subject: Choose The Right Art Easel For Your Artworks [print this page] One of the most essential pieces of equipment for an artist is their easel. There are so many different easels on the market that selecting the right one might seem daunting. However with a little understanding of the basic designs, selecting the perfect easel will be easy.
If you haven't used an easel before you might wonder what all the fuss is about. What makes easels so great to work with? Simply, it gives you portability, stability and perspective you might not otherwise get from working at a table. Displaying your art vertically means you are on the same angle as the artwork. This important fact lets you step back from your work and view it at a distance. Having your work at eye level lets you check perspective, balance and composition. An easel also mimics how the art will look hanging on a wall, which is where your artwork will most likely end up.
Another reason for using an easel is adjustability. Most easels have a method of adjusting the bottom horizontal support to allow the painting to be raised or lowered. This is particularly useful if working on a large canvas, or if you alternate between sitting and standing.
Most easels are portable. They can be moved around the studio letting you work in the best natural light as it travels around the room. It also gives you the option of moving your work space to another room, or even outside, and to pack it away after your session has ended.
The most common easels are the H-Frame or the Tripod. Small versions of both of these can be used on the table top.
The H-Frame, or studio easel as its more commonly called, has a square shaped frame and stand. As its name implies it is best used in the studio setting. It has an adjustable horizontal support bar along the front with allows the painting to be raised and lowered to the desired height easily. A simple H-Frame will have a peg and hole system to adjust this bar, however more elaborate ones will have pulleys or even hydraulics.
The H-Frame design allows the artwork to remain stable and rigid. This is great news for artists who paint vigorously or prefer working on oversized canvases. In fact, two identical H-Frame easels can be used together to hold a very large canvas! The downside to the H-Frame is that its somewhat less portable than its counterpart and can take up more room in the studio.
The Tripod easel has three legs - two in the front and one at the back. Although some Tripods can accommodate large works, it is less rigid than the H-Frame. Due to its slightly unstable nature it is less suited for vigorous, high energy works. Another downside is the horizontal support. Although most are adjustable, it can be more difficult to modify it than the H-Frame. However the Tripod easel is easier to move around the studio and can be folded up when not in use - a great asset for small studios or casual artists.
Field easels are designed for working "plein air" outside the studio. They are so portable that you can easily carry them to your location and set them up relatively quickly. They are made of lightweight materials and have legs that fold up, collapse or are telescopic. Some are in carry box form. Most field easels are either tripod, box or bench seat, which has a seat and easel combined. Some field easels incorporate storage for your materials and/or has a horizontal surface for your palette.
Buying an easel can be an artist's most significant purchase, and the most confusing! However, by understanding what types of easels are available you will be able to easily select the perfect easel for you.
