Easels

• A-frame (Lyre) Easel: Shaped like an "A," with three legs, it is lightweight and portable, best for smaller canvases.
• H-frame Easel: Heavier and more stable, with an "H" shape. Ideal for large canvases and more substantial work.
• Tabletop Easel: Compact and sits on a tabletop. Good for small canvases and limited spaces.
• French Easel: Portable, often with a storage box and foldable legs. Great for plein air painting.
• Studio Easel: Typically large and sturdy, built for studio settings and often adjustable for different angles.
• Display Easel: Meant for exhibiting finished art or signage rather than for creating art on it.

For smaller canvases (under 24 inches), a tabletop or A-frame easel works well. For larger canvases (24 inches and up), H-frame or studio easels provide the needed stability. Consider the available space: a tabletop easel is ideal for limited space, while an H-frame or studio easel requires a dedicated area.

• For A-frame and H-frame Easels: Spread the legs apart and secure them to the width that provides stability. Adjust the height and angle based on your canvas size and preferred working position.
• For French Easels: Open the legs fully, lock in place, and adjust the top to secure the canvas.
• For Tabletop Easels: Set up on a sturdy surface. Adjust the angle to prevent slipping.

Yes, most easels allow you to adjust the angle. H-frame and studio easels often have the widest range, from a nearly vertical position to a horizontal or angled setting, which is helpful for watercolour painting. A-frame and tabletop easels also offer some adjustability but may be more limited.

• Wood: Common and classic, providing warmth and stability. Wood easels are often used in studios and for display.
• Aluminium/Metal: Lightweight and sturdy, ideal for portable and outdoor use.
• Plastic or Composite: Usually lighter and sometimes more affordable, though not as durable as wood or metal.

Regularly dust or wipe down with a damp cloth. For wood, you can apply a light furniture polish or wood oil occasionally. Clean any paint spills immediately to prevent build-up. Metal easels can be wiped with a mild cleaner if necessary.

• Stability: Especially important for larger canvases.
• Adjustability: Easels with tilt and height adjustment provide more flexibility.
• Storage: Some easels include trays or compartments to hold brushes, paints, and other tools.
• Material Durability: Wood and metal are generally more durable than plastic.
• Portability: If you plan to paint outdoors, look for a portable, lightweight easel like a French easel or a collapsible aluminium easel.

Yes! Easels are versatile and can be used for holding signs, chalkboards, or whiteboards, and for displaying finished artwork or posters.