What Is A Mahl Stick Used For

In this article you will learn how to build your own mahl stick.

What is a mahl stick used for.

Mahlstick definition a stick with a padded tip used to support an artist s working hand. The art of painting by johannes vermeer portrait of eva gonzalez by edouard manet self portrait by sofonisba anguissola utilizing a mahl stick. The resting end of the mahl stick is padded so as to ensure there is no damage to the glass or canvas which is being used to create the painting. Rest the soft ball end of the stick on the edge of the canvas some artists even have a ledge for their mahl stick to slide along or on a part of the painting.

Loxley mahl stick painters rest at amazon for 16 99. The mahl stick is an essential tool for the professional painter. In 16th through 19th century paintings of artists including self portraits the maulstick is often depicted as part of the painter s equipment. Users appreciate that the wood comes pre oiled hence lasting for a long time without any worries.

This is because the hand is not used to being suspended in the air. But don t underestimate this ubiquitous little branch of cliché. It is used as an aid in painting particularly in oil painting because it takes so long to dry. It s a very handy tool to have at your disposal for a multitude of applications.

They are one of those iconic artistic props akin to a floppy beret and painter s smock both i blushingly admit to owning myself. A mahlstick or maulstick is a stick with a soft leather or padded head used by painters to support the hand holding the paintbrush the word derives from the german and dutch malstock or maalstok painter s stick from malen to paint. What is a mahl stick. Painting on an easel the vertical position of the canvas makes it difficult to paint small details.