Artists have been using easels to create their masterpieces for centuries. An artist easel is a type of stand that holds a canvas or painting surface while the artist paints. Whether you’re a beginner or professional artist, an easel is a necessary tool for painting.
In this comprehensive guide, we will answer some of the most common questions about artist easels and provide product reviews of the best models on the market. We’ll also give you some tips on how to choose the right easel for your needs. So whether you’re looking for your first easel or are just curious about what’s out there, read on for information that will help you choose the best easel for your needs!
Do You Need to Use an Easel to Paint?
That depends on what you’re painting and how you’re painting it.
An easel allows you to work on a larger canvas or painting surface than you could if you were just using a table or the floor. It also keeps your painting in one place, which can be helpful if you’re working on a large piece or are afraid of it tipping over.
For most people, using an artist’s easel will result in better paintings and fewer headaches!
Types Of Easels Available
There are many different types of artist easels available, so it’s important to understand the differences between them before making a purchase.
Outdoor and Portable Easels
The first type of easel is the outdoor or portable easel. This is a lightweight, collapsible easel that is perfect for taking with you on trips or to outdoor painting locations.
Sketching Field Easels
This is a small, lightweight easel that is designed for use outdoors or in other locations where you don’t have access to a studio or traditional painting setup.
Sketching field easels are typically made from metal or plastic and have a tripod base that can be easily set up in any location. They also usually come with a carrying case for easy transport.
Pochade Boxes
A pochade box is a small, portable easel that is typically used by plein air (outdoor) artists. It’s a popular type of artist easel that can be used for both painting and drawing.
Pochade boxes are made from wood and have a hinged, box-like design that allows you to easily adjust the height and angle of your canvas or painting surface. They also usually come with a built-in storage area for supplies, which makes them a great option for artists who like to work on the go.
Camera Tripod Bracket
If you already have a camera tripod, you can use the bracket that comes with it to create an artist easel. This is a great option if you’re on a tight budget or don’t want to buy another piece of equipment.
Camera tripods come in all shapes and sizes, so be sure to choose one that is large enough to hold your canvas or painting surface. You may also need to get a special adapter to attach your easel to the tripod.
Indoor and Studio Easels
The second type of easel is the studio easel. This is a heavier, more durable easel that is designed for use in a fixed location, such as an art studio
Some common features of studio easels include:
- An adjustable height so that you can work on paintings of different sizes.
- A built-in palette that allows you to mix paints without having to leave your easel.
- A storage area for brushes, paints, and other supplies.
- Hinges that allow the canvas to be tilted backwards for easier viewing while you’re painting
There are many different types of studio easels available, so it’s important to choose one that fits your needs and style of painting.
Table Easels
Tabletop easels are perfect for artists who do most of their painting in one location, such as at home or in a studio. These are small, lightweight easels that sit on top of a table and are designed for use with smaller canvases or painting surfaces.
They are available in both wooden and metal models and can be adjusted to accommodate different sizes of canvases or paintings.
Tabletop easels typically have a weighted base that keeps them stable, and most come with attachable legs for use on uneven surfaces.
A-Frame Easels
A-frame easels are the oldest type of artist easel and are still popular among many artists today. They are typically made from wood or metal and have adjustable legs that allow you to set them up in any location.
The main downside to A-frame easels is that they can be bulky and difficult to transport, especially if you need to move them between locations often.
They are also the most affordable type of artist easel on the market, making them a great option for budget-minded artists.
H-Frame Easels
H-frame easels are typically the most popular type of artist easel. They are similar to A-frame easels but have an H-shaped design that makes them more stable. H-frame easels are versatile, sturdy, and can hold a variety of different sized canvases or boards.
It’s a classic design that has been used by artists for centuries.
The main downside to H-frame easels is that they can be bulky and difficult to transport, especially if you need to move them between locations often.
Before You Buy: Things To Consider When Purchasing An Art Easel For Painting
Material
The frame material is one of the most important things to consider when choosing an artist easel. You’ll want something that is strong and will not easily bend or warp, especially if you plan on using your easel for large canvases. Most easels are made from wood, metal, or a combination of both.
Wooden easels are typically more affordable than metal easels, but they are also less durable and can be more prone to damage. Metal easels are more durable than wooden easels, but they are also more expensive.
It’s important to choose an artist easel that is made from a material that will work best for your needs and style of painting.
Portability
If you plan on moving your easel between locations often, then you’ll want to choose one that is lightweight and easy to transport. Tabletop easels are typically the most portable because they are small and lightweight. A-frame and H-frame easels can also be transported easily, but they are heavier than tabletop models.
Ease Of Use
When choosing an artist easel, it’s important to consider how easy it is to use. You’ll want an easel that is easy to set up and adjust, especially if you plan on using it in a variety of locations.
It’s also important to make sure that the easel is stable and will not easily tip over when you are working on your painting.
Weight
If you plan on moving your artist easel between locations often, it’s important to choose one that is lightweight and portable. Tabletop easels are typically the most portable because they are small and lightweight. A-frame and H-frame easels can also be made more portable by breaking them down into smaller pieces.
Make sure to consider how easy it is to transport your artist easel before making a purchase.
Adjustability
One of the most important factors to consider when purchasing an artist easel is how adjustable it is. You want an easel that can be adjusted to accommodate different sizes of canvases or paintings, as well as different working heights.
It’s important to choose an artist easel that has the adjustability features that you need in order to work comfortably and efficiently.
Type Of Art
Before you purchase an artist easel, it’s important to consider the type of artwork that you plan on creating. Some easels are better suited for certain types of art than others.
For example, if you mainly paint landscapes, then you’ll want an easel that is designed for holding large canvases. If you mainly do portraits, then you’ll want an easel with smaller frame size.
Most easels are versatile enough to work with most types of paints and canvases, but it’s always best to double-check before making a purchase.
Storage Space
Many artist easels come with built-in storage areas for supplies. This can be helpful if you like to keep all of your supplies organized and together. If storage space is important to you, then make sure to choose an artist easel that has a lot of room for supplies.
Budget
Artist easels can range in price from around $20 to several hundred dollars. It’s important to consider your budget when choosing an artist easel and choose one that fits within your price range.
The best artist easel for painting will depend on your individual needs and preferences. Make sure to consider the material, dimensions, portability, ease of use, weight, adjustability, and mediums before making a purchase.
Now that you have some idea of what to look for when purchasing an artist easel, let’s take a look at some of the best options on the market.
Best Easel For Painting Comparison Table
| Image | Product | |
|---|---|---|
Best for Professionals 
| Jack Richeson Lyptus Wood "Dulce" Easel
| Check Price |
Best for Beginners 
| MEEDEN Walnut Large Painters Easel
| Check Price |
Best Budget 
| T-Sign 66" Reinforced Artist Easel Stand
| Check Price |
Best Best Space-Saving 
| Mont Marte Signature Box Floor Easel
| Check Price |
Best Watercolor Easel 
| U.S. Art Supply Medium Wooden H-Frame Studio Easel
| Check Price |
1. Jack Richeson Lyptus Wood “Dulce” Easel – Best Art Easel for Professionals
Unpacking And First Impressions
The Jack Richeson Lyptus Wood “Dulce” Easel is a high-quality artist easel that is perfect for professional artists. This easel is made of lyptus wood, which is a strong and durable hardwood. Base measures 21 inch wide by 24 inch deep.
This 26-27 pound sturdy easel has an H-frame design and can hold canvases up to 7 ft in height. It also has adjustable legs that allow you to set it up in any location. The canvas can be tilted backwards for easier viewing.
It’s a beautiful piece of furniture that looks sophisticated in every space. You may also change the canvas position according to your preference for painting. This is a fantastic French-style easel for anyone looking for one. Every part of it is well built of solid wood and finished with oil.
Performance
The Dulce Floor Easel is a high-quality solid wood easel with a lovely finished look. It has excellent stability whether you’re sitting or standing while working. This Lyptus hardwood H-frame easel includes a laminated quad base, as well as a slide and lock height adjustment mechanism.
This easel can be readily folded down and kept under a bed. The two black knurled plastic knobs on either side may be loosened, allowing the entire structure to fold down without having to remove anything. When folded, the smallest measurements are 23″w x 56″l x 6.5″h.
The tray on which a painting would rest is independent of the vertical support that secures the top bracket. They clamped to the easel’s frame independently. So you may adjust the bottom tray up or down to accommodate canvas size, leaving the overall height fixed.
One downside of this easel is that it is a bit heavy. It’s also not very portable, so it’s not the best option if you need an easel that can be easily transported.
Verdict
Overall, the Jack Richeson Lyptus Wood “Dulce” Easel is a high-quality artist easel that is perfect for professional artists who need a sturdy and durable easel that can hold large canvases.
2. MEEDEN Walnut Large Painters Easel – Best Easel for Beginners
Unpacking And First Impressions
The MEEDEN Walnut Large Painters Easel is a high-quality, yet affordable, artist easel that is perfect for beginner painters. This easel is made of solid beech wood with refined handcraft.
This is a classic studio A-frame easel that could be adjusted from 63 inches to 89 inches in height. It holds canvas up to 48 inches and measures 26 inches wide by up to 35 inches deep. It also has a large ledge for brushes and paints.
It has 3-point stability and features 3 ways to adjust. The rear leg folds in for easy transport and storage. This easel can withstand up to 66 lbs of weight and not tip over.
Performance
It is as well built as a fine piece of furniture. Each piece is straight as an arrow (easy to assemble) and sanded perfectly smooth with a light finish. There aren’t any knots in the wood on even the smallest pieces.
A studio-style easel that tilts vertically is appealing to artists who paint on tall canvases since it brings the top of the canvas closer to them. For pastel work, the center mast may be tilted forward up to 10 degrees. The natural fall of pastel dust from this feature allows for a clean surface.
The ratchet height mechanism is quick and simple to use. The canvas may be up to 48 inches tall when clamped in the easel. The clamp’s base (where the canvas sits) can be raised up to 3 feet off the floor. It’s fine to paint with this easel whether you’re sitting or standing, regardless of how small or big your canvases are.
The painting, on the other hand, will tilt to the left or right unless the top of the work that supports it is set down firmly.
Verdict
Overall, this easel gets our highest rating and recommendation for those looking for an A-frame style easel that is adjustable in height and has a large ledge for brushes and paints.
3. T-Sign 66″ Reinforced Artist Easel Stand – Best Budget
Unpacking And First Impressions
The T-Sign 66″ Reinforced Artist Easel Stand is a high-quality, yet affordable, artist easel that is perfect for beginner painters. It’s made of extra-thick, lightweight aluminum metal to be more stable and comes with a free carry bag with a shoulder strap for easy transporting.
It has a stable tripod design with three extendable legs and retractable feet, providing maximum stability on any surface – even on uneven ground. The T-Sign 66″ Reinforced Artist Easel Stand is also a great choice for those who need an easel that is portable and can be used on both floors and tables.
Performance
This easel is perfect for the artist on the go! The height can be easily adjusted from 21 inches to 66 inches, and it folds down to 21 inches for easy transport and storage. Plus, the easy-turn knobs make quick adjustments a breeze. Whether you’re using it for a floor stand or tabletop display, this easel is sure to meet your needs.
The spring-loaded top clamp secures canvases in place, while the sturdy construction accommodates panels or canvases up to 33″h x 1.2″d and holds up to 25 lbs.
The 3 legs are equipped with 2 sets of recessed leg extensions, which are telescoping and fixed or released by a flip-style lock that appears to be quite durable. The legs expanded and contracted without difficulty.
T-Sign 66″ Reinforced Artist Easel Stand is perfect for outdoor use! It’s made of extra-thick, lightweight aluminum metal for good wind resistance and stability. The adjustable legs make it suitable for uneven ground, and the non-slip base provides more grip performance.
Verdict
Overall, the T-Sign 66″ Reinforced Artist Easel Stand is a high-quality artist easel that is perfect for beginner painters on a budget. It’s easy to carry with a durable carry bag and is a great addition to any artist’s toolkit.
4. Mont Marte Signature Box Floor Easel – Best Space-Saving Option
Unpacking And First Impressions
The Mont Marte Signature Box Floor Easel is a space-saving option for artists who need an easel that can be easily transported and set up in small spaces. It has floor dimensions 17.1″ x 17.3″ x 75.6″ (L x W x H).
Made from premium materials, this easel is strong and sturdy enough to support large canvases. It’s made of solid birch wood with a natural finish, has an H-frame style design, and is adjustable in height. The canvas holder can hold canvases up to 35 inches in height.
Performance
The Mont Marte Signature Box Floor Easel is a great choice for artists who need an easel that is space-saving, easy to transport, and quick and easy to set up. It can be tucked away in the corner when not in use.
This easel is easy to assemble with the screws provided (a screwdriver is included). Sliding recline adjuster allows you to get the perfect angle. This easel is designed with a sliding drawer for convenient storage of art supplies, so you can keep everything within reach as you work.
Verdict
The Mont Marte Signature Box Floor Easel is a high-quality, space-saving artist easel made of premium materials. The H-frame style design makes it sturdy and adjustable in height. This easel does not fold up but comes with a sliding drawer for convenient storage of art supplies. If you’re looking for an affordable option that doesn’t take up much space, the Mont Marte Signature Box Floor Easel is a great choice!
5. U.S. Art Supply Medium Wooden H-Frame Studio Easel – Best Watercolor Easel
Unpacking And First Impressions
This professional medium wooden Studio H-Frame Easel is perfect for artists of all levels. It’s made with high-quality aged beechwood that’s grown in Germany and has an artist storage supply tray to keep your supplies close at hand. The canvas holder can hold canvases up to 48 inches in height.
The oil-finished wood gives it a beautiful natural look, and it’s easy to assemble so you can start using it right away. An H-frame style design makes it sturdy and adjustable in height. The dimensions are 22″ wide by 22″ deep by 67.5″ high, and the easel can be adjusted up to 96 inches tall.
Performance
U.S. Art Supply Medium Wooden H-Frame Studio Easel is perfect for all of your painting needs! Its adjustable height mast means that it can accommodate a canvas up to 48 inches high, and the artist supply tray can be raised from 6 to 42 inches high off the floor depending on your preference.
This easel can be adjusted to any angle, making it perfect for both vertical and horizontal paintings. The large point knobs make adjusting the easel quick and easy, so you can focus on your art instead of fiddling with your equipment. And with the included wooden canvas clamp, your artwork will stay securely in place while you work.
It’s perfect for small to medium-sized canvases and is easy to set up. The H-frame design gives your artist plenty of room to work, and the easel folds flat for easy storage or transport. The supply tray allows you to keep your paints, brushes, markers, and pens in one place so that you can easily find them when you need them.
Verdict
The U.S. Art Supply Medium Wooden H-Frame Studio Easel is a high-quality, durable easel made of premium materials. The artist storage supply tray keeps your supplies close at hand, and the adjustable mast allows for canvases up to 48 inches high. This easel can be adjusted to any angle and folds flat for easy transport or storage. If you’re looking for an affordable wooden easel that will last for years, the U.S. Art Supply Medium Wooden H-Frame Studio Easel is a great choice!
Conclusion
Now that you know more about the different types of artist easels available, it’s time to decide which one is right for you. Consider the factors mentioned above when making your decision and choose an artist easel that will best meet your needs and budget. Happy painting!