Embrace the Shake

Painting with a Hand Tremor

Writing by a patient with Parkinson's disease, showing abnormalities, which may include micrographia

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Recently, a reader asked whether I had any suggestions for dealing with hand tremors as a painter. As she’s aged, she’s found her hand becoming increasingly unsteady. For someone for whom art is a major part of life, it’s been an extremely depressing development. A steady hand is important if you want to paint detail, but even if you prefer broad strokes, steadiness matters for controlling edges.

At first, I didn’t have many ideas, other than perhaps working in a larger format with a bigger brush. But while researching possible solutions, I came across artist Phil Hansen, who struggled with hand tremors early on. His story of “embracing the shake” is an inspiring one. He talks about it in this TED video:

Hansen ultimately became a different kind of artist through his efforts. But if you’re a painter with a tremor and want to continue working in a style similar to what you’re doing today, here are some options to consider.

Stabilization Techniques

• Brace or support your painting arm against your body, a table edge, or a maulstick

• Paint with the whole arm rather than just the wrist or hand (larger, more fluid movements are often easier to control)

• Sit rather than stand, using a stable surface to anchor your elbow

Adaptive Tools

• Weighted gloves or wrist weights can help dampen involuntary movement

• Ergonomic or wider‑grip brushes are often easier to hold steadily; foam tubing (such as pipe insulation) can be added to brush handles

• Brush holders or arm supports can provide mechanical stabilization

If none of these approaches work for you, it may be worth reconsidering your style or process:

• Take advantage of the tremor—many artists have incorporated shaky, expressive marks into their work

• Switch media—watercolor washes, palette‑knife painting, or printmaking may be easier to manage than fine detail

• Explore collage or mixed media—cutting, tearing, and gluing require less fine motor precision

• Try digital painting—apps like Procreate include stroke‑stabilization features that automatically smooth shaky lines

Another possibility is to consult a neurologist or movement‑disorder specialist. Tremors have many causes, and some are quite treatable.

If you’re not experiencing hand tremors now, you may in the future. The likelihood of developing a tremor—especially essential tremor or those associated with Parkinson’s disease—increases with age. (Parkinson’s, in particular, appears to be on the rise, possibly due to environmental factors.) But if you do develop a tremor, don’t lose hope. You can still have a rewarding, meaningful life as an artist.