Light Weight French Style Field and Sketchbox Easel - Portable Studio

In this review of the Light Weight French Style Field and Sketchbox Easel the bottom line is simple: it is a versatile, travel-ready easel for painters who need a stable work surface that converts between desktop and floor use. The biggest reason to buy is its combination of a lightweight build and practical storage: at just over 9 lb empty with an aluminum tripod and a sliding drawer, it is far easier to move than traditional wooden field easels while still providing a flat working board suitable for pads or small canvases.

Key Features

• Lightweight construction: The easel weighs only 9.35 lb empty so it is easy to carry between locations without sacrificing a solid support for painting.
• Flat working board: The 12 1/2 in by 17 2/5 in board gives a smooth, stable surface for a painting pad, canvas or drawing sheet.
• Adjustable canvas support: Upper and lower slots accept canvases from about 6 in up to roughly 31 4/7 in high, covering most small to medium formats.
• Convertible tripod: Three telescopic aluminum legs let the unit function as a desktop easel or a floor easel depending on working needs.
• Integrated storage and palette: A sliding drawer and removable palette keep brushes and paints organized for plein air sessions or studio use.

Who It's For

The easel is aimed at students, sketching artists and hobbyists who need a portable, simple solution for on-location painting or compact studio spaces; the leather carrying handle and shoulder strap make it practical for travel. It is also useful for instructors and demonstrators who move between classes and need quick setup.

Artists who routinely work on very large canvases or who require heavy-duty professional studio rigs should look elsewhere, since this model is optimized for mobility and small to medium work rather than supporting large, heavy panels or extended heavy use under demanding conditions.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Very portable at about 9.35 lb, making it simple to take to outdoor locations.
• Good storage capacity with a sliding drawer and removable palette for tools and paints.
• Flexible height range and telescopic legs let it serve as both desktop and floor easel.
• Easy to assemble and described by users as sturdy once set up.

Cons

• Some users find it heavier or larger than expected for very lightweight travel needs.
• Not intended for very large or heavy canvases used in heavy professional studio setups.

Specifications

Product type	Field and sketchbox easel with aluminum tripod
Empty weight	9.35 lb
Working board size	12 1/2 in x 17 2/5 in
Canvas height capacity	About 6 in to 31 4/7 in
Legs	3 telescopic aluminum legs (desktop or floor use)
Storage	Sliding drawer and removable palette

Our Verdict

This easel is a practical, value-minded choice for students and traveling artists who want a stable, multifunctional work surface with built-in storage. It balances portability and usability well, and while it is not a replacement for a heavy studio easel, it offers excellent convenience and decent sturdiness for plein air and small-studio work.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this easel suitable for plein air painting?
Yes, its lightweight build, carrying handle and shoulder strap make it well suited to outdoor sketching and plein air sessions.

What maximum canvas height will it accommodate?
The adjustable slots accept canvases approximately from 6 in up to about 31 4/7 in high.

Does it include storage for paints and brushes?
Yes, it includes a sliding drawer and a removable palette for organizing tools and paint.