An easel or a painting stand is an essential tool designed to hold canvases and other painting surfaces in place. It can be used for drawing and painting, providing you with the needed stability and adjustability. This versatile art tool has been in use for a long time, and over the years, it has become an integral part of the art world.
Why Do You Need It?
A sturdy paint easel allows artists to express themselves while exploring new techniques. Available in various types and sizes, these painting stands can accommodate canvases of all dimensions.
One of the greatest benefits artists can experience from investing in this art gear is the improved posture and freedom of movement. Given the fact that they are designed to hold the canvas, this allows artists to move freely and enjoy a better view of their work. This freedom of movement is especially useful for those who like painting or drawing energetically. For that reason, it’s worth choosing a sturdier option that can keep your piece steady, even during more vigorous strokes.
When investing in a vertical painting stand, you can expect to experience less fatigue and pain in the shoulder and arm area. It also helps you have a clearer view of your artwork, allowing you to see the entire piece at once and easily spot any shadows or mistakes that need correcting. Easels that can be height- and angle-adjusted will help you reposition the canvas to reduce glare from windows or lamps, for instance.
This type of gear keeps the canvas upright, preventing paint spills on your artwork by eliminating the need for paint cans or bottles nearby. Plus, most come with wheels, so you can easily move and position them in places where you get the best natural light.
Types of Art Easels
Table
This is the most basic, small, and compact type, perfect for those who don’t have a studio or a permanent painting space. As the name suggests, they are designed to be placed over a table. These easels are usually foldable, which contributes to their ease of use. Generally, they are made from wood and have an ‘H’ or ‘A’ frame; however, some models come with a solid back for added stability. They also have an adjustable support that allows you to angle the painting surface according to your needs.
These easels for painting usually come with ample storage space, allowing you to keep all painting essentials like brushes, paint, and sponges. They can be used with different painting mediums, which makes them quite versatile. The downside, however, is their size. They are significantly smaller than the other types, so if you’re planning to paint on a larger canvas, it would be better to choose another option.
A-Frame
A-Frame, which is also known as ‘Lyre’, is a common choice by artists because of its shape and convenience. As the name suggests, they have an ‘A’ or a triangular shape that has the purpose of holding the canvas in the middle. The frame is balanced at the back with a single leg, resembling a tripod, but there are some cheaper models where the canvas support is at the angle of the two front legs. They are quite easy to use and move around, even though most of the models don’t have wheels. According to manufacturers and artists, these models are great for small to medium-sized paintings.
H-Frame
According to artists, the H-frame is one of the most robust frames on the market, which explains why it’s considered the sturdiest painting frame of them all. They also have the largest footprint, making them the ideal choice even for energetic painters. Given the fact that they are harder to reassemble, artists keep them in one place without moving them around. Just like any other type, they are also made from wood and allow for the painting to be adjusted at different angles. They are bulky, large and perfect for accommodating larger paintings, making them the ideal solution for those working on larger and heavier projects.
Convertible Easels
Also known as hybrid, convertible easels resemble the H-frame models, featuring a square footprint for improved stability. As the name suggests, they can be converted and turn from an upright to a fully horizontal surface position, allowing you to work with different media when using them.
Sketching
Sketching frames are mainly designed for drawing, as their name suggests, and they’re among the most delicate types of frames. They have three legs arranged in a triangular shape, much like a camera tripod, with a central column that can be adjusted up or down to give you a better working position.
What Is the Most Stable Type of Easel?
As already mentioned, the H-frame models are considered the most stable types of them all. They may not be the easiest to move, but they’re a worthy investment.
