Has anyone tried Joe Miller's new easel?

Catwoman2 · #1 11-07-2009, 07:29 PM

I was browsing through the current Cheap Joe's catalog, and came across a new product that looks interesting. It's called the Joe Miller Signature Field Easel, and it looks like a cross between Joseph Zbukvic's Z-Easel and the field easel that Zoltan Szabo designed several years ago.

Right now, the Joe Miller easel is out of stock at Cheap Joe's, but I'm wondering if anyone has seen it or had a chance to try one. It looks like it might be a bit on the heavy side, but it's hard to tell by the photos, and I haven't had a chance to call them to ask about the weight.

I like the idea of the easel having 4 legs, and I love the little shelves. It seems much more practical for my purposes than a French Easel, and it looks sturdier than my Eric Michaels En Plein Air Pro setup, but I'm hoping to read a few reviews before I place an order.

Here's a link to the online listing:

http://www.cheapjoes.com/art-supplie...ield-easel.asp

Any opinions?

Thanks!!!

Cat

grainne · #2 11-07-2009, 10:25 PM

This looks like what I have been trying to find for quite some time! As long as it's not heavy and cumbersome.

I find it interesting though that it's a "new product" but yet it's out of stock already. Hope that doesn't mean they took it "offline" for a while because it had bugs in the design.

Eager to find out more about it and hope some of you have test driven it.

Grainne

JudyL · #3 11-08-2009, 10:45 AM

One website I looked at said it was about 10 pounds

HarvestMoon · #4 11-08-2009, 12:11 PM

that has to be the nicest looking field easel I have ever seen! why doesn't everyone use 4 legs and have lots of space to put stuff? my goats might even have trouble knocking that one over!

Catwoman2 · #5 11-08-2009, 05:01 PM

Hey Linda, maybe the new slogan for the easel should be something like, "Goat Tested, Artist Approved."

Susan

HarvestMoon · #6 11-08-2009, 05:47 PM

Susan- well if Joe sends me one to try I will surely get the herd to test it! They are always very curious. I have to use aquabord outside, not paper, since the test crew eats paper.

Pandemonium · #7 11-08-2009, 06:26 PM

I wonder if the easel part can go to completely vertical and if you can move the front shelf out of the way for close work standing up.

HarvestMoon · #8 11-08-2009, 07:30 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Pandemonium

I wonder if the easel part can go to completely vertical and if you can move the front shelf out of the way for close work standing up.

I was wondering if it goes totally horizontal...I like watercolor painting on a flat surface. I am pretty sure the soltek does both:

http://www.dickblick.com/products/so...ortable-easel/

Catwoman2 · #9 11-09-2009, 11:41 AM

I know the Soltek will work in both positions, but the description of the Joe Miller easel leaves something to be desired. I wish they'd included several photos of it, including different ways to set it up, and a picture of what it looks like when it's all folded up.

And maybe a picture or two of how it looks after it has been attacked by a herd of angry goats...

Susan

jaytee · #10 11-09-2009, 09:06 PM

Quote:

a herd of angry goats...

... or do you mean HUNGRY goats ?

JudyL · #11 11-12-2009, 06:00 AM

There is a BIG difference between the Joe Miller and the Soltek though.
$439 to $489 for the Soltek and the Joe Miller is $169, it's "in stock" now by the way.

HarvestMoon · #12 11-12-2009, 02:35 PM

I have the anderson one....it is really great for watercolors, and lays down completely flat, with lots of room to put your things on. It only has 3 legs though. Yes, the goats are always hungry, but never angry- they are the sweetest animals- at least ours are.

http://www.jerrysartarama.com/discou...ivel-Easel.htm

hpthecat · #13 11-13-2009, 09:15 PM

I have the Anderson which I like, but if this Joe Miller easel had been available when I was in the market, I think I would have chosen it.

At 8.5 pds, the Anderson serves me well out on the back patio, and there is a strap to hang it from my shoulder from the car to a sight in the park---

But if you are a serious hiker going to more remote type places, a simple aluminum easel would be the lightest.

Has anyone ever noticed if humid weather or locations damage wood easels?

mobius49 · #14 11-14-2009, 05:55 AM

just under 10lbs, in stock right now. yeah, would be NICE if there were close up pics......hmmmmm....I'm gonna go email em.
Matt

Lifescapes · #15 11-15-2009, 10:56 PM

Glad to find this discussion. I posted a new thread today asking if anyone knew anything about this easel-didn't know you had beaten me to it. I am trying to compare it to Soltek and Easy L-other than price. It sure seems like this would be wonderful especially since Joe asked other accomplished artists for input. Also wouldn't an easel being designed now be the attempt at improving all others or what would be the point? Off to try to delete my thread. I am a WC novice...Glad to meet you all...

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