It may not be a Barclay, but!
 

It"s gonna be mine. Yesterday I was offered a crank type studio easel for $150. It's new but has some dings. There's a story, but I won't go into it here. I do want to know if there are any problems I should watch out for. I think this is a Best crank easel, with two canvas holders, and a bin for paint storage. The mast raises to 10'7" when cranked all the way up. From what I can see this is the only problem, ( 8' ceilings) but is certainly usable for me without raising it all the way. Ant advice? Maybe we'll have to move to accomodate it!

Jean

Not a Best either
 

Well, I'm not real sure what it is, but it's in my studio! Cranks easy, it's absolutely stable, and adjustable all over. I think I did OK. First project will be a very big, fancy, sports shire horse all tacked up for dressage. Wish I could post it here, but no animals! I'm happy.

Jean

Jean,

Good for you! :)

I gotta tell you that I just love to be able to adjust the painting without taking it out of the cradle! I suspect that your new easel may be a Maybef - they make a nice crank easel.

Christening ceremony
 

Been painting already, and have my first splotch of paint on it. Michael, now I guess I'll have to learn how to take care of it. Got any tips? I read through your thread on your Bingham-Barclay but didn't see anything there. I'll check out the Mabefs, but I really don't care what it is, I love it!

Jean

The Paint Check Ritual
 

Every day when I am done painting, I go through a little routine where I clean everything up. This ritual now includes time to look my easel over to be sure I have not gotten any paint on it, and if I have, I wipe it up with a small amount of OMS on a shop towel. Think that will work for you too Jean.

Glad you like it!:)

Priorities
 

I look at the paint residue on my easel the way an old soldier would view his scars. They are the reminders of battles fought and sometimes even won. My focus is solely on my painting and anything that gets in my way is fair game. This includes my studio furniture, my clothing, reference material, my body or my children. The only exemptions are my beloved books and of course my clients.

I wear my paint with pride
 

Michael,

Thanks for the tip, and the thumbs up. If I could I'd be doing cartwheels!

Marvin,

Chances are this easel will get a nice patina of paint over the years. My big concern is pastel dust, but I'm not going to lose any sleep over it.

My dog (big) is happy too. She always lays at my feet and has tipped my old easel numerous times. She can't even wiggle this one! She's smiling.

Jean