How to Choose the Perfect Easel for Your Art Style and Medium

Picking the right easel can feel like a big deal, especially if you’re eager to dive into painting or drawing. You might stand in front of all those easels at the store—or browse online—and wonder which one will truly support your art goals. Each easel type has its own perks, and choosing carefully can make your creative time more comfortable and enjoyable. This blog will guide you through everything you need to know in simple language. By the end, you’ll feel ready to pick an easel that fits your style, your space, and the art medium you love most.

Why the Right Easel Matters

When it comes to your art, having reliable equipment can make a big difference in how you work and how your final piece turns out. Imagine you’re trying to create a detailed painting, but your easel keeps wobbling each time you touch your brush to the canvas. That can disrupt your flow and your focus. Alternatively, if you’re working with heavy materials, you might need something sturdier to keep your canvas firmly in place.

An easel isn’t just a stand. It’s like a silent assistant that holds your canvas at the best angle for your eyes and wrists. If you have to bend down a lot or twist your body into odd shapes, you could end up with a stiff neck or back pain. So, it’s important to pick an easel that aligns with the way you like to paint or draw.

Popular Types of Easels

There are several kinds of easels out there, each designed for specific scenarios. Some stand tall on the floor, while others sit neatly on top of your desk. Below are a few of the most popular types you’ll come across.

Studio Easel

• Usually tall and sturdy.
• Often found in professional art studios.
• Can hold large canvases.
• Great for artists who have enough space and plan to work on bigger pieces.

Tabletop Easel

• Compact and sits on a table or desk.
• Ideal for small apartments or shared rooms.
• Folds away for easy storage.
• Perfect if you often paint smaller pieces or need something portable.

French Easel

• A classic design with a built-in box for your supplies.
• Portable and folds up into a briefcase shape.
• Fantastic for plein air (outdoor) painting.
• Some can hold medium to large canvases, but they might be less stable in high winds.

Convertible Easel

• Lets you switch between upright and horizontal positions.
• Helps if you enjoy different painting styles or mediums, such as watercolor and acrylics.
• Takes a bit more space, but offers flexibility in how you work.

Display Easel

• Often lighter and used to show finished artwork rather than paint on them.
• Not always stable enough for actual painting sessions.
• Good for art shows or home decoration.

Matching Your Easel to Your Medium

Not all art supplies behave the same way. Oils, acrylics, watercolors, and pastels each have unique needs. Let’s take a look at different mediums and which easel might serve them best.

Oil Painting

Oil painting can involve heavy canvases and layered applications. You might need a sturdy easel that can hold up well over time. Studio easels are popular with oil painters because they’re solid and give you room to step back and view your work from a distance. If you’re painting en plein air, a French easel could be a nice choice because you can pack everything up and head outdoors.

Acrylic Painting

Acrylic paints dry quickly, so you might not need to worry about wet paint for extended periods. Both studio and tabletop easels can work for acrylic painting, depending on the size of your canvas. If you like big, bold acrylic art, go for a standing easel. If you enjoy smaller or medium pieces, you might prefer a tabletop easel that you can easily tuck away when you’re done.

Watercolors

Watercolor artists often prefer a slight tilt or even a flat surface so the paint can move naturally across the paper. A convertible easel that can go horizontal or at least tilt significantly may be your best bet. If you only paint with watercolors on small sheets, a tabletop version might be enough. Just keep in mind you want something that can hold your paper or board without slipping.

Pastels

Pastels can be messy, and the dust tends to fall downward. Some artists like to work upright so the pastel dust falls away from the paper. A solid upright easel, such as a studio or French easel, can help. You may also consider an easel that has a small ledge or tray to catch dust. This keeps your working area neater, which is a big plus if you’re working at home.

Mixed Media

If you dabble in everything—collage, acrylic, watercolor, and more—consider an easel that’s easy to adjust. A convertible one could be a real gem since it gives you multiple angles. You can start upright for sketching, then tilt flat if you switch to a watercolor wash.

Factors to Consider Before Buying

There’s more to picking an easel than just the type of painting you do. Ask yourself these questions to find the perfect match.

How much space do you have?

• If you have a spacious room, a large studio easel might be great.
• If you’re in a small apartment, a compact tabletop or folding easel could be more practical.

What is your budget?

• Studio easels can be pricier, especially if they’re made of high-quality wood or metal.
• Tabletop easels are often more affordable and can be just as handy for smaller works.

How big are your canvases or paper sheets?

• Some easels can accommodate very large surfaces.
• Others might be designed for smaller pieces.

Do you paint outdoors a lot?

• If yes, look into a French easel or a portable stand that’s easy to carry.
• If you’re mostly indoors, a sturdier, heavier easel might be fine.

How important is angle adjustment?

• Watercolorists might want something that can lie flat.
• Oil painters often like having the canvas upright.

Are you focusing on one medium or many?

• A convertible easel offers flexibility for different mediums.
• A standard studio easel is perfect if you do mostly oils or acrylics.

Comparing Different Easels at a Glance

A quick look at the differences might help you narrow down your choices. Here’s a small table comparing the key features of three popular easel types:

This table gives you a snapshot. Of course, actual products vary in quality, but the general guidelines hold true.

Where to Buy an Easel

Many art stores sell easels, but it’s sometimes challenging to find a wide range of options in a single place. If you’d rather shop from a large selection, you might want to check out Blick Art Materials. They carry various easels—studio, tabletop, and even portable ones. It can be helpful to read product descriptions and customer reviews to find something that meets your needs. After you choose the style, you can also pick what material suits you—wood, aluminum, or a combination.

Easy Ways to Test Your Easel Setup

Once you’ve picked an easel, you want to make sure it feels right for you. There are simple tests you can do:

Height Check

• Stand or sit in the position you’d typically paint.
• Place your canvas or paper on the easel.
• See if you can comfortably reach the top, bottom, and middle areas without straining.

Stability Test

• Press lightly on the easel to see if it wobbles.
• If it moves too much, adjust any knobs or tighten screws.
• Place a canvas of the largest size you plan to use, and observe if the easel still feels solid.

Angle and Tilt

• Experiment with different angles if your easel allows for that.
• If you paint watercolors, tilt the easel flat or close to flat.
• If you prefer oils or acrylics, keep it upright.

Ease of Storage

• If your easel folds, try folding it and tucking it away.
• Make sure it fits into the storage space you set aside.
• If it doesn’t fold, see if you can roll or move it easily if you need to switch rooms.

Pros and Cons: Tabletop vs. Floor-Standing

While there are many designs, a common choice is between a tabletop easel and a floor-standing easel (like most studio or large adjustable stands). Each has pros and cons, depending on your situation. Let’s lay them out in a simple table to help you decide:

Reading these points can help you decide which style fits your workflow. If you love creating massive portraits or murals, you’ll probably lean toward a sturdy floor easel. If you mostly do smaller pieces or want something easy to pack away, a tabletop version is a great solution.

Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

Overlooking Your Medium

Some people choose a random easel without thinking about how they actually paint. If you do watercolors, a standard upright easel might not tilt enough.

Not Checking Weight Support

If you use thick boards or large canvases, a flimsy easel could collapse. Always check the weight capacity.

Ignoring Adjustability

Many assume any easel will work. But if you can’t adjust the angle, you might not be able to paint comfortably.

Buying the Cheapest Option

While saving money is nice, a super-cheap easel might not last. Look for decent quality within your budget.

Forgetting About Storage

You buy a large easel, only to realize you have nowhere to put it. Plan ahead for how you’ll store or display it.

Creating an Ideal Workspace Around Your Easel

Having a suitable easel is a big step, but let’s not forget the rest of your workspace. A cluttered or poorly lit area can make your creative time stressful. Here are some tips for a cozy art spot:

Proper Lighting

• Natural light is fantastic but isn’t always available. Use a daylight lamp or LED light when the sun isn’t around.
• Make sure you can see colors and details clearly without harsh shadows.

Organized Supplies

• Keep paints, brushes, and other materials within arm’s reach.
• Use containers or a small shelf so you’re not constantly searching for that favorite brush.

Ventilation

• If you’re working with oils or solvents, fresh air is important. Open windows or use a fan to help disperse fumes.

Protective Floor Cover

• Lay down a tarp or old sheet if you’re using messy paints.
• This prevents stains and makes cleanup simpler.

Comfortable Seating (if you sit)

• A stool or chair at the right height can save your back and neck.
• Adjust the seat so your arms aren’t overextended.

Final Thoughts

Choosing the perfect easel may seem like a small detail, but it can have a big impact on your creativity and comfort. If you’re using watercolors in a tiny apartment, a large studio easel might be more trouble than it’s worth. On the other hand, if you dream of massive oil paintings, a small tabletop stand could hold you back. Think about your medium, your space, and how often you plan to move the easel around.

Once you’ve figured out what you truly need, you’ll find plenty of options at art supply stores. If you prefer to browse a variety of styles in one place, you can take a look at Blick Art Materials, which offers everything from portable French easels to sturdy studio stands. Reading reviews can also help you pick something that’s popular among other artists who paint in a similar way.

Remember, your easel is like a reliable partner. It should hold your canvas steadily, give you the right angle, and help you see your work without straining. If you choose wisely, you’ll spend less time fighting wobbles or awkward positions and more time making art that excites you. Whether you prefer quick sketches with pastel, delicate watercolor washes, or bold acrylic strokes, there’s an easel out there that will fit your style perfectly.