Painting With Non-Dominant Hand // TSW Channel Update

Hi guys! Today I decided to do a draw with your left hand challenge. The reason why I’m doing this though is not specifically because of the challenge itself, but rather to just film something to feel productive after a really bad eczema flair up on my right hand which made it very painful and stiff as I’m unable to bend or move my fingers.

From a lot of research, I think that this flair up was due to topical steroid withdrawal as I’ve been clear for a couple of months without the use of steroid creams (that I’m aware of now). And by the time I flaired up and unknowingly used a high potency cream, it no longer helped in any way. I know this sounds vague but I’ve been dealing with this skin condition for around 13 years now, I tried different methods which worked then it stopped working.. It’s all very complex but I really tried to explain my current condition in the video, so hopefully it makes sense.

With this decision that I’ve made to go cold turkey on steroids, this will of course affect my channel as my eczema is the most severe on my right hand, which is my dominant hand. So I hope that I can keep this channel going and in days where I can tolerate the pain to bend my fingers, I’ve decided to paint wearing gloves.

I hope you guys understand, and I hope that none of you are going through the same ordeal as me, however if you are, I’ll list a few links which helped me to understand TSW a bit more.

Chinese cream that I’ve been using and the dangers

Cloud Inspiration and Reference

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TOOLS:
Brush: V-tec size 2, Reeves size 14
Paint: WN Designer Gouache
Paper: Arto 200gsm

MUSIC:
Sunshower by Latasha From Youtube Audio Library

[lorihill]

First off Nia—the painting is beautiful ... and so are you! I’m sorry you have to suffer with eczema as that must be very difficult. I applaud you for continuing to put out videos. Life is about dealing with the hand we’re dealt and you seem to be dealing with this the best you can. Wear the gloves or don’t wear the gloves—I’ll be tuning in as you share your talent and time with us (and I suspect a lot of your other loyal followers will too). 👏❤️

[pinkflamingo]

Thanks for sharing. What an incredibly painful journey you are on. Please accept my heartfelt prayers for finding a solution, daresay cure. Thanks too for sharing your talent with us. Your videos are always a delight to watch and educational to top it off. Feel better. 🌺

[BambiCapriccio]

You'll recover from this! I believe it!
I can empathize as someone who has dyshidrosis and being literally allergic to my own sweat. It's frustrating when skin diseases hinder daily life. Take your time and recover. The process will be slow but it definitely will become better in time. We'll patiently wait for you. :)

[KimCarmenWalsh]

You are such a sweetheart and a wonderful artist and teacher 💜 sending love and hugs. I know from personal experience when I was younger, skin conditions are very uncomfortable, but you have such a fantastic attitude, thank you for sharing lovely 💖

[donnacarraway]

Oh Nia, I am so sorry about your condition! I can’t believe how well you painted a beautiful picture left handed!! I too have had a chronic condition most of my life and really the only advice that I can give is to try to stay positive and seize the good things when they are there! It can be very difficult! I am so proud of you for figuring out a way to go on when most people would have given up on the painting long ago! Best of luck and I am so glad that you are smart enough to do your research! I love watching you paint, it’s like magic coming to life before my eyes and yes it does help me to forget about my condition for awhile!! Thank you so very much!!💕💕💕

[balsemsaid]

I cant even do that with my dominant hand. URE SO TALENTED!! 😍❤️

[barbaram]

Thank you for explaining. I thought that was why I've seen you wearing a glove. My 4 year old grandson has eczema. It was bad as a baby but has improved a lot. My daughter takes extra precaution for his skin. I hope yours continues to improve and you never have such a painful flare up again.

[marinawade]

Thank you for the beautiful work. I hope you'll find a way of coping with your skin condition and that it will clear up soon. A big hug!

[joyceburton]

I sorry you are dealing with the eczema. My grandson has it but so far it is under control. I wish you all the best in finding something that will help to ease the condition and hopefully something that will alleviate it. Love your videos. They are wonderful as are your paintings. Sending hugs and prayers for the help you and many others need. Keep up the good work!

[shamardaniel]

I’m glad to see that you at least found what was causing the flare-ups. Wish you well!

[mumstheword]

This painting is so beautiful! So sorry you're suffering this horrible eczema 😢😢 and that it impedes on your painting activities. Won't be tired of your explanation or update on your condition! I do have some eczema myself. Very itchy and around private places. Groin and further 😔 I've worn out patches on underwear, pyjamas, jeans from scratching 😣 As a child, teenager I had hives. Wasn't allowed to swim as pressure on the skin could make me pass out. Seems i outgrew that. I'm still privileged tho as I can't imagine what it is to have such blistering and peeling. And on your precious hands, so integral to your livelihood. Praying you get relief soon. Love, Isobel xxx

[suehushin]

Nia...I’m so sorry you suffer with eczema. I had it as a child and teenager quite severely on my legs and elbows. Sometimes I had flair ups on my hands. It was painful and I remember being so embarrassed. As I got older, the flairs diminished and by my 20’s they all but disappeared. I hope you grow out of it too. Your talent in art and teaching has been so helpful to me. You have such a soothing style of teaching. I wish you all the best.

[toottoot]

I wish you make a speedy recovery!
I have hyperhidrosis which causes blisters on my palms and feet which hurt so I'm able to relate a bit. It's real annoying not being able to do things properly.
I hope things work well for you!

[mmmk]

Oh wow. I was so sad and depressed because my eczema is in my joints and my most recent flare up lasted so long and it was so painful to bend my arms and it cracked and oozed and ugh it was so horrible. I really applaud you for having the strength to make videos and even continuing with your painting even if you have to do it with your other hand. I'm so proud of you and I'm hoping for a quick recovery for you. This affliction is not easy

[JVan-ydzz]

Hello Nia! You have been such a wonderful presence ever since you started posting regularly, but I just wanted to say that your attitude to this is really inspiring. Sending you my best wishes and I wish you luck with the moisture withdrawal treatment.

[donnastrohmeier]

You are so talented, so sorry to hear of your condition. You have a wonderful attitude, and desire to improve and make the best of your situation. Send you love and best wishes.

[louiseweir]

you are very courageous, good luck to you and i will still wait to watch any video you make for us because there is so much to learn and you are very generous with your knowledge, take care.

[kristenlapham]

I dramatically lost the use of my dominant right hand several years ago. I had to teach myself everything with my left hand. I am a left handed watercolorist- or trying to be. It’s difficult.
I am so sorry you have to go through this terrible skin
Condition. I can’t imagine how difficult this must be for you. You are doing so well! You go girl! Take your time with videos. It’s more important that you get a handle on your excema and that you are happy and healthy 🌸❣️

[pamelaarcos]

You're awesome, it was a great to see you working without any hesitation! Sorry to hear about your skin problems. Hope you find a cure.

[Kbkb_kris]

Yes I’m listening to you and watching you I’m sitting here picking at my eczema telling myself to stop but I’m still picking at it. I guess i am very fortunate that I I don’t have the same type of eczema you have but it’s still annoying