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Choosing the Right Easel
When selecting an easel, there are several factors to consider in order to find the best option for your needs. The type of easel, size, portability, and features will depend on how and where you plan to use it. This guide will walk you through the key considerations when shopping for an easel.
Types of Easels
There are a few main types of easels to choose from:
- Standing easels - Freestanding on legs with an adjustable height. Good for studios.
- Tabletop easels - Small and portable to place on a table. Best for travel.
- Floor easels - Larger and not easily portable. Ideal for large canvases.
- Studio easels - Heavy-duty and stable for professional use.
- Children's easels - Kid-friendly and shorter height.
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Medium
Consider the medium you will be using with the easel. For example:
| Medium | Ideal Easel Type |
|---|---|
| Painting | Studio, standing, or floor easel |
| Photography | Studio or tabletop easel |
| Crafting | Tabletop easel |
Portability
If you plan to transport your easel often, portability is key. Tabletop and compact standing easels are the most portable options. Studio, floor, and larger standing easels are meant for stationary use.
Size/Footprint
Consider the amount of workspace you need and any size constraints. Tabletop easels have the smallest footprint, while floor and studio easels are much larger.
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Durability
If you'll use the easel heavily, look for sturdy steel or heavy-duty aluminum construction. Easels meant for kids or occasional use often use plastic or wooden constructions to reduce weight.
Height Adjustability
Most easels allow you to adjust the height, especially standing and studio models. Make sure the minimum and maximum heights suit your needs.
Built-In Storage
Some easels feature built-in shelves, drawers, and cubbies to hold art supplies. This can be handy for organization.
Budget
Easels range greatly in price from $10 to over $1,000. In general, tabletop models are the most affordable, while heavy-duty studio easels for professionals carry the highest price tag.
By taking the time to think about how you plan to use your easel and which features are most important, you'll be able to select the right model to suit your artistic needs.
Consider the Medium When Choosing an Easel
One of the most important factors in selecting the right easel is the type of medium you will be working with. The optimal easel for painting may be very different from the best option for photography or other art forms. Here is an overview of recommending easel types based on common media.
For Painting
Painters often benefit from sturdy, adjustable easels that can support canvases of various sizes. Recommended types include:
- Standing easels - Excellent for studios or home use, with adjustable legs to customize the height.
- Studio easels - Offer heavy-duty support and stability for larger canvases.
- Floor easels - Ideal for huge canvases exceeding 6 feet, but not easily portable.
Consider stability and canvas size - oil painters often prefer studio easels for large canvases, while watercolor painters may opt for a tabletop easel with paper pad holder.
For Photography
Photographers need an easel to securely display prints during portfolio reviews, gallery showings, and more. Recommended options include:
- Tabletop easels - Lightweight and highly adjustable for prints.
- Desktop easels - Compact to display on tables during reviews.
- Studio easels - Allow mounting large prints if needed.
The key is adjustability to accommodate different print sizes. Studio easels provide the most flexibility.
For Crafting
Crafters using mediums like scrapbooking, quilting, and needlecraft need an easel to hold their work at an optimal angle. The best types include:
- Tabletop easels - Offer a compact footprint and portability between workspaces.
- Standing easels - Provide more stability for heavier projects with adjustable legs.
- Desktop easels - Mini models work well for displaying finished pieces.
Craft easels should adjust to variable heights and angles to accommodate the user's seating position.
For Calligraphy
Calligraphers need an easel that can be positioned at a steep angle to allow gravity to draw ink down the nib. Recommended options are:
- Tabletop easels - Allow positioning at angles of up to 90 degrees.
- Mini desktop easels - Can be tilted to extreme angles.
- Standing easels - Offer height adjustment in addition to tilting ability.
A calligraphy easel must achieve at least a 60-80 degree angle for ideal ink flow control.
For Kids
Children need an easel designed for safety and easy use. The best kids' easel options include:
- Plastic tabletop easels - Durable, lightweight, and easy to clean.
- Wooden standing easels - Offer stabilization for more complex projects.
- Double-sided easels - Allow collaboration between multiple children.
Key features include stackable trays, wipeable surfaces, non-toxic materials, and adjustable height range. Stability is also very important to prevent tipping accidents.
By evaluating the requirements of your particular medium, you can determine the ideal easel in terms of size, adjustability, stability, and key features. Selecting the right easel for your creative needs will enhance your experience and artistic output.
Consider Portability When Choosing an Easel
If you plan to move your easel between locations or transport it for workshops, classes, or plein air painting, portability is a key factor. Less portable easel options are better suited for studio or permanent installation. Here are some tips for choosing based on your portability needs.
Highly Portable Easels
If regular transport is a priority, look for the following portable features:
- Compact folding design
- Lightweight materials like aluminum or plastic
- Carrying handle or case
- Tabletop or mini size
The most portable easel types include:
- Tabletop/desktop easels - Weigh under 10 lbs and fold into a compact shape.
- Travel easels - Ultra-portable mini designs meant for transport.
- Plein air easels - Compact and lightweight for outdoor painting.
Moderate Portability
If you want to move your easel occasionally, look for:
- Foldable legs
- Wheeled base
- Detachable extensions
- Carrying case
Moderately portable options include:
- Standing easels - Heavier than tabletop versions but can fold.
- Mid-size studio easels - Can disassemble into manageable parts.
- Wheeled studio easels - Allow easy relocation in a studio.
Low Portability
For permanent or semi-permanent placement, consider:
- Floor easels - Very large and heavy.
- Oversize studio easels - Bulky with solid construction.
- Wall-mounted easels - Must be secured to a wall stud.
These easels are designed for stability over portability in a fixed location. Moving them requires significant effort or complete disassembly.
Portability Tips
To make a semi-portable easel easier to transport:
- Opt for wheels to roll the easel between rooms or locations.
- Choose a carrying case or bag to protect the easel during transit.
- Look for folding legs, removable extensions, or disassembly options.
- Weigh the easel when purchasing to ensure you can lift it.
Consider your need for portability before investing in an easel. The range goes from ultra portable tabletop options to heavy stationary studio easels. Matching an easel to your intended transportation needs will maximize usability.
Top Features to Look for in an Easel
When selecting an easel, consider which features will maximize functionality and suit your artistic needs. Here are some of the top qualities to look for:
Adjustable Height
The ability to adjust the height allows you to achieve the optimal working angle whether sitting or standing. Look for:
- Telescoping legs on standing easels
- Ratcheting elevation on studio easels
- Tilting and rotating options on tabletop easels
Sturdy Construction
A durable, stable easel prevents wobbling, shaking, or collapse. Seek out:
- Solid steel or high-grade aluminum
- Wide leg bases
- High weight capacities
- Secure locking mechanisms
Storage and Organization
Built-in storage keeps supplies neatly at hand. Consider:
- Paint trays
- Brush holders
- Shelves
- Drawers
- Canvas holders
Flexibility
Look for adjustability like:
- Tilt and rotate options
- Removable or extendable legs
- Mini easels for tabletop use
- Wheeled bases
Portability
If you need to transport your easel, seek out:
- Foldable or collapsible legs
- Lightweight materials like plastic and aluminum
- Carrying case or shoulder strap
- Detachable components
Choosing an easel with features that match your artistic needs and work style will help maximize your creativity and enjoyment.
The Benefits of Adjustable Height in an Easel
One of the most useful features to look for when selecting an easel is adjustable height. The ability to customize the height allows you to achieve proper posture and angles for your unique needs.
Standing Easels
Freestanding easels typically offer height adjustment through:
- Telescoping legs
- Ratcheting or crank mechanisms
- Removable leg extensions
Look for a minimum height low enough to use while seated and a maximum height that accommodates standing.
Tabletop Easels
With tabletop easels, adjustable height involves:
- Tilting and angling the main plate
- Raising or lowering built-in legs
- Removable risers
Consider the range of tilt angles based on your needs.
Studio Easels
Studio or display easels offer height adjustment through:
- Telescoping legs
- Ratcheting pulley systems
- Counterbalance weights
Look for maximum heights over 6 feet to accommodate large canvases.
Benefits of Adjustable Height
The perks of an adjustable easel include:
- Proper posture and angles while sitting or standing
- Flexibility for multiple users
- Ability to raise the canvas for improved perspective
- Reduced fatigue by working at optimal heights
Consider both your minimum and maximum height needs when selecting an adjustable easel. This versatility will allow you to work comfortably and efficiently.
Scoring Amazon Prime Benefits on Easel Purchases
Amazon Prime provides some nice perks when shopping for art easels and supplies. With a little strategizing, you can maximize the value to essentially get Prime temporarily for free or even at a profit.
The Prime Free Trial
If you've never been an Amazon Prime member, you can start a 30-day free trial to enjoy benefits like:
- Free 2-day shipping on eligible items
- Access to Prime Video, Music, and more
- Prime-exclusive deals and savings
Sign up right before making a large easel purchase to get free expedited shipping. Just be sure to set a reminder to cancel before the month is up if you don't want to pay.
Student Prime Membership
If you're a student, you can get a 6-month free Prime trial followed by discounted membership for just $6.49/month after that. Use this perk to enjoy Prime benefits on easel orders for less.
Sharing a Membership
You can share certain Prime benefits with one other adult in your household. So if a family member already has Prime, log into their account to place your easel order and reap the free shipping.
Amazon Household
Link two adult accounts and up to four teen/child accounts into an Amazon Household. The Prime member pays their usual fee while the others enjoy select Prime benefits like free shipping.
Amazon Credit Cards
Signing up for an Amazon Prime Rewards Visa Signature card or Amazon Prime Store card can earn you a $100-$150 Amazon gift card you can use for Prime membership.
With the right approach, you can take advantage of Prime perks like free expedited shipping when purchasing your easel and supplies. Just remember to cancel or switch plans after placing your order if you don't want ongoing paid membership.
What Are The Different Types Of Easels Available In The Market??
There are different types of easels available in the market, and here are some of them:
Each type of easel has its own characteristics and uses, which makes each type specially suited to specific types of art-making processes. When selecting an easel, it is important to consider practicality and your individual needs.
What Are The Pros And Cons Of Using A Tabletop Easel??
Advantages of using a tabletop easel:
Disadvantages of using a tabletop easel:
Overall, tabletop easels are a great option for artists who want a quick setup to get right into creating art. They are versatile, convenient, and portable, making them ideal for artists on the go. However, they may not be suitable for larger artworks or provide the same level of comfort as standing easels.
What Are The Advantages Of Using A Tabletop Easel Over A Floor Easel??
Tabletop easels have several advantages over floor easels, including:
However, tabletop easels also have some disadvantages compared to floor easels, including:
Overall, the choice between a tabletop easel and a floor easel depends on your individual needs and preferences. If you are looking for a more versatile, portable, and affordable option, a tabletop easel may be the best choice for you. However, if you need a more sturdy and stable platform for larger artworks, a floor easel may be a better option.
