What to Keep in Mind When Choosing an Easel

Most artists, professional or not, will inform you of what an invaluable piece of equipment an easel is, specifically when it comes to painting or sketching. An easel is a simple design really. It is in its basic form simply a tool that is made to either show artwork or to support a canvas or sturdy sketchbook/hardboard during any art making process. Traditionally easels are usually made of wood. More modern easels are also available in metal or plastic and the sizes range from miniature easels ideal for table tops to large specialized easels for the professional or field artist. Dependent upon the art medium you plan to use and your artistic preference, choosing an easel can sometimes actually be a hard decision.

When looking at purchasing an easel for yourself you should consider things such as the type of artwork you want to create, whether you might be outdoors, the materials you might require and the actual medium you are working in. Thinking about these factors can probably help you in picking the right easel for yourself. If you are looking at working with different media, it's particularly important to get an easel that is adjustable and has numerous functions. There are quite a few types of easels for any creative rendering.

One of the most popular easels used frequently in the art world is the A-frame easel. One important element to note when selecting such an easel is the maximum standing height of the easel including the mast. Make sure that it will fit easily into the envisioned space when completely standing. Artists generally adore A-Frame easels for their transportability, but may find the easel impractical for working in tighter spaces. A floor-standing easel is often less moveable than a traditional A-frame easel, but offers superior steadiness. If you are a beginner it's good to consider the table box easel or sketchbook easel. Again they are widely available in many sizes and the great thing about them is that they obviously have the element of the box which doubles as a container. Great for any organised beginner that want to keep their materials together and safe.

Specialty easels are becoming more widely available, even for beginners. It is always great to seek advice from a professional if you are unsure though, so be sure to contact your art supplier if you have any questions regarding the items you might be interested in. You don't want to invest in an easel if it is going to be completely wrong for your style of work.