The French easel is the workhorse and the workstation, the classical box for plein air painters for decades, steeped in nostalgia and authenticity. It is the cheapest, the sturdiest, and, with certain modifications, the most reliable. But it is not ready to use right out of the box. Oh, the manufacturers might disagree, but they are not painters. Yes, you can use it right out of the box but, for best results, you will want to make some basic alterations described in the chapter called Americanizing Your French Easel. The alterations include beefing up the hardware, improving the method of holding the canvas in the easel, and building a wide palette that acts as a work table and fits into the easel’s drawer. All of these simple alterations can be done by any anyone and for only a few dollars.
Folded French easel with palette strapped to the back with bungee cords
On the other hand, setting up a French easel for the first time is tricky, legs telescoping this way and that, drawer flying open, pieces falling off. It’s best to follow a simple, organized method that is shown on the How to Paint Plein Air Youtube channel. The video is titled How to Set Up a French Easel. Follow along in the exact manner and you will be able to set up your French easel in under two minutes, ready for painting. The video also shows some of the alterations.
Although the French easel is bulkier than some easels, especially the pochade backpacker-style easels, it is roomier. It will safely hold larger canvases and you can create a large area for mixing your paints. This roominess is a bit of a luxury and not everyone wants that. An alternative to the full box is the half box which has all the features of the larger easel but less roominess. Nevertheless, you can still modify it to have a larger palette/worktable area. If you get a half box, get one that is well made since they are by nature a bit more flimsy. Apply the same alterations and you’ll be set. Download my ebook here: https://www.amazon.com/How-Paint-Plein-Air-Beginning-ebook/dp/B06X9GKG6R #pleinair #pleinairpainting #howtopaintpleinair #pleinairinstruction #pleinairworkshop #ebook
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