Varying the height on your easel
These three easel butlers on the right show the difference in height that can be achieved on your tripod by using various hole configurations for your arms and altering whether the arms sit on the outside or inside of the tripod legs. See the video
On my FeatherlitePro 190 easel, when I am standing, the lowest level for Max is 86 cm or 34 inches from the ground and the highest level stands 104 cm or 41 inches off the ground. Keep in mind that each measurement is dependent on the slope of individual easels.
If you paint sitting at your easel, the height of Max can be altered by using any of these configurations and shortening the legs to a comfortable working height for you as you can see in the first photo of Cathy in the Exposé Gallery.
Jann's photo in the Exposé Gallery shows her making use of a Cullmann tripod with the addition of Max as an accessory shelf. By using the top configuration here, she was able to raise her tray much higher off the ground.
On my FeatherlitePro 190 easel, when I am standing, the lowest level for Max is 86 cm or 34 inches from the ground and the highest level stands 104 cm or 41 inches off the ground. Keep in mind that each measurement is dependent on the slope of individual easels.
If you paint sitting at your easel, the height of Max can be altered by using any of these configurations and shortening the legs to a comfortable working height for you as you can see in the first photo of Cathy in the Exposé Gallery.
Jann's photo in the Exposé Gallery shows her making use of a Cullmann tripod with the addition of Max as an accessory shelf. By using the top configuration here, she was able to raise her tray much higher off the ground.
Max mounted in front or to the side?
Max has great features but one of his biggest unsung assets over 'all-in-one' pastel set-ups is his versatility in the choice of mounting positions in relation to your body. Not everyone wants the standard "box in the front" which requires a long reach and also results in excess particulates ending up in said box. Having him hang on the side or both sides of your easel if you have two boxes or shelves leaves you free to get up close and personal ...especially useful if you are myopic. See the video
If you already have a particular set-up that you are already in love with, Max can make an interesting addition.
If you already have a particular set-up that you are already in love with, Max can make an interesting addition.
Counterweight for good balance
Since most art easels are not made to have a great amount of weight attached to just one side of them, you are strongly advised to attach a counterweight to whichever leg on your easel is opposite to the two legs supporting Max. The lower the better as long as your weight is fully suspended and not touching the ground. A large bottle of water is a terrific counterweight and disposable for the trip home or....if you prefer a good wine, you can sit back and consume it while admiring your latest creation. Our counterweight bags are a great size for this and have a handy cord and clip for circling the leg but any bag will do.
Add some bump-ons
If your are using a pastel travel box and planning to use the pastel cover boards that come in it as a shelf to support your box, we suggest sticking at least 4 bump-ons onto one of those very slippery boards. Placing one bump-on near each corner will provide a surface with better grip on which to set your pastel box while the memory foam on the other side is a great non-slip surface for both stacking the boards and adhering to the butler. Bump-ons are available through your framing shop or on our product page.
Artwork Books
- Just because our book will hold 11 x 15" sheets does not mean it cannot accommodate smaller ones also.
- It's often more efficient to buy extra large sheets of paper and cut it to the appropriate size with little or no waste.
- The book comes with three rings however we recommend that you use only the two outside holes freeing up the center top for your overhead easel clamp when using the book in the portrait position. Tuck the third one in your suitcase in case you need it.