Hi, Jeff.
One trick is to used a piece of thin but solid wood, to support the right side of the palm if you are right handed. The piece of wood should be place vertically over the ship.
Very good work with the painting - it is looking so easy, when you are doing it @Jimsky - the cat is a beauty, but she knows it and looking permanently angry - or cool - but you are right - both, the model and the cat are great