The aspen mahl stick

Twenty years ago, while on a walk in the mountains, we found the aspen branch that has served ever since as a mahl (or painter's) stick.  The stick enables the artist to improvise a hand-rest almost anywhere over the surface of a painting so that while holding one end of the stick and resting the other end on the painting, the easel, or somewhere else, the artist can hold and use a brush or another tool with the other hand.


Typically, the protective leather pouch at one end of the implement completely covers the end of the stick to protect the surface of the painting when the stick is placed against it.  However, when I wrapped the end of the stick with leather, I left the point clear because I place only the side of the tip against the painting, and I like to lean on the stick when I back away from the easel to evaluate the work.  And whenever possible, I don't lean the stick on the painting at all.

In the photo below, the mahl stick rests in its slot between the runners at the base of the $10 easel.


Here, a mahl stick appears in The Art of Painting by Jan Vermeer (circa 1632-1675).

Tags: 2010, Tools supplies and operations