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Here’s how I make a plein air easel.

You will need:

One tripod with a center pole that raises up- I use a 3 dollar clamp to attach canvas panels to this pole.

2 cradled birch panels *i use 12x16s

2 12” piano hinges

2 hooks with 4 hex bolts (not as deep as back board on paint box)

a saw, a drill, a screwdriver, a pencil, a pair of clamps 

first, cut one of the panels in the middle of the long side(I use a chop saw.)

clamp panels (backs)together, hold hinge on side lining middle pin up with the crack between the panels.  Mark the holes with pencil, then drill holes (smaller than your screws) and then using screwdriver, screw end screws in then all the middle ones.  I have also used angle braces on the back side of this one, but I don’t think it’s necessary and it makes the sides not lay flat.

i also have screwed a 12” x1” thin piece of scrap to one of the middle bits, drilling holes in it to hold brushes when the box is open and covering the kirf when it’s closed.  You can get a handle and buckles if you want.

measure distance from outer tripod leg to outer tripod leg (remember to aim high as you can always shorten the legs) and mark holes where hooks will go, then drill and install hooks with the hex bolts or screws.

I have scrap glass cut at Lowe’s and install for mixing surface using scrap pieces of wood screwed (tiny screws) in.  I also use a clamp to hold a canvas panel to the raised center tripod bit.  

It works great for around $30.

GOOD LUCK and happy painting!!!