Cup Easels Superlite: Review and Gouache Demo in the Garden

Hello Art Family!
Today I'm reviewing a travel easel called the "Superlite" from Cup Easels.
You'll see in the video... I LOVED this thing and plan to use it as my regular travel easel.
Cup Easels Superlite:
cupeasels.com/collections/basic-cup-easles/products/new-superlite-cup-easel
Thanks for watching!
Happy Sketching,
Jared Cullum
www.jaredcullum.com
PATREON: www.patreon.com/jaredlovestodraw
TWITTER: jared_cullum
INSTA: jaredcullum

[@thefrugalcrafter]

What a clever set up! Love the painting!

[@JaredCullum]

Thanks Lindsay! I appreciate you watching!

[@artisticallyofficial]

Definitely going to get one of these! Thanks for the review and demo, lovely painting as always.

[@cupeasels3789]

Thank you for this review Jared!!!

[@birdsiview6845]

Wow that’s a really beautifully handy palette / easel! Need that! Beautifully painted vegetables as well!

[@ArtsiRosi]

This is a great palette! WANT! I like how the palette AND the mixing areas are in the actual wood!

[@jennifernewmanart]

This is an awesome little travel easel ! I love going to zoos to draw and paint , this looks compact enough and will be easy to carry around , I like everything about this easel 😊 the paint wells are nice and roomy ,I might look into getting one for watercolours . Thanks so much for showing this, i think it might go onto the Christmas wish list 😊

[@TabithaYi]

Well, time to save up for this. I saw it on your Instagram earlier and was super interested, thanks for making such a detailed review! It definitely helps to see it in action.

[@DannySabraArt]

Nice review and painting! That easel does look awesome! I'll definitely check this guy's stuff out.

[@garzapinups]

Love the painting! Reminds me of oils, and the pallet is pretty cool!

[@WeblightDreams]

Very neat product design and travel easel. Thanks for sharing.

[@frankie_smith]

Because of you, I got one; a Cup Easel "Lefty" Superlite" (I'm left handed) a few months ago. I love it. Absolutely love it. Thanks for this demo!

[@ArtistInNewHampshire]

Thank you, Jared! Exactly what I wanted! Just ordered one. 3/10/21 Good idea about watercolor in the pan.

[@andreaharutunian3838]

Love the painting and the box !

[@JaredCullum]

Thank you! : )

[@maggiemardis1185]

I ordered the tripod shelf with the hole for a water container awhile back. It is light weight and sturdy. It fits a collapsible cup or a turp container that has three latches. It is handy for a rag or place to lay your brushes. Thanks for the review!

[@parientou]

That looks so easy to use!! I hope I can snag one somehow. Also love the demo painting! Your blocky style and use of colors are always such a treat to the eyes.

[@JaredCullum]

Thank you for watching!

[@catzrulez910]

Woah, from the thumbnail, i thought this palette was going to be much smaller than it actually was 👍👍👍

[@Danielcorey03]

Sweet painting! Glad you two connected and you're digging the Cup Easel! I love mine!

[@JaredCullum]

Daniel Corey Paintings thanks man! Always nice to hear from you. I love your work!

[@pantalonious3984]

I really enjoyed your explanation of how you bring a piece to life step by step. Thank you so much for that advice its going to be extremely helpful not just in gouache but also in acrylics too I’m fairly sure

[@JaredCullum]

MrG. Nibs thank you! :) I appreciate you watching

[@davidw7219]

Just received mine last week. It’s absolutely great!

[@JaredCullum]

Thanks for watching, David!

[@brianashmorestudio]

Great easel! Great review! Great painting! Hmmmm, now I want one of those...

[@JaredCullum]

Thanks for watching!

[@MaryPrasadArt]

If you stir in a couple drops of humectant like vegetable glycerin or honey to the gouache while wet, it won’t crack (much) or fall out of your palette. It will also rewet more easily. Thanks for the review!

[@ArtistInNewHampshire]

Good idea! The M.Graham gouache already has honey, but I will def keep it in mind! Thanks!

[@MaryPrasadArt]

@dev null It depends on the brand. If it is sticky, it probably won't crack (a sign that it already has enough humectant in it). In my experience Winsor & Newton Designers Gouache needs some added - highly likely it will crack and fall out of the pan if not. It's also possible some colors may not need as much/any added.

[@geslinam9703]

Oh wow! I want it!

[@chelavr2064]

Great review and demo!

[@103Ds]

This looks like one of the best plein air painting setups that are available for purchase, plus it is great to support a small business. The wells seem to have a seal on them so maybe gouache will stay fresh-ish? That plus that glycerin I like to add to the gouache could work. Now I just have to convince myself to go out and do plein air painting hehe. Great painting, Jared. I especially like the brushstrokes on that big leaf right under, and in front of the tomatoes.

[@JaredCullum]

Thank you! It does. It has some kind of rubber(?) paint coating that seals the wells. I closed it for 24 hours and opened it and the paint was still wet.

[@ChristinaTodd1970]

Oh man! I want one!

[@FaerieDust]

I've wanted something like this for a while. I'm still saving up, but I have a big birthday coming up right before Christmas so maaaaybe my family will want to get together and get me one... Hmm...

[@rodrigocasarez1810]

Might have to get myself an early Christmas present 🎁

[@cheryllapham6279]

I was looking for a small pochade for watercolor and i was torn between this Cup easel and the U.go 6x8. I bought the I.go because it didn’t have the waiting period or customs, but now I want both! Great video.

[@JaredCullum]

Cheryl Lapham yea- there are pluses and minuses to both haha at least with yours your paintbox is free to use elsewhere. But it’s also kinda nice to have it all consolidated in the cup easel. :)

[@robynwhite5662]

I love your style.. New to gouache. Deciding whether to make a wet gouache pallet. Was watching Sarah Burns but she’s changed to a dry gouache palette now.

[@gracieosornio9291]

Your channel is so encouraging, your review is honest and your replies are so nice even if the person making the comment is rude. Thank you for your time, teaching and videos you share!

[@JaredCullum]

gracie osornio haha well you’re very kind. I know my opinion on it- especially given how expensive art stuff is in general. A lot of it is just people today in general. It could be $10 and people would still complain. People want everything- especially art stuff to be cheap and somehow amazing. Same with furniture and anything else. It’s just how people are these days :) Thanks for watching and thanks for the kind words :) it is tough. I get a steady stream of unfriendly people online and it’s always encouraging to read something nice :)

[@lovelifedrawing]

i'm gonna have to order one of these badboys!

[@JaredCullum]

It’s really handy and a nice solve for traveling with gouache.

[@ArtelisStudio]

This is my dream easel! 😍 Canadian stuff are always too expensive for me, plus the shipping fee will double the price or more. But I will still save up for it. One day, one day…

[@charmcrumrine8750]

And the customer service is the best I have ever dealt with. Love this company!! Hi Kyle, excited for you with this review.

[@JaredCullum]

Agreed! The owner is so kind. It's been a joy getting to know him and his work through doing this.

[@Saffirance]

You carry it easely I see what you did there. Wink, smile

[@ertfgghhhh]

That is nice!!!

[@samuel_avila]

I will never understand people complaining about the price. It's not only reasonable but also fair. It looks great, sturdy and of high-quality. Thanks for the review, I might go for it if I start doing plein air.

[@JaredCullum]

For better or worse people on the internet think with their finger tips. I don’t think most people mean to come across rude. Sometimes I have to step in if people get out of control or mean to others and remove them but that’s rare. :) Thanks for watching :)

[@levisimpson516]

I tried keeping gouache in little pans but they did exactly that, cracked and crumbled. This looks nice, I really want something like this for watercolor and of course have started looking into James Gurney's setup and how to make my own. I'm not exactly adept at creating stuff like this. May actually be worth it just to buy one of these.

[@PetrikNZ]

This certainly seems to have the Gurney touch to it.

[@tinglyart3877]

Ohhhh!!! 😍

[@noodlecatcountry]

It reminds me of James Gurney's easel.✌💙🎨

[@JaredCullum]

Allie Hughes yea! Very similar. I like the integrated palette on it

[@noodlecatcountry]

@@JaredCullum It looks like it would be really nice and comfortable to use. I think the palette is great, I love that it has a magnetic cover! I definitely want one.😸Thank you for sharing it!

[@christianebehr138]

That is so nice, Here is Germany I heard to use a drop of glycerin into each well so the paint does not crack. Many greetings. That easel is everso nice many greetings 😊

[@JaredCullum]

Great idea!

[@christianebehr138]

I@@JaredCullum I actualy forgot to write that when you mix your guache colours 1 drop of glycerin and stir it around . GREETINGS CHRISTIANE 😊😊

[@gigibenea3529]

Wow..made in Canada👍🍁🍁🍁

[@grm65]

These kits all sold out! 😢. I contacted the maker in hopes of being put on a wait list. I really hope they’ll make more.

[@JaredCullum]

Gwen Moore wow- well- I’m sure he’ll be making more quickly. :) good that you reached out to express interest.

[@ArtistInNewHampshire]

“Fast” forward- March 10, ‘21- Must be back in stock, as I was just able to order one. Looks excellent!

[@essietangle9931]

It looks great, and i think extra cups to interchange would be well worth the extra investment. Glad you demonstrated it for us.

[@JaredCullum]

Thanks essie! Always a treat to hear from you :)

[@costumeink147]

This was cool. Part product review, part working process for gouache still life. Question though. Did you compensate these tomatoes for holding still for you?

[@pyromancyglassart8975]

Can u show me the under side of it where the tri pod would go? Ty

[@SarahBurnsStudio]

Ohhhh now this looks interesting! I read your replies to other comments about how well it seals. Have you checked it now after 5 days to see how wet the gouache is? I think that’s my biggest concern with ordering a self contained unit like this. This looks so convenient. I don’t have any tools to make my own custom setup and this definitely checks a lot of boxes for me! Thank you for the review and bringing this to my attention.

[@JaredCullum]

The gouache has dried out- I went ahead and let it dry because I use M Graham and the honey in it causes it to mold after a couple days if I don't let it go ahead and harden.

[@SarahBurnsStudio]

OK, well it’s good to know it dried out by choice, and not flaw of design. It’s definitely a cool design!

[@theforgedone]

How easy is it to switch out the palette? I see the company sells palettes for watercolor or oil/acrylic.

[@skyehog]

As a subscriber to your channel I was delighted to see this review having discovered Kyle's Cup Easels online yesterday evening. I have been seeking a palette to allow me to keep gouache moist between sessions and have had problems with the paint becoming over wet & runny using baking parchment over a damp cloth - this, with its sealed wells, seems the perfect answer. I wonder if you could please comment on whether the seals on the wells (it looks like you have a divider on the round well too) form a seal tight enough to prevent paint oozing from one cell to the next if the box is transported closed on edge as opposed to layed flat ? Thanks very much.

[@JaredCullum]

Hi Skyehog! Thanks for watching. So- on mine it sealed it well. I closed it over night and it was wet the next day and hadn't moved much but that could also be that it had dried enough to not ooze much. It definitely sealed it as much as my small sealable box with a rubber cap that sits loosely. Lena Rivo has a cool little pallete that clamps closed which is a neat idea as well. Check out her channel. I think they sell those on ebay.

[@skyehog]

Just checked Lena's channel - she does some lovely work. I have ordered a similar box to hers to try while I save up for a cup easel! Thanks for your help :-)

[@eileend8746]

If I wanted to use the palette interchangeably between gouache and watercolor would you recommend the plastic as opposed to the glass?

[@JaredCullum]

Hi Eileen! I can't speak for the glass as I haven't used it but my opinion is that for those two I would just stick to the plastic. Unless you think you'll try oil on it.

[@MsNavidude]

Seem you can carry it ''easel''y ! sorry I had to! love your video and work

[@JaredCullum]

hahaha :)

[@callmekite]

Glad you could carry it easel-y ha ha haaa

[@bonnieshapiro3511]

Wonderful easel. Love the look of it. What is that divided cup for water?

[@JaredCullum]

Bonnie Shapiro I had initially thought to use it for water but it a little small as it is only an inch deep and maybe 1.5 inch wide. The easel came with a split basin to go in it so you can use it for 1 color or split it for 2

[@cupeasels3789]

The single cup can be used for paint, liquid ink, masking fluid, linseed oil, etc. We also make inserts so you can hold a couple colours in 1 cup.

[@jillam7039]

What is the cup easel sitting on? What type of tripod do you use? Is it specific to the superlight model?

[@Angela27red]

Do you keep the gouache inside the wells? How do u keep away mold? Do the wells come out to clean them?

[@JaredCullum]

I do- but I let it dry before I close it in my studio. If I’m doing a bunch of paintings in a row for a few days I keep the lid on it but you’re right it can mold if you go too long wet and covered. The wells to do come out to replace or clean. They’re held in tight but they do come out.

[@Bhodisatvas]

Just arrived from the mind of watercolor channel, instasub! :)

[@JaredCullum]

Thank you!

[@hellabella000]

Great work! What do we need to do to get you a better camera?

[@JaredCullum]

hahaha... yea. Well- thank you for your kind words. I have plans! ;) I want to get a better camera but they're very expensive. I had always figured when the channel or patreon made enough to buy an upgrade I would- but it hasn't yet. I'd like to upgrade to a canon m50 or something at some point. I have lots of plans for the future of the channel when I can swing better materials. I'd like to do live sessions and more community oriented stuff. I'm really busy right now on a book contract but when it is finished end of September or so I plan to do a lot more with both youtube and patreon. :) Thank you for watching :)

[@bambirogers3943]

Jared, where is your water container. Is it hanging off the cup easel? If so, how did you hang it?

[@JaredCullum]

I have a collapsible water cup that I drilled two holes near the top of the lid and ran a leather string through. I open it and hang it from either the caliper on the front or off of a clip to side.

[@pauloduarte3095]

Hi there, I’m just starting to learn and trying my hand at watercolour painting and plain air painting. I spent all my free time on national parks in England and this is just the perfect addition to my adventures. Most of the reviews that I’ve seen about the cup easels are around guache paint, do you think it is good for watercolour painting?

[@JaredCullum]

Hi! Very cool that you're getting into it. :) My preference for watercolor is to have the watercolor in a separate palette I can carry. You could load some directly into one of these fine- it would work. You may want more of a deep well to mix though if you're working larger. My favorite design for watercolor on the go- especially for starting, is probably the "james gurney" style easel. I elaborate a bit on building one in a video on low cost pochade alternatives and you can find people that build them or sell them but it's essentially just two small thing boards hinged together with friction hinges. It's very cheap and the most handy I find for watercolor if you're starting out and don't want to spend a whole lot on something yet. Even just a board with a t-nut installed in it would do the job for painting on location long enough to see if you actually like it. :) Hope that helps.Thanks for watching.

[@danarenfand3384]

Could you rest this in your lap if you’re sitting in a chair without table?

[@JaredCullum]

Yes- in fact- I probably would have does that if I wasn't trying to have it out in front to film. :)

[@sonals814]

What tripod did\do you use with the CUPeasel? Looking for a light tripod that will work for painting.

[@JaredCullum]

U.Go tripod is the best I could find. Folds down small, handles a heavy weight. Comes in a nice travel bag.

[@gorgovazari]

How much does this charm weigh?

[@Angela27red]

Where did you get the tripod that you used with it?

[@JaredCullum]

I have a couple tripods as I tend to break them accidentally... I have a cb800 and an expensive manfrotto I got used off of eBay. I get them from EBay because sometimes you can find them used for a little cheaper.

[@sujanithtottempudi2991]

I found most tripod easels wobbly when i put paint on my panels on these easels. Did you find yours wobbly?

[@JaredCullum]

It may be the tripod itself. This box is sturdy. I have had a wobbly tripod in the past and I put a rubber band between the top plate and the box and it helped tighten it.

[@alisonjames8082]

Could you use a 9 by 12 Arches pad on this easel? (My favourite size)

[@JaredCullum]

Love that size too. Yes it’s possible but you’d need a clamp to grip it to the board. It would sit in the lip fine especially at a tilt but if you elevate it you’ll have to clamp it down.

[@alisonjames8082]

@@JaredCullum perfect. Thank you.

[@Jo-lk1hx]

Thank you for this review! Do you know if the company has sales? Would love to order one!

[@JaredCullum]

Jo I can’t speak for the company but it looks like they regularly do %off or deals and free shipping from time to time.

[@cupeasels3789]

Hello Jo, we try to have a sale every couple months! Join our mailing to be in the loop!

[@sujanithtottempudi2991]

Is it wriggly while using harsh brush strokes?

[@JaredCullum]

That has more to do with your tripod than the box you use. You want one with a tight connection to the box. I've never had any box that was wriggly but the connector to the tripod may be.

[@lindakopec7036]

That was interesting. Thank you. What was not clear was what you had the easel on. I could not tell if you had it on a stand or a tripod or a stool or your lap. Wondering about that kept me distracted during your demo. At the end, I saw it was on a tripod but I have no idea if the tripod was one you already had or if it came with the easel.

[@JaredCullum]

Linda Kopec it’s my own tripod. :) it would work in your lap as well if you wanted but I had to put it out front to film it.

[@ABIXWEEZY]

You gimme 2 cutting boards, few hinges and some alie express magnets and I'll be set 😂

[@JaredCullum]

Abigail A sounds great- you should do that 🤣 I don’t have the tools to cut precisely or inset stuff. Also I think It’s nice from time to time to pay a craftsperson to do something nice that lasts.

[@ABIXWEEZY]

@@JaredCullum lol I was just kidding but uk I might try making something like this or even buy one since I'm now old enough to drive and work

[@JaredCullum]

@@ABIXWEEZY :) Well- the benefit of your idea is- with the cutting board, if you get hungry in the field, just pop a cucumber on it and you can slice up a snack ;) I'm always a proponent of making stuff- I make a lot of art materials myself. Which is part of why I know how much it costs to make stuff like this with good materials. You can certainly make something usable if you wanted to! I just think it's nice to have a pro handle things from time to time.

[@wingedblossom1667]

A couple drops of veg glycerine in the gouache will keep it from cracking off.

[@JaredCullum]

Winged Blossom I’ve heard this.. I have yet to try it- I need to! :)

[@suzbart2084]

This easel looks great … for a right-handed artist. Drat.

[@JaredCullum]

I bet he could customize that. I would think. haha You could ask them if you like it

[@suzbart2084]

Ha ha, I did ask on their comments page, right before I left this comment. 😉 I’ll let you know their response. P.S. thanks for your videos - love your work❣️

[@suzbart2084]

Quick reply! “Currently we do not, but you are not the first to ask! I think we will work towards this in the future.”

[@cupeasels3789]

Suz! Left handed superlites are coming!

[@recoveringsoul755]

How much does the Superlite weigh before paints added? Made of plywood and metal sounds heavy. It looks interesting I hadn't heard of it before. TFS

[@JaredCullum]

The creator of it may have some insight into the exact weight. I don't find it heavy at all. It's only 9x9 so it's not terribly large and there is very little metal on it. I imagine the glass version could be heavier but mine is really light. Maybe his website would share something more precise on that. If you're looking for feather-light. Tad Retz makes a cigar box pochade that is very light I also have and used. I don't find a huge difference in weight between these two though and I like the trade off of having the paint on there for sketching with gouache.

[@cupeasels3789]

Superlites weigh less than 2lbs or 0.8kg out of the box :)

[@recoveringsoul755]

@@cupeasels3789 Thank you, the sturdy plywood made it sound heavy. Oh you're the people!! Thanks it's a cool product

[@pyromancyglassart8975]

I am in love Where can I get one ur link didn't work????

[@JaredCullum]

Odd- it should work. I’ll have to mess with it. Maybe you can google it in the meantime? I’m away from my desk. They have a website.

[@pyromancyglassart8975]

I will do a search for Kyle's cup easel??

[@JaredCullum]

cupeasels.com

[@pyromancyglassart8975]

I found it and they have left handed ones....thanks

[@gendoikari6062]

Nice work!. I cant help thinking of poor me.. I'm a left handed painter and I paint with my arms crossed, one over the other; because nobody thinks of designing ANYTHING for left handers......poor me!

[@JaredCullum]

Gendo Ikari that’s a fair complaint and you’re not the only one. I hope Kyle works towards an adaptation for left handers

[@cupeasels3789]

A left handed superlite is coming! Join our mailing list for updates

[@gendoikari6062]

@@JaredCullum Well; I guess the nice guys at 'Cup Easels' were already thinking about the poor lefties.!

[@annettefournier9655]

It's lovely, so is your painting. They are sold out. Just as well. $130.00 for just one product is unfortunately to rich for my blood. But a girl can dream. Lol.

[@JaredCullum]

annette fournier well- If you have access to tools you can always make something. :) at least it’s not necessary to actually paint. You can always just have a piece of wood cut at a hardware store. :) I have a video on making home made pochade alternatives further back.

[@annettefournier9655]

@@JaredCullum Thanks Jared. Just a little green envy. Lol. Of course it isn't necessary 😉

[@elpasomark3069]

A u.go Plein Air with a different take.

[@JaredCullum]

El Paso Mark yea! :) i have not used one of those. It looks nice as well. I like that the palette is integrated because that’s something I’ve wanted with gouache. The u.go is a nice minimal design as well for those that want something like this and don’t have access or skills with tools/wood. :) thanks for commenting :)

[@good_youtube_handle]

Got really excited about this until I checked the price… I think I'll stick with my homemade stuff. lol

[@JaredCullum]

S. Barker sure! If you have the tools I always advocate for building your stuff. I am met with a lot of people with no tools and experience that want something. My feeling is that if you buy the tools or stuff to make something like this it could cost about this much in the end. BUT if you have the know-how- awesome! :)

[@good_youtube_handle]

It would be hard to replicate this for less than the asking price. But, they are making many of them at a time using templates. I would expect to spend around $50-$70 for an item like this, not double that. I'm happy enough with my James Gurney easel and attachments.

[@JaredCullum]

S. Barker 👍

[@50red510]

Yesh thats about twice as expensive as I'd be willing to pay for something like that

[@JaredCullum]

50red510 sure- well you gotta find what works for you.👍

[@yancowles]

Jared's absolutely right though, if you don't have the tools etc. to begin with, you will end up spending not far off this amount for a self-build. I know because I did exactly this putting a JG tripod easel together not that long ago and I reckon, in total, it wasn't much shy of one hundred of my precious english money pounds. There was also a fair amount of time spent learning how to sharpen chisels and come up with solutions for varnishing and such like since I've not really done anything like this before. I'm pleased with what I made btw and it's properly functional but I think if the CE had appeared on my radar three-four months back, I'd have definitely got one.

[@JaredCullum]

Artur Sixpence I have done the same. Speaking of English I saw brass sheets here for $20 and thought I’d take a crack at making a brass watercolor box like those that are $400 from Craig young and the like. Well- then I needed a bender.. chisels, sander, masks, torch, mold hammer.. in the end I spent around $400 haha It was fun. There is nothing like having a hand made object you learned some skills to make. But some people just want to paint and not fuss with that :) I run into a lot of folks that want a JG style easel but have no access to tools or skills. This is especially great for that- because it is sturdy and won’t fall apart. My JG easel is wobbly and falling apart. I could fix it- and may eventually but I will likely use this.

[@yancowles]

@@JaredCullum I think in a different life I would like to have been a maker of those lovely brass palettes and other painting accessories, that or an international caliber fast bowler in cricket but I don't think I've quite got the patience for the former (since I've seen your excellent tutorial on this) and am genetically and chronologically challenged for the latter. My homemade easel is holding up well so far and I use it indoors as well as outside since I have limited desk space and I can now paint wet media away from the computers I use for my day job plus there's less sitting down.

[@50red510]

@@yancowles welll I tell ya what, If either you or Jared break into the brass palette business I would be the first costumer

[@eyeonart6865]

I hate when they make something and price it way to high.

[@sueallen952]

Love it but "not expensive at all"? I'm sorry but that is way out of a lot of people's budget including mine. That is about £127 in UK no way if I had that type of money would I spend it on a pallette!!!

[@JaredCullum]

Sue Allen sure :) from my perspective- I’ve talked to a lot of people with no tools or experience who spend about this amount trying to make something like this. Value is relative. I think crafts-people should be paid for their innovation and hard work. Everyone has their things :) I’m sure there are things I wouldn’t spend money on either. 👍