Drawing an upside-down horse stimulates the right side of the brain, which is responsible for visual-spatial processing, creativity, and intuition. This exercise encourages a shift in how you perceive and process the image, offering several key benefits:

​

1. Breaking Symbolic Thinking
Normally, when drawing familiar objects, the brain relies on symbolic representations based on prior knowledge (e.g., “a horse has four legs, a mane, etc.”). This process engages the left hemisphere, which is more focused on logical, language-based thinking. Flipping the image upside down disrupts this automatic thinking and forces the brain to focus on unfamiliar, abstract visual elements, such as shapes and lines. This engages the right hemisphere, which specializes in nonverbal and holistic processing.

​

2. Enhancing Visual-Spatial Skills
The right hemisphere is crucial for understanding spatial relationships and perceiving the bigger picture. When drawing upside-down, your brain shifts away from symbolic thinking and instead focuses on the composition and structure of the object. This strengthens your ability to see and interpret the spatial relationships between different parts of the drawing, improving your overall visual-spatial skills.

​

3. Boosting Creativity
By forcing your brain to approach drawing in a new way, you engage more creative thought processes. The brain is no longer operating on autopilot, as it has to reconfigure its approach to interpreting the image. This can lead to increased creativity, as you step away from conventional representations and begin thinking in a more abstract way. This process can also enhance problem-solving skills and foster innovative thinking.

​

4. Fostering Focus and Mindfulness
Drawing upside down requires more attention and concentration. As you focus on the shapes, angles, and proportions, you're less likely to fall into familiar, automatic thinking patterns. This heightened focus encourages mindfulness, helping you stay present and engaged in the activity. It can be a meditative process, promoting relaxation while still stimulating cognitive function.

​

5. Improving Artistic Skills
The exercise of drawing upside down strengthens your ability to observe accurately. By focusing on shapes and relationships rather than preconceived ideas, you learn to see objects more clearly and with greater detail. This leads to improved hand-eye coordination and accuracy in your drawings, which enhances your overall artistic ability.

​

Task:

Print the document - Upside Down Horse, and place the printout in front of you. Make sure the horse is upside down to where you are seated. Using a pencil and an A4 blank sheet of paper, draw the horse upside down, using the print out as your reference.