Studio Easels: Everything You Need to Know
Buy studio easels built for serious artists. Explore adjustable, heavy-duty designs perfect for painting large canvases in a stable, upright position.
Whether you're a hobbyist painter or a professional artist, the right easel can improve both your workflow and comfort. A Studio Easel is a mainstay in many creative spaces. Designed to provide stability and versatility, this easel style is ideal for artists who work frequently and need a reliable setup. With many variations to choose from, each suited to different styles and environments, these easels offer a solid foundation for creating your best work.
Why a Studio Easel is an Essential Investment?
The Studio Easel stands out for its ability to handle larger canvases, adjust to different angles, and offer lasting durability. Most models are designed with the studio environment in mind, where space allows for a more permanent or semi-permanent setup. These easels tend to be heavier, sturdier, and more versatile than portable models.
Using this easel allows you to focus on your art without dealing with wobbles or shifting angles. Whether you prefer to sit or stand while painting, most options adjust in height and tilt to match your needs.
Types of Studio Easels
There are several kinds of easels available on the market. Each is designed to meet different artistic needs, from compact workspaces to multi-medium flexibility.
A-Frame Easels
Also called Lyre easels, these use a triangular design for support and are easy to move. They often fold flat for storage, making them good for smaller spaces.
Key Highlights:
- Ideal for oil & acrylic painters
- Easy to fold and store
- Fits well in corners
- Limited forward tilt options
H-Frame Easels
These easels have a sturdy rectangular structure that supports larger canvases and more intensive use. Their dual mast design offers extra strength.
Key Highlights:
- Strong and stable for heavy canvases
- Adjustable height and angle
- Common in professional studios
- Takes up more floor space
Convertible and Hybrid Easels
These versatile easels adjust for different mediums, tilt vertically for oils and acrylics, or lie flat for watercolors.
Key Highlights:
- Great for mixed media artists
- Adjustable to multiple angles
- Some fold flat for storage
- Usually larger and heavier
Single-Mast Easels
A simpler option, single-mast easels are compact and budget-friendly. They’re popular among students and artists with limited space.
Key Highlights:
- Affordable
- Lightweight and space-saving
- Basic functionality
- Less stable than H-Frame models
Wall Mounted Easels
These easels mount directly to the wall, saving floor space. Perfect for artists working in tight quarters.
Key Highlights:
- No floor space needed
- Ideal for limited-room studios
- Very stable
- Fixed location once mounted
Art Horses and Bench Easels
These combine a seat and easel in one, allowing artists to work while sitting comfortably, and are great for sketching and drawing.
Key Highlights:
- Ideal for drawing or dry media
- Combines seating and easel support
- Often used in art schools
- Good for posture during long sessions
Steel Tube Easels
Strong and durable, steel tube easels are often found in schools and universities. Artists who prefer a traditional wood look may opt for wooden alternatives at home.
Key Highlights:
- Very durable
- Great for classrooms
- Easy to clean
- Less adjustable than wood models
Workstations with Integrated Easels
These combine easels with built-in storage and are useful for artists who need organization and functionality in one unit.
Key Highlights:
- Ideal for multitasking artists
- Includes drawers and shelves
- Less mobility
- Great for full-time studio setups
Top Studio Easels You Can Buy
Here are some of the best options available under this category, each offering unique advantages based on your needs.
Daler-Rowney Studio Easel
Crafted from high-quality oiled beechwood, this easel offers excellent durability and a clean, classic look. It's designed to prevent wobbling and is easy to fold.
Key Features:
- Holds canvases up to 215 cm
- Compact and foldable design
- Adjustable height and tilt
- Lightweight for its size
Blick Studio Easels
Blick offers a wide range of easels with strong build quality and reasonable prices. Their convertible models are especially popular.
Top Picks:
- Blick Studio Convertible Easel
- Blick Oak Easel
- Blick Lyre Easel
Key Features:
- Premium wood construction
- Adjustable canvas support
- Convertible for multiple mediums
- Excellent value for cost
Best Studio Easels
Known for craftsmanship and durability, Best easels are built with solid oak and designed for long-term studio use.
Top Picks:
- Best Classic Dulce Easel
- Best Santa Fe II Easel
Key Features:
- Solid oak wood
- Professional-grade strength
- Wide base for stability
- Adjustable tray height
Richeson Studio Easels
Richeson offers versatile easels suitable for both beginners and professionals. Their Lyptus wood models are sustainably sourced and elegant.
Key Features:
- Sustainable Lyptus hardwood
- Smooth angle adjustments
- Variety of designs
- Affordable options available
Where to Buy Studio Easels?
To ensure quality and authenticity, it's best to buy from trusted sources. Two recommended platforms include:
- Blick Art Materials: Offers a large collection of easels, from budget to premium models. Also provides artist reviews, fast shipping, and satisfaction guarantees.
- Amazon: Great for user-generated reviews, fast delivery, and price comparisons. Be sure to buy from verified sellers for genuine products.
Final Thoughts
A Studio Easel is more than just a tool; it’s part of your creative environment. Whether you need something compact for your apartment or a heavy-duty option for a full studio, there’s a model designed for your needs. Take your time to assess your workspace, the media you use, and your painting style before choosing the right one.
With many types and features available, investing in a good-quality easel can make your creative sessions more focused, comfortable, and productive.
FAQs About Studio Easels
Can it be folded for storage?
Many models, especially A-frame and convertible easels, can be folded to save space when not in use.
Are these easels good for large canvases?
Yes. Most easels for studios are built to hold large and heavy canvases securely.
What is the difference between an A-frame and H-frame easel?
A-frame easels for studios are more compact and easier to move, while H-frame easels offer more support for heavier or larger canvases.
Do all easels support multiple painting angles?
Most do. Convertible easels, in particular, offer a wide range of tilt positions for different media.
