Technique Tuesday: Walking Canes Ain't Just for the Infirm

WIP photo of my current commission showcasing my sexy walking cane.

I stole this Technique Tuesday tip a couple years ago from master painter Richard Schmid who famously uses his walking cane as a mahl stick (to steady your hand in painting). I have even taken it with me to workshops and have had people laugh at me and say "I was looking for the old lady when I saw that". To which I have answered while shaking my cane in their face, "He who paints like Richard Schmid can cast the first stone!". Then I smash them over the head with it. See, it serves a dual purpose.

I also have another Mahl stick I use when traveling or copying at the National Gallery of Art. It is affordable, collapsible and very sturdy (made out of aluminum). Although don't drop the threaded end on a hard concrete floor as I did, or you may have a problem putting it back together again. You can purchase it at most art supply stores. Here is a link to one.

Technique Tuesday: Super Glue and Richard Schmid

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On the latest podcast of Artist Mentor's Online, artist Molly Schmid shares that her father, Richard Schmid (author of Alla Prima and Alla Prima II) often rearranges live flowers on still lifes by gluing them into place as needed to achieve the best composition. Genius, right? Well that's why he's Richard Schmid.

You heard it here first folks. OK, second. To get your own copy of Richard's Alla Prima II before its completely sold out click here.