Making difficult tiny paintings motivates this artist to create

For Arlene Webber, dystonia (a condition that limits her hand movement) has pushed her to innovate.
»Subscribe to CBC Arts to watch more videos: bit.ly/CBCArtsS...
Arlene Webber has a big personality, which is quite out of scale with her tiny dainty paintings of landscapes chock-full of painstaking detail. The canvases have an emotional density that's bigger than their physical size - inside each canvas is a story, memory or trip.
At the best of times, making miniature paintings is a difficult task for any artist. But for Webber, it's a deliberately challenging exercise. When she was 26, Webber suffered a minor stroke that left her with a permanent movement disorder, called dystonia, in her right wrist. It means that she writes with a brace, and gripping a paintbrush is very difficult.
So Webber brought her over-the-top positivity and energy to bear on practicing her fine motor skills without the brace. She pushes herself to do what she's not sure she'll be good at - and she's chosen painting on small canvases particularly because it's taxing for her.
In this video, Webber invites you into studio and into her method, which involves plenty of trial and error but results in the charming paintings that are flying off the shelves at local store The Makers Keep.
Find us at bit.ly/CBCArtsWeb
CBC Arts on Facebook: bit.ly/CBCArtsF...
CBC Arts on Twitter: bit.ly/CBCArtsT...
CBC Arts on Instagram: bit.ly/CBCArtsI...
About: CBC Arts is your destination for extraordinary Canadian arts. Whether you're a culture vulture, a working artist, an avid crafter, a compulsive doodler or just a dabbler in the arts, there's something for you here.
Making Difficult Tiny Paintings Motivates This Artist To Create
/ cbcarts

[@buzz479547]

Great work :) I'm 36 years old and 1,5 years ago parkinson was diagnosed. Now I draw to train my hand or work with my left hand. So thumbs up for you video :)

[@tlembro]

She has an incredible command of color! Great artist! Don't stop painting...you are a bright light to us all!

[@gs-yp3gm]

Where there is a will there is a way. You are not only an artist but motivation to millions. God Bless You

[@olusha]

I'd love to see her do paintings by allowing her hand to be free and accepting the interesting marks it makes.

[@Sarafara7]

She’s inspiring. Definitely encouraged me to keep going with what I want to do. Great attitude.

[@shre9]

Yes. If she can do it. We all can do it. Such an inspiring person!

[@shre9]

luminor007 Very true. At least we all can show the same determination :)

[@krypey]

this woman is absolutely amazing, how can anyone dislike this video?

[@user-tm3fd3bc4d]

This is honestly so inspiring!! I admire her & her work so much!!

[@pjlewisful]

How refreshingly wonderful. I love your attitude, fortitude, and possibility thinking.

[@goldie5781]

Fabulous word: "Differentiability"! Love Your approach to 'this dimension' 😊!

[@QuackJuice]

Beautiful. And so inspiring.

[@Lilpuffy2]

Thank you for sharing this story. Her can-do attitude is just what everyone needs to have with or without any limiting conditions! I love her artwork too.

[@mariakapatos9545]

God bless you for your courage! Your attitude and your courage are a lesson to us allxx🌺🌺👍

[@bentooh2371]

This is one of my fears as an illustrator come true for someone else... BUT SHE IS SO STRONG!!! SHE OVERCAME IT WITH HER SHEER WILL!!! THIS IS SO INSPIRING BEYOND WORDS. Thank you for sharing her story.

[@padrejuan7763]

Writing to you from Montréal, Québec, I am So Happy to have come accross this video...to give me the PUSH that I need to Start painting. Painting is a big word, I am better at words/languages, but there is a little voice inside that tells me to strat painting (Event tough I can not draw) Just to see IF I can do it and for it to be my future pass time when I step into my pension time...in 7 1/2 years...yeah!!! Thank you for being there to teach us things/lessons about 'No brings the arms down!!! Réjean Chevalier (Montréal, Québec)

[@michelleflick1937]

Bravo! You have a great spirit. You are an inspiration. And I would like to say I recently heard an artist say that anytime you make a sketch or picture you will lose some of the original or some of what you intended, but that is part of the process. When you think of the constant changes in life and nature, it seems natural that this moment's creation is unique to this moment.

[@kathyhaynes6818]

Amazing story. I love when people rise above their circumstances to achieve their dreams!

[@izzabellamargaretrhodes5800]

Thank you for your share of your wonderful little paintings I am also less able and do arts and crafts just to show that there is something I can do Keep up the wonderful art you do Thank you for your share of your beautiful little paintings Hugs from Milton Keynes UK

[@BorisMitendorfer]

Realy amazing, how she never gives up. Wow! Congratulation to the artist!

[@airizarry12]

How wonderful she is, I have had several strokes, and have Parkinson's, she inspires me

[@zoehawman2290]

I have a small condition in my right hand, it's not nearly as severe as hers, but it still causes a lot of pain. Normally the condition I have effects older people; fifty and older, but I was fourteen when it was diagnosed as a problem. Though I was born with it. I have a carpal boss in my right hand that is large enough that it causes my tendons to snap over it. Last year I kept haveing my hand freeze and be in extreme pain. That's when we found out about it. As soon as my bone stop developing I have to get it removed or else I will lose use of my right hand. I have to wear a splint when I write or use my right hand, I love drawing and painting, so all of my art is smaller than an index card. Even my hand writing is tiny. But it just helps me do what I love while not being in extreme pain.

[@terrybellowes908]

I am encouraged by this video and your post. I am losing the ability to use my hands, but since it is "just Arthritis", no one seems to understand it still can hold you back. I am glad this information is out there to encourage myself and others. I wish you the best in treatment of your right hand, and thank you for sharing it with us.

[@madhavirao5197]

So inspiring... she has someone now saying 'if she can do it, I can too'.

[@momcat2223]

Oh. Em. Gee. Love her laugh and her spirit. So many people in her circumstance would have just said '#@$% it' and chucked their brushes and gotten bitter. RESPECT and blessings

[@katywuste9054]

You are a lovely woman, inside and out and a beautiful artist

[@rashone2879]

I found this video incredibly inspiring. Your paintings are lovely. I am an artist dealing with advanced arthritis in my hands and wrists and am continuously seeking new ways to keep working but also in a way that allows me to adapt to this very frustrating challenge.

[@97AshleyRose]

I have dyspraxia witch affected my fine motor skills and I love doing art I created my own style Everyone can be an artist if you just believe in yourself. It only has those limits and boundaries if you set them upon yourself. In order to maintain an artist and do exstotinary unique work you have to go beyond society's standards

[@daisyfield6745]

Love your creative spirit! You inspire me. Thank you for sharing your gift!

[@soothingtrax]

Such a great story! Wishing you great success Arlene!

[@1212haro]

Beautiful soul!

[@katnilsson]

You are a total inspiration😍. I also use painting and crafting as a rehabilitation. I love to paint so it’s no effort for me but it can be frustating some days 😏. Thank you so much for sharing your story and you do paint beautiful pictures!

[@veronicahodges4540]

Awesome lady. Love your attitude and your little paintings, very cute. Keep going and keep inspiring :-)

[@beckymendoza8894]

I’m happy you never gave up, blessings🤗

[@teagarden874]

Very impressive and inspiring.

[@noahlani1969]

I suffer also from dystonia due to my migraines. It affects not only my left hand but my leg as well. I have a brace that I can use in case of a major migraine attack (hemiplegic migraine) which sometimes leads to seizures.... I am a crocheter too. So I do know the feeling about losing the use or sensation. I cannot feel thin things in my left hand so the tension on the yarn is pretty difficult to keep, however it doesn't stop me from doing what I like. Like her, I adapted to the condition and made sometimes contraptions so I can use my hooks. I have now ergonomic crochets because I am losing also my right hand feeling. We have to keep the hands and legs moving. I run half marathons, participate in triathlons.... Life doesn't stop because of some unfortunate health conditions. Mind over matter.... I use it all the time. I want to show that my neurological disorders that they won't take over my life. Sometimes it is difficult and I fall into a dark moment but with the support of my family, I am back on track. Be aware of your limits but do not give up! She is doing what she loves and makes it happen. Her paintings are beautiful. Bless her heart...

[@Chovy1963]

Thank you for sharing your gift.

[@elektro1207]

She looks like Jessica Lange

[@sarahhbov981]

She is so great!!

[@maisecatx7341]

Amazing artist, a lesson to be learned, thank you

[@smitawadher8046]

You are an inspiration...god bless

[@lauraglasgowetc1303]

I found this really quite moving. What a woman. x P.S Her stuff is lovely . I would buy.

[@courtneyhairston1617]

this is wonderful

[@danielmeadows1114]

WOW,amazing.

[@vickiecopeland7131]

You are amazing!! I have no excuse now!

[@nancypeteja6560]

AWESOME!💖🎨

[@MaTTheWish]

Wow, sorry to hear what happened to you. But what an inspirational person you are to so many people. Nice artwork too. Thanks..

[@jasminsshah2671]

You inspire me!

[@deekshaverma1147]

Wow... Ma'am you are an true inspiration...Lots of love and respect to you 😍❤️🙏

[@SuperXrunner]

Great video!!!

[@artistryspectrum512]

I feel ungrateful. I think too much and sometimes never get started. This is absolutely inspiring.

[@leilanijessie1419]

Artistry Spectrum I feel the same way. I over think things and I over criticize myself. I need to just start and never stop.

[@jude1515]

You are amazing and your paintings are beautiful!!

[@DabblebagTheArtofAnnaBarnhart]

Love it so much!

[@judichristopher4604]

OMG ... You are such an inspiration... I love you!!!

[@jennyhughes4474]

Arlene - WOW, you do WONDERFUL art! I love your tiny canvases, I do little ones too (lots, not always but I get bogged down in big ones and end up hating them coz they take too long mostly): I can play, mess up and not waste too much, sometimes they're nice too. I LOVE how you did white dot stars and lots of other things. I can identify with you a bit: I got a brain injury and nearly 4 years ago tried to do art but couldn't really (except on the computer - I was a graphic designer before my accident) then a therapist showed me how to move my right arm properly, she had me drawing big arcs = it helped SO much. And I have been so lucky to have several good teachers helping me learn new techniques and to express myself in art again, help me to not only regain some of what I lost but to progress in new ways. I'm lucky, I have less trouble with my hands than you but have visual problems, lots of pain etc. Bet you get massive fatigue like I do though?! It's BRILLIANT you're selling your work, I'm so glad you've found an outlet because trying to do exhibitions is EXHAUSTING (maybe you know this/did it too?). I hope you're getting good prices because you are very talented - then add on your difficulties and WOW = even MORE wonderful/astonishing. May you go from strength to strength, I send you my very best wishes.

[@suzysholar5151]

So inspiring! I was thinking, how you like painting small, and your first paintings looked like rocks... have you ever considered painting on rocks? It might be a fun canvas for you. 👩🏼‍🎨

[@XxXNaomisXxX]

She's got the best laugh!

[@ekawidodo4309]

amazing!!!

[@46neko22]

Truly inspiring!

[@littlelady2473]

Amazing. Very motivational. A good message for everyone to live in the now.

[@AudiobookLibrary24-7]

Sweet!

[@naomim5015]

Very inspirational!

[@an6350]

I like how she doesn't use "reference" because she feels like it's stealing another artists work. I agree and that's why I never use references... her paintings are really creative and inspiring 👍

[@nahomesalt]

Wth her art is my type ❤❤ she soo talented 👏🏿👏🏿

[@gavin773]

Lol the blue and red stripes at the very end are an optical illusion that look like they’re flashing or blinking

[@karigalo846]

Gavin Making i dont see flashing or anything just red and blue lines. Works for some but not me apparently.

[@KutsaiChan]

It murdered my eyes ;_;

[@samanthapeters2972]

Why can't she wear a glove? All she has to do is put a hole at the index fingertip. Then slide the paint brush up the hole, leaving the bristles sticking out at the index finger. It would make painting on a easel easier.

[@ajaylack4252]

Samantha Peters brilliant idea!

[@rainbowdream8638]

Wow I..I ...I don't have any words to describe how beautiful this is well I guess this is all I could say.it is very very very inspiring 😀😀😀😀😀😊😀😊😀😊😊😀😊😇😇😇😇😇

[@stefanenco]

3:36 is beautiful!

[@DrummerGrrrl]

I have some bad arthritis in my left hand and sometimes using a brush is a problem. Have you tried paint markers? I use acrylic paint markers and Catalyst Paint wedges to help me paint.

[@cheridehart8625]

awesome video

[@carolineheydenrychartist9732]

♥️Amazing!

[@artmeditationvista1526]

I'm movement impaired too. You might want to try digital painting with Photoshop...makes it much easier to paint once you get familiar with the software.

[@KarlafromOZ]

Wow 27 sad downers ..i mean really, what is there to down about this awesome lady, i bet she is doing more with her life than you all..

[@danabray9133]

wow i am artist too i am deaf but have cerebral palsy in wheelchair thumb up

[@graceguetschow4198]

I'm also an artist. I need to meet this lady!! :)

[@LaylaDoesStuff]

i would love to buy them

[@bhawnakashi9322]

Great

[@amandapanda2284]

What about some sort of elastic sock with a hole where she could put her brush up thru on her hand instead of scotch tape .help hold her hand more firmly closed

[@Lulu.Perkins]

Amanda Williams That’s what I was thinking! I was wondering if she had an IG account to message her that!! Great minds think alike!!🤗🤗🤩🤩

[@amandapanda2284]

I can't read the reply for some reason it doesn't show up?

[@cheridehart8625]

regarding the

[@cheridehart8625]

Amanda Williams as a fellow artist I have an affinity for tape. This may be the reason she uses tape rather than a sock. Also holding the brush or the pen or the pencil in someone's hand is very therapeutic or soothing much like a smoker hold it a cigarette. And the way an artist uses an easel is an individual thing as well.

[@morgmanberman]

She is an everyday Chuck Close!

[@ahumanaperson]

02:14 call me crazy but *no* painter should consider *replicating* a photograph (that they didn't themselves take) in their own work (unless it's for satirical purposes).

[@tmd1698]

👍👍👍👍

[@Lulu.Perkins]

Does she have an IG?!?!

[@Br0th3r7]

Her eyes tho

[@KerryFreemanMelbourne]

🙆

[@pablohill6688]

Not really hard not really tiny this is actual common ive seen many paints on around thats size but they were realistic candy paintings mostly and you painting with your arms not hands so your not gonna make progress with your hands

[@minaslemani7893]

1

[@minaslemani7893]

First😜