Artists Magazine - USA (2020-04)

ArtistsNetwork.com 19

HOOKED MAHLSTICK

1

You’ll be creating an L-shape with two pieces of wood.

First, paint a thin strip of wood glue onto the joining parts

of the wood pieces.

2

Using a clamp to maintain stability, create an L-shaped

joint. Make sure that the edges of the two wood pieces

are even to one another. Let this dry overnight.

3

Using a utility knife, cut one of the wine-bottle corks

lengthwise so that each half is semicircular in profile. Cut

the second cork into a prism-like form so that two of its three

sides form a right angle.

4

Once the L-shaped form is dry, remove the clamps.

Using wood glue, affix the two cork pieces into place

and use additional clamps to keep them stable. Let the glue

dry thoroughly.

5

Remove the clamps

from the cork pieces,

and your mahlstick is

ready to use. Hook the

short end of your

mahlstick over the top

edge of your canvas so

that the corks secure it in

place while holding the

wood away from the

painting surface. This

prevents smudging and

scratching when

repositioning the tool.

Materials

· ⅜x1½-inch strip of wood

cut into two lengths: 5

inches and 36 inches

· wood glue

· two wine-bottle corks

· utility knife

· four clamps