Best Easels for Artists in 2024

We analyzed top picks from leading reviewers to find the best for every need
Published: June 28th, 2024

🎨Choosing the right easel can make a world of difference, whether you're a seasoned artist or just starting to dabble in painting. It's not just about holding your canvas; it's about giving you the stability and comfort to enjoy your creative journey.

From sturdy studio easels to lightweight options perfect for the outdoors, we've taken a close look at 2024's top models to help you find the one that fits your needs best.

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Overall Best: US Art Supply Medium H-Frame Studio Easel

U.S. Art Supply Medium Wooden H-Frame Studio Easel with Artist Storage Tray - Mast Adjustable to 96" High, Holds Canvas to 48" - Sturdy Beechwood Holder Floor Stand - Display Paintings, Portraits

Our top pick for the best easel overall is the US Art Supply Medium H-Frame Studio Easel. Crafted from sturdy hardwood, it's designed to offer outstanding durability and flexibility. The lockable castors allow for easy mobility, so you can adjust it to catch the best light. This easel stands out with its capacity to hold canvases up to 48 inches tall, and it can tilt and fold easily, giving you versatile positioning options. Additionally, the built-in storage tray is a valuable feature for keeping your art supplies organized and within reach. Whether you’re a professional or an avid hobbyist, this easel delivers on both functionality and quality.

Lowest at any Popular Retailer
$99.99 at Amazon

More Answers

Still curious about the U.S. Art Supply Medium Wooden H-Frame Easel? Here are some answers you might find interesting:

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What size canvas can the U.S. Art Supply Medium Wooden H-Frame Studio Easel hold?
The U.S. Art Supply Medium Wooden H-Frame Studio Easel can hold canvases up to 48 inches high, according to the manufacturer's description. So whether you're working on something small or tackling a larger piece, this easel has you covered. Our research has found that this easel is particularly appreciated for its adjustability. You can set the height anywhere from 6 inches off the floor up to 42 inches, making it easy to work either sitting down or standing up. This comes in handy if you like to change positions while painting. However, a few details to keep in mind: Some people note that setting it up can be a bit tricky, especially with the written instructions not being super clear. Taking your time (maybe even getting a friend to help) could make things more manageable. Also, if you've got low ceilings, be cautious with the center mast to avoid bumping into anything. Overall, it's a solid easel with great flexibility in terms of canvas size and height settings. Just be ready to spend a little extra time on the initial setup and you'll be all set for your next creative project!
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How easy is it to assemble the U.S. Art Supply Medium Wooden H-Frame Studio Easel?
From what we've found, putting together the U.S. Art Supply Medium Wooden H-Frame Studio Easel isn't too complicated, though it might take some patience and attention to detail. Most folks seem to get it done in about 15 to 20 minutes. However, a few have mentioned that the instructions aren't the clearest, which can lead to small mistakes that need fixing. The easel itself is made from beechwood, and it holds canvases up to 48 inches high. Its adjustable mast can reach up to 96 inches, which is handy if you're working with different canvas sizes. This adjustability lets artists find the right spot to work, whether they're sitting or standing. There have been some mentions of occasional wobble, particularly with the canvas ledge, but it seems to be a minor issue. If you do run into this, you might try adding weights or adjusting the setup for better stability. When it comes to design, those who have it generally appreciate the solid wood construction and its look in a studio setting. Even if you hit a few bumps with the setup, it usually ends up being a reliable and sturdy option for painting. If you're using this easel for larger canvases, just be sure your space can accommodate its full extension of 96 inches. Despite some minor setup challenges, the easel offers good quality and functionality, making it a dependable option if you're looking for something versatile in your studio.
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How tall is the U.S. Art Supply Medium Wooden H-Frame Studio Easel?
If you're curious about the height of the U.S. Art Supply Medium Wooden H-Frame Studio Easel, it can stretch up to 96 inches tall. That's pretty big, so it's great for both sitting and standing while you work. Just keep in mind that you'll need enough space, especially if your room has a low ceiling. When the easel arrives, it comes partially assembled with all the hardware you need organized in labeled bags. The manufacturer's description says that the assembly instructions are illustrated to help you out. But just so you know, our research found that people had mixed experiences with putting it together. Some folks found it pretty straightforward—like Elizabeth and Heather, who managed to assemble it in just 15 to 20 minutes, thanks to the clear labels on the parts. On the other hand, a few others ran into some hiccups. They mentioned that the instructions weren't always clear, especially around certain parts like ratchet components and the center post. This sometimes meant they had to try assembling it a few times before getting it right. To make things easier for yourself, take a good look at the instruction illustrations before you start. Visualizing the fully assembled easel can also help. You can always check online guides or contact customer service if you hit any snags. Overall, with its adjustable height, this easel offers a lot of versatility for artists who want to switch between seated and standing positions.
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Runner-up: Jack Richeson Upright Easel

Jack Richeson La Vara Easel, Table Top (885101)

Our runner-up is the Jack Richeson Upright Easel, a reliable and adaptable choice for those who work with various painting mediums like oil and acrylics. Known for its robust construction from high-quality wood, this easel promises durability and can easily accommodate different canvas sizes. This means you can switch up your projects without needing multiple easels. Users appreciate its stable design, which provides the comfort needed for extended painting sessions. Its solid build ensures it will be a lasting addition to your studio.

Lowest at Amazon
$40.09 at Amazon
Lowest at any Popular Retailer
$39.85 at Walmart

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Budget Pick: Art Alternatives Adjustable Sketch Easel

Art Alternatives Sonoma Sketchbox Easel,Brown

For artists on a budget, the Art Alternatives Adjustable Sketch Easel is a standout. Despite its affordable price tag, it doesn’t skimp on essential features. This compact and lightweight easel is perfect for art students or hobbyists who need something that's both functional and easy to store. It adjusts to fit different canvas sizes and angles, making it a versatile addition to your art setup. Its simplicity and practicality make it an excellent choice for those newly exploring the world of painting.

Lowest at any Popular Retailer
$105.00 at Amazon

More Answers

Still curious about the Sonoma Sketchbox Easel? Here are some answers you might find interesting:

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How easy is it to assemble the Art Alternatives Sonoma Sketchbox Easel?
Hey! If you're curious about assembling the Art Alternatives Sonoma Sketchbox Easel, it seems pretty straightforward overall. The easel is made from hand-sanded beechwood, which is known for being durable and high-quality. That's a nice bonus if you're planning to use it both indoors and outdoors. When it comes to putting it together, our research suggests that most folks find it manageable. The instructions that come with it are clear, so they guide you through the process without a hitch. Since this easel is made to be portable and versatile, you won't have to deal with any complex steps. There's also brass hardware that not only looks good but makes the assembly smoother. The whole thing feels well-built, and the leather handle, as the manufacturer describes, makes it easy to carry around once you're done setting it up. Just a quick heads-up: some people have mentioned that there might be stability issues, especially with larger canvases or on uneven ground. But, most feedback points out that it's sturdy and great to move around. So, from unpacking it to setting it up, it looks like the process is pretty user-friendly. The design seems solid, and the beechwood enhances the overall experience. If you're into painting at home and outside, this easel should serve you well!
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How sturdy is the Art Alternatives Sonoma Sketchbox Easel?
The Art Alternatives Sonoma Sketchbox Easel seems to be a solid choice if you need something that's both portable and functional. From what the manufacturer says, it's made from hand-sanded beechwood with brass hardware and includes a sturdy leather handle, which sounds pretty reliable. It'll work well whether you're indoors or doing some outdoor painting. Based on our research, many folks find it well-built and easy to carry around, thanks to its foldable design and adjustable shoulder strap. This means you can set it up wherever you feel inspired. Plus, its adjustable height — extending up to 71 inches — is a big plus for those who like to switch between sitting and standing. It can hold canvases up to 34 inches, giving you plenty of room to work on different projects. However, keep in mind that some people have noticed it can be a bit wobbly on uneven surfaces. A few others mentioned the need to occasionally tighten the wing nuts or make small adjustments for stability. This might be worth considering if you're planning to paint outside or use larger canvases frequently. The easel also has sliding drawer compartments and a removable palette, which a lot of users appreciate for organizing supplies. But some have noted these parts can feel slightly flimsy, especially with heavier materials. So if you're using really heavy supplies, this might be something to watch out for. Overall, if you're looking for an easel that's versatile and easy to move around, the Sonoma Sketchbox Easel could be a good fit. Just be ready for some minor tweaks now and then, especially if you're using larger or heavier items.
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What are the dimensions of the Art Alternatives Sonoma Sketchbox Easel?
Hey, I looked into the dimensions for the Art Alternatives Sonoma Sketchbox Easel, but didn't find anything super specific in our data. However, I did find some other details that might help. The manufacturer mentions it's a fully adjustable field easel, compact and easy to carry around. It's made out of hand-sanded beechwood with brass hardware, so it should be pretty durable and easy to move. As for stability, opinions vary. According to our research, some people like Katie think it's pretty sturdy even on carpets, while others have had issues with the legs collapsing or screws loosening. Seems like making sure all the screws and bolts are tight can help a lot with this, so worth keeping an eye on that. If you're worried about stability and are looking for something more robust, you might want to consider alternatives like the [U.S. Art Supply Heavy Duty Adjustable Metal Tripod Easel](https://www.shopsavvy.com/redirect?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.amazon.com%2Fs%3Fk%3DU.S.%2BArt%2BSupply%2BHeavy%2BDuty%2BAdjustable%2BMetal%2BTripod%2BEasel%26tag%3Dssw.ans.tx-1-20). It's known for its strong, stable design, especially if you're planning on using it outdoors. In short, the Sonoma Sketchbox Easel is popular for being portable, but definitely make sure everything's secured for the best stability while using it. Hope this helps!
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Best for Outdoor Painting: Strada Easel

MEEDEN Plein Air Easel for Painting: Adjustable Travel Watercolor Easel Stand for Adults - Collapsible Portable Tripod for Artists

Specifically designed for outdoor painting, the Strada Easel is a top choice for plein air artists. Constructed from lightweight aluminum, it’s easy to transport and set up wherever your creativity takes you. Despite its light weight, this easel is incredibly sturdy and can withstand windy conditions, ensuring your painting session is not interrupted by nature’s elements. Its durability and portability make it a reliable companion for any outdoor artistry adventure.

Lowest at any Popular Retailer
$69.95 at Amazon

More Answers

Still curious about the MEEDEN Plein Air Easel? Here are some answers you might find interesting:

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How easy is it to set up and collapse the MEEDEN Plein Air Easel?
The MEEDEN Plein Air Easel is pretty easy to set up and collapse. It's made from lightweight aluminum, so you can carry it around without much hassle. According to the manufacturer, it comes with a handy carry bag, which makes transporting and storing it straightforward. You just unfold the frame, and you can adjust the height anywhere between 17 inches to 65 inches. This is nice because it works whether you're sitting or standing, and accommodates different artist heights. From our research, it seems some folks have mentioned that while its lightness is great for lugging around, it can be a bit shaky, especially if it's windy out. You might find it helpful to anchor it down if you're painting outside on breezy days. Some have noted that the tray might take a bit more attention during setup to make sure it's stable. Despite a few of these quirks, many find it easy to assemble and it's a practical choice for those who like to paint outside or move around a lot. If you're into plein air painting and need something versatile without being too heavy, this easel seems like a decent pick for the price. It might not have the stability of a heavier, stationary easel, but it definitely delivers in terms of flexibility and convenience if you're an artist on the go.
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What is the maximum weight capacity of the MEEDEN Plein Air Easel?
So, the MEEDEN Plein Air Easel doesn't have a clearly defined maximum weight capacity listed in the manufacturer's specs. It's mostly marketed as a portable and lightweight easel, thanks to its aluminum build, which is great for easy transport. But just a heads up—it might be a bit wobbly when it's windy. According to our research, people have mixed opinions about its stability. While it’s generally appreciated for being easy to carry around, some artists have found it a bit shaky in windier conditions. One person mentioned having trouble keeping it steady, even when all the connections were tightened. There was another case where a strong gust snapped a piece supporting the backboard, which could definitely throw a wrench in your painting plans. If you’re painting outdoors a lot, especially when it’s breezy, you might want to add some extra stability. A handy trick people use is hanging a weight—like a bag of stones or water bottles—from the center of the easel. That can help keep things steady. In the end, while the MEEDEN Plein Air Easel is super convenient for plein air painting—especially if you're into watercolors—just be ready to use some extra tricks for stability when the weather isn’t cooperating. It's about balancing convenience and practicality, so you can focus on your art without any hiccups.
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How stable is the MEEDEN Plein Air Easel in windy conditions?
The MEEDEN Plein Air Easel seems to be a favorite among artists who need something portable, especially for watercolor painting. It can adjust from 17 to 65 inches height-wise, which is neat because it offers flexibility no matter what technique you're using. Plus, it's pretty lightweight, thanks to its aluminum build, and comes with a carry bag, so it's easy to take wherever you go. Now, about stability—especially in windy conditions—it gets a bit tricky. From what we've found, while it's easy to carry around and set up, some people have noted that it can be a bit wobbly when it's windy. The tripod and some mounting parts aren't the sturdiest, which means strong winds can make it less stable. Another thing to consider is that there are plastic parts here and there, which might not be as durable. Some folks have mentioned issues with the knobs breaking and trouble fitting it with other stands they have. So, if you're going to be using it mostly in calm, stable environments, this easel should work just fine. But if it's often windy where you plan to paint, you might want to think about ways to stabilize it more, like adding a weight to the center. If you're doing a lot of outdoor work and need something really sturdy, you might need to look at other options that are a bit more heavy-duty, even if they cost a bit more. In the end, it's about finding the right balance between how much you need to carry it around and how much stability you need for your work.
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Best Storage Option: Maimeri Wood Sketchbox Easel

If you’re looking for an easel that doubles as a storage solution, the Maimeri Wood Sketchbox Easel is perfect. This well-designed easel features an integrated storage compartment, which helps keep your art supplies organized and easily accessible. Its compact form makes it an excellent addition to any art space, providing both style and functionality. This easel not only supports your canvases but also helps maintain a tidy workspace, allowing you to focus more on your creative process.

Available at Amazon
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