Easels

Easels date back to ancient times. The earliest known depiction of an easel exists in an Egyptian relief from the Fifth Dynasty, c. 2465 - 2323 BC. Easels have remained invaluable throughout history, evolving in design and functionality to meet the needs of artists across the ages.

An easel is an important investment, and the right easel to invest in depends entirely on when, where, and how you will work with yours. Easels are available in various forms, including studio easels, sketching and field easels, and table easels. Painting easels are usually made of beech wood, but can also be made from eucalyptus wood, pine, elm, basswood, aluminium, or steel.

The largest, sturdiest H-frame studio easels are ideal for large painting surfaces and are designed to provide a solid support to hold up against even the most heavy-handed of painters.

In contrast, a lightweight sketching or field easel can usually slip into a bag and is relatively portable, making it the ideal choice for plein air painting, or for taking to a class.

Between these two extremes are easels that store compactly, those that tilt for working flat when your painting media is susceptible to running, and those tailored for artists who work sitting down.

When the works are exhibition-ready, display easels help present work not hung on a wall, while print browsers are particularly useful for showing collections of unframed work.

It’s important to consider what will make a good fit with your creative practice. Below are some popular questions about easels.

Artist easels are useful for all artists who work with painting and drawing media, including oil paint, acrylic paint and watercolour paint, as well as ink, graphite and charcoal.

However, the type of easel you choose might depend on your preferred medium and technique. For instance, while traditional studio easels work well with oil and acrylic paints, pastel artists might prefer easels that can tilt forward to reduce residual dust from running down your work.

Read below for more information about choosing the right easel for you.

Choosing the right easel depends on your artistic practice, workspace, and personal preferences. Consider the following when selecting an easel:

Types of Easels:

• Studio Easels: Ideal for large-scale works and sole purpose studio spaces where easels can be left out in situ.
• Sketching and Field Easels: Portable and perfect for travelling and painting en plein air.
• Table Easels: Compact, suitable for small spaces and sitting positions.
• Pochade Boxes: Compact plein air boxes that hold small panels in their lid at an ideal position for painting.
• Plein Air Easels: Specifically designed for plein air painting.
• Display Easels: Designed to present finished artwork.

Mediums Used: Some easels are better suited for specific mediums. For instance, if you paint with watercolour, you might prefer an easel that can tilt forward to prevent high-fluid paint from running.

Workspace: Assess your workspace to ensure the easel will fit with plenty of room for access and any other necessary studio equipment. If you often paint outdoors, consider a lightweight and portable easel such as a plein air easel or a pochade box.

Versatility: Artist easels are built to enable you to adjust their height and angle, but some are more adjustable than others. If you regularly work at a large scale, or often move from standing to sitting positions when working, a crank handle easel will make it easier to change the height of your easel. Adjustable easels can either tilt forward to protect work in progress from falling pastel dust, or move to a horizontal position for high fluid media. They provide flexibility, ensuring comfort during long sessions and accommodating various art techniques and styles.

Remember, the requirements you demand of your easel may change. If you’re about to buy a new easel, it’s worth thinking about the media you are likely to work with, whether you prefer sitting or standing to paint, and whether you’re likely to need to move the easel around a lot on a day-to-day basis.

Ease of Assembly and Use: When they first arrive, a number of easels will require some assembly, while some just need to be folded out and are ready to use. Our Jackson’s easels are supplied with easy to follow instructions.

Additional Features: Some easels come with extra features like storage trays for brushes and painting tools. Box and table easels are great for storing paints and other art materials within their drawers. A number of field easels come with their own bag and shoulder strap or carry handle, making it easier to carry all the essentials for your outdoor painting session.

Maintaining and caring for your easel ensures its longevity and optimal performance, regardless of whether it's a studio easel, sketching easel, or table easel. Follow these tips to keep your easel in excellent condition:

Regular Cleaning: Remove any paint splatters or debris. Use a damp cloth to wipe down wooden parts and a soft brush for metal components. Avoid using harsh chemicals that could damage the finish.

Protect from Moisture: Keep your easel dry to prevent wood warping and metal rusting. If you paint with watercolour or other wet mediums, ensure the easel is completely dry before storing it.

Lubrication: For easels with adjustable parts, such as those with height and angle adjustments, regularly lubricate the moving joints with a light oil. This will ensure smooth operation and prevent squeaking.

You can also use linseed oil to help maintain the finish of your easel. Wood that has been fed linseed oil will not absorb paint spills and stain as easily, and is less likely to splinter. If your easel is lacquered it can be conditioned by rubbing a little beeswax into its surface with a soft rag.

Tighten Screws and Bolts: Periodically check and tighten any screws and bolts. These can loosen over time, affecting the stability of the easel.

Storage: Store your easel in a dry, cool place. If you have a studio easel, ensure it is placed in an area where it won't be bumped or knocked over. For portable easels like sketching easels or plein air easels, store them in a protective cover when not in use.

Avoid Overloading: Respect the weight limits of your easel. Overloading it with a heavy canvas or board can strain the structure and reduce its lifespan.

Surface Protection: Use easel accessories such as canvas holders and clamps to protect the surface of your easel from damage. These tools also help secure your canvas, preventing it from slipping during painting sessions.

By following these maintenance tips, you can ensure your easel remains a reliable and durable tool in your artistic practice.