Sketching Easels- Jullian
Sketching and Field Easels
Sketching and field easels are designed to be compact and lightweight as they are carried about and used outdoors. Box easels also store your art materials in them.
Field Easels are sometimes called sketching or plein air easels, and are designed for outdoor painting. Consequently, they are usually made of lightweight wood or aluminium. They are smaller and lighter than studio easels, and fold into a neat bundle for ease of carrying.
Field Easels have telescopic legs which can be extended to heights for both sitting and standing positions. Field Easels can also be used indoors. Aluminium is lightweight, weatherproof, and sturdy. Some aluminium sketching easels have the ability to tilt forward as well as horizontally.
A French Box Easel has a canvas ledge fixed to the lid of a storage box for drawing and painting materials and has folding telescopic legs fixed to the underside of the box. The storage box usually includes a removable wooden palette. They tend to be substantially heavier to carry than a regular field easel, but have the potential to hold everything you need, so you don’t need to carry additional luggage on your plein air adventure.
A Pochade Box is made for outdoor use. At first glance, it looks like any other painter's box, but when opened, the inside of the lid (or a board contained within) is designed to hold a panel at an upright angle for a painting session. In the box, there is enough storage space for your paints, brushes, and mediums. On some designs, the sliding lid that keeps your tubes of paint secure within a compartment in the box has some holes drilled into it, allowing you to hold your brushes within reach while you work. You can attach a pochade box to a tripod, turning it into a full-size standalone easel.
Maintaining and caring for your easel ensures its longevity and optimal performance. Follow these tips to keep your easel in excellent condition:
Regular Cleaning: Remove any paint splatters or debris. Use a damp cloth to wipe down wooden parts and a soft brush for metal components. Avoid using harsh chemicals that could damage the finish.
Protect from Moisture: Keep your easel dry to prevent wood warping and metal rusting. If you paint with watercolor or other wet mediums, ensure the easel is completely dry before storing it.
Lubrication: For easels with adjustable parts, such as those with height and angle adjustments, regularly lubricate the moving joints with a light oil. This will ensure smooth operation and prevent squeaking.
You can also use linseed oil to help maintain the finish of your easel. Wood that has been fed linseed oil will not absorb paint spills and stain as easily, and is less likely to splinter. If your easel is lacquered, it can be conditioned by rubbing a little beeswax into its surface with a soft rag.
Tighten Screws and Bolts: Periodically check and tighten any screws and bolts. These can loosen over time, affecting the stability of the easel.
Storage: Store your easel in a dry, cool place. For portable easels like sketching easels or plein air easels, store them in a protective cover when not in use.
Avoid Overloading: Respect the weight limits of your easel. Overloading it with a heavy canvas or board can strain the structure and reduce its lifespan.
Surface Protection: Use easel accessories such as canvas holders and clamps to protect the surface of your easel from damage. These tools also help secure your canvas, preventing it from slipping during painting sessions.
By following these maintenance tips, you can ensure your easel remains a reliable and durable tool in your artistic practice.