Portable Easel
If we don't know our history, we are doomed to repeat it. Many of us have heard this saying. It is the main reason that I enjoy studying how things came about so much. The portable easel is no exception to this desire to know.
The culture of every nation has been rooted in every form of art which existed from time immemorial. As early as the first century, art has been drawing attention to primitive people. Egyptians used hieroglyphs in writing religious passages put into tablets that were displayed on elevated platforms. Sooner, these elevated stands had become a popular work of art. These structures were named “easel” after a German term which resounds like a donkey.
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Easels grew in number as more artists emerged during the renaissance period. At that time, most people had become a fan of canvas paintings where most of the subjects were still life and forms that are found near a painter’s house or studio. Eventually, as years passed by, more variations were added to the basic structure of this apparatus, the most significant of which was the invention of the portable easel during the 15th century. All of a sudden, artists started to traipse countrysides while carrying with them these materials. With its ease of packing, this portable easel boosted artist’s mobility and subjects. Thus, landscape paintings were majestic markers of this period.
In the modern world, the portable easel is still the perfect possession of professional as well as amateur artists. The ease of use and flexibility of these give an artist a head start towards the creation of an ultimate masterpiece while outdoors. It does not only guarantee a steady surface, it also gives the artists a variety of choices to suit his or her needs.
For instance, choosing a portable easel requires serious considerations regarding an artist’s style. Does one use an oil paint or watercolour paint? A French easel best suits an artist using an oil paint. On the other hand, a watercolour easel is more deliberate for watercolours. Hence, it’s necessary to choose those with solvent canisters and paint trays.
The portable easel come in variety of designs. Most of which are made from aluminum to compromise lightness with durability and strength. Hence, popular styles adapt a tripod design, where three legs make up the base. While aluminum appears the choice of many, others are made from beachwood, this time, to compromise traditional style and lightness.
A French easel is a good example of one type of portable easel. Although a little bit heavy weight, bigger in size and made from wood, French sketchbox type can fold down into a box. This functionality allots a storage space for art materials and the previously painted canvass while on travel.
Addition to the family of the portable easel is the cute wooden Horse/Donkey easel that looks similar to the French sketchbox. The only noticeable difference is the incorporation of a short bench for sitting while painting. Although a bit bigger, it provides portability while outdoors. Some variations of this type include wheels, so that it can be easily pulled behind when walking.
Perhaps the most portable, light weight and multifunctional is the Pochade box. Compared to the previous examples, this one is just a plain box that can hold all the art materials. When opened, its lid can be used as a portable easel for holding canvass or boards. It is tireless to use as this one needs no dismantling or setting up.