Work Smarter with the Right Easel: Types, Tips & Tools

An easel is more than a stand—it’s a foundation for your creative process. Whether you’re a new artist building your first setup or a seasoned painter expanding your studio, the right easel can improve comfort, stability, and productivity. This guide explores the different types of easels, what features to look for, and tips for both indoor and outdoor painting.

Why Every Artist Needs an Easel

An easel provides a secure, ergonomic platform for your artwork, helping reduce strain and giving you better control over your composition. While beginners may want to start with a basic model, investing in a durable, versatile easel is beneficial in the long run—especially as your techniques and surface sizes evolve.

Types of Easels: Studio vs. Sketching

Studio Easels

• Best for: Large-scale work, dedicated indoor spaces

• Construction: Usually made from wood

• Features: Sturdy, adjustable, designed for long sessions

• Consideration: Takes up more space, often not portable

Sketching Easels

• Best for: Portability, small to medium canvases, plein air painting

• Construction: Lightweight wood or aluminum

• Features: Foldable, compact, travel-friendly

Some artists use multiple easels to meet different creative needs—one for the studio, one for outdoor work, and a tabletop version for small-scale or detail-heavy projects.

Key Features to Consider When Buying an Easel

Support & Stability

• Can the easel support the weight and size of your typical canvas?

• Will it remain steady as you work, especially with heavy brushwork?

• Stability is crucial for comfort and confidence during painting.

Adjustability

• Look for an adjustable canvas tray to align the canvas with your eye level.

• A top clamp helps secure taller canvases and adds support.

• Adjustable legs or angle settings are helpful for working in pastel, acrylic, or watercolor.

  • For example, pastel artists benefit from vertical tilt to reduce dust on the artwork.

  • Watercolorists may prefer a flat or near-flat surface to control water flow.

Portability

• If you paint outdoors or attend workshops, consider lightweight easels with features like:

  • Foldable frames

  • Carrying straps or handles

  • Built-in drawers or palette holders

• Even simple models work well for plein air painting, but specialized versions can elevate the experience.

Space-Saving Design

• In smaller studios or classrooms, an easel that folds flat or tucks away easily is essential.

Did You Know? The Origins of the Easel

The word "easel" comes from the Latin asellus, meaning "little donkey"—a nod to its role in bearing the burden of your canvas. In French, it’s chevalet, or “little horse”—again emphasizing its hardworking, load-bearing role in the artist's practice.

Final Thoughts

An easel may seem like a simple piece of equipment, but the right one can transform your workflow, reduce fatigue, and support your evolving artistic voice. From studio to sidewalk, tabletop to travel, there’s an easel out there to match your needs and inspire your next piece.