Sketching has been a challenge lately. I don’t know how much my MS is affecting me, but because of my struggles with a pen, my sketching has not been as prolific as usual. I haven’t had the regular motivation to capture the world that surrounds me. My hands feel weird, like if I have gloves on all the time. But I was thinking of how happy sketching had always made me feel, so decided to make changes, like ASAP.
I certainly have lost control when handling drawing instruments. In a way I can live with that, as I prefer a looser, more spontaneous style. On the other hand, it is frustrating not being able to command your own linework. When you want to draw something straight and it comes up in an angle. When you want to draw lines a certain length and you get something different. I guess it takes time to get used to. But still, I don’t want to just give up.
Sketching with fountain pens has been a nightmare lately. Holding the pen tends to give me cramps and it drives me nuts when they start skipping because I can’t hold it properly. I basically need to re-learn how to draw. Obviously, I’m not starting from scratch, so that’s going to help. But I need to adapt to my new reality. I think it’s time to switch sketching media.
I need something that doesn’t strain my hands as much. At first I was thinking of using markers and fine liners, as they are pretty reliable with very little maintenance. I gave it a test run a few days ago but my hand was hurting pretty quickly.
Digital sketching is a little easier on my hand. It might not be the same as the real thing, but maybe that’s good. I have enjoyed sketching part-time with the iPad Pro and the Apple Pencil, so I’m actually pretty comfortable sketching with it. So it might be an opportunity to develop my skills with digital media.
What other options do I have? I’ll try direct watercolors. Also I think that ink with brush in a larger format might fit my style. Any suggestions are welcome!