About TrembelingArt
Hi, I’m Marilyn!
I am an artist and blogger who hopes to inspire and motivate with art and words. In 2013, after being diagnosed with Parkinson’s Disease, I began painting and creating art. My background is in business and finance, but doing the stressful 9-to-5 grind became too difficult. Art became therapy for me.
I grew up in Newfoundland, Canada, a small island jutting out into the North Atlantic. I was surrounded by beautifully dramatic landscapes and a laid-back, simpler way of life that inspired numerous artists over the years.
Eventually, I moved to Vancouver, where I married and had the oldest three of my children. After six years on the other side of the country, we decided we wanted to be a little closer to home. We said goodbye to the awe-inspiring mountains and moved to Labrador.
Even though Labrador has nine months of winter and frigid temperatures, it has become home. Our youngest three children were born here, and we have made some amazing friends. I also discovered my love of art in this beautiful, frosty land.
What started as a form of therapy for me has become a passion and new direction for my life. Learning to paint and draw with a progressive disability hasn’t been easy. However, it has been fun, humbling, motivating, and educational. I am learning so much about art and life and how to dodge those lemons it throws your way.
If you are an aspiring artist looking for resources and tips or just someone needing a little motivation or humor to get you through the day, come join me on my journey. I hope to make the trip fun and interesting.
My work has been displayed and sold at the OXO gallery in London, England, to help raise funds for Parkinson’s research.
My painting entitled “Blue Boats” appeared on Practical Neurology magazine’s cover.
Some of my artwork and story were included in an art show symposium at a conference for the American Congress of Rehabilitation Medicine.
Hello. I am also elderly, 75 in September. I have tried drawing but never happy with even beginning strokes of the pencil. My landscapes are terrible, trees defeat me. But I am ready to at least try, start over. I have the drawing paper and pencils of charcoal and erasers. Maybe someda I will draw something I feel ready to share with others.
I am so surprised that I am not the only elderly person that has just started to paint. I am 82, a widower of 7 1/2 years. When my husband of 60 years passed away I, well it was the worse time of my life. I had a son that passed away at the age of 21 with cancer, but my husband and I had each other and that made all the difference. I can paint and forget everything around me, except my poodle, Charlie, that was a gift from one daughter. My painting is not always pretty, but they make me feel like I am doing something. I can’t drive anymore and live alone except for Charlie in an apartment. I thank the Lord for the life I now have. I spent 8 months in a nursing home I now have a feeling of independence.
Good for you. I am 94 and started painting fiv years ago . Tried different mediums but settled on acrylics as it dries so quickly. Am amazed at the fact that I can actually produce something reasonable at this age. Also, just recently started playing piano duets. So much to do and so little time left. Days are too short!
That’s awesome!You are so inspiring! I hope you have many years left to enjoy painting and playing piano! 😊
Hello, I have just started a. Journey in painting and a bit of drawing. I find it very relaxing and a great therapy. I too have a bit of illness. Bi Polar and last year diagnosed with Lupus.
I appreciate all the help I can get.
Have a wonderful de, and God Bless.
Cynthia
Your work is beautiful & your story is gutsy & amazing. Thank you for sharing ❤️. You popped up on Pinterest & look forward to the journey of learning. My mom was from Newfoundland. ❤️
Thank you! 😊
Hi all,
I also have Parkinsons.I am 76 was diagnosed in 2014.i am finding it difficult to walk a i have the Parkinsons stoop.But I can paint for hours.I am self taughtand I really appreiate the hlp and information I have got from youThanku you inspire me to keep on fighting. I have Parkinsons . It does not ha ve me
I just came aboard on this website. As a 60 year old woman with chronic illnesses with pain, I feel very inspired today. I’m not alone in my circumstances, age & pursuits to create ART in various mediums.
I have been teaching “Painting with Parkinsons” in Canberra, Australia, for seven years now, as art therapy. It is the most wonderful thing I do with a large group of truly beautiful people. Your statement “I have Parkinsons, it does not have me” represents such a positive attitude that I plan to pass this on to my class, if that’s OK with you. Our group has also exhibited at the OXO Gallery, probably the same one you were in. Thank you.
Hi Judi,
What a wonderful thing you are doing! Art is truly great therapy and I know you are helping so many people. Please feel free to share and help motivate others. The exhibits at the OXO Gallery were an amazing showcase for artists with Parkinsons. 😊
I am very interested in how you started teaching. I live in an independent seniors building with many of the residents with Parkinson’s . I am self taught and paint for fun. Once a month I have a fun art class for seniors who have no painting skills. I would love to try and have a class for the Parkinson’s residents but don’t know how to begin. If you could give me some tips to get me started I would be very grateful . My mother had Parkinson’s for many years before passing so I know the challenges they face. Thank you
I am an 80-year-old woman trying hard to keep up with my art with my mix of ET and Parkinson’s. I do collage and painting as well as I am able. Always looking for something new to try.
Hallo
Ik ben een beginnende tekenaar / schilder en wil graag op de hoogte worden gehouden van u site.
Mijn Dank.
Groet:
Harrie Pinxten
Thank for your on-line tutorial God Bless you Marilyn
Marilyn,
I’m sorta kinda a self taught and half taught. artist/elementary school teacher. I’m with 3 auto immune diseases, and acquired Parkinsons and Essential tremors five years ago. God’s funny, on my left side I have Essential Tremors and on my right, I have Parkinsons, at least that’s how it was explained to me. I became depressed because I gradually gave up dancing (legs and balance problems) and drawing and painting because of the tremors.I discovered you and you inspired me to ask an art professor to let me audit his painting class and I did using your ideas. I found I could still paint but not with all the details i like to include. My niece, who is an animator, suggested I go large. I want to try drawing now. I thought digital drawing would be easier. Lol, you should seen me with a digital pen and my Intuo Pro. Reverted to using the mouse. Thank you for your inspiration and returning me to my first love. I’ll be looking for ideas on how to master drawing pencils. I don’t have a website.
Annamaria
Please I am a beginner, and I need to be a better artist just like you so please help
With tremors you should use watercolours. Paint big, loose and juicy, beautiful! You could tighten up a little on a small area for your focal point.
I’m an 82 year old water-colourist. I’m just now trying acrylics & I just took an oil painting class. I hope I’ll paint until I can’t hold a brush!
I admire you!
Best wishes!
Sharon Nichol
Thank you Sharon. 😊
Marilyn,
I’m sorta kinda a self taught and half taught. artist/elementary school teacher. I’m with 3 auto immune diseases, and acquired Parkinsons and Essential tremors five years ago. God’s funny, on my left side I have Essential Tremors and on my right, I have Parkinsons, at least that’s how it was explained to me. I became depressed because I gradually gave up dancing (legs and balance problems) and drawing and painting because of the tremors.I discovered you and you inspired me to ask an art professor to let me audit his painting class and I did using your ideas. I found I could still paint but not with all the details i like to include. My niece, who is an animator, suggested I go large. I want to try drawing now. I thought digital drawing would be easier. Lol, you should seen me with a digital pen and my Intuo Pro. Reverted to using the mouse. Thank you for your inspiration and returning me to my first love. I’ll be looking for ideas on how to master drawing pencils.
Annamaria
Marilyn, your instruction pages are great! I too deal with physical challenges after having had 2 brain surgeries to help control seizures. I made the choice in 1970 that epilepsy would never stop me. I have been an Occupational Therapist since 1991 and continue to treat clients with developmental disorders. I started taking painting classes when I moved down to Florida and have really enjoyed it so much. I want to further develop my painting skills (to try to sell some of it). I also have a dream of opening up a clinic using art as the treatment modality to help clients with C.P. and those who have had strokes. Your presentation of the mixing of the colors to make “greens” is great. Thanks so much! Maire’
God’s Grace and Blessings over you.🙏
I have swans neck arthritis in both hands. I started painting .7 years ago after coming out of a 3 year coma. I’ve never had any classes but would like toooo. One day
Hi!
This sounds like a lot more fun than the usual Parkinson’s related sites!. Most of them
are just so damn depressing, I always feel much worse after visiting them. I’d much
rather have some fun. It’s not true that laughter and Parkinson’s can’t coexist!
Just throw a little paint at it and brighten your world!
Love your attitude!! Laughter is definitely the best medicine. 😊
God’s Grace and Blessings over you.🙏
I have swans neck arthritis in both hands. I started painting .7 years ago after coming out of a 3 year coma. I’ve never had any classes but would like toooo. One day
Marilyn
I enjoyed reading about you and getting to know you in that way. Your positive attitude is so motivating and your painting tips along with other people’s responses
I have learned new ideas I can’t wait to try.It’s getting me painting again.
Shirley
Thank you Shirley. I am glad you are painting again. 😊
Hi Marilyn
I have a double wammie; a stroke at 67 two years ago and Parkinsons. Medication helps a bit with tremors but need two hands on everything. I was told to use art as therapy. So that’s what I try. However painting with one hand steadying the other is a mission. Straight lines are a no no.
Do you choose any particular subjects to cope?
Take care
Steve.
Hi Steve; I’m so sorry for your double wammie. I find leaning against a table or easel while I paint helps since my upper body shakes too. Using a ruler helps to do semi straight lines although it is trial and error. I am moving away from detailed paintings and doing more abstract or painterly style since they don’t require such precise strokes. I have been experimenting with colored pencils lately and find I have more control while using them. There are many different types of art and the best thing to do is keep experimenting with different mediums and styles until you find what works for you. I hope this helps. 😊
Hello Marilyn
We spoke via email several months back and like you, I have Parkinson’s. I started drawing with graphite about 10 months ago and now taking on colored pencil. Your website has been an inspiration to me. I never did any drawings in the past other than technical drafting. I am an engineer. I believe drawing is a gift from God to help us relax and forget Parkinson’s for awhile.
Thanks for your inspiration,
Lonnie
Hi Lonnie; I am so glad you are enjoying drawing and my site. Yes, drawing and art are a gift we have to help us cope with life. 😊
My Ancestors were from Newfoundland. Last name Mercer. I have been on your site since Covid came around. I am a Disabled Viet Nam Vet. I was a medic, I stepped a mine in 1967. I have PTSD and now cancer.
The reason I am writing is when many Doctor’s prescribed all different drugs, the one drug that keeps calm and not think about my pass, is your website. I have recommended people with the same symptoms to view your page. Please keep up the great work.
Stephen Mercer
Hi Stephen; What a beautiful comment! It made me cry and I am so grateful that I can be of help to others. It is what keeps me going every day. It saddens me that you have to go through so much. I wish you peace, health and happiness and thank you so much for visiting my site and recommending it to others. Take care ❤️
Hi Marilyn , I really enjoyed reading everything that you have posted ,and I love your work ,I have survived Cancer three times, I started to learn to paint a few years ago ,I had a fantastic teacher for watercolor painting and now I am painting Acrylic and I love it ,but I have a lot to learn. You are giving me a positive outlook to keep going. THANK YOU
Hi Connie;
You are certainly a determined lady. I am so glad you are enjoying my website and it is encouraging to you. Thank you for your kind words. 😊
Hi Marilyn, I am honored that your invitation was on my email. You surely are an inspiration to us older folks who want to stretch our abilities with art. I am 80 years young and have been working in art since i went to Girl Scout camp. I really want the information the Tremblers Club offers. My husband is dying of Pancreatic cancer and so I have time on my hands that need to be filled with happy things.
I love drawing with pencil, charcoal, and pastels. Again many thanks for reaching out to me and giving me hope and happiness.
Hi Marilyn. I am very new to the club, just today I was accepted. I feel very honored to have found the invitation in my email. I am 80 years young and am taking care of my dear husband who has Pancreatic cancer and has had it for 17 months. I visit him daily but have spare time on my hands which I keep busy drawing various sketches. I love the texture I can get from just a simple pencil. Anyway I am honored to join with all the other artists and hope to do well. Oh yes I live in Montana USA. Many thanks, Jeanne
Dear Marilyn, thank you so much for sharing your experience. And your story. All the best.
Dear Marilyn
Thanks for sharing your journey with us
As a young artist it’s truly inspiring to connect with others in this niche
Though for me it has been overwhelming making Art a career choice it’s definitely brought healing to my soul
Reading your article has given me renewed inspiration so thanks again!
Hi Alvina, Thank you! I am glad you have made a career from art. I am sure you will be very successful. Good luck and best wishes. 😊
I just finished reading notes to Marilyn. I am astounded how many people are finding art in our “senior years” I too am now 82 years old and found art! Although I was exposed to art earlier, I did not pursue it. Now I find it extremely interesting and there are so many resources available on the internet! The internet is a whole other subject! I have a love/hate
relationship with it, but that is the way of the world now.
I turned to the internet when we were quarantined, and found so many opportunities to
do something I find interesting,
Marilyn,
These stories are amazing to me seeing what people can do with all of their health problems. It really makes me want to try harder to learn to paint. I am 80, but I am like some of the others that I have always wanted to learn. I am doing pretty good with my painting, but not trying to draw yet. I meet with a group of ladies that paint and they are teaching me. This is really helping me to relieve my stress one day a week. I have a sitter to stay with my husband, who has Parkinson’s and is in a wheelchair. He has had this since 2015 and now he is beginning to get Dementia so this helps me get out of the house. Enjoy and Admire you and all of these ladies.