Everything is on a common aluminum travel easel. This one is a cheapie, I only got this because it collapses down to 14", so it doesn't stick out of the backpack so much. The other ones, like Winsor Newton, are built much better but they only pack down to 22". I'm 5'4", and this gets to the height I need, but if you are taller you will probably have to go with the bigger aluminum frames.
I used 2 pieces of pegboard, put together book fashion with 2 hinges. This way it folds in half, and fits nicely in a backpack. Home Depot cut the pegboard for me, because I don't have many tools.
I used pegboard because it is lightweight, and little wooden pegs fit in the holes at any height to hold the canvas panel. A clothespin above or around can keep the panel snug on the pegs. This pegboard, open, is only 15", so it's good for 8x10 panels at most, that's the size I limited myself for Paris. Each painting session was limited to 90 minutes. (I have a larger version for at home plein-air.) Notice how the bottom corners of the pegboard are notched off- that's to make it easier to zip the circular top of the backpack closed. That's what you call a 'field adjustment', ha.
I first devised this because I like a vertical paper palette, and that is held on by clips. The little plastic paint holder underneath, to squeeze paints onto, is the Loew-Cornell Paint-Saver Palette, securely affixed to the easel with Velcro; nothing falls off, and it has a cover, so leftover paint can be stored for a couple of days.
With clips I hang a plastic condiment jar on the right, for a nice lightweight brush cup. A couple of minutes to setup, and I'm painting!
But the main gem is the little shelf box I made, from a metal whisky tin. I attached 2 small coat hooks to the back, reinforced by a wood piece inside, so simple! It hangs on the easel legs, so handy for a medium cup, some tubes of paint, gloves etc.
Here is the back; notice also how I used the strap that comes with the crossbar to wind around the back leg, to stop it from sliding on smooth surfaces. I experimented with different 'feet', but adding a piece of velcro to the back leg to grab that strap is the simplest solution for sure!
Even when I was a little girl I liked inventing things; this really suits me for traveling. I don't worry about losing expensive art equipment, plus it all fits in a little backpack- 7 pounds total!
Even when I was a little girl I liked inventing things; this really suits me for traveling. I don't worry about losing expensive art equipment, plus it all fits in a little backpack- 7 pounds total!
In this pack I have the equipment mentioned, a roll of paper towels, garbage bag that I attach to the tin left side with a clip, wet wipes, brushes, a small bag containing blue tape, wood pegs, clips, small bungee cord. This is a real streamlined version of my usual pack; thinking ahead, like loosening the caps of all your paints, then you don't have to bring pliers etc. goes a long way. I put the aluminum easel in plastic bags, in case of any errant wet paint. Walking down Paris streets after a successful plein air session, with this on my back, I felt trendy, and a little chic!
Finally, here is a recent shot in front of Le Poncelet restaurant in Paris; it was a busy, hectic street so I parked my easel in between 2 motorcycles.You see here my newest tip; I taped my panel onto a shallow cardboard box that once held office label sheets. I painted leaving the panel in there. This way I never had to touch a wet panel- I simply closed the cover onto the box, and put it into my backpack- too easy!
Lately I've noticed new products to hold palettes vertically, next to your easel. They are expensive, and it's another piece of equipment to haul around. I smile when I think that I've had that feature, easy, for years. I hope this gives you painters more cheap options; the most important thing is to get out there, and paint fearlessly!
Brilliant use of pegboard! What a great set-up.
ReplyDeleteThank you Johnny- yes, plus it's accessible to non-router owners like me. Anyone can make it!
DeleteHmm...nice, I may paint again
ReplyDeleteYes, anything that gets us out easily and inexpensively to paint is the goal for sure, best wishes.
DeleteMuy original yo tengo una caja de galletas metálica ya se cual será su uso gracias
ReplyDelete