How to Choose the Right Easel for Your Artistic Practice: A Comprehensive Guide

Choosing the right easel is a vital step in any artist’s journey. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced artist, the easel you choose will significantly impact your creative process. In this guide, we’ll break down the key factors to consider when selecting an easel, from the space you’ll be working in to the type of medium you use and offer some recommendations for different needs and budgets.

1. Where You’ll Be Working & Recommended Easels

The first consideration in choosing an easel is your working environment. Whether you’re painting in a studio, outdoors, or in a small apartment, your workspace will determine the type of easel that best suits your needs. Here are some recommended easels based on where you’ll be working:

Studio/Workshop: If you have a dedicated art studio, a larger, more robust easel is ideal. Standing easels, whether traditional wooden ones or adjustable metal models, are perfect for supporting large canvases and offering flexibility in height and tilt. These are suitable for artists working with oil or acrylics on large formats.
- Recommended Easel: Mabef M/02, M/08, M/30, M/33
Small or Shared Space: In a compact or shared space, a tabletop easel is often the best choice. These easels are smaller, lightweight, and can easily be stored when not in use, making them perfect for smaller paintings or drawings.
- Recommended Easel: Mabef M/06, M/07, M/09, M/18
Outdoor or Traveling: For plein air artists or those who like to paint on location, a travel easel is a great option. These easels are lightweight, foldable, and portable, designed to be set up quickly for outdoor painting.
- Recommended Easel: MABEF FOLDING EASEL & U.GO PLEIN AIR POCHADE BOXES

2. What Medium You Work With

The type of medium you use will heavily influence the kind of easel that is best for you. Different mediums require different support to ensure your work is stable and comfortable while you paint.

Oil & Acrylic Painting: These mediums are often heavier and require a sturdy easel that can hold large canvases. A standing easel with adjustable height and a wide base is ideal. Wood is a popular material for oil and acrylic painting easels because it offers stability and can support larger, heavier canvases.

Recommended Easels for Oil & Acrylic Painting:

Model	Key Features	Best For
MABEF M/02 Studio Easel	Heavy-duty, double mast, crank height adjustment, supports large canvases	Professional oil & acrylic artists, large works
MABEF M/04 Lyre Easel	A-frame design, adjustable height and tilt, sturdy for medium to large canvases	Home studios, intermediate to advanced painters
MABEF M/08 Studio Easel	Extra-large support, adjustable tilt and height, heavy-duty beech wood	Large-scale oil & acrylic work, professional studios
MABEF M/09 Studio Easel	Similar to M/08 but slightly lighter, still offers excellent stability and tilt	Medium to large oil & acrylic paintings
MABEF M/18 Convertible Easel	Convertible between vertical and horizontal positions, ideal for mixed media	Oil, acrylic, and mixed media, versatile use
MABEF M/32 Giant Folding Easel	Heavy-duty, large canvas support, foldable for easy transport	Large-scale work, portable studio setups

Best Choices Based on Use Case:

For Large Canvases & Professional Work: M/02, M/08, M/32
For Medium to Large Works: M/04, M/09
For Mixed Media & Versatility: M/18 Convertible Easel
For Portability with Large Works: M/32 Giant Folding Easel

Watercolour: Watercolour artists usually work on lighter paper, which doesn’t require as much support. A smaller, adjustable easel is often sufficient, and some watercolourists prefer a tilt function to prevent water from pooling on the paper.

Recommended Easels for Watercolour Painting:

Model	Key Features	Best For
MABEF M/18 Convertible Easel	Converts between vertical and horizontal positions, perfect for water flow control	Professional watercolourists, mixed media
MABEF M/14 Table Easel	Compact, adjustable angle, tabletop design, ideal for smaller watercolour works	Small spaces, casual watercolour painting
MABEF M/29 Folding Easel	Lightweight, foldable, tilt-adjustable, easy to transport for plein air watercolour work	Outdoor painting, travel artists
MABEF M/26 Oil/Watercolour Easel	Designed specifically for watercolor and oil, adjustable tilt, sturdy beechwood	Versatile use, oil and watercolour artists
MABEF M/32 Giant Folding Easel	Heavy-duty, supports large canvases, tilt-adjustable for water flow control	Large-scale watercolour works, studios

Best Choices Based on Use Case:

For Versatility & Water Flow Control: M/18 Convertible Easel
For Small or Tabletop Work: M/14 Table Easel
For Outdoor Watercolour Painting: M/29 Folding Easel, M/26 Easel
For Large Watercolour Pieces: M/32 Giant Folding Easel

Drawing & Sketching: Artists who work primarily with pencils, charcoal, or pastels often use smaller easels. Look for a lightweight easel that can support sketch pads or small canvases. A slanted tabletop easel is a good choice for these mediums to ensure comfort and visibility.

Recommended Easels for Drawing & Sketching:

Model	Key Features	Best For
MABEF M/14 Table Easel	Compact, adjustable angle, ideal for smaller works and sketchpads	Tabletop sketching, small spaces, detailed drawings
MABEF M/19 Field Easel	Lightweight, foldable, portable, suitable for outdoor sketching	Outdoor sketching, plein air work
MABEF M/07 Lyre Easel	A-frame design, good stability, adjustable canvas height	Medium-sized sketches, indoor use, casual sketching
MABEF M/18 Convertible Easel	Dual use as a tabletop or floor easel, versatile for sketching and mixed media	Versatile use, both sitting and standing sketching
MABEF M/27 Folding Easel with Brackets	Portable, lightweight, foldable, includes extra brackets for support	Large sketchpads, outdoor work, easy transport

Best Choices Based on Use Case:

For Small Spaces or Table Work: M/14 Table Easel
For Outdoor Sketching: M/19 Field Easel
For Versatile Use: M/18 Convertible Easel
For Stability & Larger Sketches: M/07 Lyre Easel

Pastel & Mixed Media: If your work involves mixed media or pastels, look for an easel that can securely hold a variety of materials. Many artists prefer flat surfaces for pastels or easels with adjustable angles for collage work.
- Recommended Easel: Mabef M/08 Studio Easel – A versatile easel that can hold a variety of materials and provides excellent support for mixed media projects.

3. Your Personal Needs & Technique

Your working habits and preferred techniques also play a role in selecting the right easel. Some artists prefer working while seated, while others may prefer to stand. The functionality of the easel can affect your comfort and creativity.

Standing or Sitting: If you plan to work while seated, look for an easel with adjustable height so you can work comfortably at a lower level. For those who prefer standing, an easel that adjusts to different heights and angles can help reduce strain during long painting sessions.
Flexibility: If you use multiple mediums or work on different canvas sizes, a versatile easel with adjustability features is key. Models with adjustable height, width, and tilt will help accommodate a variety of materials and techniques.
Stability: Stability is especially important when working with large canvases or heavier mediums. Choose an easel with a broad base or solid construction to prevent wobbling or tipping as you work.

4. Price vs. Functionality

When choosing an easel, it’s important to balance your budget with the functionality you need. Whether you’re a beginner or a professional, there are easels available at every price point, offering a range of features.

Budget-Friendly: If you’re just starting out, a basic tabletop or small standing easel is a cost-effective choice. These options offer the essential features you need without breaking the bank.
Mid-Range: For those who need more flexibility and stability, a mid-range easel will provide additional adjustability and durability. This is a good option for artists who want to upgrade their equipment without going for premium options.
- Recommended Easel: The Expression Lyre Easel EX111 is a mid-range option that balances functionality and affordability. Crafted from quality wood, it features a simple ratchet control for adjusting canvas height and can hold canvases up to 126 cm.
  This easel is suitable for various techniques and mediums, making it a versatile choice for artists looking to upgrade their workspace without investing in premium studio equipment.
Premium Options: High-end easels are built to last and are ideal for professional artists. If you plan to invest in a top-quality easel, look for features like enhanced adjustability, sturdiness, and durability for large-scale paintings or heavy materials.
- Recommended Easel: If you’re ready to invest in a top-tier easel, the MABEF M/02 offers outstanding quality, durability, and performance for professional and large-scale projects.

Conclusion: Finding Your Perfect Easel

Selecting the right easel depends on your artistic needs, the space where you work, the medium you use, and your personal preferences. Whether you’re working with oils, acrylics, watercolour, or drawing, there’s an easel that can help you work comfortably and efficiently. By considering the type of medium, your technique, and your budget, you’ll be able to find an easel that enhances your creative process and helps you produce your best work.

If you’re unsure which easel is best for you, feel free to reach out! I’m always happy to share advice and help you find the perfect fit for your artistic journey.

How to Choose the Right Easel for Your Artistic Practice: A Comprehensive Guide