Hands-free "mahl stick"

[Marvin Mattelson]

I use a similar device to anchor my mahl stick. The one shown here is my portable mahl brace. I use it when I am painting away from home. It attaches to the canvas stretcher.

I have a larger version which I use in my studio. It clamps onto my easel. I generally hold the other end of the mahl stick which slides onto a hook under my palette, leaving my fingers free to hold my rag. For really critical touches I have a second mahl brace that attaches to the other side of my easel for hands free usage.