For the first time since perhaps March 2019 I have picked up a paintbrush. The objects of my attentions were not the Greeks for Mantinea signalled earlier this year, but Carthaginian elephants and crew so that I can play Bagradas without co-opting Macedonian jumbos, and as a way to ease back in with reasonably rapid additions for the table.
Unfortunately, it was quickly apparent that in the three years since I last painted my eyesight has deteriorated significantly. In short, I couldn't see what I was doing.
I tried again the next day in natural light and I could see details better, but it's still a long way from what I am accustomed to and it has come as a bit of a shock.
I knew that moving from teaching into constant computer work had taken a toll on my eyes, but I put a lot of it down to general tiredness. I didn't realise it had become quite this bad.
The situation I am now in is that unless I get some glasses sorted, painting will only be possible on sunny days. As I used to do most of my painting at night in my old hobby room, it will take a serious readjustment to make much progress in terms of reducing the 15mm lead mountain. It is clearly time for some re-evaluation.
In happier news, I got Eric Lee Smith's Battle Hymn on the table again. Goodness me, it is a beautiful game.
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| Heth's boys on the march. |
And I also bought myself a new guitar, a Telecaster copy. After the kind of work week when I thought of starting to apply for other jobs, I was told to have a drink and chill out. I did, and did. I'm looking forward to it arriving and cranking up the volume in the den!
While specs may be necessary, I'd suggest from your comments some good lightning may help. Try daylight bulbs in anglepoise lamps to see if that improves things.
ReplyDeleteOther than that, it simply be lack of practice.
Neil
As noted previously, good lighting is essential, but some of it might be 'muscle memory'. As my painting has picked up, I think (no verifiable proof though) that I am painting better simply because I am painting more. I do use my lovely wife's old magnifier visor as it helps immensely, but I really do need to see a doc eventually.
ReplyDeleteModern board games can be such beauties, and that one is marvelous.
And a guitar in your repertoire? Rock on!
I've found the same in the last couple of years. I now have to take off my distance glasses to see things clearly close up. Definitely get a decent bright hobby lamp... makes a huge difference
ReplyDeleteI have to wear glasses to paint now, triple strength ones from a chemist for $30, work fine. Your new telecaster copy should be fun.
ReplyDeleteA few years back I discovered this and had to accept I was no longer Peter Pan. A quick trip to the Redshed optometrist sorted me out and I'm still painting 6mm and 10mm figures 4 years on.
ReplyDeleteThanks all for the comments and the thoughts. I've not picked up a brush again since this post, unfortunately.
ReplyDelete