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

[@colleenmcchesney1482]

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...

[@awatercolourist]

Thank you for your beautiful comment and for putting our thoughts and feelings into words 😊

[@karenhoward303]

Yes you are a very very nice guy & I don't do lots of remarks but certainly have enjoyed you for a long time.

[@TerryMcGearyScotland]

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

[@karenhoward303]

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!

[@paddysant]

I love my Stablo, too.

[@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…

[@mindofwatercolor]

It’s a great little easel for some quick local sketching. James came up with a great design. Not only can you find several to buy on Etsy but there are tons of videos on making it yourself, not to mention Gurneys’s own video.

[@danpost4755]

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!

[@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.

[@Neelloc83]

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.

[@NaugansIslandArt]

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

[@halnewhouser1217]

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

[@penniecormier8770]

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!

[@pattycyr8662]

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

[@VanmeterFL]

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

[@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

[@mindofwatercolor]

Cool ideas!

[@Ann-ey1tw]

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!

[@ms.rocketscience4924]

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

[@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.

[@angelalewis4213]

I do a ton of plein air in oil and a little in gouache. My favorite oil set up is Solteck and i do gouache on my lap. I want to build an easel like the above favorite

[@EmilyOlsonArt]

I hadn't seen that Etchr satchel--that looks so great! Also, I may have to bite the bullet and learn how to use power tools to make a custom easel, hah hah!

[@mindofwatercolor]

Easily done. Thanks Emily.

[@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!

[@Tat2TankT]

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

[@lizcharalambous9150]

Lots of lovely set up here. I bought a 'just go sketching' kit from Etsy. It's an ingenious piece of kit that secures your working area to your sketchbook. Everything is included in a sturdy bag. I use mine all the time and it comes in different sizes. Worth a look. I also like the etchr mini bag as I can fit loads in if you need to take extra stuff

[@mindofwatercolor]

Thanks for the tip!

[@amberdreams_0]

Ah yes! Ian's shop used to be called Rawlinson's End and he has loads of really well thought out travel /plein air kits. He makes hand made watercolours too that are really good.

[@lizcharalambous9150]

@@amberdreams_0 yes you're right, I've had loads of stuff from him and the watercolours are top quality. Really nice Etsy seller, enjoying his sketchbooks:)

[@carolhestand2561]

I've been plein air painting a couple of times would enjoy more experiences. Very informative video thank you

[@veritasca24]

Thanks for the review of plein air easels. I really like the Etsy one. What lightweight tripod do you use? I am a Patreon of your channel and appreciate the helpful quality content that you post. Have a good holiday season and looking forward to painting with you in 2024.

[@paulagoldberg1103]

I purchased Taylor Seamount’s easel as i really hate plein aire sketching and painting without a good support. Can’t wait to get it. This was really helpful for me, as i can’t carry heavy bags and boxes around.

[@mindofwatercolor]

Just FYI. She is closing her shop for a couple weeks in March to travel. Hope you got it already but if its delayed that is probably why.

[@JaredCullum]

Great video! I'm always interested in the tools other folks use for plein air. Especially with watercolor. :)

[@mindofwatercolor]

Thanks Jared. Me also. I sometimes suffer from FOMO, thinking there is always something better out there.

[@JaredCullum]

@@mindofwatercolor yes! Haha me too. I like to tinker and build watercolor boxes and pochades for fun and every time I do it I think “I’m never doing this again.” And then a month later I’m like “you know… if this dish was 1mm lower…” and I’m back in the basement haha also seeing other folks tools too. It’s hard to not feel like ‘maybe this will be the perfect one’ :)

[@mindofwatercolor]

@@JaredCullum YES! Exactly. BTW, anxious to see what you’re bringing to your new channel. I subbed right away!

[@lacamasprairie]

Thank you for this video!! I was unable to order through the KZbin link (Etsy wouldn’t finalize my order) so I just went outside KZbin to the Etsy store and was able to order it.

[@richardpolidore1702]

Been looking at getting a easel for Art toolkit setup.

[@2eclipse]

I adore my cupeasel. It is lightweight and holds my paints as well as having a fold out for water and a removable(for cleaning) mixing tray.

[@thefrugalcrafter]

I love this! I am in the dark depth of a Maine winter so thinking about plein air is very appealing. I have a small backpack with a folding canvas stool attached to it mane by Grumbacher 20+ years ago. I wish I could find another because it's perfect! The zippers have started to corrode tho and I've lost a zipper pull but anyway it's the best thing I've used. I can put a up to 9x12 sketchbook, portable painter and water bottle and hike far with it. I can't wait for spring! Winter plein air is not for me.

[@mindofwatercolor]

Hey Lindsay, thanks for the input. Still too wintery here for plein air also. Although occasionally we'll get flashes of spring for a day or so. So, thought I would be prepared. I don't relish plein air in the dog days of a SC summer. I have a folding 3 legged camp stool that I got at Cabelas that works pretty well.

[@Slotzzzz]

Hi Mind, easels maybe someday, you did a nice job on the video, your artwork is top shelf 🪜

[@VanmeterFL]

I've responded to your other post about Taylor Seamount's easel and how much I love mine but I still think your easel has some amazing features. I'd love to have more width and a foldout section at the base.

[@mindofwatercolor]

It does. I tweaked it over the years enough to meet my needs.

[@awatercolourist]

I love the one you’ve made. It’s very practical.

[@terrilikens4975]

Wow. That etsy bamboo version is slick! I used something like your original one after watching that video, but I think Taylor's version is a winner.

[@johndupras4560]

Steve. You should take a look at Cup Easel. I use the Superlight Water Kit. I modified it with some magnets and it holds my Folio Palette from Art toolkit. Wonderful design. But a bit pricy 😊

[@adriennejones2992]

Love this video. Did you ever make a follow up using the Taylor Seamount version? Curious to know what you thought after using it in the field. Thanks!

[@mindofwatercolor]

Yes I did. Love it and use it.

[@paulagoldberg1103]

Thanks!

[@mindofwatercolor]

Thanks so much Paula!

[@lorijones9579]

I'm interested in plein air painting and might pick up the Etchr satchel, even though mostly my outdoor painting will take place on the deck in the back of my house. Still outdoors, right?

[@tradingpostfarms]

Ooh this is exciting I take my easel everywhere. It's custom, but it's not exactly what I want.

[@jayboehm3382]

I enjoyed seeing where you are these days with your plein air equipment. I started painting outdoors last summer (2022) and built my own copy of the guerilla painter 6x8 format pochade box, which I love. Thanks, as always, for the informative and entertaining glimpse into your art!

[@moma-b]

Thank you so much for sharing. 🙂

[@modelenginerding6996]

Great review. I like the idea of magnets. I took a .100" aluminum plate and added an angle to it for the bottom edge. I added a doubler in the back & drilled/tapped it to camera mount thread (1/4-20). The plate is lightweight enough for me. I can go on my hunting trips and it will take a beating. I used Mr. Gurney's recommended hinges like the etsy one you bought.

[@lindacsmith13]

I like your new eyeglasses

[@patti3d]

I have seen a lot of artists painting at the beach here, but for me its always to cold or windy! LOL. (Just my excuses I guess, knowing me) I will take a lot of photos of potential art pieces though! If I had a set up I might be more inclined to go I think. Thank you for this video as it doesn't seem that hard to get organized. I already have a garden stool that folds up !.

[@ZaiyaFineArt]

as always love your channel.

[@sharonmorelli6056]

What do you think about a French easel, a lot bigger than these. You mentioned guache, how would you describe how it works. Taylor’s easel looks great, thanks for showing it ❤️

[@mindofwatercolor]

French easel's, usually an oil painter's easel, are too large and heavy for my tastes.

[@sharonmorelli6056]

@@mindofwatercolor that’s why I have it, I did oils for yrs. Even empty they are heavy. I learn so much from watching you, thanks.

[@ljschlag271]

Thanks for your review. One can never have enough art supplies. I currently use the Cup Easel Lite. It fits in my backpack, and contains my pallette, which I can change out colors.

[@mindofwatercolor]

Thanks for sharing!

[@sandragross5249]

Hi Steve I have the smallest News Wave u.go plainair Pochade Box. it is the only one of this kind that i found a shop for in germany. I am very satisfied with that . But I can't quite make friends with the side parts. the construction of the side parts is a bit wobbly and you shouldn't put too much strain on them. the metal holders are quite sharp-edged and cumbersome to store. I already scratched the wood of the box while putting it away.

[@berolinastrassmann]

This looks great! Thanks for showing your journey with your eqseks. I am still designing mine and hoping to get some time at an open workshop to make it. I don't have any tools but there are community workshops I can use. It is just too cold for now for Plein Air, but might be a good time to make an easel.

[@anerdindisguise]

I use the U.Go easel. It has a pallet attached to it that I'll place white gouache when I want to increase opacity and not contaminate my pallet. The pallet area is also sturdy enough to place a jar of water on. It has a little space in it that i use to store a brush, kneaded eraser, and a pencil. It also has magnets on the side that my pallet can attach too. it uses these metal grasper things that are more meant for panels, but work well enough with sketch books. It's incredibly light weight. The main down side is that since the backing isn't solid, (it was designed with oil painting in mind) you can't really do something with a single piece of paper, so blocks or sketchbooks are mandatory. I really like the pochade box style, and would love to eventually get one with a solid backing. But i can't justify the cost of getting a second easel when this one is working well enough for what i'm doing right now.

[@mindofwatercolor]

I like the U.Go but same situation. I have enough workable solutions that I don't need another pricey one.

[@Kuemmel234]

Very cool that the best solution seems to be something one can make at home. I always admired James Gurneys way of painting (or content creation in general), but I just can't imitate his workflow and tend towards a more traditional water color approach. Sounds like a great way to spend time: Travel lots and paint stuff. Great video as always!

[@carmelarugel4722]

Thanks for sharing.😊

[@MadebyDawn23]

Thank you so much for sharing, but I am curious what type of portable chair do you use on plein air?

[@mindofwatercolor]

It’s sort of a three legged folding camp stool.

[@69seanna]

Hi Steve. In all your searching and trying different set ups, I’m surprised you haven’t tried the New Wave U.Go set up. It’s a little pricey but I purchased the medium size with two side trays and couldn’t be happier. When folded up it’s incredibly small and on tripod super stable. Marty Ownings has a review of their small model on his channel

[@mindofwatercolor]

I ran across it after I had tried all these solutions. Yeah I saw Marty's review. Emily Olson has one too. I like it but I have enough pricey options and it doesn't really offer anything my simple homemade easel set up doesn't or my Guerrilla Painter box for that matter. Thanks.

[@VanmeterFL]

Amazing video as always, Steve. The Taylor Seamount easel would be perfect if it had a little ledge at the bottom (like your modified go-to easel has). I've discovered one true thing about supplies, every artist's need is as individual as they are. So many lovely options, so many awesome artists, so many beautiful works of art. You mentioned your wrist going numb and those of us with carpel tunnel know what you are going through. Thank you!

[@mechadebzilla]

I made my own Gurney easel and added a ledge. It's great! I am now planning to add some means of holding a water cup too.

[@jeanettefamulari3538]

There is currently a discussion going on (Sarah Burns) about using dried gouache, and your name came up on you using a 50/50 watercolor/gouache palette. I've hunted, but can't find it...

[@mindofwatercolor]

Yes, I watch Sarah. That palette is in several of my videos. Schmincke wc on one side M. Graham gouache on the other. This one for example. Painted mostly in watercolor with some gouache additions in the tree trunks. kzbin.info/www/bejne/Y167lJqXqr2Goqs

[@kiritsi100]

Great review Steve! I'm trying to decide what easel is best for larger watercolor works such as 18 X 24. Seems like with the type that just attach to the tripod in the middle, you may get too much wobble. If you have any thoughts, I'd greatly appreciate it. Thanks!

[@barbaragemin5117]

Amazing easel. Thank you for the information. A question about the sketchbooks you use. I’d like to find a 100% cotton sketchbook. Where can I get one? Amazon don’t seem to have them. And here in Italy no supplier has them. Moleskin make journals but not with cotton paper.

[@mindofwatercolor]

Here are some from Amazon. I only showed one size but some of these are available in multiple sizes. Hahnemuhle - amzn.to/3wFTqEF Etchr - amzn.to/3HEx6R5 Paul Rubens - amzn.to/3Yr5aqD Strathmore has some too but Amazon seems to not have them at the moment.

[@charlenesart2207]

Hi Steve thank you for sharing your plein air tools with us. I use a pochade box my brother made for me. It's got a few things we could fix about it, but overall I'm quite happy with it. May I ask about your filming set up when you paint outdoors? I would love to know what sort of camera your use for that and how you clamp it on for filming outdoors. Thank you once again for all your work on this channel!

[@mindofwatercolor]

I will occasionally clamp a GoPro to my easel. I often set up a Sony DSLR on a tripod for other shots. My wife comes with many times and does a great job of filming me. In those cases I don't need to mount to anything.

[@charlenesart2207]

@@mindofwatercolor Thank you so much for the reply and information Steve! I really appreciate it and once again thank you for your work on this channel!

[@inherjyze1ify]

Like myself the cool thing about being an artist is our creativeness has no bounds, for example modifying an easel for personal use. lol

[@mjpete27]

Hullo Steve, nice collection of easels! Have you heard of the RASA Easel? I got one from their kickstarter and it works for many different mediums I have used watercolors and soft pastels with mine. All of your options have good videos backing them up as well, nicely done! Sweet video, thanks.

[@mindofwatercolor]

Yes I actually have one. Not sure how it would work for plein air painting though.

[@suel4269]

All sold out ! I got a Guerrilla box larger than yours , practically free at an estate sale. It’s a bit heavy.

[@bethjames1088]

Steve, what home printers do you recommend for art reference and photos?

[@mindofwatercolor]

Canon photo printers are my favorite. I used to use Epson which aren't bad either but I like Canon a bit better. I don't have a current model number for you as mine is about 12 years old and still cranking along but I do recommend a 6 color or more photo printer (vs the more common 4 color office printer). They usually give better details and color accuracy

[@bethjames1088]

@@mindofwatercolor Thank you Steve. I appreciate your quick response. Our HP only lasted 4 years and the blue print head is shot, HP said they cannot repair it, unfortunately I hate to throw appliances away. Thanks again, love your videos!

[@SereneStudio]

Nice thoughts. I'd like to make my own so I can customize it how I like. Not fond of magnets as it's hard to find strong ones. I'd also like to have holes for brushes, and I'm not particularly fond of the idea of having to cart around a tripod, and most don't have thumb holes. I also would prefer a bigger easel and pallete space so I can tape large piece of paper down (9x12). I know the new one you bought has a drawing accessory board but I don't see the point of carting around another piece of wood when I can just make the top portion larger! Lots to think about! I'll make my own but some design is needed! Can I ask what bolt you used that your board swivels to? I like the idea of having a board for brushes and water that swivels out as well. Thanks for the ideas! I find myself a beginner in plein air but I do love it very much! I've realized that the less equipment and the less set up, the more likely I am to do it! Sometimes a clip and my portable Painter Micro and a small sketchbook is best! :D

[@mindofwatercolor]

All tripod mounts thread into a 1/4-20 insert. It can be a t-nut or a threaded insert. I used a threaded one.

[@tsageclaydesigns0524]

I know you’re talking about plain air easels today but I’m struggling with lighting in my studio, what would you suggest? I don’t have a ton of money but I do want good lighting. Thank you in advance for any suggestions.

[@IamGadgetcom]

Thank you for a very informative and enlightening video. I am very new to sketching and watercolor painting. I notice you are placing your paper in an upright position. That looks awkward to me since water runs down and I see almost all watercolor painting done flat. I would think some plein air easels have designs that allow to place the artwork flat. Please advise...thank you

[@mindofwatercolor]

Flat is best unless you're experienced. I tend to paint flatter when very wet washes are used. I need to paint at an angle for ergonomics (neck issues) and it's better for my video set up. That said, there are actually quite a few watercolorists that paint on an angle.

[@IamGadgetcom]

@@mindofwatercolor Thank you for the reply

[@tonivergara5725]

New Subscriber here! Thank you! 🌸

[@terririley186]

I think you mean mounted to a “tripod” rather than “easel”

[@GutierrezBrenda721]

These videos always make me want to be more active in painting. I’m inspired! Now I just need to find the time to go out and paint…

[@stuffstuffstuffyay]

do you have a stool you like? thanks!

[@mindofwatercolor]

I have one just like this. It's ok. Light and easy to carry. Kind of low to the ground but it works. amzn.to/3rhlFKG

[@daveaquilante4158]

I smell pattent! Get your portable easel patented👍❤️

[@ibrahimissaiaawad2888]

Hi Steve, I think it's wise to stop doing what makes your wrist hurt!

[@tammyclark1207]

Steve, are you single????

[@mindofwatercolor]

😄 nope. Married 44 years.

[@tammyclark1207]

AWWWWW........that's good. Congratulations. The good ones are always hooked......SMILE.

[@budakart]

Steve. Come to Islam and success.

[@mindofwatercolor]

In Matthew 11:28, Christ says "Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.

[@budakart]

@@mindofwatercolor peace and tranquility is only in the Remembrance of Allah

[@awatercolourist]

First-ish….?