M-27 Field Easel, Mabef
Holds the drawing board high and stable; arms support a box of pastels.
What kept me from making these logo banners for my various blog projects before now? I think they'll be a good way to highlight and keep organized the umpteen projects I have going simultaneously.On the Plein Air front, I finally got out on the weekend to do some plein air with my new Field Easel. I price-shopped this Mabef M-27 easel, and found it available from a California art store for $25 cheaper than the next outlet. I'll review it for you when I get a little more practiced with it.
By the Heath PlaceApril, 2008
8.5" x 7.25"
Pastel
Casey Klahn
My experience was very rewarding. Of course, there was the mandatory "save" from the wind blowing over the kit. Looks like 5-6 MPH is the limit for wind behavior if I want to be happy at this easel. I have an artist's white clamp on umbrella, but it needs some modification to be workable. I found a hunter's tree stand umbrella for a third of the price of the art models, and it bungees onto the field easel like it was meant to be there. Nifty.
I have three images for my labors, but only two will make the cut. And, they will need the studio finish. I see now that one can't simply get "off the couch" and succeed at this plein air work.
Here's a fellow artist who is using a field easel set-up and who is, like myself, starting anew with the plein-air style. David Cornelius of Scotland.
This easel looks lightweight enough so that it's not burden to carry around. A big plus for plein air work. I've tried a French easel, and really hated it. Too heavy to lug very far, and just plain awkward to set up.
ReplyDeleteI love the pastel you came home with. Yum!
I was all excited for 10 seconds there - I thought you'd christened your easel 'Mabel' - such a nice name for an easel.
ReplyDeleteThen I realised my mistake........
So how about a blog post about the neat labels?
I'm going to be including your project will be appearing in 'who's made a mark this week' next Sunday! Let's find all down those plein air painters and sketchers who are gearing up for the good weather!
(PS The spelling mistake is deliberate - yes?)
Yeah, MabeL was my aunt. MabeF is my preferred brand of easel!
ReplyDeleteVery nice about Making the weekly Mark. It will be a challenge to find the bloggers newly plein airing.
Anyone out there fit into that category? Comment here and you may "Make a Mark" on Sunday.
Thanks for the kudos, Lisa!
ReplyDeleteI have a new french easel that I know now will be too heavy when the conditions call for light. So, this easel you have looks great! I'm doing lots of research into this. I
ReplyDeletem also looking at a cigar box pochade with the tripod set up. It looks very light weight. Thanks for sharing all of your efforts with us and i love the painting!
Sara
http://www.saramathewson.com
My French easel is good at workshops, or as a supplemental easel in my studio. I also used to take the legs off and use it as a table easel.
ReplyDeleteI have a Judson Pochade with tripod. It worked awesome in Italy. The access to the drawing is tight, so I'll need to modify that with a support.
I now am trying a field easel because the height of the drawing is best for standing, which I must do. Mine also facilitates the use of a bigger palette.
As usual, Sara, my reader's questions are ahead of my posts. I'll be detailing easels much later, but first I have to get the big field palette posted.
Thanks!
I have only eyes for the beautiful colors in your painting ! I don´t use any easel at all :).
ReplyDeleteThank you, Martin.
ReplyDeleteThat's a stunning photograph of your field easel, Casey. Would make a great painting!
ReplyDeleteBeautiful pastel from her maiden voyage too.
And, I see Katherine has asked already, but I can't wait to see a tutorial on how to make one of those logo banners. Please!
Maybe a good drawing, huh?
ReplyDeleteThanks, Robyn. And I will show the back story on the logos. That'll take a few days, since I have a rotation of posts pre-written.