Daler-Rowney St. Paul's Field Easel Instruction Manual

1. Introduction and Overview

The Daler-Rowney St. Paul's Field Easel is a portable and sturdy wooden easel designed for artists. Crafted from FSC certified oil beechwood, it offers stability for various painting surfaces, including canvas, wood, and paper. Its collapsible design makes it ideal for both studio use and outdoor (plein air) painting, providing a reliable support for your artistic endeavors.

Image 1.1: The Daler-Rowney St. Paul's Field Easel set up with a painting on a desk.

This manual provides instructions for the proper setup, operation, and maintenance of your St. Paul's Field Easel to ensure its longevity and optimal performance.

2. Setup

The St. Paul's Field Easel features a collapsible design for easy transport and storage. Follow these steps to set up your easel:

1. Unpack the Easel: Carefully remove the easel from its storage bag. The easel is designed to be compact when folded.
   

   Image 2.1: The Daler-Rowney St. Paul's Field Easel stored in its convenient green carrying bag.

2. Unfold the Legs: Gently spread the three wooden legs outwards until they form a stable tripod base. Ensure all leg joints are fully extended.
   

   Image 2.2: The Daler-Rowney St. Paul's Field Easel in its collapsed state, ready for unfolding.

3. Adjust Leg Height: Loosen the black knobs on each leg to extend or retract the lower sections. Adjust the height to your desired working level, then tighten the knobs securely to lock the legs in place. Ensure the easel is level and stable on your chosen surface.
   

   Image 2.3: A hand adjusting one of the black knobs to extend or retract an easel leg.

3. Operating

Once the easel is set up, you can position your canvas or painting surface:

1. Adjust Canvas Support: The easel features an adjustable canvas support. Loosen the brass screw mechanism to slide the support up or down the central mast. Position it to hold your canvas at a comfortable height.
   

   Image 3.1: Adjusting the brass screw to set the canvas support height.

2. Place Your Canvas: Rest your canvas or painting board on the adjusted support. The top clamp can be moved to secure the top edge of your artwork, preventing it from shifting during use.
   

   Image 3.2: A canvas securely placed on the easel, ready for painting.

3. Adjust Angle (if applicable): Some easels allow for angle adjustment. If your model supports this, use the designated knobs or levers to tilt the canvas to your preferred working angle. Ensure all adjustments are tightened before beginning to paint.

4. Maintenance

Proper care will extend the life of your Daler-Rowney St. Paul's Field Easel:

• Cleaning: Wipe down the wooden surfaces with a dry or slightly damp cloth to remove dust or paint residue. Avoid using harsh chemicals or abrasive cleaners, as these can damage the wood finish.
• Storage: When not in use, collapse the easel and store it in its provided carrying bag in a dry environment. This protects the wood from moisture and prevents accidental damage.
  

  Image 4.1: The easel's portability, shown being carried in its storage bag.

• Wood Care: Periodically, you may apply a small amount of wood conditioner or furniture polish to maintain the beechwood's appearance and prevent drying.
• Hardware Check: Regularly inspect all knobs, screws, and joints to ensure they are tight. Tighten any loose hardware to maintain the easel's stability.

5. Troubleshooting

If you encounter any issues with your easel, consider the following:

• Easel Instability: Ensure all three legs are fully extended and the black adjustment knobs are securely tightened. Check that the easel is placed on a flat, stable surface. If on uneven ground, adjust individual leg heights to compensate.
• Difficulty Adjusting Height/Angle: Loosen the respective knobs or screws sufficiently before attempting to adjust. Do not force any parts. If resistance persists, check for any obstructions or debris in the sliding mechanisms.
• Damaged Parts: If any wooden components are cracked or hardware is broken, discontinue use and contact Daler-Rowney customer support for assistance.

6. Specifications

7. Warranty and Support

Daler-Rowney has been inspiring creativity since 1783, committed to producing sustainable, qualitative, durable, accessible, and affordable artist supplies. The St. Paul's Field Easel is manufactured in England, reflecting a long-standing tradition of quality craftsmanship.

For any questions, concerns, or support regarding your Daler-Rowney St. Paul's Field Easel, please visit the official Daler-Rowney website or contact their customer service department. Keep your purchase receipt for any warranty claims.