So, you’ve got the best paints, brushes, and canvases as far as the eye can see; all you need now is the ideal easel, and you’re ready to create your first masterpiece. A reliable easel can be an invaluable piece of equipment, whether you’re working in a studio, spare room, or kitchen.

Why Use an Art Easel?

Painting on a well-designed artist easel comes with many benefits. Seeing your work at the right viewing angle is one of the several. Most artworks are designed to be viewed upright, hanging on a wall. That is why it is critical to produce your art with the paper or canvas in this position so that the viewing angle is not altered.

Sketching on an art easel with your paper in a vertical position has the advantage of reducing distortion as you can easily view most parts of your artwork by looking straight ahead. This makes it much easier to maintain the proportions and measurements accurately. This is especially important for artworks where measurements and proportions come into play, like portraits.

Another benefit of working on a paint easel is that it allows you to move more freely. When you sketch with your paper flat, you place your hand or wrist on the table. This limits your movements compared to working at easels, where you can use your entire hand and even your arm to make markings and strokes. This is especially true if you wish to draw in an expressive or informal style. This is advantageous for painters who prefer a loose, dynamic style of painting.

Last but not least, working on an easel for painting helps you maintain a decent posture. If you work with your paper flat on a table, you are likely to hunch over your drawing. After a while, such a position can generate a lot of strain on your neck and shoulder muscles, resulting in headaches and pain in the neck, shoulders, and even your back. On the other hand, standing allows you to maintain your head and neck straight while creating.

Picking the Right One for You

Art easels come in a diverse range to suit your unique needs. To find the perfect one for your artistic endeavours, keep the following aspects in mind.

Types

Although paint easels are available in different sizes and shapes, you can broadly separate them into two sections – for indoor and outdoor use. Outdoor easels are specifically designed for outdoor painting and artistic journeys in nature, providing unparalleled portability and versatility. These are made of lightweight materials and have compact designs that can be quickly folded and carried, making them perfect for plein air painting or art retreats. From strong tripod designs to easel boxes with built-in storage, there is an artist easel for everyone.

Easels designed for outdoor use provide the flexibility of adjustable supports and height choices, allowing you to select the ideal working position for optimal comfort and convenience. You may easily capture the beauty of your surroundings, whether you’re painting landscapes, seascapes, or cityscapes.

Those who have the privilege to own a studio should consider purchasing a collapsible and lightweight easel for painting as in a spare room you may need to store and move it when not in use. Most good easels for indoor use are sturdy, strong, and made of beechwood. They are fully adjustable, easy to use, and can accommodate huge canvases. Each easel stand performs admirably for display reasons, making them ideal for studio events.

Type of Artwork

The nature of your artwork has a significant impact on the easel you will need. For example, if you work with huge canvases or make art in multiple locations, a solid studio easel may be the ideal option. If you work in smaller works or prefer to work outside, a portable or tabletop easel may be more useful.

Your artwork’s weight may also be an important consideration. Although most easels can carry heavy canvases, painters who work with a variety of mediums, thick paint, and collage may need to double-check that their works do not exceed this weight limit. If you often paint on heavy canvas, you may consider buying a heavier studio easel.

Materials and Durability

Easels for painting, like drawing boards, come in a variety of materials, including wood, aluminium, and steel. Consider the longevity and stability of the media you work with. A sturdy wooden easel may give adequate support for heavyweight materials such as huge canvases or mixed media, but lightweight materials may be appropriate for smaller, less demanding work.

Comfort and Adjustability

Ergonomics are important. Look for easels with adjustable height, angle, and canvas size capacity. This adjustability ensures your comfort during extended hours of work and enables for a variety of art techniques and styles.

Space and Storage

Assess your workspace as well. Some easels are meant to be compact, collapsible, or have a small footprint, making them perfect for smaller studios or shared areas. If you have limited space, a compact easel could be the ideal solution.