of pressure or force on the canvas
surface, because they are much more
stable than other easels. Although
not designed for, “H-frame” easels
can fold flat (for storage) but they
still remain somewhat large and will
require a specific studio space so
they can live up to their potential.
One handy feature of both the
Medium and Large Studio Easels is the
inclusion of a double shelf. This small,
but very useful feature enables the artist
to easily put down brushes or paints
without looking for a nearby surface.
Another very popular type of easel
is the “A–frame”. These generally have
the familiar “A” shape with a single
supporting leg at the back. They come
in a variety of sizes and styles, and
a good choice would be the Prime
Art Workshop Easel that can take
canvases as large as 130cm, yet is
fully adjustable for smaller artworks
as well. It also has an adjustable
canvas support with a ratchet control
to move the shelf up or down to
the desired height, and can also be
modified to change the tilt of the
artwork. A unique anti-vibration inner
spring keeps the canvas supported.
“A-frame” easels also referred to,
as “Lyre Easels” are popular because
they are generally cheaper and more
lightweight than “H-frame” style easels.
They also sit neatly in a corner due
to the single back supporting leg.
Beginners often start with “A-frame”
easels and Prime Art has a basic
Student Studio Easel that is perfect
for the beginner. A feature is that this
easel has no central supporting bar,
although the shelf that holds the canvas
is adjustable. This makes it suitable
for artworks up to 90cm and best for
the child artist, as it has limited height
adjustment. All artists have to start
somewhere and this is the prefect
training easel if you happen to be
the parent of a budding Picasso!
Although easels are traditionally the
domain of acrylic and oil painters, Prime
Art has an interesting option called
a Watercolour Easel. This varnished
Beechwood finished product looks
like a cross between a traditional easel
and a fold away camping table! The
most unique feature is that it can be
adjusted to a completely flat horizontal
angle. Therefore, watercolours artists
can paint washes and do wet on
wet techniques and keep the paper
completely flat, as is required to prevent
the watercolour from running. Once
dry, the easel can be adjusted to a
more vertical tilt for the addition of small
features such as leaves or delicate
branches. It also has a small base
storage board. Although designed for
the specific needs of the watercolour
artist, the Prime Art Watercolour Easel
can still be used by other artists who
require the flexibility this easel provides.
Portable easels are a unique category
and Prime Art has a variety of options
for consideration. They have two basic
tripod style easels, one a Heavy Duty
Tripod Easel and the smaller Van Gogh
Sketch Easel. Both are made from
varnished Beechwood and feature
three retractable legs and a central
bar for support. These easels only
support smaller artworks so be sure
to take into account the size your
canvases when considering either of
these. Both are suitable for using as
a display stand if necessary. Once
again, check that the size and weight
of your display items are suitable.
If you are after an all-inclusive
options that includes a small easel
and storage space for a few brushes
and paints then the answer could be
the Prime Art Sketch Box Easel. It
features a “French Box” style easel with
a wooden palette and aluminium tray
with adjustable dividers. The top of the
French Box slides up to an angle and
has a supporting lid to hold the canvas.
Three tripod legs with adjustable
heights can be easily retracted and
clipped into the side of the box for
easy transport and storage. This all-
in-one option works best for painters
of small artworks who like to work with
a limited amount of art materials.
If you are the sort of artist who
does small artworks and only really
ventures as far as the kitchen table
then the Cezanne Table Box Easel
could be the one for you. It has a
small easel attached to a wooden
case with a slide draw for storage.Student
EaselSmall Table
Box EaselTable Box
EaselEasel BookstandCezanne Box Table Easel