Art Easels | Simple Newbie Pros & Cons Guide (Portable, Standing, Pro-level)
Whether you’re a beginner looking for art tutorials on how to paint with acrylics or an experienced artist hoping to embrace improved art painting techniques, an art easel is one of the most important purchases you’ll ever make.
With many options to choose from, though, finding the best easel to facilitate better art painting techniques isn’t easy, especially if you’re a beginner art student. This simple guide will reveal all, allowing you to finally build the perfect setup for following online art tutorials and expressing your creativity in a productive setting.
Why Choose Art Easels Versus Tables?
Before purchasing your first art easel, you should know that they’re not for everyone. Many artists simply prefer to work from a flat table surface. Nonetheless, when checking our art tutorials either through books or videos, you’ll notice that most will use an easel for their artwork.
I personally love to work on a flat table for most of my art. However, there are many times I will need to work on an easel: Very large canvases, certain techniques, another painting space when my tables are full!
Although I prefer a table for most of my art, I do highly recommend that you invest in a good-quality art easel…especially if you aim to do commission work.
There are many reasons to opt for an easel when learning how to paint with acrylics or investing in new art painting techniques. Some of the telling features include;
- It removes the threat of ruining hours of work by knocking paint over onto your masterpiece. This also goes for dripping or dropping anything onto the surface of a wet canvas (been there, done that!)
- Art easels deliver long-term comfort, especially if you suffer from back pain.
- The positioning makes it easier to follow art tutorials via screens or physical classrooms.
- Working on a flat surface often leaves you fighting against your shadow, shadows from overhead lights, etc.
- Easier access to the full painting when standing while you can step back for a better view. This is my #1 reason an easel is a must for larger canvases!
- Using an easel makes you feel like an artist, even as a beginner art student.
If nothing else, having an easel will always provide the option to choose between the two art painting positions and techniques. Perfect.
What To Look For When Buying An Art Easel
When buying an easel, the first thing to consider is the style of the easel. Different art tutorials may show contrasting results as to which option is best for you. The most common options are:
- Studio easels: The freestanding studio easels are perfect for larger paintings, which makes them ideal when learning to paint with acrylics. They are often made from beechwood to provide a sturdy and versatile design that can be adjusted to various angles.
- Watercolor and sketch easels: An alternative freestanding option is the watercolor and sketch easel. Considered the preferred choice for artists that work outside, their compact design offers great portability while the lightweight products are still sturdy, albeit less robust.
- Table-top easels: A table-top easel fits on top of the table, offering great versatility. Aside from working well for various art tutorials, they can be used to display art at galleries and events. They are naturally very affordable and require less storage space.
In addition to finding the right style of easel, you will also want to check the prices of any proposed purchase. Likewise, you should look for reviews on the product to confirm its quality and reliability. In addition:
- Budget
- Style (tabletop – folding/moveable, standing, large or small)
- Sturdy – if you are going to invest, spend your money on a sturdy option that will grow with you.
- Extra option – these are generally less important, but should be considered: areas to place brushes/paint, color/type of wood of easel, etc.
How To Get More Out Of Art Easels
Finding the perfect easel will make your life a lot easier when learning how to paint with acrylics or take on new art projects. However, further steps must be taken to promote the very best results. They include:
- Choose a high-quality paper or canvas and ensure it is fixed in place.
- Use a range of paintbrushes covering various sizes.
- Find the best quality acrylic paints and keep them in good health.
- Ensure that the natural lighting or room lighting is suitable.
- If following art tutorials from a screen, ensure it is positioned well.
- Leave space so that you can step back to view your artwork. This is very important for larger pieces.
Finally, and above all else, every artist who uses a new product needs to know that practice makes perfect. Paint regularly and your talent will naturally grow. Use a table; use an easel and determine which better suits your style and preferred position (standing, sitting at a table, etc.)
Choosing Art Easels | A Simple Pros 7 Cons Guide to the Best Portable, Standing, Pro-Level
Here are my top choices for easels (based on prices, quality, reviews, etc.)
Why I chose these:
Based on experience, these are the best style to suit most projects. I personally bought a smaller A-frame type of easel when I first purchased an easel (like this one) and while it was fine and I still have it, I tend to use these type of “square-frame” easels as they are very sturdy and allow for larger projects.
Up to 48″
(first choice)
PROS:
Large enough for most projects
Good, adjustable frame
Folds up / Moveable
Affordable
CONS:
Only allows for up to 48″ projects
UP TO 48″
(second choice)
PROS:
Large enough for most projects
Good, adjustable frame, tilts
Folds up
Affordable
CONS:
Only allows for up to 48″ projects
Not on rollers – not easy to move
UP TO 77″ | PRO-LEVEL (top choice)
PROS:
Large enough for professional projects
Best quality, very sturdy adjustable frame, tilts
Folds up / moveable
Professional-level – will allow you to grow
CONS:
More expensive
Larger – required more space
Portable (first choice)
PROS:
Very nice portable easel
Has compartment for supplies
Allows plein air painting
Adjustable height
CONS:
Smaller – best for smaller projects
Portable – up to 18″
PROS:
Very portable
Supplies compartment
Inexpensive
CONS:
Very small – up to 18″
Limited to small projects
Best gift set
PROS:
Affordable full-range
starter set:
Easel w/ compartment
Supplies:
Paints, brushes, canvases
CONS:
Small
Limited paint choices
If I were going to choose a starter set or buy a gift set for a wanna-be artists, I would likely choose this SET
I like the paints (ARTEZA) and it looks like a good all-around set to get started!
Easel Purchasing Suggestion:
My insight:
If you are going to be working as a professional (or aspire to), don’t waste time and money purchasing a small easel. Buy the best you can afford and grow into. I wish I had done this. While it’s nice to have more than one, I almost always use my large, sturdy easel (like the PRO-LEVEL choice above).
Questions – Comment? Please leave here or contact me via email!
Visit my art tutorials school: LEARN TO PAINT LIKE PRO
See my Youtube demos and tutorials:
See art by KR MOEHR: https://www.abstractart.live
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