Hughes Easel

Leslie Ficcaglia · 01-24-2005, 07:08 PM

Richard, I had initially placed an order with Don for a Hughes easel at the end of August, but when I didn't hear from him by mid-October I finally went ahead and ordered a Sorg easel instead. Don did finally call me toward the end of October or beginning of November to say that he was ready to begin work on my easel, but I told him that I'd had to buy another one. I'm sure I would have loved the Hughes easel if I had been able to get it in a timely fashion, and of course I understand the impact that two hurricanes would have on a business, but I had already sold my main easel and needed to replace it. I'm very pleased with the Sorg and especially like the tray, which works well for the way I like to paint. I also like the fact that the Sorg has a smaller footprint and doesn't take up as much room in my studio.

Thanks for giving me an update, though.

Sharon Knettell · 01-25-2005, 09:29 AM

Hi,

I have been considering getting a Hughes. The problem with other easels is that they do not go low enough. I want the canvas to sit as low as possible to the floor. I work sight size and I find that even though the model is on a platform, the canvas needs to be about 4-6 inches off the ground to capture her feet.

How low off the ground can you place a canvas on a Hughes?

Richard Monro · 01-26-2005, 07:52 PM

Sharon,

My Hughes 4000 goes to within 4 inces of the floor and up to the top of my 10 foot ceilings. This easel would work well with your size panels.

Sharon Knettell · 01-26-2005, 08:18 PM

Richard,

Thanks. I have a really beautiful Abiqui Deluxe by Best easel. It was the best I knew about at the time, pre-internet. The problem is I am getting so tired of hauling those heavy canvas and panels up and off the easel to adjust it.

Richard Monro · 01-26-2005, 08:30 PM

Sharon,

I'm sure Don Andrews could customize your easel by taking 5 inches off the two front feet of the pedestal. That would allow the support frame to go all the way to the floor. Then at best you would only have to lift those heavy panels an inch to mount them to the easel. Also, no matter how heavy the panels are, the Hughes Easel comes equipped with a full complement of counter weights. All you have to do is put the correct amount of weight on the counterbalance. Then you can move those heavy panels to any position you want at the touch of a finger. You will be amazed at how easy your work will become to manage.

Elizabeth Schott · 01-26-2005, 09:21 PM

Sharon get a handmade Bingham, you'll love it, I am not sure what the vertical off the floor is but I do know it's 12" or under.

Bingham

Sharon Knettell · 01-26-2005, 09:55 PM

Beth,

Thanks for your reply, but I do not think the Bingham would be able to handle my billboards, and my canvas bottom has to be as close to the floor as possible. 4'" sounds about right. I would think 12" would be a bit high.