Advice for a steadier hand?

Hey guys, it's just me. I recently delved into my basement and brought my painting supplies upstairs along with enough random bits/figures that I'd have something to paint so I could get back into the swing of things.

Much to my frustration, I can't get my right hand to stop shaking. It's been a problem since I wrecked my shoulder in wrestling a few years back...and compounding the issue is the fact that I was an astoundingly mediocre painter to begin with. Add a shaky hand into the mix and the figure I painted last night definitely needs improvement. He's not finished yet, though I'll post some pictures and ask for painting tips when he is. I know I'll certainly need all the help I can get.

Do you guys have any tips/tricks for overcoming a shaky hand? As it stands now I just have to try and guess how bad my hand will shake and try to compensate for it.

(Even with the unsteady hand it was still great to be painting again!)

Sorry to hear that! I wish I could help you but I have no clue.

Snyder_7 wrote:

(Even with the unsteady hand it was still great to be painting again!)

That's what it's really all about, isn't it? Personal satisfaction. Maybe you could try to paint some scenery for starters.. rocks, walls and stuff. They will be more forgiving than tiny detailed miniatures and will give you a chance to learn to compensate for the shaking.

Hey Synder,
Try this: rest your elbows on your legs/thighs; assuming your right-handed [reverse the following otherwise, unless you like challendges ] hold the mini in your left hand, palm up; lean the heel of your right hand [with brush] against the heel of your left hand [with mini]. This will form a triangle with your forearms, & should reduce most of the shaking. Try not to tense up your arms.
Now go get 'em!

Perhaps you could use a "third hand" like I did in electronic few years ago?

DeafNala wrote:

Hey Synder,
Try this: rest your elbows on your legs/thighs; assuming your right-handed [reverse the following otherwise, unless you like challendges ] hold the mini in your left hand, palm up; lean the heel of your right hand [with brush] against the heel of your left hand [with mini]. This will form a triangle with your forearms, & should reduce most of the shaking. Try not to tense up your arms.
Now go get 'em!

Man, thanks for this tip! I was bracing my elbows against the table somewhat like this, but using my thighs to form a triangle works MUCH better! My hand still shakes, but it's noticeably reduced. Thanks a TON!

cianty wrote:

That's what it's really all about, isn't it? Personal satisfaction. Maybe you could try to paint some scenery for starters.. rocks, walls and stuff. They will be more forgiving than tiny detailed miniatures and will give you a chance to learn to compensate for the shaking.

Very true. I just enjoy the painting, and I suppose getting better is a benefit that will come with enjoying what you're doing and putting a lot of time into it as a result. Also good idea about the scenery, I found some ruins from the old 3rd edition WH40k starter set that aren't painted at all, might give them a go.

Thanks for the ideas!

Another thing that might help is resting your wrist on something like a gel mousepad while you paint - it works for me. (In conjunction with elbow against something).

Hey Synder,
You are welcome; my pleasure to be of assistence. I showed that to a couple of guys I was teaching technique to [one had Parkinson's & the other an automobile injury]; it worked fairly well for them.
A good side of the shakes is, until you're happy with your work, you've got a Great Excuse for little mishaps. Excuses are a valuable asset.

May the Muse of Minis smile upon your paint brushes!

drybrushing is your friend.

if you pic your models right, no one should ever notice. armour and fur... middenheim all the way.

On a serious note, just change you style. Okay, well it sound easy, but it may take some time to get used to. Rather than do layers or whatever, try experimenting with washes. Because they do not have to be applied precisely they may be more forgiving.