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If I buy a "Twister," what comes with it?
You'll receive a package with the main support
rod, an extension rod, an upper and lower bracket, the swivel
base and handle. You also get full instructions on how to assemble
your "Twister." You'll need an ordinary camera tripod,
which you probably already own, or the accessory table clamp
to mount the "Twister." I prefer a tripod since I can
set the height to a comfortable level that doesn't strain my
back. For travel, I use a lightweight tripod that weighs less
than two pounds. In the studio, I use a heavier tripod for uncompromising
support. For a Lightweight tripod, consider purchasing either
the $19.95 or $29.95 tripods from Target. The more expensive
one isn't much heavier but is sturdier and more stable.
What makes the "Twister"
a watercolor easel?
The "Twister" easel solves the unique
problem that watercolorists have that other easels don't address,
that is the backflow, side-flow and manipulation of washes that
need to move in a direction other than simply front to back.
The versatility of the "Twister" watercolor easel as
well as it's lightweight, compact and portable nature, makes
it a wish come true for watercolorists. I developed it after
an old Italian easel that I re-welded many times in order to
make it twist in a crude manner was about to bite the dust. The
first "Twister" was built to answer my watercolor painting
requirements and celebrate the Italian easel's retirement.
What makes the "Twister"
twist?
If you can imagine grasping a dowel with your
index finger and thumb, you have an idea of what the universal
ring and rod assembly are like. In this position, you can tilt
the rod front to back, side to side and, if you had a handle
at the end of the dowel, you could also spin it as well. (The
main "Twister" rod comes with a handle, by the way.)
To understand how the variable resistance
works, imagine a clamp surrounding your thumb and index finger,
exerting adjustable pressure. The more the clamp tightens down,
the more difficult it is to turn or twist the rod. Now you can
begin to understand how the "Twister's" core element,
a universal ring assembly with the main support rod passing through,
can allow unprecedented versatility of movement yet, with total
control over how much resistance you desire for twisting and
turning your painting. While this may sound complicated, it's
really quite simple in reality. The "Twister" is adjusted
in just a few seconds to accommodate a new resistance setting.
In all likelihood, you'll set it and never have any need to change
it again, but it's nice to know you can.
A few practical applications,
exemplifying the versatility of the "Twister."
Let me give you two simple examples of when and
how the "Twister" might be used. Say, you're painting
a flower's petal and the colors need to blend gradually from
the lower left to the upper right, you apply wet washes using
the various colors in the appropriate areas and then turn the
easel's handle to tilt in the direction you want the colors to
flow. Once they mingle correctly, you bring the Twister back
to level and let the wash set. The effects are extraordinary.
Washes flow together, whereas without this ability, you'd need
to brush (and probably overwork) the colors with less satisfactory
results.
Another example and application that may intrigue you is to create
combination of colors such as with Manganese Blue, Quinacridone
Gold and Permanent Rose. Once applied to the paper, manipulate
the direction of the wash creatively, making the manganese partially
separate from the gold and rose colors which are much lighter
in weight than the manganese. This is fun and the effects are
dazzling.
Warranty
It's unlikely your"Twister" will ever need repair,
but if it does, it will be handled free of charge. Just send
the faulty part back and it will be replaced or repaired during
the five year warranty.
Your "Twister" will
open a new experience and dimension in watercolor painting!
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