I think the position of subject matter relative to the easel, whether one is sight-sizing, and how brushes are held (choked up, or from the end of the handle) have a lot to do with sitting or standing, as well as the angle position of the workpiece. After all, easels are adjustable for good reason, and it's not the details of technique, but the results that matter! I wish I had $5 for every time I caught myself working uncomfortably or inefficiently without stopping to think things through.

Yeah, being a stander myself, i do get achy knees too. So do consider taking health supplements for bone joints, and rest more often during painting sessions. This goes out to everyone here who stands while painting too. :sunnysmil

I have found that imposing the same kind of "schedule" that's common with a sitting model (20 mins. on, 5min. break) is a good way to reduce the physical stress of painting while standing . . . the benefits extend past that, to "making" you take time for the visual analysis of your work in progress too.

I actually think it ESSENTIAL to stand unless you have a back or knee problem that prevents it.

It's so hard to get back from your work (sure you can do it if you make it a priority) when you sit, and it's so important in terms of assessing what you have done, and in finding mistakes to correct.

As the size of the canvas increases, the ready ability to get back also increases in importance.

If your feet, knees or back hurt at the end of the session, you just need the proper shoes :)

Chris--my wife just bought a pair of those (thanks to your recommendation :) ) and says her back hasn't felt this good in months.

As to the standing/sitting discussion, I'm in the standing camp. And I generally tilt the work slightly toward me for the reasons Rich gives. Also, it's important to set the work at eye level to avoid the distortion one gets with having it too high or low--bifocals can confound that sometimes, though.

Okay, Chris, what ARE those things?

:) Magic Painting Shoes (you need some!) :)

Chris takes a lot of guff for the shoes, we had a lot of fun with that . . . seriously though, they make sense to the extent that they are comfortable and ease the stess of being on your feet. Chris, you need to post a link to them! :thumbsup:

The Z-Coil Shoes

Be sure you try them on to find your size. There are some styles that need size adjustments from what you usually wear.

Gary, glad she is happy! I don't think I have heard the word "guff" since I left Wisconsin:)

Or a good session of food therapy with the local food reflexologist...(ooo, that feels nice... :thumbsup: )

Chris thanks for the tip on the shoes. I've never seen those before.
I always begin my sessions standing. I don't see how you could get the compostion and position of your figures correct without doing so. But I also get tired after a long day of painting and also at the end of the week. I will sit for more detailed work as I near completion of my paintings or if I get tired. But standing is by far my first choice.

Dianne