Artists' Equipment

Mouth-stick
For artists who use their mouth because they can't use hands, a mouth-stick is a paintbrush-holder that fits comfortably into the artist's mouth to work for extended periods (Kit is about $500, but call for complete details.). A Telescoping mouth-stick has adjustable length, both from Extensions for Independence at: http://mouthstick.net/index.htm#Products; (866) 632-7149. Mouth sticks are also available through rehabilitation hospitals.

Wrist and Hand-supporting Bridge
To lessen tremors and gain control without smearing work, a Tanrite 31" Watercolor Bridge is available at Art Supply Warehouse (AWS) $19.99. Go to: http://www.aswsale.com 1(800) 995-6778.

Reacher
A good reacher will not only extend your reach, but will also provide you with the ability to grip many objects from a single sheet of paper to a tiny tube of paint, your water jars, canvasses, brushes, and even something as fine as a coin. The Gripcert® is an excellent reacher, available at the Mobility Store, http://www.mobilitystore.com. Similar reachers are sold at Gold Violin, http://www.goldviolin.com, Flaghouse Catalogs, http://www.flaghouse.com, and anywhere aids for independent living are sold—from $10 to $25.

Motorized Easel
A table that can be positioned into various heights and angled in ways standard easels cannot. The motorized easel is easy to use independently by a push of a button or flip of a switch. A motorized easel helps compensate for limited strength, reach, and movement. See many different models at Extensions for Independence at: http://mouthstick.net/index.htm#Products; (866) 632-7149

Tabletop Easels
Most larger art supply stores carry tabletop easels that are comfortable for seated artists. One consideration, however, is some tabletop easels are too tall to work with on a standard-height table, so before you buy one, bring your table measurements to the store and try it out. It may be useful to buy a low or adjustable table for to place your easel. Check out the tabletop Clover Carry All Easel Box for about $33.99 at Pearl: http://www.pearlpaint.com/index.html or Flax Art & Design: http://www.flaxart.com.

Adjustable-height Drafting or Drawing Boards
Any tables that have an adjustable tilting work surface. From $119.00 - $300.00, depending on size, manufacturer, and other features. One good deal offered by AWS is a table with a 24" x36" work surface that tilts from a flat to 45-degree angle, has adjustable height, locking casters for mobility, and 2 supply trays attached for easy access $119.99. It's called the 2001 Art Station, made by Studio RTA. Available at Art Supply Warehouse (AWS): http://www.aswsale.com; 1(800) 995-6778.

Dick Blick Art Supplies
http://www.dickblick.com/categories/specialneeds/
Dick Blick Stores and Web site offers more adaptive art supplies than we've ever seen in one place, such as wheelchair accessible tables, easels, scissors, and easy-to-grip drawing tools—pencils, paintbrushes, chalks, and more.

Alvin Reflex Table (sold at Dick Blick) http://www.dickblick.com/zz501/40/ The 30" × 40" top is constructed of scratch-resistant Melamine® and has a raised, black, PVC edge that prevents items from falling off. Easy-grip knobs adjust telescoping legs to a height of 29" to 44" and to angles from 0° to 45°. (Appx. $249)
	Alvin Reflex Table

Pots of Paint, Rather than Tubes
Although it's often advised to use tubes for better control of blending pigments, an artist with limited hand or arm motor function may have an easier time with pre-set pots of paint. (Look for Windsor-Newton or Pelican for the best quality.)

Magnification Devices
Any device, hand-held or on a stand, lighted, CCTV-Use to magnify your work or the subject as you draw or paint. Experiment with several to find one that works best for you: (See Infinitec's Daily Living Aids in our Total Resource Guide for Blindness or Visual Impairment): http://www.infinitec.org/totalresource/visual/dailyliving.html.

Verilux Lamps
http://www.veriluxstore.com/?gclid=CLL1zLyWiIcCFQ-4WAod40BJbQ
Verilux utilize a new fluorescent technology which stops vibration of filament. The end result is that a lot more people can see significantly better with it to read or paint, even those with low vision. Also see natural spectrum lamps.