Born out of necessity, Portable Painter was created over a decade ago by artist and industrial engineer Stephen Padden. His goal was simple: make it easier for artists to paint wherever inspiration strikes.

There's something special about painting outdoors or away from the distractions of everyday life. In a world filled with constant notifications and screens, painting offers a chance to slow down, be present, and enjoy a quiet moment of creativity. Portable Painter was thoughtfully designed to support that experience by keeping your supplies compact, organized, and always within reach, so you can carry less, set up quickly, and spend more time painting.

In 2026, Stephen entrusted Portable Painter to New Wave Art, a natural fit built on shared values, thoughtful design, and a passion for creating innovative tools for artists.

New Wave Art began in 2012 with two brothers, an innovative artist palette design, and a garage. It was there that years were spent woodworking, assembling products, packing orders, and learning every aspect of building a business from the ground up. Those early experiences shaped our approach to product design and led to the development of a growing family of thoughtfully engineered tools used by artists around the world.

Today, we're honored to build on Portable Painter's legacy by continuing to design practical, reliable products that help artists create wherever inspiration leads.