STUDIO SET UP
Setting Up Your Easel
An easel is essential for working upright in the studio. I recommend investing in a solid H-frame easel with wheels to fit your space and budget. Easels come in various sizes and styles. Wheels allow you to comfortably roll into position and adjust your painting location.
Be sure your easel can be raised and lowered to a comfortable working height. The ability to angle the easel slightly beyond vertical is important for pastel painting.
For smaller studio environments, a simple A-frame easel can be taken out then put away, and still works well. Be sure that the easel can be raised and lowered to a comfortable height, and the center mast angles forward for pastel work.
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H-Frame Easels:
A-Frame Easels:
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Photo Reference Set Up
Make sure that your image is flat and comfortable to view without turning your head away from your painting surface. Print out a good quality 5x7” to 8x10” photo print of your reference with a nice color gamut in the image.
Photo Reference Stand
Be sure to mount your reference photograph where itโs clearly visible. I like to use clamps to attach my reference to a freestanding light stand so it can be moved to the ideal viewing angle. You can simply clamp it to the easel as well.
There are some great inexpensive flexible clamps available that will attach your photo to your easel.
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iPad Stand
Of course, using an Ipad for your images is another excellent option. There are many great iPad stands available as well, so you can work freely.
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Studio Air Filter
In my studio, I use the Rabbit Air A3 air purifier, and I highly recommend using a true HEPA filtration system if you work regularly with soft pastel. HEPA filtration is critical for capturing the fine particulate dust that pastel produces and for maintaining healthy air quality in your studio over the long term.
A reliable air filter not only supports your respiratory health, but also helps keep your workspace cleaner and more comfortable day after day. Investing in proper air filtration is a simple but important part of caring for yourself as a working pastel artist. Find the size air filter that covers your square footage.
Rabbit Air A3 Purifier
