Brad DoanUnderstanding the Importance of the Right Tools in Landscape Painting
Landscape painting is a beautiful and rewarding hobby, but it can also be quite challenging when you don’t have the right tools. As a beginner, you might find yourself struggling with equipment that doesn’t suit your needs, whether it’s an unstable easel or a palette that’s hard to clean. The key to successful landscape painting is not just your artistic skill but also your choice of tools.
A good easel and palette can make all the difference in creating smooth brushstrokes, easy mixing, and ultimately a much more enjoyable painting experience. So, let’s dive into the 9 best easels and palettes that are perfect for landscape painting starters.
To get the most out of your landscape painting practice, it’s essential to explore various painting techniques and how the right tools support them. A proper easel and palette give you a stable, comfortable, and adjustable platform to work on, while a suitable palette ensures that you can mix colors effectively and with ease.
Why Choose the Right Easel and Palette?
Choosing the right easel and palette for landscape painting isn’t just about style—it’s about functionality. The right easel gives you a stable, comfortable, and adjustable platform to work on, while the right palette ensures that you can mix colors effectively and with ease. As a beginner, using equipment designed to help you learn the basics can significantly reduce frustration, increase your creativity, and improve the overall quality of your paintings.
When you’re painting outdoors, for instance, you want something portable yet stable. For indoor or studio work, you might prioritize stability and durability. But no matter your preference, choosing the right easel and palette makes the painting process smoother, from start to finish.
Exploring color theory and understanding how colors interact on your palette is a crucial step to improving your landscape artwork.
Top 9 Easels for Landscape Painting Starters
1. UPPER West Easel – Lightweight and Portable
The UPPER West Easel is perfect for artists who need a lightweight, portable easel. It’s designed for those who paint on the go, whether you’re in the studio or outdoors. Made of lightweight materials, this easel folds down easily and is compact enough to fit in a small space. Its portability is one of its key features, making it a solid choice for beginners.
Pros:
- Very lightweight and portable
- Easy to set up and pack down
- Affordable
Cons:
- Might not hold larger canvases as securely as other models
When learning to paint outdoors, it’s important to use step-by-step projects to practice your technique.
2. Studio Master Easel – Stability for Outdoor Painting
If you’re seeking something that offers both stability and versatility, the Studio Master Easel is an excellent choice. Whether you’re indoors or outside, this easel provides the needed support for landscape painting. It is especially good for larger canvases, giving you the stability you need for intricate work.
Pros:
- Great stability for outdoor and studio painting
- Holds large canvases securely
- Adjustable height
Cons:
- Heavier than most easels, less portable
This easel is excellent for beginners who are exploring composition in their landscape paintings.
3. Guerrilla Painter Pochade Box – Compact and Functional
For those who paint on location, the Guerrilla Painter Pochade Box is the ultimate choice. It combines both the easel and the palette in one compact, functional design. This setup allows you to carry all your essential painting tools, making it perfect for plein air painters.
Pros:
- Compact and all-in-one design
- Built-in palette
- Highly portable
Cons:
- Might be too small for some artists’ needs
The Guerrilla Painter Pochade Box supports quick brushstrokes while you work outside in nature.
4. Plein Air Pro Easel – Ideal for Nature Exploration
A top choice for those venturing into the outdoors, the Plein Air Pro Easel offers versatility and portability. It’s designed to be easy to carry while offering a solid structure for outdoor painting. Whether you’re near mountains or painting a flat landscape, this easel will give you the necessary support.
Pros:
- Perfect for plein air painting
- Lightweight and portable
- Can accommodate various canvas sizes
Cons:
- Expensive for beginners
Ideal for those capturing landscape painting scenes, this easel is your go-to tool for outdoor adventures.
5. Winsor & Newton Field Easel – Professional Yet Beginner-Friendly
The Winsor & Newton Field Easel is a fantastic choice for both beginners and more advanced artists. This easel combines professional features like sturdy construction with beginner-friendly aspects like ease of use and portability. It’s perfect for anyone looking to start painting outdoors or in the studio.
Pros:
- Adjustable for different heights
- Extremely stable
- Versatile for indoor and outdoor use
Cons:
- A bit on the pricey side for beginners
This easel is perfect for artists who are starting to experiment with foreground elements in their landscape scenes.
6. Mabef M-22 – Multi-Functional and Durable
Known for its multi-functional design, the Mabef M-22 easel can hold large canvases, making it perfect for landscape painting. Its sturdy construction ensures that your canvas won’t wobble as you paint, and it’s adjustable, allowing you to customize it to your comfort.
Pros:
- Multi-functional, can hold large canvases
- Highly durable
- Adjustable
Cons:
- Heavy to transport
This easel is a great option if you’re looking to explore color schemes in your landscapes.
7. Mont Marte Field Easel – Affordable and Practical
If you’re a beginner on a budget, the Mont Marte Field Easel is an excellent choice. It’s lightweight, portable, and affordable. Despite its lower price point, it provides the stability and functionality needed for landscape painting, making it ideal for those just starting.
Pros:
- Affordable
- Lightweight and portable
- Easy to set up
Cons:
- Not suitable for heavy-duty, professional use
Perfect for projects that require flexibility and mobility, this easel won’t break the bank.
8. Arteza Wooden Easel – Great for Small Spaces
For those who don’t have a lot of space, the Arteza Wooden Easel is perfect. It’s compact yet sturdy, and its small size makes it ideal for smaller canvases. Whether you’re working in a small studio or painting at a table, this easel will suit your needs.
Pros:
- Compact design
- Perfect for small spaces
- Affordable
Cons:
- Not ideal for large canvases
Great for beginners working on background details of their landscapes, this easel is easy to use in confined spaces.
9. Richmond Adjustable Easel – Versatile and Affordable
The Richmond Adjustable Easel is great for any beginner. It offers excellent adjustability, allowing you to work with canvases of various sizes. It’s versatile, affordable, and lightweight, making it an ideal option for landscape painting starters.
Pros:
- Versatile and adjustable
- Affordable
- Easy to store
Cons:
- Less durable than higher-end models
Top 9 Palettes for Landscape Painting Starters
1. John Pike Palette – Professional and Efficient
The John Pike Palette is a classic, loved by both professional artists and beginners. Its design ensures a smooth mixing surface, while its large area allows you to mix plenty of colors for large landscape paintings.
Pros:
- Professional quality
- Large surface for mixing
- Durable
Cons:
- Expensive for beginners
This palette is ideal for artists exploring harmony in their color mixes.
2. Mijello Fusion Palette – Versatile and Durable
Mijello Fusion Palettes are known for their durability and versatility. This palette features a sealed system that keeps your paints fresh longer, making it ideal for long outdoor sessions.
Pros:
- Durable and leakproof
- Sealed design for freshness
- Perfect for travel
Cons:
- A little heavy for some artists
Ideal for artists working with canvas or large surfaces where mixing large quantities of paint is essential.
3. Masterson Sta-Wet Palette – Ideal for Beginners
For beginners, the Masterson Sta-Wet Palette is a great tool. It uses a moisture control system that keeps your paints wet and workable for hours, which can be very helpful in preventing wastage of paints.
Pros:
- Keeps paints fresh
- Affordable
- Easy to use
Cons:
- Doesn’t offer as much mixing space
This palette works great for brushstrokes that require extended working time.
4. Winsor & Newton Glass Palette – Elegant and Easy to Clean
This glass palette offers a sleek and professional look while providing ample space for mixing. Its smooth surface ensures that the paint doesn’t dry too quickly, giving you time to blend your colors just right.
Pros:
- Elegant design
- Easy to clean
- Durable
Cons:
- Glass can be fragile
If you’re interested in professional composition, this is an excellent palette to create finely detailed mixes.
5. Robert Simmons Easy Lift Palette – Compact and Portable
The Robert Simmons Easy Lift Palette is perfect for those who are always on the move. Its compact design makes it portable, while the lift-up feature ensures that your paints stay fresh for longer.
Pros:
- Portable and compact
- Lift-up design
- Keeps paints fresh
Cons:
- Not as large as some other palettes
This palette is particularly good for techniques involving small quantities of mixed paint.
6. Richeson Super Pal Palette – Built for the Long Haul
If you’re looking for a high-quality, durable palette, the Richeson Super Pal is a great choice. It has a generous surface for mixing and is designed to withstand years of heavy use.
Pros:
- Large mixing surface
- Built to last
- Professional quality
Cons:
- Heavy and not ideal for travel
A great choice for artists wanting to work on foreground elements of their landscapes with plenty of mixing space.
7. Art Alternatives Wood Palette – Simple Yet Effective
Sometimes, the simplest tools are the best. The Art Alternatives Wood Palette is a classic wooden palette with a simple design that’s easy to use and affordable for beginners.
Pros:
- Simple and affordable
- Comfortable to use
- Easy to clean
Cons:
- Requires more maintenance than plastic or glass palettes
This palette suits beginners who are just getting into basic projects.
8. Grumbacher Large Palette – Perfect for Large Canvas Works
The Grumbacher Large Palette is perfect for larger canvas works and offers a spacious area to mix colors, allowing you to tackle more ambitious landscape projects.
Pros:
- Large and spacious
- Great for ambitious projects
- Durable
Cons:
- Too large for some beginners
It’s perfect for tackling detailed landscape steps on larger canvases.
9. New Wave Glass Palette – Perfect for Clean, Professional Mixing
The New Wave Glass Palette offers a pristine, easy-to-clean surface that’s perfect for professional-grade mixing. If you’re aiming for a cleaner, more refined painting experience, this palette is for you.
Pros:
- Professional grade
- Clean, smooth mixing surface
- Easy to clean
Cons:
- Glass can be fragile
How to Choose the Right Easel and Palette for You
When selecting your easel and palette, consider these tips to make the best decision:
- Consider Your Space: Make sure the easel fits in your studio or workspace.
- Outdoor vs. Studio: Decide if you need a portable setup for plein air painting or something more stable for indoor work.
- Canvas Size: Make sure the easel can accommodate the canvas size you plan to use.
For more tips on brushstrokes and how to improve your technique, check out the resources available.
Conclusion: Finding Your Perfect Landscape Painting Tools
Choosing the right easel and palette is a crucial step in your journey as a landscape painter. It’s not just about having the right tools—it’s about making the process easier and more enjoyable, allowing you to focus on your art.
FAQs
1. What is the best easel for outdoor landscape painting?
The Guerrilla Painter Pochade Box is ideal for plein air painting because it’s compact and portable.
2. Can I use a studio easel for outdoor painting?
While studio easels are stable, they are typically heavier and less portable than outdoor-specific models.
3. How do I maintain my palette?
Clean your palette regularly and keep it dry to avoid dried paint buildup.
4. What size canvas should I use for landscape painting?
For beginners, starting with a medium-sized canvas (18×24 inches) is ideal.
5. Do I need a special palette for oil paints?
A glass or wooden palette is perfect for oil paints as it provides a smooth mixing surface.
6. Can I use a table easel for landscape painting?
Yes, table easels are compact and perfect for smaller spaces or studio use.
7. How do I prevent my paint from drying too fast in outdoor conditions?
Use a palette with a moisture control system, such as the Masterson Sta-Wet Palette, to keep your paints workable.