So, you’ve gathered your paints, brushes, and canvases—now it’s time to choose the right easel to complete your setup! Whether you’re painting in a studio, spare room, or even your kitchen, a reliable easel is an essential tool that can enhance your comfort and creativity.
Why an Easel Matters?
A good easel supports your posture and creates a dedicated painting space, eliminating the need to clear off the dining table before you begin. Easels come in various shapes and sizes, from sturdy studio options to portable ones for outdoor adventures.
Key Considerations Before You Buy
1. Usage Environment:
Where will you be painting? If you’re outdoors, opt for a compact, portable easel. In a large studio, a sturdy easel may be perfect, while a collapsible option might work best in a smaller space.
2. Size and Weight of Your Work:
Check the maximum height and weight capacity of your easel. If you work with heavy canvases or thick mediums, invest in a sturdier studio easel. Ensure that the canvas support is adjustable to your preferred working height.
3. Your Painting Medium:
Different mediums require different easel setups. For watercolors, a lower angle prevents paint from running, while a forward tilt can help keep dust off your work. This is especially beneficial for pastels, allowing excess dust to fall away.
Choosing the right easel depends on your painting style and needs. Here are some key options:
Studio H-Frame Easels
Mabef Studio H-frame Easels
If you work on a large scale, opt for a sturdy H-Frame easel. Made from heavy woods like beech or elm, these easels have a solid square base and a central column that allows for angle adjustments without sacrificing stability.
Studio A-Frame Easels
Mabef Lyre Easels
A-Frame easels also known as Lyre Easels are triangular and lighter than H-Frames, making them easier to move. They’re great for medium to large canvases and can be easily folded for storage. However, they don’t adjust for horizontal work, which may be a limitation for watercolour artists.
Table Easels
Mabef Table Easels
Perfect for small-scale work or limited spaces, table easels are compact and can be used indoors or outdoors. Tripod table easels resemble mini A-Frames and are lightweight but may lack the stability of larger models.
Field Easels
Mabef Field Easels
Designed for outdoor painting, field easels are lightweight and portable, featuring telescopic legs for adjustable heights. They’re a great option for artists with limited indoor space.
French Style Box Easels
Mabef Easels Sketch boxes/ Pochade Boxes
The Pochade Box is ideal for outdoor use. It looks like a travel case but opens to reveal a board for painting. With storage for paints and brushes, it’s a convenient option for artists on the go. A sketch box with easel is also available to set up anywhere.
By considering your specific needs and painting style, you can select the easel that best compliments your creative process. If you’re choosing your first easel, then it may be best to opt for an inexpensive, lightweight option – something like Mabef M/A50 Tilting Arm Attachment for M/12 Lyre Easel.
In addition to easels, Mabef offers a wide variety of artist supporters/ artist tools that are made with mastery and utmost precision. Explore your favorite options at Art Lounge’s online and offline store today!