Home Forums Explore Media Watercolor Palette Talk Recommendations for tripod easels? DIY or other ..

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  • #989997
    diamondsutra
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        Hi all! It has been a while .. I have been adjusting to being back in Ohio – I came back and didn’t have much money, a computer, a cell phone, much of any communication! Now I am pretty much settled back in and starting to paint again.

        I decided I wanted to start using a minimalist tripod for my paintings. Does anyone have any recommendations? I may go for a camera tripod and try to rig up a piece of gatorboard or wood that I could attach. I really want to get a nice plein air set up to take with me to Turkey. I think around $50-60 is my upper range for price ..

        I was looking at this easel today on Blick .. has anyone used it? Other recommendations? Thanks!

        http://www.dickblick.com/products/blick-studio-aluminum-tripod-travel-easel/

        josh here :music:
        my artwork: http://www.joshwalden.com
        my travel blog: http://joshwalden.blogspot.com

        #1169289
        WthrLady
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            http://www.cheapjoes.com/cat/19870/

            LOVE MINE, have the half and quarter sheet. Sturdy and easy to use.

            #1169286
            virgil carter
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                D-Man, lots of good gear out there to investigate, but here’s one source that a lot of folks like:

                http://www.sun-eden.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=product.display&product_ID=351&ParentCat=3

                Sling paint!
                Virgil

                Sling paint,
                Virgil Carter
                http://www.virgilcarterfineart.com/

                #1169284
                cgonzaga
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                    I would go for a used tripod on Graigslist. I find the older models without the quick release plates are less expensive and more stable in holding the board, and no plates that would go missing. As for the board, I suggest a 16 x 16 ” thin plywood with the tripod adaptor 3/4 down the back of the board, just in case you would go for a tray, you would have better access to it. With this size of board you can use it as is or clip on not so sturdy boards on it with your taped H2Opaper. 16 x16 will accommodate up to a half sheet boards 16 x 23″. As for the adaptor, here’s what you need from Home depot. Size 1/4 x 20.

                    You will end up with some thing like this to glue or screw on your thin plywood. That would be way under your budget of $50. Suggestions only.

                    #1169285
                    cgonzaga
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                        This homemade tray looks promising. Not my design, but looks easy enough.

                        #1169280
                        Marcio C
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                            I was looking at this easel today on Blick .. has anyone used it? Other recommendations? Thanks!
                            [URL]http://www.dickblick.com/products/blick-studio-aluminum-tripod-travel-easel/[/URL]

                            The easel in the link does not tilt, which you may find inconvenient, unless you are very comfortable working almost vertical and always at the same angle. I think a better bet to go with a tripod and a Sun-Eden or En Plein Air Pro easel, or add a tripod adaptor to your board as Chito suggests.

                            #1169293
                            Michaelshane
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                                I made one….

                                Someday everything is going to be different,when I paint my masterpiece.
                                Bob Dylan.

                                #1169281
                                Horsa
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                                    I have an En Plein Air Pro and really lke it.

                                    The shelves shown above are the same design as the shelf that comes as part of the easel set, just in wood rather than plastic.

                                    A camera tripod, a shelf as above, and a plate of plywood or gator board with a tripod mount and some clips to hold the paper and you will be all set.

                                    One recommendation I will make whatever outfit you decide to use, it is well worth the extra money to get a proper backpack to carry your painting supplies rather than the messenger bag style shoulder bags that many come with. I finally upgraded to a backpack and not only can I carry more, water, snacks, a spare shirt, etc, it is much more comfortable on my shoulders.

                                    Many threads on WC and else where on building your own easel. Enjoy Turkey!

                                    My Painting Blog: http://adkpainter.blogspot.com/

                                    This is our ART: useless, boring, impotent, elitist, and very, very beautiful.

                                    #1169279
                                    Neeman
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                                        Pick up a simple discounted camera easel in a bargin place , less than $20
                                        A piece of wood?

                                        cheap and cheerful

                                        #1169282
                                        charliez
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                                            A friend of mine has this easel
                                            https://www.jerrysartarama.com/discount-art-supplies/easels/travel-and-outdoor-easels/napoli-easels.htm
                                            and it is fantastic, it is on my list of purchases for plein-air!

                                            Carlos
                                            C & C welcomed & appreciated!
                                            WC Theory: handprint.com

                                            #1169283
                                            Bobar57
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                                                If I were you I’ll buy an inexpensive but good camera tripod with ball head(that way you can tilt the board sideways,up and down…)and use a plywood or gatorboard piece as board with one adapter as the one cgonzaga showed it.I got my tripod,new for less than 60.00 and I don’t change it for anything.

                                                Bob

                                                "Good watercolors are visual poetry;word pictures translated into color images that sing,or sob,as they stir the emotions of the viewer."
                                                -Robert Wade

                                                #1169290
                                                edwardII
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                                                    Dern it!!! :confused: wish I had seen this post sooner as I had only 30 mins ago ordered the Feather Pro 190 art/camera easel
                                                    http://www.jerrysartarama.com/discount-art-supplies/easels/travel-and-outdoor-easels/feather-easels/feather-pro-art-and-photo-easel.htm
                                                    The reg. price is 64$ I believe but with the super sale was a mere 39.99 and for its versatility I don’t think it can be beat. Problem is the “Super Sale” ends at 11:59 this evening (Sun.19th). Check back in if interested cause deals get extended all the time on the supply sites etc.

                                                    Thanks Michaelshane and cgonzaga for the pics of the DIY easel add-ons I will be making a shelf and already had a plan to use the adapter bolt in a self made Sienna style paint box setup.
                                                    I had been looking at all the sub 100$ plein air easels whether french style or no and hadn’t found anything that is as useful looking and functional/easy to use as the tripod. The fact the feather pro 190 has canvas/panel clamps as is made it the deal breaker. I even looked into to Julian half box french easel at 159$ iirc but I have read many reviews and it seems that with the sub 250+ french styles it is a assembly line crap shoot or luck of draw whether you’ll get a proper one or one that is slightly this or that.

                                                    Sorry if I highjacked post a little but if you visit Jerry’s they may extend the sale and I hope but do believe that the Feather pro is a good choice for the budget minded, all things considered.

                                                    Good luck to you and envy your trip to Turkey :wave:

                                                    Ed II.
                                                    C&C always welcomed, whether constructive or otherwise!:D

                                                    #1169287
                                                    virgil carter
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                                                        Edward, this easel from Jerry’s doesn’t appear to have a tilting head so that one can paint watercolors from various positions, ranging from flat to vertical.

                                                        The other option to a tilting tridpod head is to use an adapter that is specially made for watercolor painting (this fits on top of the tripod and tilts and swivels).

                                                        Hope the tripod will allow you to paint as you prefer.
                                                        Sling paint!
                                                        Virgil

                                                        Sling paint,
                                                        Virgil Carter
                                                        http://www.virgilcarterfineart.com/

                                                        #1169292
                                                        Drollaeem
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                                                            This is not as lightweight as aluminum, but just lovely and tilts easily. I picked it up on clearance and it is still there.

                                                            http://www.dickblick.com/products/richeson-grand-watercolor-easel-set/

                                                            #1169288
                                                            virgil carter
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                                                                Abigail, I agree; this is a good easel. I use it in my home studio–very sturdy. I certainly recommend it for studio use. Once in place, it stays there!

                                                                I find it a bit bulky and a bit more time-consuming to transport and set up in plein air situations, where aluminum or steel watercolor tripods and tilting heads serve a bit better, IMO. But we all have our personal preferences, and whatever works is a good choice.

                                                                Sling paint!
                                                                Virgil

                                                                Sling paint,
                                                                Virgil Carter
                                                                http://www.virgilcarterfineart.com/

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