From surgery to cast to imprimatura
 

I haven't been around (except for reading) because I had joint replacement surgery on my right/dominant hand three weeks ago. It will be three more weeks in a cast and then four to six weeks physical therapy before I will be able to paint again. You can imagine the desperate, insane, wanting I have to paint.

So now that I have the use of my four fingers (sticking out of the cast) I decided today to try an imprimatura. I was able to draw the figures with my left hand (very suprised, actually) and wipe out the highlights and lights with my right index finger and a rag. Here are my first efforts...thanks for looking. Perhaps you can image my excitement to be doing ANYTHING in oils!!!!!!!!!!!

Pat, I am so impressed by what you accomplished in your handicapped state! I would be going crazy if I had my hand in a cast. It really makes you think about what people must go through when they lose the use of their dominant hand and have to learn to paint (or even write) with their other hand.

Thanks, Alexandra. It is very frustrating, but my idle hours (many) have been spent in museums and my nose in art books. And I am working on my business plan and entering contests. But life without painting, I cannot imagine. I will never take my right hand for granted ever again.

I have been having pangs of repetitive motion stuff. A bit of tingling and numbness, more when I am surfing the web but it interferes with painting. I was contemplating what I could do with a stick tied to my hand like Renoir. I have also grabbed a brush with my left when I was tired....lots more BRAIN than muscle involved in that process. The result of your effort is very much worth it. Looks quite like you had things under control.

I think, as you are recovering and NOT supposed to do anything, moves patiently and you will produce great things until the GOOD hand comes back.

Wow, to think you may end up ambidextrous when your are done... cool!
dj*

Debra,
Please get better! You are so gifted, I've always admired your work.

It's a really lovely beginning. There's everything there a painting needs: life, mastery and magic in the paint strokes, composition, focus, and it is all working so well. It will probably do you more good (mentally, intellectually) than not, having to use your left hand for an extended period, and I am sure you end up freer in your creative attitude.

Thanks, Thomasin. I'm feeling freed up from having to "perform", just messing around, having some frustrated, fun! Today I am going to try drawing which will be harder than this painting was. At least I am working my eyes and attempting hand coordination is better than sitting around frustrated....

Thank you for your good wishes, and I am excited to see what you do next. Remember, be patient with yourself. I can feel your frustration. I discuss with my friends, there are things we can do and things we MUST do. I don't think some people understand that in artists. Even if we have had the luxury to do it all our lives as a hobby, it is gift we sort of take for granted unless we are unable. At that point it is no longer a gift it is a mandate.

I will watch your progress and become a cheer leader! But be kind to yourself. It is all new!

dj*

I guess it is true that some people have more talent in their little finger than others could ever aspire to! What a wonderful feeling it is to overcome a hand-icap and be able to create something while you are recovering from your surgery! Pretty impressive!

Thank you for the support and positive remarks, Debras!!