Drawing Under the Weather

Allergy Season Sucks!

Drawing under the weather is next to impossible and it just plain sucks. It doesn’t matter that you only have seasonal allergies. When things are severe, you feel so crappy that you might as well have the flu. But I’m grateful, I suppose, that I haven’t been this bad in about 3-4 years. Unfortunately, the high winds we’ve had in California have kicked up enough allergens to make things uncomfortable for me. Add smoke from the fires that have been raging up and down the state and I’m absolutely miserable. No amount of allergy pills can help at this point. But regardless of how I feel, the work must go on.

Photo Credit: 123rf.com Ion Chiosea

With commissions on the table, I take another dose of whatever allergy meds I’m currently taking (even though it’s not helping) and cram as much tissue up my nose to prevent it from dripping uncontrollably onto my artwork. The glasses go on and I try to focus on my work. It’s tough. My eyes keep watering, my nose keeps itching and dripping, and I continue to sneeze. And it’s never just one sneeze. We’re talking 8-10 in a row. I also have to make sure I turn away from the artwork or risk showering it with every sneeze. In addition, the sinus pressure is such that leaning forward adds to the dull ache behind my eyes and even the very light weight of my glasses on my nose compounds the discomfort even more.

I’ve come to terms with being human and knowing that from time to time I’ll be drawing under the weather. It is a challenge and I’m usually not as productive as I’d like. But then again, who is when they’re feeling lousy?

Do you have any tips for drawing under the weather? Let us know by commenting below. And please subscribe to keep up to date with this weekly post.

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