by Shirley U Understand Me S.
Member since:
November 6, 2007

LOSING SIGHT OF MY GOALS

February 14, 2008 12:18 AM EST
views: 22 | rating: 10/10 (3 votes) | comments: 15

I have an eye problem that is causing me to go slowly blind. I have been painting for years, but it is becoming increasingly hard as I cannot see clearly. I have been trying to learn to paint on the computer, and even that is difficult to see.

 I did a couple of paintings and some sketches with my eyes closed to see if I will be able to continue after I am totally blind.  This past evening, I did a couple of paintings on the computer with my eyes closed, for the same reason.

I hereby present them for you. The first was to be flowers, but my son said it looked like eyes, so I put eyes, noses and lips in the remainder. Then I tried with another 'canvas' and this time, added butterflys to the flower picture.

I had fun creating them. No, they are not very good, but with my eyes closed? I feel just a little pleased.

Thank you for looking at them.
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Comments: 15

Shirley U Understand Me S. Feb 14, 2008, 12:42am EST
Thank you, Michael for stopping by and for the encouragement.
The doctors don't know why, but my eyes hemorrhage and also other problems are adding to the blurriness that is increasing.

I'll keep in mind what you said about the mind and the medium.
Kate Keeley Feb 14, 2008, 12:51am EST
I also am sorry about your eye problem, but admire the way you are going about seeing without seeing.
Shirley U Understand Me S. Feb 14, 2008, 1:06am EST
Thank you, Kate. you are up early.
Sheila Deeth Feb 14, 2008, 4:15pm EST
Not sure why gather's not letting me see pictures, but I'll try to remember to come back and look again later. I had a favorite uncle who was almost blind, and as a kid I liked to try writing and drawing with my eyes closed, to see if I could be like him.
Shirley U Understand Me S. Feb 14, 2008, 4:19pm EST
Just sent you a message about icons, etc. Hope you get to revisit my painting. I'd like your input.
Sheila Deeth Feb 15, 2008, 2:53am EST
Still can't see my icon, but I can see yours, and see your pictures. Stunning that you did these with your eyes closed, but I really hope it'll be a long time before you need the skill. Does make for neat pictures though - more white space?
Shirley U Understand Me S. Feb 15, 2008, 3:08am EST
The space comes from my not wanting to paint over other things I have already painted. When I'm using pen and paper, I can use my other hand to help me, but in computer painting, it doesn't work very well. My hand can't reach inside and touch the end of the brush.
Thank you for hoping with me. I am still doing some with my eyes on the work, but I want to keep doing some without looking, just in case it comes sooner rather than later. When the weather is nice every day, my son says he will put the paints out on the porch for me to paint in real oils.
Maybe he will scan some in for me to post here. The monkey is one I painted in oils. He says it is a portrait of him.
Hoping your icon returns soon.
Sharon B. Feb 15, 2008, 5:25pm EST
These are great to have been done with your eyes closed. That would really be hard. The second one is especially good as you can see the flowers. With a little practice you could be great. I bet it would be easier on a real canvas where you could at least feel the brush and the texture of the paint etc. Hope you have a good bit of time before your sight goes completely. Saying a prayer for you.
Shirley U Understand Me S. Feb 15, 2008, 5:49pm EST
Thank you, Sharon. I am going to work on my oils again as soon as the weather is warm enough every day to move it on to the porch. Several years ago, my tremors were so bad in my hands, I tried painting with my foot. So, I'm up for experimenting just to keep feeling like I'm not losing everything, And thanks for the line...could be great.....that does wonders for me.
And thanks for the prayers. I believe in them, for sure.
roaa z. Feb 16, 2008, 3:20pm EST
Sorry about your eyes, hope you get well soon.. these are really great pictures.. you must have a great talent to do this with your eyes closed cuz I can't, even with my eyes open.. lol.. GOOD LUCK.
Shirley U Understand Me S. Feb 16, 2008, 7:25pm EST
thank you very much. for your sympathy and your encouragement.
Susan Roberts Feb 17, 2008, 4:27pm EST
You did a great job on your pictures. You have a talent there. I pray that your eyes will get better. I love the way you are doing to get ready for not being able to see. GOD BLESS YOU
Shirley U Understand Me S. Feb 17, 2008, 4:53pm EST
Thank you, Susan.. My new icon...icon of the moment....is one I did a couple of days ago. I call it 'blind tulips'......I alternate between looking while I'm working...and then doing a piece when I don't look.......With all of the encouragement I'm getting here, I am going to keep on trying to improve. And enjoying it all I can.
Sophiya S. Feb 24, 2008, 10:51pm EST
great article

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