Ambi-what? - Or How I'm Learning to Channel My Inner da Vinci

Well, I have been back home from vacation for a little while and anxious to get back to work in the studio, especially since I have an exhibition entry deadline coming up next week - yikes. But schlepping around one too many heavy bags (especially my Mary Poppins handbag) has taken its toll on my right shoulder. I'm wrapped up in a sling, colorful of course, with doctor's orders to keep it immobile - no painting or sketching for now.

Watching YouTube videos can only sustain you for so long before you go stir crazy and have to try something new. So how about learning to sketch left-handed? The creative genius Leonardo da Vinci was ambidextrous, so what better inspiration could you have. Here's a shot at my left-handed gesture sketches. No da Vinci, but it is freeing to sketch loosely without worrying about getting things perfect. Plus I've heard it is good exercise for the brain - feeling smarter already.

My first attempts at left-handed gesture sketches - lots of fun, but no da Vinci here.

My first attempts at left-handed gesture sketches - lots of fun, but no da Vinci here.

For fun, check out someone who has got the ambidextrous thing figured out, contemporary artist Gur Keren. He not only doodles with both hands simultaneously, but also with both feet! I hope my shoulder recovers before I have to give that a serious try.

Have you ever had to change your creative process, and if so, what did you discover?

--Debbie