- An art easel is a tool that holds your canvas or paper.
- Art easels provide a stable and comfortable working surface that allows you to paint precisely and easily.
- Some of the best easel brands include T-Sign, Melissa and Doug, U.S. Art Supply, RRFTOK, and MIRATUSO.
- When choosing between easels for painting, consider the canvas size, storage options, overall customization, price point, and warranty.
Investing in high-quality art easels can make all the difference if you’re a beginner artist looking to amp up your skills. Art easels are not only a tool that holds your canvas or paper – they also provide a stable and comfortable working surface that allows you to unleash your artistic prowess.
Are you looking for a complete-package art easel to accompany you everywhere? To help you choose, we’ll discuss various factors to consider when picking an art easel and provide tips on bringing out your art easel’s full potential.
But before that, let’s look at the best art easel selection on the market now!
List Of 15 Best-Rated Art Easel Supplies
To help you make an informed decision, we have compiled a list of the 15 best-rated artist easels based on quality, durability, versatility, and affordability. So, let’s dive right into our list:
1) T-Sign
The T-Sign Easel Stand is designed to be twice as stable as standard easels and can accommodate almost any canvas or painting size. However, you may want to be more cautious with larger pictures.
This art easel is supposed to support up to 25 pounds. It is lightweight but strong, and you can set it up in seconds. It can be adjusted from 21 to 66 inches, making it suitable for artists of all heights and various canvas sizes. The easel is also designed with stability – it has adjustable legs for uneven surfaces, so you can easily paint outside.
It is also incredibly portable, with a lightweight and compact design that makes it easy to take. It comes with a handy carrying bag that makes transportation a breeze, whether heading to a class or an outdoor painting session.
Key Specifications
- Material: 7075 aluminum alloy
- Height: 66″
- Weight: 3.1 pounds
- Dimensions: 43″D x 43″W x 66″H
What do we like?
- Good for travel
- Great for beginners
- Very versatile
- Good price.
What don’t we like?
- Can’t support larger pictures
- Not very stable.
2) Melissa & Doug
One of the key features of this easel is its versatility. It comes with a dry-erase board, a chalkboard, and a paper roll holder, providing children with multiple surfaces to work on and a range of materials to use. This allows children to explore different mediums and experiment with their artistic abilities.
It is the best art easel for young artists aged 3 to 7 since it helps them develop fine motor skills. The easel is also designed to be adjustable, with the height and angle of the board able to be modified to suit the child’s needs. The easel can be adapted as they grow to ensure it remains comfortable and easy to use.
Key Specifications
- Material: Wood, plastic, metal
- Height: 47″
- Weight: 14.96 pounds
- Dimensions: 27″D x 26″W x 47″H
What do we like?
- Has art supply storage
- It comes with a child-safe paper cutter
- Amazing gift for children
- Sturdy and well-designed.
What don’t we like?
- Hinges can bend easily.
- Some of the bolt caps wouldn’t tighten.
3) Hape
The art easel with blackboard and magnetic whiteboard is a wonderful addition to any child’s creative space. The all-in-one design of this art supply comes with a paper roll holder and a range of accessories, including three paint pots and holders. This means that children can start creating right away without the need for any additional materials.
The easel is made from high-quality wood with a cream finish that gives it a classic and timeless look. It is also designed to be adjustable, with the height and angle of the board able to be modified to suit the child’s needs. The maximum canvas height is 43.5 inches. Also, it is durable and easy to clean. The adjustable features and durable construction make it a great choice for hours of artistic fun.
Key Specifications
- Material: Wood, water-based paint, ABS, PP, PE
- Height: 27.6″
- Weight: 12.11 pounds
- Dimensions: 4.7″D x 20.1″W x 27.6″H
What do we like?
- Adjustable height
- You can use magnets on the whiteboard
- Easy to assemble
- Durable construction.
What don’t we like?
- The refill paper is a small roll
- Quite small.
4) U.S. Art Supply
The best easels are made from this brand. This pack of six easels is perfect for artists, educators, and businesses that need a reliable and durable way to showcase their work or presentations.
We’re talking premium-quality folding display easels that you can easily set up in seconds and fold down just as quickly! The compact size also makes it easy to transport, whether heading to a trade show or presenting at a conference.
The easel is also designed to be adjustable, with adjustable height display holders that accommodate various sizes and types of displays. This ensures you can showcase your work or presentations in the best possible way, no matter what you’re displaying.
Key Specifications
- Material: Alloy steel
- Height: 63″
- Weight: 0.01 ounces
- Dimensions: 16.5″D x 18.6″W x 6.8″H
What do we like?
- Ideal portable travel easel
- Made from high-quality steel that is sturdy and durable
- Perfect for presentations
- Affordable.
What don’t we like?
- The legs’ height is not adjustable.
- Don’t hold too much weight.
5) Number 1 in Gadgets
This one-of-a-kind easel is one of the best out there. It has two sides – one with a chalkboard and the other with a dry-erase whiteboard. The whiteboard is magnetic.
This art supply easel is an excellent way to encourage young kids’ creativity. In addition to the surfaces, the easel also comes with various accessories, including chalks, dry-erase markers, erasers, and four paint pots. With its surfaces and accessories, this is the best art easel for children looking for multiple surfaces to work on.
The easel is adjustable, with the height and angle of the board able to be modified to suit the child’s needs. In terms of build quality, this standing art easel is made from high-quality materials that are built to last.
Key Specifications
- Material: Wood, paper, chalk
- Height: 23.3. inches
- Weight: 7.58 Pounds
- Dimensions: 23.3 x 16.3 x 2.8 inches
What do we like?
- Made of high-quality wood
- Easy to set-up
- Great size, even for toddlers
- Comes with an art supply tray, four chalks, and one dry eraser.
What don’t we like?
- The legs aren’t so stable.
- Not suitable for tall children.
6) RRFTOK
This adjustable art easel is for artists looking for a versatile and sturdy easel. It is made of high-quality aluminum metal, which makes it lightweight and easy to carry around.
The height and angle of the easel can be adjusted to accommodate canvases of different sizes. Its height can be adjusted from 17 to 66 inches, making it ideal for floor or tabletop easel displays.
You can also adjust the legs of this floor easel and lock them into place to prevent wobbling or shifting during use. You can use this art supply to paint outdoors or indoors while sitting or standing!
The RRFTOK easel also has a convenient carry bag, so you can easily store it. The bag is durable and has a sturdy handle, ensuring the easel is protected during transit.
Key Specifications
- Material: Metal
- Height: 66 inches
- Weight: 2 pounds
- Dimensions: 4″D x 4.9″W x 17.2″H
What do we like?
- Made of long-lasting aluminum
- Suitable for indoors and outdoors
- Easily portable
- It can be used both horizontally and vertically.
What don’t we like?
- Edges of the metal are unfiled and sharp
- Not so durable.
7) MIRATUSO
This MIRATUSO sketch box easel can easily be converted to an art easel. Don’t look further if you want a high-quality, versatile easel for your painting and sketching needs.
You can store your painting tools in the sketch box’s internal partition. This makes it easy to organize your art supplies, including paints, brushes, pencils, and more, so you can use it as a storage drawer. The sketch box is also removable, making cleaning or transporting your supplies easy.
This tabletop easel is perfect for students, beginners, and seasoned artists alike. It is sturdy and stable, ensuring your canvas won’t move around while working. The MIRATUSO tabletop easel is also easy to set up and take down, making it a convenient choice for artists who are always on the go.
Key Specifications
- Material: Beech
- Height: 20 inches
- Weight: 3.17 pounds
- Dimensions: 14.5″D x 10.5″W x 3.5″H
What do we like?
- Made of high-quality and smooth beechwood
- Rubber feet on the desk box protect the table surface
- Great studio easel
- Lightweight.
What don’t we like?
- Quite small
- It can fall under much pressure.
8) Artify
The Artify Double Tier Easel Stand can be used for painting and display. The tripod design provides excellent stability, and the double-tier feature allows you to work on multiple canvases at once or display multiple art pieces.
It comes with a bag, so you can easily attend art classes or workshops. You can adjust the height from 22 to 66 inches. You can also adjust the angle to accommodate canvases of different sizes and use it horizontally and vertically.
The height is ideal for standing and painting, especially for tall artists. However, you can also use it on a tabletop or any other height.
Key Specifications
- Material: Mental
- Height: 66 inches
- Weight: 1.8 pounds
- Dimensions: 2″D x 2″W x 2″H
What do we like?
- Great load-bearing capacity
- Compact design
- Great value for money
- Non-slip feet.
What don’t we like?
- Not so easy to assemble
- Legs can break if you are not too careful.
9) KidKraft
This KidKraft Wooden Storage Easel is the best art easel for parents looking for a high-quality, versatile, fun activity center for their kids. This art supply is made of sturdy wood and features dry-erase and chalkboard surfaces, allowing children to explore their creativity in multiple ways.
Both surfaces are smooth and easy to clean, allowing kids to experiment with different mediums without worrying about making a mess. The easel is also very stable and well-made, ensuring it won’t tip during use.
The built-in storage compartments hold brushes, spill-proof paint cups, markers, chalk, and more. This makes it easy for kids to keep their supplies organized and accessible while they create their masterpieces. However, you can remove the art supply storage bins.
Key Specifications
- Material: Solid wood, plastic, and MDF
- Height: 47.75 inches
- Weight: 25 pounds
- Dimensions: 23.25″D x 25.25″W x 47.75″H
What do we like?
- Stable and well-made
- Roll of art paper included
- Sealable paint cups
- Multi-purpose art center for kids.
What don’t we like?
- Quite short
- Not magnetic.
10) JIUYE
This functional tall display easel stand will be a great choice if you want to display your artwork or signs. And this art easel has been updated to a new version, which includes two additional upper poster buckles on the base. You can adjust the height of the entire easel by adjusting the distance between the three legs. It can be 63 inches tall but only 15 inches once folded.
This easel can hold up to 5-7 lbs, making it a practical choice if you plan on working with different mediums and canvases or need to display different types of signs or posters. The tripod design provides excellent support and stability, and the rubber feet prevent the easel from slipping or sliding during use.
Key Specifications
- Material: Metal
- Height: 63 inches
- Weight: 2.5 pounds
- Dimensions: 15 x 2.5 x 2.5 inches.
What do we like?
- Easy to assemble for instant use
- It holds at least 5 pounds
- Easy to move with the portable bag
- Durable.
What don’t we like?
- Not the sturdiest easel
- No stopping mechanism.
11) Jekkis
The Jekkis set includes 12 tabletop wood display easels, making it an excellent value for its price. The tabletop easel is small enough to be used on tables, desks, and other flat surfaces, making them ideal for artists with limited space in their studios or homes. The easels are also very lightweight and foldable, making them easy to transport and use on the go.
The easels are also very stable, ensuring your artwork remains secure while you work. They require no assembly and can be set up in seconds. Solid pine wood construction is durable and long-lasting, ensuring that the easels will provide years of reliable use.
Since the tabletop easel is reusable, it is ideal for beginning artists and students. It is an excellent choice for painting classes, exhibitions, and other projects.
Key Specifications
- Material: Wood
- Height: 9 inches
- Weight: 2.05 pounds
- Dimensions: 7″D x 7″W x 9″H
What do we like?
- No need for assembly
- Easy to move
- Affordable
- Wide application.
What don’t we like?
- Not so sturdy
- Not suitable for outdoor use.
12) Color More
The Color More Paint Set (with 85 pieces!) includes everything you need to get started with painting, drawing, and crafting. It includes painting and drawing tools suitable for hobbyists and professional artists. You can experiment with various techniques and mediums with a wide range of supplies!
The drawing kit includes a wooden easel to hold the canvas up, allowing you to paint anywhere. This art supply is made of sturdy wood and can be adjusted to different angles, making it perfect for painting and displaying your artwork. It holds the canvas up with a perfect viewing angle. The drawing pads are high quality and provide a great surface for drawing and sketching.
Key Specifications
- Material: Plastic
- Height: 3.9 inches
- Weight: 8.6 pounds
- Dimensions: 10.2″D x 13.8″W x 3.9″H
What do we like?
- Great gift set for beginners
- Non-toxic pastels, paint, and crayons
- Easel with an ideal viewing angle
- Well-packaged.
What don’t we like?
- Brushes are not the best quality.
- Quite pricey.
13) Starhoo
Made from high-quality aluminum, this easel’s material is lighter and more durable than other materials. The art supply is ideal for canvases and can support up to 25 pounds. It can be adjusted to accommodate canvases up to 33 inches tall, and the angle of the canvas holder can be easily adjusted to suit your preferences.
This art supply folds to 18 inches and comes with a portable bag. You can use it as a tabletop or floor easel since it has adjustable legs and a non-slip base to accommodate uneven surfaces.
Its easy-to-use design requires no assembly and can be set up in seconds, making it perfect for artists who want to start their work immediately. Its adjustable design, stable construction, and easy-to-use design make it an excellent value for its price.
Key Specifications
- Material: Aluminum
- Height: 63 inches
- Weight: 2 pounds
- Dimensions: 23.6″D x 27.5″W x 56″H
What do we like?
- Great for both beginners and experienced artists
- It can be used as a floor easel or tabletop easel
- Dry erase board can be clamped on the easel
- Perfect for limited spaces.
What don’t we like?
- Legs can get stuck
- It can be flimsy.
14) Coestai
If you are looking for a sturdy and adjustable easel that is easy to use and has a built-in paintbrush tray, this is the art supply for you! This excellent art easel is made of reinforced aluminum alloy resistant to damage. Since you can adjust it from 21 to 60 inches, adults and kids can use it.
You can also use this tripod as an art display stand. It can be adjusted to accommodate different sizes of canvases, and the angle of the canvas holder can be adapted to your preferences.
As the paint easel comes with a tray, you can easily store art materials. The tray is located at the bottom of the easel and is also adjustable, allowing you to position it at the most comfortable height for your painting needs.
Key Specifications
- Material: Alloy steel
- Height: 60 inches
- Weight: 2.2 pounds
- Dimensions: 4.8″D x 21.5″W x 4.1″H
What do we like?
- Manual handle control lift
- Adjustable storage tray
- Artists can fit different heights of sketching board
- Perfect for indoor and outdoor use.
What don’t we like?
- Tray is flimsy
- Not as stable as expected.
15) Modera
This great paint set is an exceptional product that will impress beginner, intermediate, and advanced artists. The 139-piece professional art paint kit provides all the supplies, accessories, and tools necessary for watercolor, acrylic, or oil painting. No idea what to use it with? Check out these amazing paints for cardboard.
This set has an aluminum field easel with adjustable legs and a wood table easel with storage space. These art supplies are sturdy, making them perfect for outdoor painting sessions or studio settings. The aluminum field easel is lightweight and easily transported, while the wood table easel is perfect for smaller canvases and tabletop use.
Key Specifications
- Material: Aluminum and wood
- Height: 22.2 inches
- Weight: 17.11 pounds
- Dimensions: 22.2 x 19.4 x 6.6 inches.
What do we like?
- Affordable yet amazing gift
- Two portable art easels
- The carry bag with a handle
- It comes with everything an artist would need.
What don’t we like?
- Easels are quite small.
- Brushes are not the best quality.
How to Choose the Best Art Easel?
Having the right art easel is essential for creating beautiful and successful artwork. With so many different types of easels on the market, it can be challenging to know where to begin when choosing the best one for your needs.
In this guide, we will discuss the key factors to consider when selecting the perfect art easel:
Design Build
The style of your easel can greatly impact your painting experience and the type of artwork you produce. Consider the type of artwork you create and your painting habits when choosing an easel. Some popular easel designs include:
- H-Frame Easels: A wooden H-frame studio easel offers a sturdy and stable structure, making it a popular choice for large canvases and studio work. They often come with adjustable components and are built to last.
- A-Frame Easels: A classic a-frame easel is amazing for smaller canvases and plein air painting. You can easily transport them and quickly set them up.
- Tabletop Easels: A tabletop easel is a great option for artists who work in small spaces or need to save on floor space since they are compact.
Customization
The best easels offer customizable options, making your painting process more comfortable. Easels with adjustable legs can help you work on uneven surfaces and adjust the height. And some come with accessory trays to keep your paints, brushes, and other tools within reach! Finally, you might want to consider built-in lighting for the best view.
Storage Options
Easels can take up a lot of space, so choosing a compact easel that fits your storage needs is essential. Check whether the easel folds flat for storage and whether moving it from one location to another is easy.
Also, check whether the easel comes with a storage drawer. The storage drawer can be a great solution for storing all your artistic tools.
Size
Consider the size of the canvas you typically work on and the amount of space you have available. Some popular easel sizes include:
- Small tabletop easels
- Medium easels
- Large easels.
Price
Art easels can range from inexpensive to quite expensive, so it’s important to set a budget before shopping. When evaluating price, consider the features you need and your experience level.
You can find budget, mid-range, and high-end easels on the market. If you are a beginner, a budget easel would be a great choice, while professional artists who require advanced features and durability should invest in high-end easels.
Warranty
A good warranty can give you peace of mind and protect your investment. Consider the length of the warranty and what it covers. Most art easels come with a limited warranty of two years, so you should check which parts and components are covered for a set period.
Customers Feedback
Customer reviews can provide insight into the easel’s durability, ease of use, and overall quality. You should look for reviews on the retailer’s website, art forums, or social media groups. Try to find reviews from artists with similar needs and experience levels.
15 Tips To Use Art Easel Stand For Painting
Here are 15 tips to help you make the most of your art easel stand.
- Choose the right height: Make sure the easel is comfortable to work on your artwork.
- Use proper lighting: Position your easel in a well-lit area to prevent straining your eyes and to get a better view of your artwork.
- Keep your work area clean: Keep your work area clean and free of clutter to prevent distractions and accidents.
- Secure your canvas: Make sure your canvas stays put while you work. Simply attach it to the easel securely using clips, clamps, or masking tape.
- Use a support panel: If you use a thin canvas or paper, consider using a support panel to prevent buckling or warping.
- Start with a sketch: Use a pencil or charcoal to create a rough sketch of your artwork before starting to paint. Pre-planning the composition will help you easily transfer it to your canvas or paper.
- Use an underpainting: This way, you can establish the basic values and colors of your painting before adding details.
- Work from back to front: Start with the background and work your way forward to create a sense of depth and dimension.
- Take breaks: Step away from your painting for a few minutes to rest your eyes and stretch your muscles to prevent eye and muscle strain.
- Use the correct paint consistency: Thin your paint with water or medium.
- Use a palette knife: Mix your paint and apply it to your canvas to create interesting texture and depth.
- Experiment with different mediums and brushes: Use a variety of brush sizes and shapes to create different effects in your painting. And don’t forget that you can use your easel stand for various mediums, including watercolor, oil, and the best acrylic paints.
- Blend colors: You will create smooth transitions and gradations in your painting. Also, you can add highlights and shadows to create dimension and depth.
- Step back and evaluate: You should evaluate your progress periodically and make adjustments as needed.
- Practice: The more you use your easel stand, the more comfortable and proficient you will become.
Conclusion
Selecting the right art easel can make a difference for any aspiring artist, as it can either facilitate or hinder the creative process. In our diligent search for the best art easels and canvas holders, we have carefully examined the key features to consider, guaranteeing that your choice will be informed.
It is essential to remember your needs, workspace, and budget while choosing the easel. Also, make sure to select an easel that is suitable for your preferred painting style. Investing in a high-quality art easel is essential for any artist looking to take their skills to the next level!
Whether you’re an aspiring artist or looking to upgrade your equipment, we hope this guide helps you find the best easel for painting.
FAQs: Best Art Easels
1) Which is the best art easel for painting outdoors?
A solid and sturdy easel is a must-have, as are easels made from lightweight materials like aluminum or metal. Some of the best outdoor easels is the RRFTOK easel, which is very sturdy, and its adjustable legs can be locked into place.
2) Which is better: a wooden easel or an aluminum easel?
It depends on your painting needs. Wood easels are known for their sturdiness and are often preferred for studio work. Aluminum easels are lightweight, portable, and easy to transport – a great choice for artists who frequently work on location.
3) What is the best portable art easel for beginners?
For beginners, a lightweight and easy-to-use easel is often the best choice. One popular option is the T-Sign Easel Stand, which is lightweight, adjustable, and has a carrying bag for easy transport.
4) Is it easy to paint using an art easel for kids?
Yes, using an art easel can make painting easier and more comfortable for children. Kids’ easels are often designed with young artists in mind, featuring adjustable heights, sturdy construction, and fun colors or designs.
5) What’s the best easel for plein air?
Plein air painting requires a portable, lightweight easel and is easy to set up and take down. Regarding plein air painting, an H-frame studio easel or a lightweight tripod easel fashioned from materials like aluminum are among the best choices.
