I have ‘essential tremors’ and having to try using my ‘less’ dominant hand to do things. I have just about being able to eat with utensils for meals with my less dominant hand because it doesn’t shake as bad. I have always done a little when painting with my less dominant hand, and only doing a few things left-handed. But I don’t know if I can continue using my left hand/arm to do much artwork because it is awkward, but, I’m trying. 1) Have any of you had to start using your less dominant arm/hand because of not being able to work with it, and 2) were you able to do so, and 3) how long does it take for you to master it OR 4) were you able to master it to the point it became natural so you would know to stop using your less dominant hand versus using your dominant hand?
Lenora
ArtistLittleNora.mitchell@gmail.com
(formally lilnora)
Hi Leonora,
Many years ago I was renovating my houses and working with a carpenter. He suggested I use the various tools using both hands. I did this by constantly repeating actions until it felt more natural. It took about 6 months for me to be happy using a hand saw. On the Virtual Instructor are a number of lessons that teach just textures or shading. Those would be the lessons I would repeat with my non-dominant hand. The latest lesson series, Realistic Pencil Drawing, has one of those lessons on how to draw texture.
Hope this helps you to continue to enjoy creating.
Cheers,
Mike Walker
I’ll try that more often. I’ve just about mastered eating with my left hand. I cannot hold a drink up to my mouth except to use both hands. Then my elbows are folded back to my body and I can’t get it to my mouth very easily. My granddaughter says there are utensils that could be used to keep my hands from shaking. I’ve also seen a prosthetic that is like springs that fit over your hand that is supposed to help with tremors, too.
I’m waiting for a canvas that I painted with Titanium White to dry so I can start painting my next project.
Lenora
I’m trying to use my left hand to do things that I would normally do right-handed. So far, eating is a little easier because my left-hand does not shake as bad. I use both hands when I am painting because of shoulder issues, so I am finding that I need to try doing things more left-handed. Getting there, just slow. Lenora
Mike, I will try that - looking at the lessons on textures and shading, I have mastered eating left-handed. I will let you know how it goes, maybe I will be able to find you again on this page.
