In the Studio with my Compact Easel

 


I am making good use of my compact tripod easel in the studio. I usually have at least a few paintings on the go at the same time but space is tight. The tripod easel only requires a small footprint, so it is no trouble to set-up. 

I attach my tripod shelf and place a sheet of Strathmore Palette Paper, held down with bulldog clips. I basically set it up as I would en plein air. 

In the painting (pictured here), I worked from a photo on MDF hardwood (3mm: 205mm x 400mm), primed with three coats of Winsor & Newton Acrylic White Gesso. I applied a pinkish ground, then composed my painting using Winsor & Newton Artisan Oils, with Artisan Thinner at the blocking stage. Between the passes, I put the easel aside so that I could press on with other work whilst the layers had time to dry. Unlike my bulky studio easel, which is confined to one space, I can easily re-position my compact easel to chase the sunlight around the room over the day. 

This is just a preliminary study, so I won't bother varnishing it. In the meantime, I've already attached another board to the easel for priming. The tripod easel is small enough to put aside for now, ready for the next opportunity to paint.  




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