The best easels for every taste and color for children and adults who are seriously involved in the fine arts.

The best floor easels

Floor easels are quite bulky, but for working with large canvases they are the most convenient.

Easel Malevich studio ML-06 (ML-26)

A real titan among all floor easels, which is a huge frame with a maximum height of 265 cm and a width of as much as 65 cm. Of course, it is not the largest of all existing ones, but it weighs 17 kg.

Easels of this size are used to work on really large canvases. Unlike some monolithic racks, this one is able to take even a horizontal position.

The shelf here is double, and you can place some materials in it. For convenience, four wheels are attached to the base, allowing you to easily move the easel around the workshop. All adjustment knobs have black plastic grips.

Advantages:

• Adjustment up to horizontal position;
• Convenient shelf;
• Wheels for moving.

Flaws:

• Considerable weight;
• Suitable only for spacious rooms.

It is impossible to work on such an easel at home — only in a special workshop. For its adjustment, the help of another person is desirable, as this can be dangerous. Everything must be securely fastened.

If you are a professional artist with a large space to work (studio), then there is no better option for accommodating large-scale canvases.

DinArt Lira (MLS-175-SS-PL-5070)

The floor-mounted lyre easel on a tripod is great for working in studios, spacious rooms or in special workshops. Height and tilt are adjustable, and the removable shelf has two holes for placing cups from the kit in them.

The material of the easel is pine, therefore, with its dimensions (175 cm in height when unfolded), it does not seem too heavy. The minimum height can be only 55 cm — quite a bit for such a big thing.

The mast is stationary, and the two front legs are interconnected by a crossbar holding it from below. The kit comes with a plywood board measuring 50×70, which is quite impressive.

Advantages:

• The kit already includes cups and a tablet;
• Height and tilt adjustment;
• Relatively lightweight.

Flaws:

• Not very strong construction.

With incredible cheapness for such a lyre, its strength leaves much to be desired. As they say, the larger the cabinet, the louder it falls. When falling from its own height, the easel can simply break. But with relatively careful handling, he will remain safe and sound, which will allow him to serve more than one generation of future artists.

The best table easels

This group contains the best easels designed to work at the table at home or in the workshop. They are suitable for those who do not have the opportunity to position the floor model due to lack of space.

Easel Malevich ML-57 in a starter set for painting with acrylics (830208)

The most classic table easel is often used in art schools. The height of the holder on the canvas clamp mast is adjustable, and the tilt is securely fixed with two small twist-on «keys». Production material — wood.

This easel is ideal for beginners who want to try their hand at painting. But thanks to its height (102 cm), it is able to hold even large canvases.

The kit includes: canvas on cardboard, round and several flat synthetic brushes, 7 tubes of acrylic paint in primary colors (blue, green, red, yellow, black, white and brown).

Advantages:

• Drawing materials in the set;
• Durability;
• Convenient adjustment;
• Good headroom;
• Reasonable price.

Flaws:

• Not sold in all stores.

One of the few easels to which there are no complaints: solid assembly, high-quality material (beech) and adjustment for almost any inclination. This kit is ideal for beginner artists who want to get started right away.

Pinax TE-05B large

The beech product in the form of a box offers not only the functionality of an easel, but can also be used to store and transport brushes with paints. The drawer slides out to the right by the tongues, which close it — just pull on their edges. Inside has 4 compartments.

The mast is retractable. The maximum height of the easel is 70 cm with a length and width of 36×42 cm. The canvas perfectly holds the desired position, and the second part of the mast extends to the right of the top one, serving as an additional stand for large works. However, this is not always convenient, unless you put the easel on the very edge of the table.

Since the easel does not stand out for its impressive size, there will be nowhere for a large canvas to fit on it. But for home sketches it is more than enough.

Advantages:

• Convenient transportation;
• Height and width adjustment;
• Ability to store materials.

Flaws:

• Relatively small size.

One of the best easels with the ability to store paints. Not everyone will be comfortable with a stand that slides down, but it is unlikely that it will be needed at all. One of the advantages of this easel over others is that the drawer is pulled out at the right time, and does not always remain open when raised. And it is on the side, not behind.

Moscow palette Gamma, pastel organizer (2308199)

Small compared to the rest of the easel is equipped with three drawers. It belongs to sketchbooks, because it allows you to take up drawing at any time and in any place, having only this beech suitcase and a sheet of pastel paper with you.

The bottom drawer is deeper than the top two and is not divided by partitions — it is convenient to store small sheets of paper or some other materials (for example, sanguine, sepia and charcoal) in it. The upper ones have five small compartments for different colors of pastels.

Advantages:

• Quality tree;
• Convenient organization of storage;
• Affordable price.

Flaws:

• Materials may be damaged in transit.

Unfortunately, when transporting directly in the sketchbook, the pastel can suffer greatly due to shaking. For this reason, it is better to use the easel exclusively at the table, without moving it from place to place. There will be no problems at all if you prefer oil in small tubes for work.

Malevich ML-21 (131021)

A wonderful weighted easel that can hold small tubes of acrylic and brushes. The device has a horizontal orientation and a folding stand, on which a canvas or tablet is placed. Inside there are three compartments, one of which is adapted for brushes or pencils.

The handle is positioned so that when carrying the suitcase, its orientation will be vertical, which, when unfastening the tabs, will not allow the box to fall out (at least not immediately).

Advantages:

• Convenient storage of materials;
• Compartment for brushes;
• Possibility of carrying.

Flaws:

• Limited adjustment.

You can adjust the tilt only with the help of a wooden leg, resting it against the sills on the very base. This means that the easel is very limited in terms of tilt, but for its price, this is not a very serious drawback.

Cappelletto transparent (CT-18 PLEX)

Unusual transparent stand is suitable for creating simple drawings due to its horizontal format and dimensions. The tilt is conveniently adjustable, and the mast extends to a total height of 57 cm. But to place the sheet, you will have to find a substrate or buy a tablet in size.

Transparent plastic raises some doubts, but with careful handling will last a long time. In addition to sketching, this tabletop easel is great for working on detailed drawings or restoring book covers, as well as other small and painstaking work.

Advantages:

• Multifunctional stand;
• Convenient design;
• Convenient for long work.

Flaws:

• Lack of sheet support;
• Fragile material.

The transparent stand is designed for working with blueprints. It is light enough that it can be removed from the table or put back on the easel at any time.

The best field easels and sketchbooks

Outdoor plein-airs require strong but lightweight easels with drawers for storing art materials.

Julian JB45 Vintage

The premium mast easel is made of oak. The mast is retractable and adjustable, as is the overall height of the sketchbook. The legs have two adjustment points: in one, the inclination changes, and in the second, the length. To fix the position of the easel, the front leg is equipped with a limiter.

The shelf is hinged, and the drawer has an internal metal finish that protects the wood. Partitions can be moved or removed altogether.

The height of the shelf is adjustable, and the sketchbook itself is able to hold even very large canvases with the correct installation and fixation of all parts. The front leg folds in half, the other two are telescopic. The whole structure folds into a convenient box, which can be additionally placed in a bag.

Advantages:

• Chic design;
• Impeccable quality of all materials;
• Durable oak with metallic finish;
• Convenient adjustment;
• Bag included.

Flaws:

• Wooden legs;
• High price.

The sketchbook fully justifies its high cost. Made from oak, it is much more durable and durable than other wooden easels. Small caps on the ends of the legs will keep it from slipping, and a bag will prevent accidental scratches.

Pinax TE-04B

A wonderful easel from manufacturers of high quality art materials at a low price. The tool is portable and looks like a box, under the lid of which there are several compartments for storing paints. The canvas support is on the lid and the mast extends to 56.5cm from base to edge.

The easel is made of wood, has a handle, like a suitcase, for easy transportation, and the lid is held by latches-ties that firmly fix it. Under the sheet, a solid base is provided — such a solution is practically not found in other sketchbooks.

Advantages:

• Comfortable medium size;
• Departments for materials;
• Adjustable height and tilt;
• High quality workmanship;
• Affordable price.

Flaws:

• The tripod needs to be purchased separately.

This design will be convenient to use as a sketchbook — just add adjustable legs. An easel is also suitable for desktop installation, but due to the wide lower part, it may simply not have enough space.

Sketchbook Malevich ML-82 (152082)

An incredible sketchbook that differs from others in its extraordinary functionality and unusually gloomy design. Against the backdrop of classic models, this one is a real find.

Its legs are made of metal, have rubber tips at the ends and are conveniently adjustable. The lid is held by simple metal ties, on the side of which there is also a handle for transportation. If it is inconvenient for you to carry the suitcase by the handle in an upright position, a strap is included. Despite its size, the sketchbook is quite light — only 3 kg.

From the outside, when the lid is lifted, you can immediately see the opening shelf and the rising mast with height adjustment. The inner part is movable and is a drawer that slides out from the side of the hinges.

Advantages:

• High build quality and manufacturing materials;
• Functional and comfortable;
• Reliable legs;
• Adjustable mast;
• Palette included;
• Light weight.

Flaws:

• Bulky, but not too roomy.

This sketchbook can be praised forever until you become its owner. The problem is immediately revealed that the black palette is not always convenient and you will have to buy another one. The whole structure is quite bulky, but it will not work to put a lot of materials here. But the extravagant design of the easel will allow you to stand out from the crowd.

Podolsk Goods Sketchbook for artists, large (16B2)

The simplest sketchbook, popular among beginner artists and students. Three legs, made of metal, are adjustable in length at two points and change position at the third — at the very base. Thanks to this, the device is very easy to put anywhere and in any convenient position.

The sharp metal legs allow you to dig into the ground for even more stability, as it is primarily a field easel. The supports are extended by 90 cm, which allows the sketchbook to reach about a meter when closed.

The inner drawer is divided into 6 compartments, one of which is suitable for storing brushes, and the others for paints, oilers, jars and rags. The kit includes a palette (unfortunately not varnished) and an additional lid to prevent the contents from rolling.

The lid is closed with the help of arcs, which are tightly tightened with keys after being fixed on both parts of the sketchbook. They also serve as two masts and holding «hooks» for work. The tilt of the lid is adjustable and fixed.

Advantages:

• capacity;
• Sturdy metal legs;
• Thoughtful storage of materials;
• Affordable price.

Flaws:

• The legs can fly out of the mounts;
• The palette is not varnished.

Mostly men of this size choose sketchbooks, because for girls this option will be too heavy and large. When assembling the easel, be sure to tighten the legs when folding them in — if they are loose in the mount, they can fly off and the spring at the bottom of the leg will fire weakly.

Easel Julian Tripod (JAL-W)

A classic tripod is suitable for plein-air trips if you do not want to carry a huge box full of paints with you. The legs of the easel are adjustable in length in two places. The shelf is mounted on two legs, and the mast is located on top, being fixed in almost any position.

The easel is made of aluminum and painted black. The maximum height is quite large — as much as 185 cm, which is very good for a light tripod weighing only 2 kg. The model is able to hold canvases up to 85 cm in size along the long side. A bag is included for carrying.

Advantages:

• Bag included;
• Occupies any position;
• Good headroom;
• Little weight.

Flaws:

• The canvas can swing when pressed;
• Lack of a box for paints and tools.

When placing the canvas on a tripod, there is a problem of slight instability. If the canvas is too large, then when you press on the edge, it will swing. This is due to the lack of supporting beams on top, because only a shelf, a mast and two legs from below hold the canvas. The problem is solved by using a frame or tablet.

Pinax FE-4 double-sided, small

The narrow model is a combination of a classic sketchbook and an easel with an adjustable mast — it is stored in the lid, and the drawer slides out from the inside. There are 4 closable compartments inside.

The maximum height with the mast extended is 184 cm. Unlike most sketchbooks, the legs are attached not to the bottom, but to the sides. Their length is regulated only at one point, and they themselves are made of wood.

One of the inconveniences of the sketchbook may be that almost all the elements stick out, not constituting an integral structure. Carrying such an easel may not be very convenient, but simply taking it out of the house into the yard and bringing it back is not difficult.

Advantages:

• Resistant;
• Maximum height adjustment;
• Closed compartments for materials.

Flaws:

• Wooden legs serve less than metal ones;
• Lots of loose parts.

You will have to get used to the unusual design of this easel. Wooden legs, by definition, are short-lived: damp soil or just wet asphalt will gradually destroy them. But for dry weather or work under a canopy, or even indoors, it is quite suitable.

The best children’s easels

These models do not belong to serious easels for artists, but they are ideal for the creativity of kids. Such designs are convenient and safe.

Children’s easel KidKraft double-sided Deluxe

This premium wood easel is available in three colors: black, coffee and white. Like all children’s easels, it is double-sided, but made in a restrained style.

Above the boards is a crossbar for placing a roll of paper (included in the set). In addition to shelves for chalk, markers and sponges, at the very bottom there is another large square shelf for storing drawings. The set includes two cups, a sponge and drawing paper.

The chalk board is made in the style of school boards, so it will last a very long time before scratches and stains begin to appear on it. The height of the easel is 1.22 cm, which will allow the child to draw comfortably, even when he grows up.

Advantages:

• High-quality manufacturing materials;
• Reliability and durability;
• Sufficient height;
• Extended equipment;
• Bilateral execution.

Flaws:

• Big price;
• The height is not adjustable.

The cost of this not at all toy easel is fully justified by the quality of all components. If you want to buy a thing that will last your child for several years, KidKraft Deluxe is definitely your option.

Children’s easel Step2 (868500)

The reversible children’s easel encourages children to express themselves through creativity. The material is light plastic, but the design is stable due to the large width (125 cm at a height of 109) and weight of almost 12 kg.

There are as many as eight removable compartments for any kind of art supplies. This is complemented by a non-removable narrow tray right under the board, where you can store pencils and other little things. Of the nice bonuses: not too bright colors and clothespins for paper on the marker side of the board.

Advantages:

• Quality materials;
• Paper clips included;
• A large number of drawers;
• Stable construction.

Flaws:

• Not all drawers are fixed;
• High price.

An excellent easel not only for teaching, but also for storing pencils with markers. Due to the abundance of drawers, it will be an excellent organizer for your baby’s art supplies.

Nika children’s easel double-sided Growing (M2L)

The floor flapper easel for the smallest (from 1.5 years old) will “grow” with the child. The maximum height of the working surfaces is 108 cm. There is a white magnetic marker board on one side, and a black one on the other for drawing and writing with chalk.

The design is complemented by bright bills and a wide organizer for storing accessories. The kit includes colored crayons, numbers and letters on magnets, a paper clip (aka a chalk holder).

Advantages:

• Sturdy metal frame;
• Foldable design;
• Adjustable height;
• Convenient organizer;
• Two types of work surfaces;
• Rich equipment;
• Affordable price.

Flaws:

• Weak magnets, sometimes falling out of letters;
• Over time, the black side of the board becomes unusable.

For the development of the creative abilities of the baby, this board is ideal. But it is best to use it exactly as an easel, fixing sheets of paper on the surface with a funny clip. So she will serve until the school itself.

Which easel is better to buy

When choosing an easel, you need to know exactly in what conditions it will be used and what is required of it in the first place.

• If you are a professional artist who works not only in the studio, but also in nature, then the best option would be a sketchbook with metal legs.
• Tripods are a great field option if you can’t carry heavy boxes.
• Classic wooden lyre easels are suitable for work exclusively in workshops.
• For students of art schools, at first, a desktop model will suffice.

The service life of the easel depends on the materials of manufacture. A sketchbook with wooden legs, when used outdoors, will last much less than a similar model with a metal tripod. An almost completely wooden easel made of beech or pine due to its low weight can completely fall off from the wind.