Art

A great resource for painting

If you want to improve your painting and especially your overall understanding of Composition, Color, and Watercolor, Keene Wilson’s website is a gem.

 From his section ‘For artists’:

‘Over the years, I’ve read a good many books, viewed many videos and studied with quite a few experts.  From the start, I took notes, organized them and outlined them so as to compare what one expert said with what I learned elsewhere.  At first it was all quite confusing, especially when the advice from one expert seemed to contradict the advice of another, but as I continued to organize my notes I began to see themes: these artists say this and these other guys think that. What follows is the result of years of organizing and thinking about art. Undoubtedly some of it will seem, and be, contradictory. The neophyte should look elsewhere for instruction, but I think the advanced artist will find it quite helpful.  At any rate that’s why it’s here.’

Health

Fix a pinched nerve

Have you ever experienced that sharp, tingling sensation shooting down your arm? After using coil machines for over 10 years, with the weight and vibrations, and some martial arts injuries, I experience various issues with my right hand and elbow. That got me to research, study and try a variety of practices to improve this discomfort.

One of the things I found out is that that specific tingling/numbness could be related to a pinched nerve.

Pinched nerves occur when too much pressure is applied to a nerve by surrounding tissues, such as muscles, tendons, or bones.

This can result from various factors, including repetitive motions, poor posture, injury, or underlying health conditions like arthritis or herniated discs. The compression on the nerve can lead to symptoms such as pain, numbness, tingling, or weakness in the affected area.

Nerve gliding exercises, also known as nerve flossing or nerve mobilization, are gentle movements designed to help free up nerve pathways and reduce compression. These exercises aim to stretch and mobilize the affected nerves, promoting healing and relieving symptoms.

The video below is a great resource to understand how to alleviate these symptoms with an effective and time efficient practice.

Remember, prehab is better than rehab.

Precautions:

– Avoid overstretching or forcing the movements, as this can exacerbate symptoms.

– If you experience increased pain or discomfort during these exercises, stop immediately and consult with a healthcare professional.

– It’s essential to maintain proper posture and avoid activities that aggravate your symptoms while performing nerve gliding exercises.

Remember to listen to your body and consult with a healthcare provider for personalized advice and guidance.