This entry was originally posted on Sunday, December 9, 2012
Today’s Sunday Secrets comes from Mike.
His question is about watercolor easels.
Mike mentions that he is “keen to do some on-location painting” and would like a recommendation for a suitable easel. He also made reference to the En Plein Air Pro easel that he saw on You Tube.
Mike, I must admit that I do not have much experience with watercolor easels.
The selection in Canada is very small.
In fact, I have only seen one easel for sale and it is the Winsor & Newton Bristol watercolor easel.
It is also the kind I use and I am not very happy with it.
I have to unscrew it (risking the loss of small screws) and take it apart to have it even fit into the “convenient” carrying bag they provide.
There is no place to put my water or my paint.
I lose my brushes trying to find a place for them and they end up in my mouth.
It is extremely frustrating all around.
Years ago, I did come across an easel while in the States that I wish I had snatched up.
It was made by an engineer that decided to take up watercolor painting and sold them as special orders.
I wish I had remembered his name.
However, it was very similar to the En Plein Air Pro.
The thing I liked the most about both easels is the places to hold water and paint!
Imagine that.
It appears lightweight, easy to assemble, and
there are some features to the En Plein Air Pro that seem to enhance the outdoor painting experience
(the brush holders, and clip on lid which is absolutely fabulous looking).
So Mike, I would say, GO FOR IT!
I think I may have to get one for myself.
Thank you for question.
(It has made my Christmas :)
The En Plein Air Pro Easel can be seen at
