Artists, what brand of easel would you recommend?
February 9, 2009 4:15 PM Subscribe
I'm feeling arty. Help me choose an easel.
I'm hunting for a sturdy, free-standing (not tabletop) easel for painting and drawing. Ideally, it would have some kind of attached holder for paints and brushes. I don't have the cash to shell out for an ultra fancy variety, but I might be willing to spend, say, 100 bucks if that's what it takes to find one that doesn't wobble.
Thanks, guys.
I'm hunting for a sturdy, free-standing (not tabletop) easel for painting and drawing. Ideally, it would have some kind of attached holder for paints and brushes. I don't have the cash to shell out for an ultra fancy variety, but I might be willing to spend, say, 100 bucks if that's what it takes to find one that doesn't wobble.
Thanks, guys.
This might work if you want to save money and have tools at your disposal.
posted by carefulmonkey at 4:42 PM on February 9, 2009
posted by carefulmonkey at 4:42 PM on February 9, 2009
I use this "Rolling Painting Table." The brush and solvent holders are extremely useful, and the glass makes a fine palette. It was easy to assemble and it's sturdy -- sometimes I paint vigorously, and it does not wobble. The only drawback is the size limitation -- if you like to work larger than 16x20-ish, it really won't work well.
posted by Marit at 5:09 PM on February 9, 2009
posted by Marit at 5:09 PM on February 9, 2009
The "French Easel" was invented around the time of the impressionists to enable them to paint outdoors. It holds a palette and has a drawer for brushes and paint tubes, and assorted other artist junk. A french easel is a good thing for any artist to have, especially if you plan on painting outdoors. Jullian makes the Mercedes of the portable easel. A cheaper version should last through years of reasonably hard use. Don't fall over the easel while drunk, etc... Check out this link for non-mercedes quality versions. $54 is a good price.
posted by clydesteadman at 5:10 PM on February 9, 2009
I've got a uber H-frame easel and I wish I didn't... It's way too big for what I need. Instead of the easel I often use some plastic sheeting tumbtacked to the wall and a couple nails to hang the painting I'm working on. I've got a little rolling drawer thing to keep the paint in. Cheapest easel ever and very effective for me.
I'd suggest against an easel that can go all the way down to a flat table (h-frames), they are expensive and gigantic and don't fold up well.
One great thing about the standard three legged (a-frame) easel is that it stores really well, you can slide it under a bed.
This one is under 100 where I shop. I can't vouch for that one in particular but I can vouch for the retailer.
Though, personally next time I'm looking for an easel I'll either build it, or hit up craigslist for someone that was feeling arty, and now needs some more space in their house.
posted by magikker at 7:21 PM on February 9, 2009
I'd suggest against an easel that can go all the way down to a flat table (h-frames), they are expensive and gigantic and don't fold up well.
One great thing about the standard three legged (a-frame) easel is that it stores really well, you can slide it under a bed.
This one is under 100 where I shop. I can't vouch for that one in particular but I can vouch for the retailer.
Though, personally next time I'm looking for an easel I'll either build it, or hit up craigslist for someone that was feeling arty, and now needs some more space in their house.
posted by magikker at 7:21 PM on February 9, 2009
I sold and was a buyer for art supplies for a long time when everyone else on Metafilter was leaning to code, forming start-ups or going through puberty, so here's what I know.
A new $99 "French" style easels will probably be one made badly and cheaply far, far away from France; they're wobbly, drawers frequently stick, hardware falls off. You could possibly find a used or older one with real brass fittings, dovetail joints, well made in France or Italy, etc., but even so, your money is going toward the aesthetics of the easel. Matters to some, not to others. I'd advise you to save your money for good quality paint.
A very good value easel in the $99 range is this one, or cheaper this one. Aluminum is super light weight and more rigid than wood, and this easel holds a fairly big canvas or board, is very adjustable, 3 leg A-frame for stability and folds up really nicely to fit under a bed or against a wall. On the other hand if you're at all handy and have the spare space I'd seriously look into a DIY out of a door like the one above. Sturdy, rigid and cheap, and more money left (for paint).
posted by tula at 9:10 PM on February 9, 2009
A new $99 "French" style easels will probably be one made badly and cheaply far, far away from France; they're wobbly, drawers frequently stick, hardware falls off. You could possibly find a used or older one with real brass fittings, dovetail joints, well made in France or Italy, etc., but even so, your money is going toward the aesthetics of the easel. Matters to some, not to others. I'd advise you to save your money for good quality paint.
A very good value easel in the $99 range is this one, or cheaper this one. Aluminum is super light weight and more rigid than wood, and this easel holds a fairly big canvas or board, is very adjustable, 3 leg A-frame for stability and folds up really nicely to fit under a bed or against a wall. On the other hand if you're at all handy and have the spare space I'd seriously look into a DIY out of a door like the one above. Sturdy, rigid and cheap, and more money left (for paint).
posted by tula at 9:10 PM on February 9, 2009
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posted by lobstah at 4:26 PM on February 9, 2009