Plein Air Easels. What I've Used & Love. Plus Something New!

I've tried and reviewed a few Plein Air Easels over the years and here is what I've found, what I keep coming back to and something totally new.

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[colleenmcchesney]

Ohhh yay 😃!!!! I am ahead of you on this one, which is great news!! I have made a James Gurney bamboo version with the exact adjustable hinges that she used but mine is with bamboo cutting boards. In three different sizes, (9 inches x 12 inches is my largest & a tiny 4 inches x 6 inches is my smallest) the large one including the tripod weight about a pound! ❤❤ I have been using it for about a year. I made it after watching your other videos on easels for both in the studio & for Plein Air painting. Thanks for sharing this wonderful information & keeping us always inspired to go painting! (I am hoping to do Plein Air soon.) Have a great weekend!!

[bldgmaker]

Steve, your videos are always so warmly encouraging. I love that you promote others without the need to be sponsored... your channel is one of the first I found on this watercolor adventure.... so valuable in these times to have voices like yours encouraging us in a Saturday morning... oops afternoon! Better get moving! Thanks for all the effort you put into the great content! And thank you for the opportunity to support you through Patreon... let the love of all things watercolor and beauty continue... unabated...

[karenhoward]

I bought the STABLO, made in France. Reasonable price, also holds your brushes & a water cup & is magnetized! A mount for a stand is available. I love this thing!

[lauriecarrel]

Inspiring me to step outside and paint. Spring is here

[TerryMcGearyScotland]

Never thought about mounting art stuff on my tripods until now!🤩

[MicheleintheWoods]

Steve, thank you for another great video. I've been following your plein air setup journey with great interest because I was just getting started with my plein air setup. I was looking for a lightweight one that I could pack in my backpack while hiking and camping and I too have problems with wrist and hand pain/cramping while holding something for an extended period of time so I knew it had to be an easel instead of a sketch board style. I really like the Gurney sketchbook easel but I'm not a DIY woodworker so making my own was not in the picture. After watching your video a few months ago, I immediately ordered one from Taylor's Etsy shop. I am so happy that I did! I've been using it for several months and I really like it. Thank you so much for the suggestion and the other great content you provide.

[TheWhiteMouse]

Thank you so much for this very thoughtful video. My goal is to paint Plein Air, and I know I can't paint using my lap whatsoever. I have already told my woodworking son he is making me an easel for Mother's day. I really, really like the easel you designed, especially for larger paper.

[penniecormier]

This is wonderful and I need to try the light versions! I used a heavy steel easel and packed my supplies in a wheeled market basket with a fold down seat. Can’t go too far from the car but it does have room for a lunch box too!

[danpost]

Very interesting. I am a graphite/pastel/ink guy just beginning to explore watercolor, line and wash, and plein air. I appreciate all this info that you share. Thank you!

[SarahBurnsStudio]

I love my Etchr Slate Mini, I added my own backpack straps to it too. I mainly use it setup on my tripod. I also love my Guerrilla box (I have the 6x8 which is perfect for my needs)
But I have been wanting to make a small foldable setup like your James-Gurney-inspired DIY easel. I love the idea of customising it down to the inch with all the weird things I need 😅 you’re inspiring me to buy some tools and give it a try…

[halnewhouser]

Hi Steve, I think your demo is great. I only have a piece of cardboard. I want to do more plain air.

[goldfishgames]

I made mine as well. Spotted a unused back to a huge cabinet TV on the curb trash day. Plastic, ridges in the right places, cut it down and made a shelf/place for pallets. Made use of magnets as well. Hacked up a piece to keep the tripod legs in position, place for water and brushes, cost only my time. Snagged a used ArtComber as I have a bum foot now, the seat was the goal. Also made up cold weather water warming pallet, but it’s too cold to go out! Lol

[Ann-eytw]

I just got one of Taylor Seymour’s easels, and it is everything you said about it. Wonderful, easy to use and LIGHT! Now for me to get brave and get out there! Thanks for the review Steve!

[pattycyr]

Great video - I love how much detail you give viewers to help them make decisions when buying supplies. Thanks so much!

[moma-b]

3:11 That mini palette looks so funny on this still fairly big setup. 😂
I own one too and only use is for my extreme lightweight setup which is basically a cosmetic bag with one waterbrush, the small collapsible brush from Winsor&Newton, a pencil, an eraser and an A6 size sketchbook.

[VanmeterFL]

Oh, maybe someone needs to make a Steve Mitchell easel! 😊

[ArtMama]

Thank you for your videos! I’m wanting to get started with Plein Air painting and your videos are so helpful!

[artwithmycoffee]

Very cool. Thank you for your review! I paint in oil but do like to use a craft paper sketch book to do quick studies, or color note studies etc. This would be perfect because it’s too difficult for me to hold a sketchbook still enough so I can enjoy the process. I really like this option!

[ms.rocketscience]

So many good options! Thanks for sharing your expertise in a clear and concise manner. I always learn something new. Much appreciated .

[TatTankT]

I’m in the middle of making a exact replica of the same James Gurney easel can’t wait to finish it n start making art in the field hope you like yours looking forward to seeing it in the future videos thanks for sharing