Choosing the perfect easel for you can be quite difficult. But don’t worry and take it easy. First, you have to understand the types of easels that you can choose and know the advantages and disadvantages of each so that you can know which one is right for you before you actually go to the store or make your purchase.
Think about the medium you use to paint. Is it oil based? Or is it water based? The runnier the medium or paint that you use, surely you can’t do your work upright. Instead, you have to do it on the table. For mediums that are less runny, it is better to use easels that can hold canvases vertically instead of on the tabletop to avoid catching dust. However, this can’t be for watercolor paints.
You should also think about whether you have a large space for work or instead of a small space? Do you like working in a studio, or do you like moving every once in a while? These questions can help you decide the right easel for you.
If you have got your answers, then let’s try to take a look at the types of easel stands available for purchase.
1. A-frame Easel / Lyre Easel
This is one of the most popular types of easels and it is widely used by artists from beginners to some professionals. The shape of this easel stand looks like the letter A, and it can be easily folded and stored away since it is also lightweight. This type of easel stand is not too sturdy, however. But another great advantage of this easel stand is that it is definitely affordable.
2. H-frame Easel
The H-frame easel is sturdier than the A-frame easel stand. However, these sturdy and bulky characteristics make this type of easel difficult to fold and moved around. You have to have a wide space because this type of easel supports larger sized canvases.
3. Single Mast Easel
This easel stand is most likely the most basic type of easel that is great for art students or beginners. It is simple, easy to handle, lightweight, and it can be used in small spaces as well. It can support the weight of your small to medium sized canvas well and this type of easel is cheaper than the aforementioned types of easels.
4. Tabletop Easel
This type of easel is small and perfect for a very limited working space. It can be easily folded and carried around. And most importantly, it has a storage box or compartment where you can store your art supplies. Also, this type of easel stand is not too expensive. It offers a good deal for its low price and quality. If you are working with a runny type of paint or medium, then this is the right type of easel for you.
5. Display Easel
The display easel is not for working. It is used to display finished works, thus it is not as sturdy as the other types of easels.
