A couple of weeks ago, my main computer began acting up. I spent two days without it in consequence. You might think that’s bad news, and it is. But it’s also good news because I discovered the most comfortable way to draw (for me).
The Most Comfortable Way to Draw
You may recall that I had shoulder pain last summer. A visit to my regular doctor and with a physical therapist revealed that my problem was slouching.
The first treatment was a couple of exercises. They were easy to implement, and I’m still doing them.
The second recommendation was finding better ways of doing the work I have to do. The search started at once, and I promised to update you on progress.
It hasn’t been easy, nor has there been a quick solution.
I didn’t specifically describe everything I tried because most of the most likely options didn’t work. What were they?
Standing at an easel, standing at a drafting table, working with a laptop drawing board. I even tried working with my artwork hanging on a wall!
Some of those things worked better than others. Some didn’t work at all. There isn’t much to write about when something just doesn’t work!
It was looking like what I really needed was an expensive new work station of some kind. That was very discouraging.
The Way I’ve Been Working
For most of the last several years, I’ve worked sitting at my computer desk. My computer is open in front of me with my reference photo showing.
My painting journal is also open so I can make notes. A scanner is connected and sitting within arm’s reach so I can scan my work easily. My artwork lies on the desk in front of me and my pencils are to my right.
It’s all very convenient, but it isn’t always completely comfortable, so I get up whenever I need to scan the artwork and sometimes in between.
After my diagnosis (and failing to find anything better), I continued working that way. But I was more careful about taking breaks and walking laps more often.
A Dark Cloud and a Silver Lining
The dark cloud was losing access to my computer. I’m about to describe the silver lining.
Since my computer was being worked on at the desk where I usually draw, I had to make other arrangements.
The arrangement I alighted upon was the couch in the living room. I arranged my pencils, sharpener, and other tools on the table on the right end of the couch.
I mounted my drawing to the backing from an old, used drawing pad. Then I sat on the couch, with the artwork on my lap and proceeded to draw.
And it worked!
Having the artwork essentially at arm’s length allowed me a better view of it. That was the first surprise.
It was easy to adjust the angle of the drawing just by moving my feet a little bit. If I wanted the drawing horizontal, I stretched my feet out. If I needed more of an angle, I drew them back toward the couch.
My arms were in a more comfortable position, and—the biggest surprise of all—I had no neck or shoulder tightness when I finished!
The bottom line? It’s the most comfortable way to draw of all the options I’ve tried in the last year.
This Should Have Been No Surprise
Why? Because I used to work this way all the time. Even with larger pieces, I sat on the couch to draw. That was just the way things were because I didn’t yet have any better options. The H-frame easel hadn’t yet come into my possession.
I can’t tell you now why I got away from such a comfortable working arrangement, but I’m guessing it had something to do with cats.
Yes, it was definitely a challenge the day I first went back to the couch and has been a challenge every day since. I have to carefully shoo my studio assistants aside when they insist on sitting on my lap.
But if I plan carefully and work during cat nap time, all is good!
Things to Watch For
I still have to be careful of slouching, though I’ve found I slouch less sitting on the couch, than at my desk.
It’s also important to have sufficient lumbar support. And, of course, getting up and walking laps (or doing dishes or whatever) on a regular basis is still important.
But all in all, working on the couch is much more comfortable for me than drawing at my desk.
The Bottom Line
I know that this working arrangement is probably not going to work for everybody. That’s okay.
But for some of us, finding a comfortable couch or chair to sit in and finding a way to work while holding our artwork in our lap is the best solution.
And for some of us (like me), finding the most comfortable way to draw may mean going back to doing things the way we used to!
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Great idea! I used even to paint small wc sitting on my couch when I didn’t have a special place to work. And forgot about it. Now, with age, back aches happen… Thank you for reminding me of this way of working.
Mirian,
You’re quite welcome. I forgot about it, too, until forced to consider it.
And I know all about backaches, too!
Carrie, I can completely relate to your challenge with drawing positions. I have a angled drawing board in front of a window that I’ve enjoyed and still use, but lately have taken to drawing in my lap in my recliner next to an open window while watching my bird feeder and TV. I don’t expect this to work forever, but it has kept me motivated recently and has been surprisingly comfortable on my back. I love that colored pencils are a such wonderful transportable medium!
Deborah,
It’s good to hear from you. Thank you for reading this post and for taking the time to share your experiences.
A recliner would be a great idea, so long as it’s wide enough. I’ve found that my arms need to be positioned naturally for a chair to work, so for now, the couch is best.
We took a short road trip yesterday in a 1998 Chevy Pickup yesterday and it occurred to me that the bench seat in that truck would be perfect for sitting in to draw. How remarkable that idea seems!