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Do any of you use any occupational gadgets to help you paint and draw.

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Hang on Studio Wall
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Michael Robinson

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Do any of you use or know of any gadgets which may help with my painting and drawing? My hand and arm hurts so much holding a pen/pencil is now becoming very uncomfortable, therefore I'm not able to paint and draw.
With Sarah, Phil, Ellen, Rose the dentist, and the granddaughter whose name I forget.

Robert Jones, NAPA

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There are various braces and supports available from disability supply companies which might help a bit - gadgetry actually designed for artists is hard to find, though. I have used a sort of cuff to support my wrist, when I'd injured it - it helped a lot with writing and a bit with typing, but was somewhat restrictive when I tried to draw while wearing it. This may depend partly on what your problem is - if it's RSI, a physiotherapist could probably help you, and recommend supports. If it's osteo- or rheumatoid arthritis: they do tend to flare up in their different ways, and then die down again a bit; sometimes, you just have to wait until you feel up to it. Would a word with your GP help? Or have you tried drawing with a brush and fluid ink - that can be quite relaxing, and not cause too much pain - if, for example, you can just use a pencil for a few minutes but no longer, and then go in with a brush and ink or watercolour to provide the shading. People have found ways, is the most encouraging thing I can say - we have had painters who were obliged to use their mouths, or feet, because they had no hands, or they were too malformed and crippled to be of use to them. Suggestion one: see the GP; suggestion two, look for a physiotherapist or osteopath; and suggestion three, take a look at these companies which supply collars, braces and supports - there are quite a few if you Google them; and suggestion four, try adapting your technique so that you find a means of making marks that enables you to keep working.

Painters-Online Team

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You could also send a letter/email to Leisure Painter - readers often come up with some great tips in response to these sorts of questions!

Michael Robinson

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Thank you for the help.

Michael Robinson

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Thank you for the link.

Ruth Dolan

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Michael, I have problems similar to yours, caused by  Fibromyalgia,  OA and spondylosis, so it's pretty widespread.  I have learned the only way for me is to pace myself and set limits to the amount of time I am in any one position.  Sorry I have only just seen your message on here or I would have left you a reply sooner.  It is very frustrating and I hope you can continue to paint as usual. All the best to you.

Edited
by Ruth Dolan