Sometimes the best tool for the job is a tool that isn't even made for the job. I have been using a TV tray table for years, and it's been functional, but never really worked. It's low when I'm standing, and awkward when I'm sitting. It's hard to move since it's collapsible, and the legs drag on the carpet.
I had bought a storage cart you can see to the left. It works great to keep everything together, and the top gives me more space, but it's not high enough, and it's a little big to have in the middle of the room. (I'm right handed.) So, I've been shopping lately for an adjustable table to hold my palette. I've seen other artists use flexible arms to hold theirs. Some put their palettes vertically as if mixing your paint on a wall. I had a hard time finding something that would fit my working style. Plus, I'm cheap.
Enter Ocean State Job Lot, a store with an odd mix of items, sometimes suspiciously inexpensive. It was a rainy day, and we needed to get out of the house. I poured through the flyers we got in the mail, and circled some items that looked interesting. Among them, a laptop stand. It had a flexible table top, next to a flat portion. How perfect! A place for my palette, and a place for my thinner and brushes. The best part, it was only $25. At the store, the stand was by the door, so I saw it right away. It looked like a quality item, but I had a whole store and a long list. I had to let it stew.
We looked through the rest of the store, and the only other thing I found was a set of dish towels. It was time to go back to see if I really wanted the stand. The box was heavy, they weren't all beaten up, and it looked like it was well made, so I picked it up. At home, it was easy to put together, and simple to use. And next to my easel? It's amazing! I can set it to several heights, tilt the palette to just the right angle, and reach the thinner from my chair. The palette is closer to the canvas, helping me mix more accurate colors, and reducing time between getting paint and putting it on the canvas. I don't have to move, and readjust my focus each time. What a lifesaver!
And then, to add sprinkles to the frosting on the cake, I also get a laptop stand!
Dear Artzonian, thanks for using the #ArtzOne hashtag. Your work is valuable to the @ArtzOne community. Quote of the week: Art, freedom and creativity will change society faster than politics. -Victor Pinchuk
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