[alasdair]

Hi there guys

So I have recently been levelling up my painting, learning to properly wet blend and the like. While I am getting faster, I still spend extended periods painting certain bits, and have started to feel a definite ache in my back. I have tried adjusting the way I sit, but not found anything that works yet.

Do you guys have any tips? I can't move the model closer to my face as I use the edge of my desk to steady my hands. Perhaps lowering my chair?

How do you expert painters out there deal with issues such as this when painting? Thought it might be an interesting discussion regardless.

Cheers

 

[ntaw]

After being a professional mover for a few years and hunching over a guitar for over a decade I have learned that stretching and taking regular breaks are crucial for a less achy experience. By any chance are you sitting on your wallet on a not-so-soft chair while painting?

 

[Squire]

No expert painter but I sit back on my couch with my feet up on a chair and palette on my lap.

 

[Khorne's Fist]

Like any job that requires sitting at a desk for hours at a time, your posture can be very important. The health and safety guidelines call for a straight upright posture with your knees bent at 90 degrees and your feet flat on the ground. I'm not usually a fan of all the H&S BS, but I've found these tips actually work well.

Also, your natural inclination is to slouch forward no matter you hard you try to stay straigh, but I find having my desk a 6 or 8 inches higher than you'd normally have it helps to keep you sitting straight. It also helps with bracing your arms on the edge when you need that steady hand for the small details.

@Squire, The couch is fine if you are only painting sporadically, but for any longer than an hour you should probably try something different.

 

[Moriouce]

When at my desk painting I always lower my chair to it's lowest. This way I don't need to slouch to get close to my minis. I still take regular breaks. I often do something at the computer at te same time which gives me some alternation in how I sit.

 

[Loran]

After being a professional mover for a few years and hunching over a guitar for over a decade I have learned that stretching and taking regular breaks are crucial for a less achy experience.

This. Taking breaks is an important thing to remember to do. Stretching as well, especially when you're going on for a longer period of time.

But the posture is important as well. Like Khorne's Fist already said, there are some guidelines to keep in mind, even though they sound weird occasionally. Especially when someone else says you're sitting the wrong way... Slouching is not good for your posture, but I've seen that pretty much everyone who paints little toy soldiers does it, even when they say they're not doing it

But seriously though, take breaks and stretch! :grin:

- Loran