Sunday Secrets #47

 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

http://www.enpleinairpro.com/

Plein Air Painting

  This entry was originally posted on Tuesday, October 2, 2012

Sooke, BC

Plein Air is a French expression for "open air".

It is used as a painting term for painting outdoors.

 

When plein air painting, take a look around and find something that interests you.
It is also good to get comfortable.

Find a shady spot to paint from. This reduces the glare from your paper.

Be sure to also dress for the weather and don't forget the bug repellent.

Give Yourself A Time Limit

 This entry was originally posted on Saturday, April 28, 2012

Part of my working small was that I also gave myself a couple of rules.

One of which was that I had only an hour to complete the painting.

It is only an hour but a lot can be done in that time.

 

I discovered that it was actually freeing to me to have a time limit.

I had permission to work fast and furious. 

 Unnecessary details had to be eliminated.

It was also a great beginning to painting outdoors.

 

Oh No! My Palette is Leaking!

 This entry was originally posted on Wednesday, January 25, 2012.

 

Now that I have recommended that you spray your palette to keep things fresh, every time you go out, it leaks. 

That is actually why I switched to a travel palette even when I am just going to the local art center to teach. 

But my palette still was leaking and getting all over my supplies. Then they get messy and sticky and it was such a nuisance.

Simple solution: put it in a zipper bag. 

No more messes.

So obvious yet I am surprised how often it is not thought of and how long it took me to think of it!

(My practical genius only appears once or twice a year)

You can do the same with your big palette. Keep it in a large bag separate from everything else and keep it flat if you can.