Abstract: The holder has an elongated base portion adapted to extend from above one rung of a ladder to below an immediately lower rung, and an elongated cantilevered portion extending integrally from the upper end of the base portion at an angle of preferably less than 90 degrees therefrom. The distal end of the cantilevered portion has an upward hook-like projection to support the bail or handle of a paint can or the like. Preferably, a substantial portion of the cantilevered portion has a cross-section in the form of an upwardly-opening U-shape defining a trough to hold a paint brush, with a drain hole being provided through the bottom of the trough near the distal end. The cantilevered portion preferably has a dam piece near its distal end between the distal end and the location of the drain hole, so that paint cannot run past the dam piece, and can only drain out the drain hole.