What does an artist do when her hands becomes a problem because of rheumatoid arthritis or carpal tunnel?      I have just had to face these problem over the past 8 weeks.

I was getting very frustrated being away from painting for so long and decided that there was something I could do about it. After all, I had been a physical therapist for 40 years and had adapted things for my patients on a regular basis...so why not for myself.?

When I finally realized that I could do something, I came up with this idea.


Of course, it was like learning to paint all over again, especially since I am a very detailed person and this isn't really conducive to detail. Maybe in time as I practice, it will improve.

My plan is to drill different size holes in  tennis balls so they will accommodate different size brushes.

Just as I writing this, my mind is racing with all the possibilities. I just realized that I could probably use the same ball for three different sizes. That would definitely take up much less room in my paint box.

I was always told that "where there is a will, there is a way." I think I have found a way to overcome the hand problems I'm developing because of the rheumatoid arthritis and carpal tunnel. I sure hope so because there is an unending list of paintings I want to do before I'm finished.

Feel free to pass this on to others, and if you have any suggestions, I would live to hear them. Just send them to me in the comments section.

If you would like to see more of my paintings and get some painting tips, go to my web site http://www.filarecki.com

Judy