Absolutely. Tremor drawing may require adaptation, but it can remain a deeply satisfying and joyful activity. Many artists find that working at their own pace, using larger canvases, or switching to more forgiving mediums like acrylics or pastels makes the process less frustrating and more rewarding. Adaptive tools—like weighted pens, anti-slip mats, or stabilizing gloves—can also help regain a sense of control. Even if your lines aren’t perfect, your artistic voice still shines through. In fact, some artists embrace drawing with shaky hands as part of their unique style, turning limitations into creative strengths. With patience and the right setup, drawing becomes not just possible—but powerful. Expression doesn’t require perfection—it simply needs a willing heart and a steady intention.

Motivation can dip when drawing feels like a struggle—but it’s important to focus on progress, not perfection. Start with small, low-pressure projects to build confidence. Celebrate every improvement, no matter how small, and allow yourself to enjoy the process. Adaptive tools like styluses with grips or mahl sticks can make drawing with shaky hands more comfortable. Some artists find strength in support communities, where they share experiences and encourage each other. Connecting with others who understand the challenge can reignite your passion. Remember: your creativity doesn’t vanish with tremor—it evolves. You’re still telling stories, sharing emotions, and making something uniquely yours. Keep drawing because you enjoy it—not despite the tremor, but alongside it. Your work still matters, and your voice still deserves to be seen.

Norman Eason is a lifelong artist who has lived with Essential Tremor since birth and spent over 35 years painting as his main hobby. Despite the challenges, he found joy and success by adapting his techniques and mindset. His advice to others dealing with tremor drawing is clear and encouraging: focus on enjoying the process, not perfection. He recommends painting at home to stay relaxed, using larger canvases, and avoiding stressful mediums like watercolor. Instead, he favors forgiving materials such as pastels and water-mixable oils. He also suggests using tools like mahl sticks and masking tape to steady the hand and improve control. Most importantly, Norman encourages others to paint for self-improvement and enjoyment, not competition—reminding us all that progress, not perfection, is the true goal.

Watercolor is a beautiful medium, but it’s not the easiest choice if you live with Essential Tremor. It often requires precision, timing, and control over wet and dry areas, which can be stressful for drawing with shaky hands. Mistakes are harder to correct, and overlapping washes can complicate the process. That said, if you love watercolor, don’t rule it out—try using larger brushes, heavier paper, and techniques like wet-on-wet that are more forgiving. Still, many artists who struggle with tremor drawing find acrylics, pastels, or water-mixable oils to be more accessible. These mediums dry quickly, are easier to layer, and allow for touch-ups if something doesn’t go as planned. Ultimately, the best medium is the one that feels good to you. Experiment and find what supports your creativity best.

Improving control is all about creating a supportive setup and finding what works for your body. Start by working in a calm, quiet space where you feel comfortable and unpressured. Use tools like weighted pens, foam grips, or stabilizing gloves to reduce hand shake. Resting your forearm on the table or armrest can add stability. Painting from photographs instead of live models reduces time pressure and allows for grid-based transfer techniques that help with accuracy. Standing at an easel encourages you to step back often and focus on the overall composition. Avoid focusing on small details too early—bigger brushes and broad strokes can create expressive work with less strain. With these strategies, control becomes less about perfect lines and more about steady confidence and comfort for anyone drawing with shaky hands.