Albion man invents light-weight portable easel for artists

Photos by Ginny Kropf: (Left) Wayne Dorpfeld of Albion has invented a unique portable easel for artists, which he calls Easely. Here, he holds the folded-up device, which weighs less than 10 pounds. (Center) Dorpfeld attaches the drawing board to his portable artists’ seat/easel, which takes barely a minute to set up. (Right) Dorpfeld holds a folded-up Easely (art horse) as he looks over the one he just assembled.

ALBION – A graphic designer/artist by trade, Wayne Dorpfeld of Albion has become an inventor.

While attending a plein air art show in Colorado, it became evident to Dorpfeld that artists were struggling with their art benches, also called donkey easels or art horses.

“Artists were complaining their art horses were too heavy,” Dorpfeld said. “The most popular ones weighed 30 pounds or more. They were all limited in functionality and their assembly required more time and effort than desirable.”

Dorpfeld’s formal education was a graphic designer and illustrator. He also taught commercial art at Attica Prison, and when he retired he did some painting.

After a fall two years ago, in which he injured his back, the difficulty in managing art benches became evident.

“I didn’t like any of the art horses I found, so I decided to design and make my own,” Dorpfeld said. “I bought a 3D printer and a CNC router, and after many hours of working in my shop, tweaking the prototype and consulting with friends, family and peers, I believe I’ve developed the ultimate donkey easel.”

He calls his invention “Easely” and claims “it is a real thoroughbred.”

There are eight or 10 models manufactured currently, only two of which are foldable. Dorpfeld said none can do what his does. No longer than a yardstick when folded up for carrying, his design weighs less than 10 pounds.

Dorpfeld said Easely can be set up in barely a minute. It is adjustable to suit any media at any angle or height and accommodates drawing boards up to 22” x 30”.  Two snap-on trays hold collapsible plastic cups for water (for watercolor artists), brushes and paints.

 Dorpfeld’s son Jacob is owner of Jacob C. Dorpfeld Custom Furniture and Cabinetry, and has the capability to build Easelys if the demand is there.

Anyone interested in more information or wishing to order one may find Dorpfeld’s contact information by logging on to www.easelyusa.com and click on “contact.”