
Many people think that they can’t draw and that only the ‘gifted’ or talented can draw. This is a fallacy. In this workshop this belief is entirely upended and every individual’s potential and ability to draw is realized. Anyone can be guided towards their ability to observe and draw, and it continues to be my experience that every person that I have taught can draw, and draw well. Drawing is fundamentally the making of marks on paper through upper-limb and hand gestures i.e. the moving of your arm and hand with a pencil (a drawing instrument) in it.
NOTE: You need absolutely NO drawing experience to participate in this workshop.
The Haptico-visual Observation and Drawing (HVOD) method and CPD short-course.
Leonard Shapiro ORCiD
Leonard Shapiro, B.Soc.Sc., B.A. Fine Art (Hons), teaches a multi-sensory observation method which crucially includes the sense of touch, coupled with the act of drawing. This is called the Haptico-visual Observation and Drawing (HVOD) method.
The application of the HVOD method results in a greatly enhanced level of observation of the form and detail of a 3-dimensional object (such as an anatomical part), as well as the cognitive memorization of it as a 'mental picture'. The application of this method also results in improved spatial orientation within the volume of an anatomical part.
Leonard teaches HVOD courses to University of Cape Town (UCT) health science students as part of their study of anatomy, and offers a UCT certificated, continuing professional development course in HVOD, to health-care professionals.
Leonard has taught this method at Newcastle University (UK) as well as King’s College London (The Gordon Museum of Pathology).
His research interests include human observation of 3D objects and anatomical parts using touch, sight, and drawing, and the application of HVOD for the resolution of specific spatial orientation challenges.
For more information and to book a workshop, please email: [email protected]
Presenting Professor Alp Numanoglu, Head of Paediatric Surgery at Red Cross War Memorial Children's Hospital, with his UCT, HVOD Certificate
Observation workshops for medical students and UCT certificated CPD short-course for medical professionals.
Observation studies of the base of the skull by UCT MBChB students during a HVOD workshop.
UCT MBChB students observing the 3D form of a hammer and humerus using the HVOD method.
Following on from hammer and humerus studies, UCT MBChB students using the HVOD method to study upper limb prosections, during a HVOD workshop.
Collaborative Academic Research
Poster on observational drawing as an educational approach and combining the best of the ORDER (Observe, Reflect, Draw, Edit, Repeat) and HVOD observation methods. Anatomy Society Winter Meeting 2016, King's College, London.
Poster presentation on evaluation of data generated by HVOD workshops at the School of Medical Education, Newcastle University and the Division of Clinical Anatomy and Biological Anthropology, University of Cape Town. Association for Medical Education in Europe (AMEE) Conference, 2017, Helsinki. Poster by Kallpana Dhas. (Click on image to open as a pdf).
View the workshop data here
Keenan ID, Shapiro, L. 2017. "Teaching anatomists to draw: observational drawing as an educational approach." In Anatomical Society Winter meeting, King's College London, London 2016, 445-68. Journal of Anatomy.
(Click on image to open as a pdf).
A 3-day HVOD workshop attended by anatomists from various parts of the United Kingdom, held at Newcastle University School of Medical Education.
Workshops for BA Fine Art students
BA Fine Art students attending a 10 day drawing workshop and learning the HVOD method, UCT Michaelis School of Fine Art.
Observation and drawing workshops for non-university participants.
Drawing workshop at the Institute for Creative Arts (ICA), University of Cape Town.
