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Paul (Dixie) Dean

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Some of you will know that I have had problems  with my hands for quite some time unfortunately it going to get worse . So I have to make some changes to enable me to carry on sketching and painting the thought of not doing either is awful and not painting or sketch is not a option as far as I’m concerned. The issue is that I cannot grip the brushed firm enough or for more  than ten minutes without it becoming painful. Im having treatment and they can slow down the process but eventually my left hand in particular will curl up quite tight.  I have the option of doing nothing and being miserable or get off my butt and finding out how I continue with my artwork.  Firstly I needed to look closer at how I do things ie hold a brush etc, and look at other ways of holding them. For a long time now I have used a old pillowcases folded to make a rest for my hand when sketching or painting was white now multi coloured. I discovered that by having the eagles at the right angle I can rest on it and still have a tilted working surface. I was having treatment at the hand clinic on Thursday and scrounge some fine foam tubbing that fits over my pencils and brushes perfectly. The deal with the OT is that I feed back how it works and to run a workshop for the staff at a later date. I cut the some into roughly one inch strips and slid the on the brush, moving them back and forth until the suited me . The result was excellent and within half an hour I had mastered the hold and could do most of the movement I needed . I’m posting this in the hope  that others who have similar problems shard their experience and those that are struggling look at ways of solving the issues they face. Please do feel free to ask questions and make suggestions, clean ones only please. A couple of photos and one of the current painting in doing using the adapter brushes , it a bit different from my usual style but I think is acceptable and it one I can develop.o

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by Paul (Dixie) Dean

Sylvia Evans

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Well that pic is a little masterpiece Paul.    Bill had little or no control over his hands because of his paralysis .  I used  felt tip pens and layers of masking tape wrapped around the centre to help give him something to grip.  It worked to an extent and he could sign his name .   Keep looking for remedies ,obscure things can help and the OTs are usually great.   Keep at it.  

Tessa Gwynne

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I so admire your determination Dixie, and the foam strips look a really good idea. OT and physio people are pretty good at finding aids to help all sorts of problems.  The idea that you will do a class for them is absolutely great!  Good luck with it all, and I always enjoy seeing your paintings so long may they continue. 

Norrette Moore

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My sympathies, Paul. Puts the odd painful day I have in perspective. Great that you have such a positive view and to share your solution. (and I really like the palette you are using for the picture)

Sylvia Evans

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experience Hover to zoom Have one to sell? Sell it yourself Shop with confidence eBay Money Back Guarantee Get the item you ordered or get your money back. Learn more- eBay Money Back Guarantee - opens in a new window or tab Seller information 444eew (4896)  100% positive Feedback Save this seller Contact seller Visit Shop See other items Registered as a business seller Soft grip for pencils, paint brushes, pens etc good for fingers with arthritis 6 product ratings  Condition: NewNew Quantity: More than 10 available614 sold / See Feedback Price: £2.00 Add to basket Watch this item 43 watchers Posts from United Kingdom 614 sold Collect 2 Nectar points Redeem your pointsfor Nectar - opens in new window or tab | Conditionsfor Nectar - opens in new window or tab Postage: Free 3 day postage Get it between Wed, 1 Jun and Sat, 4 Jun | See detailsfor postage Located in: Canterbury, United Kingdom Returns: 14 days refund | Buyer pays for return postage | See details- for more information about returns Payments:    

Sylvia Evans

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Copied from eBay 

Denise Cat

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Your painting is coming along beautifully Paul. I think the physio's will gain a lot of information from you that will be helpful to pass on to other patients that might have similar problems. Also, they may have a brain wave and go on to develop more usable aids by you, explaining your difficulties.
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Paul (Dixie) Dean

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Thank you for your very kind comments Sylvia , Tessa and Norrette.  I’m a bit embarrassed as I hadn’t though of people being so kind , my aim was  tho highlight the fact that disabilities can be overcome and there is a solution to most things . I think when you love doing something so much you will find ways of doing it . Hopefully others will join in and shard how they have overcome a difficulty and offer practical solutions for  all of use to try out.  Without naming them I know there are several fellow artists that have similar problems , l have a great respect for their artwork and their determination to continue its this sharing that pushes us on to continue . 
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Paul (Dixie) Dean

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Thank you Denise ,I am looking forward to working with them I’m sure it will be great fun as well as educational for all taking part . The OT and Physio  I spoke with are really keen to get started and want to experience the different ways of doing things , non are artist so that should be fun to start with . 
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Lewis Cooper

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An interesting read Dixie.  I've been having problems with my hands, but nothing as severe as you're experiencing.  It's astonishing that you can produce such good work.  You personify the 'where there's a will, there's a way' ethos. My problem is shaky hands...maybe I'm going doolally...hopefully it's just old age.  I got so fed up with it recently I decided to 'step away' from all art for a month.   Can't say it made much difference.  This coincided with some bad family news, so maybe it was more my mindset than anything else. I find I need to work larger now, I can't manage the smaller bits.   I've been working on an A2 pic, but it was to be full of small bits and pieces, so it'll end up with far less than I intended.   If it 'end's up' at all. I've been thinking of making such pictures in separate bits so that I can work 'larger', then assembling all the bits as one image in photoshop.   This wouldn't suit everyone.  The final image would only exist as a digital file.  No problem for me, I'm not interested in selling pics.  Maybe I'll try one and see how it goes. So keep going Dixie, you're an inspiration.
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Marjorie Firth

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When we do something we love ( in this case, art ) it seems unthinkable to give it up because of various problems. I do admire the fact that people persevere, the results are always worth it. And it’s amazing that little inventions, even our own, come in useful. Sharing tips and giving advice is so helpful, supporting each other is a lovely thing.
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Paul (Dixie) Dean

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You need to do what is best for you Lew and as you said your not selling them anyway, that’s  me as well don’t sell normally but did just recently. Your artwork is superb and I have always admired it , hopefully your recent bad news etc is past and you can get back to the easel again . I’m aware that you like several other artists on the site have shaking hand but you all  get on with your artwork . As to been a inspiration to be honest with you I do what I do for me , I’m a bit of a selfish bugger, if it helps others then that is a bonus but thank you for the compliment Lew . I’m getting like our good friend Michael Edwards cringe at the back patting , but it does have its place , sorry Michael for involving you in the discussion without asking. 
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