Gail D. Reineke
Reviewed in the United States on February 28, 2025
It’s a great little viewfinder for capturing a subject for my tiny watercolor book and sketching in general. Later I may purchase a larger one, though. It’s portability is excellent and fits a small pocket well.
B. Blum
Reviewed in the United States on January 5, 2025
As a painter who sketches/paints outdoors, this tool is very handy. I like that the window isn't easy to move, so it remains the same size opening until you intentionally change it. I like that it has aspect ratios marked on the side so you can easily find the size that matches the canvas or paper size on which you're working. I used to just do the ol' thumb and forefinger in a square window trick, but this is definitely a better hack. I think I will try to rig up a way to attach it to my easel so I can use the window as a reference while sketching without holding it up.
Lisa Wiley
Reviewed in the United States on December 29, 2024
I’ve been painting/drawing for 2-3 years. I have mostly create from a picture. I have recently ventured outside. I have seen these view finders before but never understood them or used one. Once I tried it I totally understand! I love how I can put it in my pencil case and it takes almost no room. I have been taking it out even when not drawing just to look through and get a feel for it. I’m super happy I ordered this. Its a game changer
Customer
Reviewed in the United States on December 1, 2024
The Artist Viewfinder appears to be well designed, durable and it provides you with a preview of your subject. This allows artists of all levels to develop better compositions. The size is perfect for taking it with you were ever you go to sketch, draw or paint. There are five paper sizes identified on the Artist Viewfinder, but it will work for any size that falls within the aspect ratio of the area created by the slider. I have always made my own viewfinders, but this one is more durable and easier to carry around. The Artist Viewfinder also has two holes to compare the light and dark values of your composition. Also, I have found that I can use this Viewfinder to create different size frames for drawing thumbnails sketches (one thing I had resisted doing) and that has improved my overall composition.One thing that would enhance this Artist Viewfinder is providing some simple documentation on use. I believe that providing documentation enhances the creditability of the product and satisfaction of the buyer. Someone could search online for instructions but having documentation in hand is much easier.All in all, I believe this to be a good product and a tool that every artist should have in their toolkit. I recommend this Artist Viewfinder; it is now part of my outdoor sketching kit, and I will likely purchase another one for use at home.
IndigoJane
Reviewed in the United States on November 18, 2024
I’ve always wanted a viewfinder, but didn’t realize that this one is a miniaturized version. It’s easy and light to carry with your outdoor painting gear. You do sacrifice a few things in favor of small size, though.You can line up the size of the opening to various dimensions: 11x14, 8 x 12, and 9 x 12 are embossed in tiny, same color shapes on one side, and 8 x 10 and 12 x 16 are shown on the other side. It would be better if these dimensions matched those of paper sizes in the US, such as 8 x 11, 9 x 12 or had more standard proportions like 4 x 6 and 3x 5. Also, for example, the 8 x 12 and 9 x 12 line-up lines are only 4 mm apart, so when you look through the quite small frame opening (only 2 x2 completely open), you see very little difference in shape. It’s like a toy version of the real thing.What’s good: adjust the size of the frame opening a large amount to see what your subject looks like in different shapes of framing. Contrast landscape and portrait orientations. Peer through a small hole for a tight focus. The sliding piece works well, and the plastic isn’t too flimsy and is a good neutral, if slightly warm, gray.Just find a larger viewfinder for more precisely measured framing of the views.
Dee Bee
Reviewed in the United States on November 14, 2024
Works well when preparing for capturing an area to focus and do scenes. Small, portable n great for gathering just the correct proportion.
Suru
Reviewed in the United States on November 12, 2024
It's exactly as described and seems pretty sturdy. I used it this past weekend while painting plein aire and it really helped me focus on a composition.
Reviewer
Reviewed in the United States on November 1, 2024
I like to urban sketch on various sketchbooks and paper sizes, and I generally approximate my dimensions when I create thumbnails before diving into the sketch. This viewfinder offers 2 handy functions that will improve this process. First, it allows me to frame and visually see correct proportions based on my paper size when composing the image in my mind. Secondly, it can be useful for comparing colors and values through the 2 circular holes, a feature I use less but is still handy, particularly for painting and shading.This device is very compact and easily fits into my sketch kit. It's easy to use and feels plenty sturdy for its purpose. The markings for the various sizes are shown in raised plastic on the frame on both sides. I improved the readability of this (and wrote additional sizes of the same ratios) using a sharpie on the raised numbers.The reason I deduced a star is because my favorite sketching formats are square (8"x8", e.g.). When fully open the sliding piece doesn't completely clear the square viewfinder, so you can never get it open to a fully square position.So if you only use the sizes or ratios marked on frame, this is a 5/5 star item. If you want it to go square or have a different ratio in mind, consider the minor inconvenience mentioned here.