I can't paint any more!

[ElizaLeahy]

Two years ago I had a big show that was part of a study done by a lady for her thesis about artists who have a mental illness, and the stress of it all (the whole year, not just the show) meant I took a 2.5 year break from art.

Recently I've felt the need to paint again. So I set up...

And discovered that my tremor, which I've always had, is now so bad I can hardly get the paint brush onto the canvas!

I struggled through these two studies

http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/27-Jun-2011/4490-0001.jpg

http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/27-Jun-2011/4490-0002.jpg

but it was really hard work that took a lot longer then it use to. Find details were beyond me.

Does anyone else here tremble? Do you have any suggestions on how to cope with it?

Anything at all would be helpful, thanks.

[ArtyRolina]

(((hugs))), I understand about the stress, my last year at university nearly killed me, stress-wise, it was horrible!

I know two artists who have shakes, one has parkinsons and he used to be a sign-writer. He uses a mahl stick a lot and that seems to help him, plus he uses his non-dominant hand to support the one holding the brush.

The other lady has very severe tremors and she receives injections to stop it. Unfortunately, they wear off and the shakes come back regularly. She doesn't use any special techniques and her paintings are amazing. She says that when she is concentrating on a painting, the tremors reduce and watching her, that is true. She also uses soothing music, makes sure her blood sugar levels are up and even uses scented candles to relax her.

If it were me, I wouldn't concern myself with painting tiny details and would paint loose, with big brushes/strokes.

Your paintings are lovely and I am sure with a few adaptations you will be able to continue. I hope so, the art world would be the poorer without your superb work!

Edited to add this link (http://www.tremor.org.uk/having-et-doesnt-stop-you-being-and-artist.html).

[DaveGhmn]

Your color sense is excellent, and unless told about it, I would not have divined any tremor in the artist. I agree with Rolina - fast and loose might be exactly the right thing. (Great link, too, Rolina!)

Richard Schmid has a great alternative to the traditional mahl stick. He simply hooks a cheap wooden cane over his top easel bar and steadies the cane with his non-brush hand. More here (though in the photo, the cane is at rest, not being used): http://www.mollyporter.com/?p=114

I have a nifty wood hand rest, http://www.jerrysartarama.com/discount-art-supplies/painting-supplies/mahl-sticks/ez-rest-painting-handrest.htm However, it's not steady in and of itself... you still need your non-painting hand to make it work.

Had I tried the Schmid cane trick before ordering, I would not have bought the hand rest. But I still use the handrest for some passages, since it provides a solid platform for the whole hand.

[dcorc]

Eliza - you really ought to seek advice from your doctor.

Since you say that you've always had tremor, but that its getting worse, it is possible that this is "essential tremor" - in which case there are straightforward treatments for it which can reduce it. :)


Dave

[ElizaLeahy]

Thank you for the suggestions and the links.

I'm pretty certain that my shake is due to epilepsy medication I'm on. I've spoken to my doctor about it (it was preventing me from playing the harp) and he gave me some medication which was suppose to stop it, but not to be taken for any length of time (like, I couldn't take it daily). It didn't work very well anyway, but my harp and I worked something out between us, and now she shakes with me ;)

All I have to do now is get my paintings to shake with me and we'll be set!

Maybe I need to work larger?

[autolisp]

I have a friend with Parkinson's. The only time he does not tremble is when he is painting! If your tremble is in your hand/fingers, would the use of some sort of fitted wrist support restrict hand movement and the shaking? If it works you may be able to use free arm movements to get the brushstrokes.

autolisp

[!becca]

This must be so frustrating...but I suggest you keep experimenting until you find a solution. I am certain you can.

[mariposa-art]

I'm so sorry to hear this! My good thoughts will be with you.

I do agree with others who say that we can't detect any flaws or evidence of tremor in the paintings you showed us. I agree that painting looser, or using a mahl stick or something to help stabilize would be a place to start. Your paintings, as-is, are very good, so while it must be frustrating to struggle with the tremor, the fact is that your finished work still looks good. :thumbsup:

[Ms Nan]

I use an old large T-square as a hand rest. It rests on the upper part of my easel and also on the lower section, allowing me to steady my hand without getting into the adjacent paint. Keep at it, as your paintings are beautiful.

[tuzigoot]

It's possible that QiGong or TaiChi could help you. Contact an acupuncturist. And btw, your work is really lovely. All of the above advice sounds right to me.

[marionh]

Your paintings are lovely. I particularly like that first one. It would be a pity if you had to stop painting. I hope you find a solution to your problem.

[ElizaLeahy]

Thank you all for your replies. I'm working on a landscape tonight using lots of the hints you gave, and from the links as well. I'm painting bigger, further away, using a stick to support my arm, painting from a photo in my lounge where I am relaxed, it's also after dinner and my most relaxed time of day. I'm using large brushes and not worrying about detail. I'll show you when it's finished.

I just have to rethink my style - I'm no longer a miniaturist, now I'm a minimalist!

[ElizaLeahy]

http://www.wetcanvas.com/Community/images/28-Jun-2011/4490-006.jpg

I'm not big on landscapes, but this is bigger then I'm use to, although not huge. Largest canvas I had on hand, just a cardboard canvas, 16" x 20"

[Ron Francis]

I think it is a good solution to paint bigger and with less detail.
Also, I much prefer the latest painting.
Well done!

Do both you hands shake?
If not then why not learn how to paint with the other?
It is challenging but very rewarding when you can forget that your using your 'off' hand.

I wish you all the luck in the world.

[tomasis]

I think it is a good solution to paint bigger and with less detail.
Also, I much prefer the latest painting.
Well done!

I wish you all the luck in the world.

i agree! well done with that last! want to see more :wave:

[DaveGhmn]

Your latest is excellent! The play of light is marvelous and the ground plane -- sand, maybe? -- is great.

[ElizaLeahy]

Ochre is a good colour for good old Aussie dirt, because that is mostly what it is!

[NancyMP]

Your paintings look great, especially that last one. While my friends do small paintings, I feel better working large.

But there's nothing wrong with the nudes, either!

[ArtyRolina]

Woo-hoo - you have found your groove! It is a super painting and I am so glad that you are not going to give up painting.