Are you a professional artist who likes to paint? Do you wish you had a more professional set up like art easels for painting? Maybe it’s time to invest in a frame easel. Easels can be a great investment for artists, and they come in all shapes and sizes.
Here, we’ll discuss the different types of art easels for painting available, why you might need one, and how to use it properly. You might be surprised to realize that you’ve needed one all along. Let’s get started!
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What Is An Art Easel?
Unless you’re a trained artist or an art student, you may not be familiar with the term “art easel.” But if you’ve ever seen a professional artist at work, chances are you’ve seen one of these as part of their art supplies. An art easel is a simple frame that holds a canvas or a piece of paper in place, allowing the artist to work on it easily.
Most studio easels have adjustable legs, so they can be set up on any surface, and some even have wheels so they can be moved around easily. Some studio easels are designed for use indoors, while others are made for painting outdoors.
Why Do You Need Art Easels?
An art easel provides a sturdy and stable surface to work on, which is important when you’re dealing with wet paint or other media that needs to dry. Studio easels are adjustable, so you can change the angle of your work surface (canvases, sign boards) to suit your needs.
Art easels for painting are portable, so you can take them with you to watercolor plein air painting sessions or art classes. Some easels come with storage shelves or drawers, which is handy for keeping all of your art supplies organized and within easy reach.
Art easels are relatively inexpensive, so they’re a great way to get started in painting or drawing without spending a lot of money. So there you have it!
How Do You Use An Art Easel?
Many people are intimidated by art easels, thinking they’re only for professional artists or advanced students. But easels are actually quite simple to use, and they can be a great way to improve your artwork. Here’s a quick guide to using an easel:
First, take into account what type of art easels for painting that you need. If you’re going to be painting outdoors, you’ll need a portable easel that’s easy to carry.
Next, set up your easel in the location you’ve chosen, may it be a studio or outside. If you’re painting outdoors, make sure you’re in a spot that has plenty of light. Once your easel is in place, attach your canvas or boards to the easel using the clips provided.
Types Of Art Easels For Painting
When it comes to painting, there are all sorts of different easels for painting you can choose from. It all depends on what type of painting you’re doing and what your budget is. Here’s a quick run-down of some of the most popular types of easels:
Compact
These easels are perfect for small spaces or for taking with you on the go. They’re lightweight and easy to set up, and they usually come with a storage shelf or drawer for all of your art supplies.
A-Frames
- Durable - Made of strong, premium lightweight aluminum, with a satin anodized silver finish. Heavy duty claps securely hold your easel in place...
- Easy Set Up - The easel easily sets up to 37" to 70" with a quick tug on the legs and one touch lock. Once finished, it easily breaks down and...
- Poster Supports - The adjustable art holders fold out and can be adjusted up or down on our easel for any odd-sized posters or boards. Special...
The A-frame easel is one of the most versatile pieces of art equipment around. Its simple and easy to assemble yet has a sturdy design. This means that it can be used for a variety of tasks, from painting to displaying finished artwork. And because the easel folds flat, it is easy to transport and store since it doesn’t occupy too much space.
Bench Easel
For the artist on the go, a bench easel is the perfect solution. Whether you’re painting in the park or setting up in your studio, a bench easel provides a stable surface for your work.
A bench easel, usually made from solid beechwood, is a type of easel that has both legs and a support beam, making it more stable than a standard easel. This extra stability is ideal for artists doing oil paints on a canvas or wooden boards or other techniques that require a steady hand.
Tabletop Easels
Table top easels are a great way to add a creative touch to any room. Whether you use them as a table for display purposes or as a functional piece of furniture, they can really add some personality to your space. Plus, they’re super easy to assemble and store, so you can move them around as needed.
Portable
For painters on the go, a portable easel is an essential piece of equipment. Unlike standard easels, which are bulky and difficult to transport, portable easels are designed to be lightweight and easy to set up. Most models are folded flat for storage, making them for a travelling artist.
When choosing a portable easel, it is important to consider the type of painting you will be doing. For example, if you plan to paint outdoors, you will need one that is sturdy enough to stand in a windy weather.
French Easel
- A classically designed large plein air French style field and studio sketchbox easel that converts into a high tripod painting stand easel with a...
- Sturdy lightweight tripod sketchbox easel that can be adjusted to any incline angle position depending on the need, and will accommodate a canvas...
- Storage sketchbox is divided into a 4 compartment interior with 3 removable dividing slats for adjusting compartment sizes, plus a bonus storage...
A French easel is a type of portable artists’ easel, typically made from quality wood, that is designed for use outdoors. It is distinguished from other easels by its large size and tall tripod legs, which allow it to stand on uneven ground. The French easel was first developed in the 19th century for use by artists who wanted to work en plein air styles, or “in the open air” inspiration.
Field Easel
A field easel is a specialized type of easel that’s designed for use in outdoor settings. Often made from lightweight materials like high-quality aluminum or carbon fiber, field easels are easy to transport and set up.
They typically have legs that can be adjusted to different heights, allowing the artist to work at their preferred level or orientation (vertically or horizontally). Some field easels also have wheels, which makes it easier for artists to move them.
In addition to being convenient, field easels offer a number of other benefits. For example, they provide a stable surface for working on large paintings on canvases. And because they’re designed for use in outdoor settings, they’re often made with weather-resistant materials that help protect your still life artwork from the elements.
Heavy Duty
A heavy duty one is a type of easel that is specifically designed to be used with heavier materials. This could include art supplies like thick canvases, large paper posters, a sign, or even heavy books. Basically, anything that would be too much for a regular one to handle.
H-Frame Easel
- A professional heavy duty extra large wooden Malibu Adjustable Studio H-Frame Easel with an artist storage supply tray and locking caster wheels...
- A solid sturdy and adjustable easel that accommodates a canvas up to 90" high. The easel can be adjusted up to slightly past a full vertical...
- Versatile adjustable pro easel that makes it easier to paint canvases with oil and acrylic paints. Easel can be tilted slightly forward for...
H-frame easels are incredibly versatile, and can be used for a variety of different projects. But what exactly is an H-frame easel?
Essentially, it has two side frames that are connected by a horizontal crossbar. This gives it its distinctive H-shape. H-frame easels are often made of wood or metal, and they’re typically quite strong. This studio easel also makes them ideal for use with heavier and large canvases or projects that require extra support.
Wall Mount
A wall mount type is a must-have item. It allows you to easily and quickly set up your canvas or paints without having to worry about finding a table or other surface to work on. Plus, it frees up valuable floor space in your studio or home office.
Mounting your studio easel on the wall also prevents spills and drips from ruining furniture or carpeting. And if you have young kids, it’s also a great way to keep their curious hands away from your artwork.
You will need to measure it first to prevent taking up too much space in your area. It also helps to read the description of the product before purchasing.
How Do You Maintain Your Art Easel?
All artists know that a good art supply is essential for creating a masterpiece. But once you’ve got your studio easel, how do you make sure it stays in good condition?
First, always use a dust cover when you’re not using your studio easel. This will help to keep paint, dust, and dirt from accumulating on the surface.
Second, if you’re using an oil-based paint, be sure to clean it with mineral spirits after each use. This will remove any excess paint and prevent the build-up of hazardous fumes.
Third, if you’re using a water-based paint like watercolor or acrylics, be sure to clean your studio easel with soap and water after each use. This will remove any excess paint and prevent the growth of mold or mildew.
Top 4 Best Art Easels For Painting In The Market
With all the different types and brands of art supplies on the market, it can be tough to choose the right one for you. That’s why we’ve put together a list of the top 4 best art easels with the best prices to help artists like you to make your decision.
Mont Marte Floor Easel
- Classic A-frame easel suitable for all levels of artists. Perfect for home or studio use
- Beautifully handcrafted from seasoned beech wood with high-quality steel fittings to ensure the ultimate in stability and durability.
- Includes a ledge for brushes and paints. Easily adjustable to a multitude of positions to suit your painting style.
This studio easel is made of solid beechwood and features a handy carrying handle. The height is also adjustable for the canvas, so you can customize it to your needs. The floor easel also has a shelf to store your supplies like brushes or some paper, and the legs fold flat for easy transport and storage.
T-Sign Aluminum Easel
- Adjustable Angle: Easy turn adjustable knobs for quick height & angle adjustments
- Canvas Size: Accommodates panels or canvases up to 37"h x 1.3"d and can hold up to 25 lbs
- Adjustable Height: 22"-72" - Perfect for floor stand or table top display, Folds to only 22" for easy storage and transporting, 72" maximum...
Constructed with quality aluminum materials, you can use this studio easel for indoor and outdoor use. It also has a telescopic design that adjusts from 3 to 6 feet in height, making it easy to accommodate a variety of canvas sizes, including large canvases.
Also, they equipped the legs with quality locking levers for added stability. Plus, it folds flat for easy transport and storage.
US Art Supply Tabletop Easel
US Art Supply’s Tabletop Easel is the perfect accessory for any budding artist. Whether you’re a painter, sculptor, or just someone who likes to express their creative side, this studio easel provides a strong and convenient surface for your work even when artists are sitting or standing to draw or paint.
The lightweight and compact design makes it easy to set up and take down. Also, the adjustable tabletop height means that you can customize it to your needs. Finally, the built-in storage tray ensures that all of your crafts and supplies and materials like paper and brushes are within reach.
Art Alternatives Desk Box Easel
This sleek and compact easel is perfect for small workspaces or for taking on the go. It features a durable aluminum construction with a black powder-coat finish, making it both durable and stylish.
This quality easel folds flat for easy storage and comes with a carrying handle for added convenience. Plus, it also includes a sturdy desk box for storing your art supply, including paper, medium, paints, and brushes.
