KraftGeek Plein Air Easel vs. Winsor & Newton Dart Easel - A Personal Review

As someone who paints both in the studio and outdoors, I’m always looking for an easel that’s light, sturdy, and easy to manage. I’ve been using both the KraftGeek Plein Air Easel and the Winsor & Newton Dart Sketching Easel, and while they share similarities in portability and setup, they each have their strengths depending on your painting style and working habits

KraftGeek Plein Air Easel

KraftGeek’s Plein Air Easel

The KraftGeek Plein Air Easel really stands out for its modern, smart design; it feels sleek and well thought out, with a clean look that makes it just as at home in the studio as out on location. What I noticed right away is how lightweight and easy it is to carry it is, even for me at just 5ft tall. Some easels can feel awkward to lug around, but the KraftGeek’s compact frame and balance make it genuinely comfortable to transport from place to place.

Setup is quick and intuitive, everything locks neatly into place and I had it standing within a couple of minutes. Once it’s up, it feels surprisingly sturdy, especially for a portable easel. It handles mid-sized canvases beautifully (around 16"×20"), and I experienced little to no wobble while painting. I particularly like that it can be used as a tabletop easel or extended for floor use, making it versatile whether I’m working seated or standing.

Using KraftGeek Plein Air Easel Outdoors.

There are a few quirks, though. The legs can slip if they’re not properly tightened, especially on smooth floors, so it’s worth double-checking the locks before starting. It’s not ideal for very large canvases, as it can start to feel top-heavy, and outdoors it can be a bit too light in strong wind unless you add some weight to the ledge. Still, those are minor issues compared to how well it performs overall.

For me, the KraftGeek hits a sweet spot between portability, stability, and aesthetics. It feels like a thoughtfully designed piece of kit. Perfect for artists who want something functional yet stylish, and especially convenient if you’re on the shorter side and tired of wrestling with awkward, heavy easels.

Winsor & Newton Dart Easel.

Winsor & Newton Dart Sketching Easel

The Winsor & Newton Dart is another excellent option for artists who value portability. It’s extremely lightweight (about 1.4 kg) and folds down small enough to slip into a backpack or art trolley, making it great for quick outdoor sketching sessions. The telescopic legs adjust easily, and the mast can tilt into a horizontal position, which is ideal for watercolour work.

It’s also very easy to set up, and that’s something I really appreciate when painting on location. The Dart is wonderfully convenient for small to medium surfaces, and its ability to adjust for different media such as, watercolour, acrylic, or oil; a real plus!

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Using Winsor & Newton’s Easel Outdoors.

That said, I found it less stable than the KraftGeek, especially when working with anything larger than A3. The rear leg sometimes slips, and the canvas groove is quite shallow, so a canvas can lean forward unless clipped. While many reviewers flag the screw tightener's intrusive placement, I've found an additional flaw: the screw itself often spins in its housing, making it difficult to secure. This is a minor but frustrating issue when setting up quickly or working outdoors. Ultimately, it's a serviceable easel for light use, but I wouldn't trust it for vigorous painting or heavy impasto techniques.

Final Thoughts

Both easels have a lot going for them, but they cater to different needs.

• The KraftGeek Plein Air Easel feels sturdier and more refined, with a balanced design that’s easy to carry even for someone petite like me. It’s perfect for studio use or painting outdoors on calm days, and its modern look makes it feel like a proper upgrade from typical metal tripods.

• The Winsor & Newton Dart Sketching Easel is a great lightweight travel companion, ideal for quick sketches, watercolour, or small-scale work. It’s incredibly portable, but not quite as solid or secure when you need real stability.

If you want a stylish, reliable easel that’s both portable and practical, the KraftGeek is the one I’d recommend. But if your priority is ultralight convenience for sketching or watercolour on the go, the Dart still holds its place.

Visit this link to purchase a KraftGeek Plein Air Easel and use the discount code BCS15 to save 15% on your order.

Foundations of Life Drawing: A Structured Approach, Level 1

I had the absolute pleasure of hosting and teaching my fully tutored life drawing workshop, Foundations of Life Drawing: A Structured Approach, Level 1, and I am still carrying that quiet sense of fulfilment that teaching always brings.

There is something deeply special about guiding a room of people through the very first building blocks of drawing the human figure. Life drawing can feel intimidating, even for those who already consider themselves creative, and one of my main intentions with this workshop was to gently remove that fear.

A Calm, Structured Way Into Life Drawing

This workshop was designed to slow things down.

Rather than rushing into expressive marks or long poses, we focused on structure, proportion, and observation. These are the foundations that underpin confident figure drawing. By breaking the process into clear, manageable stages, participants were able to concentrate on how to see before worrying about how to draw.

We explored:

• Understanding the body as simple shapes and relationships

• Measuring and proportion without fear

• Seeing the figure as a whole rather than a collection of details

• Developing accuracy through observation rather than guesswork

This structured approach is something I care deeply about. When drawing is taught as a skill rather than a talent you either have or do not have, something powerful begins to shift.

Teaching at the Heart of What I Do

I have always loved teaching, but workshops like this remind me why.

Watching people arrive unsure, nervous, or convinced they cannot draw, and then seeing that belief quietly dissolve over the course of a few hours is genuinely moving. Teaching is not about correcting people. It is about giving them tools, confidence, and permission to learn.

I believe wholeheartedly that anyone can learn to draw.

You do not need to have drawn before.
You do not need to be “arty.”
You do not need to be fearless or confident.

What you need is a clear method, patient guidance, and the reassurance that progress comes from practice, not perfection.

Beginners Are Always Welcome

One of my favourite things about this Level 1 workshop is how accessible it is. Some participants had previous experience, while others were completely new to art. By the end of the session, everyone had a stronger understanding of the figure and, just as importantly, a sense that life drawing is something they can do.

Mistakes were welcomed. Questions were encouraged. The room felt focused, calm, and supportive, which is exactly the environment I aim to create in every class I teach.

Looking Ahead

Foundations of Life Drawing, Level 1 is just the beginning. This structured approach is designed to build confidence gradually, allowing skills to develop layer by layer and providing a strong foundation for any drawing or painting practice that follows.

If yesterday reinforced anything for me, it is this. Teaching is not just about sharing knowledge. It is about opening doors. I feel incredibly grateful to do work that allows me to do just that.

Thank you to everyone who attended and trusted the process. I cannot wait to build on these foundations with you.

 

A Very Different Kind of Stag Do: A Pastel Paint & Sip with a Personal Twist

When you think of a stag do, a pastel painting workshop probably isn’t the first thing that comes to mind, and that’s exactly what made this one so special.

Recently, we had the pleasure of hosting and teaching a bespoke Pastel Paint & Sip workshop for a stag group, designed as a surprise for the groom-to-be. Instead of the usual activities, the group gathered for an afternoon of laughter, creativity, and a genuinely meaningful shared experience painting portraits of the stag himself, reimagined in the style of Pierre-Auguste Renoir.

A Surprise with Heart

The workshop was planned in secret, with the stag completely unaware of what was waiting for him. When he arrived and realised the group would be painting him, the reaction was priceless; equal parts shock, amusement, and genuine delight.

From that moment on, the energy in the room shifted. The session became not just about painting, but about celebrating friendship, shared memories, and the occasion itself. Each artwork became a playful, affectionate tribute, no two portraits alike, but all capturing something recognisable and personal.

Why Renoir?

Renoir’s work is known for its warmth, softness, and human connection, qualities that made it the perfect reference point for this group.

Rather than copying a single painting, participants were introduced to key Renoir-inspired ideas:

• Soft, blended colour transitions

• Warm flesh tones built from layered pastels

• Loose, expressive mark-making

• A focus on light and atmosphere rather than detail

This approach kept the workshop relaxed and accessible, even for complete beginners, while still giving everyone a clear artistic direction.

A Pastel Paint & Sip Designed for Everyone

No prior art experience was needed. The session was structured to gently guide the group through the process:

1. Warm-up exercises to loosen up and get comfortable with pastels

2. Simple portrait structure, focusing on proportions without pressure

3. Building colour in layers, Renoir-style

4. Encouraging individuality, humour, and personal touches

With drinks flowing and music in the background, the atmosphere was light, social, and full of laughter. Painting became a shared experience rather than a performance, exactly what a Paint & Sip should be.

The Results: Joyful, Personal, Unforgettable

By the end of the workshop, the walls were filled with portraits that ranged from tender and painterly to wonderfully irreverent. What mattered most wasn’t technical perfection, but the personality and affection in each piece.

For the stag, it was a genuinely moving moment, seeing himself through the eyes of his closest friends, interpreted in colour, line, and laughter. Each artwork became a keepsake, far more meaningful than a novelty prop or a forgotten night out.

A New Way to Celebrate

This workshop was a reminder that creative experiences make powerful celebrations. They slow us down, bring people together, and leave behind something tangible, a memory you can hold onto.

Whether it’s a stag do, hen party, birthday, or private event, a personalised Paint & Sip offers something different: connection, creativity, and a story worth telling.

If you’re interested in creating a bespoke workshop for your own celebration, We’d love to hear from you.

Sometimes the best surprises aren’t loud, they’re colourful, thoughtful, and shared around a table with friends.

 

Understanding Millais’ Ophelia: Artist Techniques in Colour, Composition, and Brushwork

John Everett Millais’ Ophelia (1851–52) is often discussed for its literary and symbolic content, but it is equally valuable as a technical masterclass. The painting demonstrates how colour, composition, and brushwork work together to convey meaning without overt drama. Millais shows that emotional power can emerge through restraint, close observation, and deliberate artistic choices.

1. Composition: Order Beneath Apparent Naturalism

At first glance, Ophelia appears spontaneous and organic, yet its structure is highly controlled.

Horizontal Stability

The dominant compositional force is the horizontal axis of Ophelia’s body. This creates calm and stillness, reinforcing the sense that movement has ceased. Unlike diagonals—which imply action or resistance—the horizontal placement suggests surrender and inevitability.