Stand Up For Art

Many years ago, I was invited to go out and paint with some experienced outdoor artists. When we stopped at the chosen location and everyone was busy with setting up their equipment, I noticed that they all had brought along full-sized easels. No one paid attention to the folding chair and table I had dragged along. Sure was glad we didn’t have to walk far from from the parked vehicles!

I soon learned that artists like to walk back and forth from their easels, their canvasses displayed at eye level, in order to view their work from a distance as it progressed. I learned also that it encourages the use of long handled brushes that help facilitate intuitive brush strokes. I only packed a chair and table once.

I acknowledge that many artists use a chair and table to paint for many reasons including health restrictions. I have been using a tripod and long brushes for forty years; standing before an easel is still my choice. I use a heavy duty standing easel in my studio for large work too.

So, anytime you find me outside, standing before my easel, you know that I’m engrossed in a painting. I don’t mind at all if you would like to take ‘a look’.

Charlie