Art Blog #195

Recent inventions that changed Western art?! - Portable French Box Easel (19th Century)

An example of a box easel

Field easels or plein air easels are specifically designed to be portable and facilitate the creation of artwork outdoors, a practice known as en plein air. This method of painting allows artists to capture the natural light and atmosphere of a scene, which can be quite challenging to replicate in a studio setting. These easels are typically midsize or small, making them easy to transport to various locations, whether it be a serene landscape, a bustling urban scene, or a tranquil beach.

Most field easels feature telescopic or collapsible legs, which enable them to be adjusted to different heights and easily packed away when not in use. The tripod design is a common feature, providing stability on uneven ground, which is often encountered in outdoor settings. This stability is crucial for artists who need a steady surface for their canvases, allowing them to focus on their work without the distraction of a wobbling easel.

One popular type of field easel is the French box easel. This style not only serves as a supportive structure for the canvas but also includes a compartment specifically designed for storing art supplies. This built-in storage is incredibly convenient, as it allows artists to keep their paints, brushes, palettes, and other necessary tools organized and easily accessible. The design often includes a handle or straps, enabling the French box easel to be carried like a briefcase or a backpack. This portability is essential for artists who may need to hike to their chosen location or who prefer to travel light.

Camille Pissarro and his rolling easel 1895 (various sources)

Paul writes:

In order to facilitate artists to paint outdoors, particularly during the mid-nineteenth century, several practical applications and innovations became available that significantly enhanced the outdoor painting experience. One of the inventions of this era was the portable easel, a versatile and lightweight tool that allowed artists to easily transport their painting setup to various locations. This portable easel was used by numerous Impressionist artists, including Claude Monet, who found it instrumental in capturing the fleeting effects of light and atmosphere in his works.

The design of these portable easels was carefully considered to ensure ease of use and mobility. Typically constructed from wood or metal, they could be easily folded and unfolded, making them ideal for artists who wished to venture into the natural world to find inspiration.

The combination of portable easels, ready-to-use canvases, and convenient paint tubes allowed artists like Monet to immerse themselves in their environments, leading to the creation of iconic works that embody the spirit of Impressionism. These artists often painted en plein air, or “in the open air,” which became a defining characteristic of the movement. This practice not only influenced their artistic techniques but also encouraged a deeper connection with nature, as they sought to depict the beauty and transience of the world around them.

Art Blog courtesy of www.connorcontemporary.com