Okay, so my first step back to the easel was taken using my iPad, but it was a step in the right direction. I call this baby Knee Bends. It's not a particularly clever title, but I'll remember the image when I see it in my photo file. It's that knee bending contraption the doc ordered. I am not using it as much as I should. It is relentless. Using it as a subject for a still life seemed a better way to put it to use. --It's been a long time since I dabbled with this app. Not too bad if I say so myself.
I love the Baby Step. It reminds me of the old days, when my mother would force me into the barber shop. I sure do hope you heal very quickly!
ReplyDeleteThanks JJ. I'm working on it like crazy.
DeleteMakes me think 'dentist'! Striking image though.
ReplyDeleteAs I said, "baby step." Striking torture machine :-))
DeleteLove the colors and abstract design. good for you!
ReplyDeleteThe iPad is easy to use in the reclining position, to really draw, I have to sit upright in a chair with knees bent 90 degrees. I can't take that position for long, so the iPad will do to satisfy my creative craving. I'm lucky to have one. I just wish I had ordered a stylus. Line control is missing.
DeletewaHi Linda,
ReplyDeleteOkay, my Dear, time to put that "still life" to work! Where's that grit and determination? Kidding...I'm kidding!:) Actually, you remind me of me. After my torn meniscus surgery, I remember the cold-as-ice orthopedic surgeon lowering himself to visit me in the recovery room. He told me I could run a marathon as soon as I felt like it. Hah! Needless to say, I didn't feel like it!
A few days later, I showed up at rehab and proceeded to attempt to perform the exercises demonstrated by the technicians. I may have been "repaired" physically, but psychologically, I wasn't. The fear of re-injuring the knee and feeling that pain again, made it impossible to do as much as they asked. I never returned for the rest of the sessions, opting to take my own sweet time until I was ready.
So, I understand perfectly why drawing an I-pad still life was your choice instead of strict adherence to the regimen you were given. It's almost impossible to perform rehab exercises when you're not mentally ready.
I think you're using the machine exactly right for now. Nobody knows better than you, when the time is right to move forward. Stick with that idea and all will be fine.
Glad to see you are moving forward, artistically and physically.
Sincerely,
Gary
About that machine. The word on the street is some doctors like Thames and some doctors don't. That pretty much gives me the final say, I say. Since I also have a PT coming to the house twice a week putting me through some torturous moves, I say that's enough. I'm a firm believer in PT with moderation--good rest periods in between. Yesterday's session had a brutal effect to the point I couldn't stand any material touching the wound. This morning I am canceling tomorrow's appointment. I need a couple of days to recoup.
DeleteActually, the knee looks good. Swelling is going down, (I measure and compare), and natural color is coming back. I am walking very well and the walker is becoming a nuisance. I think the therapist took advantage of my improved condition and wanting to be done with this, I allowed it and did well. The iPad has been wonderful (even though I'm starting to want to go beyond it's capabilities and replace it with Microsoft's Surface). While I haven't felt like--been able--to sit for long in a chair to draw, I can recline and fiddle about with the paint apps I downloaded. So good enough for now.
haha...Sharon's comment made me laugh...on second look, it DOES look like a dentist chair! I know you will gain strength every day and I'm anxious to hear how you occupy yourself over the next few weeks. Will we be treated to more American history book reviews? (I loved the last one). I got on a kick where I was reading novels about art and artists. Hey...do you want me to send you some art DVD's? I have some I think you'd like! Let me know :)
ReplyDeleteThat sounds wonderful. Thank you. I am antsy. My knee wants to lay around, the rest of me feels like moving around. I haven't had the patience to read--and I'm nearly finished with the 900 plus page book on Washington. I think I'm lacking the feeling of quiet contentment. Meanwhile thank God for this iPad. Art Rage does distract me from the discomfort--any kind of drawing always did.
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