Portable Easels: The Best Options for Travel and Small Spaces

Creating art outdoors or in compact spaces requires tools that match the pace and setting. That’s where a portable easel comes in. Designed for mobility and versatility, these easels offer artists the freedom to paint anywhere, from sunlit parks to small home studios. In this article, you’ll find everything you need to know about choosing the right easel for portability, the best models to consider, and where to buy them.

Why Choose a Portable Easel?

The biggest benefit of this easel is flexibility. Unlike studio easels, which stay fixed in one place, portable ones fold down, weigh less, and are easy to carry. Whether you're working on oil, watercolor, acrylic, or pastel, these easels can handle a range of techniques and media.

A well-made portable art easel supports your work while keeping supplies close. Many even come with built-in storage, adjustable angles, and extendable legs to suit both seated and standing positions.

Key Features to Look For:

• Adjustability: Allows you to work at different angles and heights.
• Storage Options: French portable easel for painting and sketchbox styles have space for brushes, paint, and more.
• Weight: Lighter easels are easier to carry, but heavier ones offer better stability.
• Canvas Size Capacity: Some easels can handle large canvases up to 72".
• Material: Wood and aluminum are common; wood offers a classic feel, while metal is lighter.

Need help deciding which easel is right for your needs? Browse Blick’s full selection here to find your perfect match.

Types of Portable Art Easel

When shopping for a portable art easel, it's useful to know the various types available. Each one is designed with a specific kind of artist or use in mind.

French Style Easels

French easels offer a mix of portable easel stand and storage box. When fully opened, they resemble a studio easel. When packed, they become compact boxes with handles. Artists love them for outdoor work thanks to their built-in drawer and tripod legs.

Sketchbox Easels

These easels are similar to French easels but often simpler in design. They include storage compartments and can double as tabletop easels. Great for artists with limited space.

Pochade Boxes

Small and compact, this portable easel for painting is perfect for plein air painting. The lid acts as the easel surface, making it ideal for working on small canvases or panels.

Folding Tripod Easels

Lightweight and easy to carry, these easels are often made of aluminum or wood. Many tripod models fold down into compact shapes, which are perfect for quick setups.

Top Portable Easel Brands

If you're planning to invest in a portable art ease, here's a quick look at some of the most popular models:

Art Alternatives

Art Alternatives Sketchbox Easel is a budget-friendly pick made from lightweight wood, suitable for both beginners and hobbyists.

• Top Product: Art Alternatives Marquis Easel
• Key Features:
  • Beechwood build
  • Compact and foldable
  • Integrated drawer and palette

artPOP!

These easels offer a colorful, modern design with portability in mind. Great for casual outdoor sessions.

• Top Products: artPOP! Sketchbox Easel, artPOP! French Easel
• Key Features:
  • Vibrant finish
  • Built-in compartments
  • Lightweight with an easy carrying handle

Blick

Blick offers a range of portable art easels stands from classic French styles to simple sketchbox options.

• Top Products: Blick French Easel by Jullian, Blick Studio Sketchbox Easel
• Key Features:
  • Sturdy beechwood construction
  • Adjustable angles and legs
  • Built-in drawer for supplies

Conda

Conda provides affordable and lightweight solutions ideal for students or beginners.

• Top Products: Conda French Easel, Conda Sketchbox Easel
• Key Features:
  • Portable design
  • Built-in compartments
  • Simple setup

Daler-Rowney

Known for their traditional craftsmanship, Daler-Rowney’s portable easel for painting is ideal for outdoor professionals.

• Top Product: Daler-Rowney Simply French Easel
• Key Features:
  • Oil-finished wood
  • Smooth adjustments
  • Folds into a compact box

Guerrilla Painter

Popular among plein air painters, Guerrilla easels are built for serious travel and studio-grade quality.

• Top Products: Guerrilla 9x12 Pochade Box, Guerrilla French Resistance Easel
• Key Features:
  • Rugged build
  • Versatile for all media
  • Tripod compatible

Jullian Paris

Jullian offers premium handcrafted French easels made from oiled wood and brass hardware.

• Top Products: Jullian Original French Easel, Jullian Escort Easel
• Key Features:
  • Classic design
  • Adjustable for large canvases
  • Built-in drawer and palette

KraftGeek

A newer name in the market, KraftGeek offers innovative designs with modern utility.

• Top Product: KraftGeek Lightweight Travel Easel
• Key Features:
  • Travel-focused design
  • Ultra-light aluminum
  • Quick setup

Mabef

Italian-made with fine craftsmanship, Mabef easels are a top choice for professionals.

• Top Products: Mabef French Easel M/22, Mabef Sketchbox Easel M/23
• Key Features:
  • Oiled beechwood
  • Integrated drawer & palette
  • Adjustable tripod legs

Meeden

Known for high-quality art materials, Meeden makes travel-friendly easels with solid features.

• Top Products: Meeden French Easel, Meeden Pochade Box
• Key Features:
  • Smooth adjustable legs
  • Durable hardwood
  • Storage built-in

New Wave Art

New Wave Art focuses on portability and innovative Pochade box designs.

• Top Products: New Wave u.go Plein Air Box, u.go Anywhere Easel
• Key Features:
  • Sleek, modern design
  • Magnetic surfaces
  • Tripod compatibility

Pro Art

Offers simple and affordable options for beginners and travelers.

• Top Product: Pro Art Sketchbox Easel
• Key Features:
  • Basic folding design
  • Built-in storage
  • Lightweight and compact

Richeson

Combining form and function, Richeson’s portable easels are built for strength and ease of use.

• Top Products: Richeson French Easel, Weston Half Box Easel
• Key Features:
  • Hardwood finish
  • Large internal drawer
  • Stable tripod frame

Sienna

Sienna's high-end pochade boxes are designed specifically for plein air painting.

• Top Products: Sienna Plein Air Pochade Box, Sienna Supply Box
• Key Features:
  • Sleek walnut finish
  • Compact but spacious
  • Tripod compatible

Testrite

Testrite offers ultra-light metal easels suited for travel and quick setup.

• Top Product: Testrite Aluminum Field Easel
• Key Features:
  • Lightweight aluminum frame
  • Telescoping legs
  • Great for quick plein air sessions

Where to Buy a Portable Easel?

You can buy a portable easel stand from several trusted retailers, but two stand out for variety, quality, and customer service:

• Blick Art Materials: Blick offers one of the widest selections of easels, with detailed specs and helpful reviews.
• Amazon: Convenient for fast shipping and broad selection. Be sure to check product reviews and ratings before placing an order.

Final Thoughts

A portable art easel isn’t just a tool, but an extension of your creative space. Whether you're painting outdoors, in a small studio, or at home, the right easel helps you stay organized and focused. With so many styles and brands to choose from, it’s worth taking a little time to figure out what fits your workflow and art style best.

From French-style easels with storage to light aluminum tripods, there’s something for everyone. And if you want reliable quality, brands like Blick, Mabef, and Richeson won’t let you down.

FAQs About Portable eEasel for Painting

What is the difference between a sketchbox and a French easel?

Both offer storage and portability, but French easels include tripod legs and more adjustability, making them better for plein air painting.

Can I use this easel for large canvases?

Yes. Some models can hold canvases up to 72", though you’ll need to check product specs before buying.

Are metal or wooden easels better?

Wooden easels offer stability and a traditional feel, while metal easels are lighter and often easier to carry.

Do all portable easel stands come with storage?

No. Sketchbox and French easels usually do. Tripod and pochade boxes vary, so check before buying.

Where is the best place to buy one?

Blick Art Materials and Amazon are top choices for selection, quality, and customer support.