Wall mounts, single mast, bench style, Tripod style, French style, Lyre(A-frame) style, table style, Studio (H-frame style) are but a few of the forms of easels in the market. Easels were initially designed for professional artists but over time and as demand grew easel manufacturers started creating easels for every skill level and budget. Depending on the construction, the different types of easels work differently and have been designed for various purposes. Some are meant for classrooms, for outdoor and indoor use amongst other purposes. Only an artist can decide on which easel works best for them. Below is a comprehensive list of some of the best easels you in the market.
1. Tabletop Painting Easel
Intro
The tabletop painting easel is an affordable and straightforward easel ideal for individuals who are immersing their toes into the painting world. One of the simplest easels available in the market, this easel is made up of two twelve-inch wood pieces each with an angled notch to hold your canvas and has rubber pads at the bottom of the wood pieces to ensure that they are secure. If you are on a budget and are only looking for a simple easel that can get the job done, then the tabletop painting easel is the one for you.
Pros
- The pieces are not joint to each other which means that you can move them to increase the canvas width that the easel can hold.
- The tabletop easel is very portable due to its size and light weight. This means you can use it anywhere with you.
Cons
- Even though it has rubber pads at the bottom of the wood to ensure the easel is secure, it is probably the least stable easel when compared to other easels in the market.
2. 63″ Art Tripod Painting Easel by FineColour
Intro
A tripod easel constructed using aluminum alloy, this easel by FineColour makes for an excellent easel option as it is portable, and artists can carry it with them anywhere they like. The tripod is adjustable, and the easel can be raised to heights of between twenty-one inches and sixty-five inches. The fact that it is adjustable means that an artist can use it either while seated or standing depending on their preference. It’s also very versatile as it can also be used as a tabletop easel.
Pros
- It’s versatile and can be used as a tripod easel or tabletop easel depending on preference.
- It can hold large canvases that are as high as 31.4 inches and weigh up to 15 pounds.
- The easel package includes a shoulder bag and handles for portability.
Cons
It is not as straightforward to construct. Beginners who have never used a tripod easel before will need to follow the package instructions to build the easel.
3. US Art Supply Malibu Extra Large H-Frame Deluxe Adjustable Wood Studio Easel
Intro
Made of seasoned beechwood, this deluxe H-Frame easel by US Art Supply is for professionals and individuals looking to take their artistry to the next level. What makes it ideal for professional artwork is its functionality and sturdiness. The easel is adjustable up to a hundred and thirty-nine inches and can hold large canvases. The functionality of this easel can be seen from the existence of four knobs that allow for the easel to tilt at any angle that the artists choose to work in. It is also possible to tilt the easel entirely flat to accommodate artworks that involve water coloring.
Pros
- The easel has a forward tilt that facilitates portrait and pastel artworks.
- It can hold enormous canvases of up to 90” height.
- It is sturdy and weighs slightly over 40 pounds.
- It has casters that secure the easel
Cons
- It is not easily portable as it weighs 40 pounds. However, it has been equipped with four rolling casters to ensure mobility is not entirely restricted.
4. Best Giant Dulce Oak Easel
Intro
As the name suggests, this easel is made of oak wood and has been made for working with large surface areas. This H-frame easel offers artists a larger canvas capacity without the extra cost. The features of the Giant Dulce Oak easel are similar to those of the Classic Dulce. It features pre-drilled holes that can be used for the optional casters and an adjustable mast that slides and moves independently of the utility tray and canvas holder. Artists using this easel can choose to either work while sitting or standing. It is can also be folded to become completely flat.
Pros
- It can accommodate immensely larger canvases of up to 82 inches
- It has casters that facilitate its mobility.
- It is foldable for ease of storage.
- It has a thirty inch in tray to hold and accommodate supplies
Cons
- Weighing close to 54 pounds, this easel is heavy and not easily portable.
- It requires assembly which can be complicated for first-time users.
5. Jack Richeson Lyptus Dulce Easel
Intro
The H-frame easel by Jack Richeson features a laminated quad base and a slide and lock system that adjusts the easel’s height. Made from hardwood, the Lyptus Dulce easel is exceptionally sturdy and can hold large canvases of up to 84 inches. The quad base of the easel ensures stability and the adjustable height facilitates the artist’s ability for working while standing or seated.
Pros
- The easel height can be extended up to 95 inches from the compact easel height of 58 inches.
- The slide lock systems hold the easel in place and offer extra stability.
Cons
- It requires assembling; however, this should not be a deal breaker as the assembly is effortless and straightforward.
Final Thoughts
Easels are an artist’s gateway to creating a masterpiece and having the right one is extremely important. This is because as an artist if you choose the wrong kind of easel, you will instantly regret it as it will show on the quality of your craftsmanship. The key things to look out for when choosing an easel include; the easel’s capacity to accommodate several canvas sizes, the adjustability of the easel and finally the construction of the easel as you will require something that can last you for quite some time.