When I was in the south of France this past summer (really, this workshop is amazing, "Art in Provence with Jill Steinhaus) all of the supplies were provided and then our paintings were shipped home for us.
Jill was using a "soltek" easel, and I loved it so much I went online to buy one. I nearly threw up when I saw the price.
But...having gotten to test it out for 7 days straight, I bought the Soltek 2.0 anyway, ordering it online.
I have not regretted it. I've tried various plein air easels over the years, En Plein Air Pro, Julian half- and full-box french easels, and others. They were fine.
This is more than fine. It is lightweight, sturdy, well-engineered, and can be used on just about any type of terrain. Seriously. I've stood in a rising tide and painted on this thing (see below). I think I now have the perfect, utterly perfect plein air setup.
I got a Patagonia roll-top backpack to accomodate the length of the tripod portion for half price because they were clearencing out a certain burnt orange color, win-win. I bought some smaller alkyd paint tubes that are quicker-drying, and I continue to use my panelpak wet panel holders, along with a newly acquired painting carrier in case I ever do anything larger.
I also purchased a very large "beach" umbrella that sits in a tripod because, hey, did you know that it rains in the PNW?
It's true. Rains right on you and your damned palette and artwork.
I used it for the first time at the county park on Indian Island.
Down a short trail to Ludlow Falls:
and out to Shine Tidelands Park
When I was in the south of France this past summer (really, this workshop is amazing, "Art in Provence with Jill Steinhaus) all of the supplies were provided and then our paintings were shipped home for us.
Jill was using a "soltek" easel, and I loved it so much I went online to buy one. I nearly threw up when I saw the price.
I bought the Soltek 2.0 anyway. I have not regretted it. I've tried various plein air easels over the years, En Plein Air Pro, Julian half- and full-box french easels, and others. They were fine.
This is more than fine. It is lightweight, sturdy, well-engineered, and can be used on just about any type of terrain. Seriously. I've stood in a rising tide and painted on this thing. I think I now have the perfect, utterly perfect plein air setup.
I got a Patagonia roll-top backpack to accomodate the length of the tripod portion for half price because they were clearencing out a certain burnt orange color, win-win. I bought some smaller alkyd paint tubes that are quicker-drying, and I continue to use my panelpak wet panel holders, along with a newly acquired painting carrier in case I ever do anything larger.
I also purchased a very large "beach" umbrella that sits in a tripod because, hey, did you know that it rains in the PNW?
It's true. Rains right on you and your damned palette and artwork.
I used it for the first time at the county park on Indian Island.
Down a short trail to Ludlow Falls:
and out to Shine Tidelands Park, a couple of times.
