Best Beginner Easels for Budding Artists
For most beginners, the US Art Supply 63 Inch Adjustable Studio Easel is the top pick because it is sturdy, versatile, and affordable. It accommodates canvases up to 63 inches and offers multiple positions, but it is bulky for small spaces.
Starting your artistic journey is exciting, but choosing your first easel can be overwhelming. You need something that supports your creativity without breaking the bank or taking over your room.
A good beginner easel should be sturdy enough to hold your canvas, adjustable to your height, and simple to set up. We compared popular models to help you find the perfect match for your space and style.
What we recommend
US Art Supply 63 Inch Adjustable Studio Easel
This H-frame easel is built from solid beechwood, offering excellent stability for canvases up to 63 inches. It adjusts easily and folds flat for storage, making it a favorite among new artists.
Pros
- Sturdy wood construction
- Holds large canvases
- Easy to adjust and store
Cons
- Heavy and bulky
- Assembly takes time
Melif Artist Easel Stand, 82 Inch
This floor-standing easel extends to 82 inches, accommodating large canvases. It features a wide base for stability and a quick-release clamp for easy canvas adjustment.
Pros
- Very tall for large works
- Stable base
- Quick canvas clamp
Cons
- Requires space
- Not portable
HearthSong Adjustable Wooden Art Easel for Kids
Designed for kids, this easel has adjustable legs and a chalkboard/whiteboard on one side and a paper roll holder on the other. It encourages creativity and grows with your child.
Pros
- Two-sided drawing surface
- Adjustable height
- Safe for kids
Cons
- Not for heavy canvas
- May wobble on carpets
Artify Tabletop Easel with Drawer
This compact tabletop easel is perfect for those with limited space. It includes a drawer for supplies and can hold canvases up to 24 inches. Its sturdy metal construction ensures durability.
Pros
- Space-saving design
- Built-in supply drawer
- Sturdy for its size
Cons
- Not for large canvases
- Needs a table
U.S. Art Supply 25-Piece Beginner Art Easel Set
This package includes a sturdy aluminum easel, 12 acrylic paints, 3 brushes, a palette, a canvas panel, and more. It is ideal for someone who wants to start painting right away.
Pros
- Everything needed is included
- Lightweight and portable
- Easy to set up
Cons
- Not for large canvases
- Quality of accessories is basic
MEEDEN Tabletop Easel for Painting
This wooden tabletop easel is lightweight and folds compactly, making it perfect for outdoor painting. It has a sturdy build and can hold canvases up to 24 inches.
Pros
- Extremely portable
- Stable when open
- Easy to carry
Cons
- Limited canvas size
- No built-in storage
Castle Art Supplies 63 Inch Adjustable Studio Easel
This solid beechwood easel offers similar features to pricier models at a lower cost. It adjusts to multiple angles and holds canvases up to 63 inches, making it a great value for beginners.
Pros
- Affordable price
- Stable wood frame
- Easy to adjust
Cons
- Some users report rough edges
- Assembly instructions are basic
Side by side
| # | Model | Material | Best for | Score | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | US Art Supply 63 Inch Adjustable Studio Easel | Beechwood | Best overall for beginners who want a sturdy, full-size easel | 9.4 | Check price |
| 2 | Melif Artist Easel Stand, 82 Inch | Beechwood | Best for tall canvases and standing work | 9.1 | Check price |
| 3 | HearthSong Adjustable Wooden Art Easel for Kids | Wood | Best for children and young beginners | 8.9 | Check price |
| 4 | Artify Tabletop Easel with Drawer | Metal and wood | Best for small spaces and tabletop use | 8.7 | Check price |
| 5 | U.S. Art Supply 25-Piece Beginner Art Easel Set | A-frame aluminum | Best all-in-one kit for total beginners | 8.8 | Check price |
| 6 | MEEDEN Tabletop Easel for Painting | Beechwood | Best for plein air and travel | 8.6 | Check price |
| 7 | Castle Art Supplies 63 Inch Adjustable Studio Easel | Beechwood | Best budget-friendly full-size easel | 8.5 | Check price |
How to choose
Common questions
What is the best type of easel for a beginner?
For most beginners, a sturdy A-frame or H-frame easel is ideal. They are versatile, support various canvas sizes, and are easy to use. If space is limited, a tabletop easel is a good start.
Can I use a beginner easel for oil painting?
Yes, as long as the easel is sturdy enough to hold the canvas and can be positioned at a comfortable angle. H-frame easels are especially good for oil painting because they offer stability.
Do I need an easel for drawing or just painting?
An easel is not strictly necessary for drawing, but it can help you maintain good posture and see your work from a different perspective. A tabletop easel is a good choice for drawing.
How do I determine the right easel height?
When standing, the center of your canvas should be at eye level. For seated work, the easel should be lower. Many adjustable easels allow you to find the perfect height for your needs.
Are tabletop easels sturdy enough for professional use?
Some high-quality tabletop easels are quite sturdy and can be used professionally, especially for smaller works. However, they are not as stable as floor-standing models for large canvases.
What is the maximum canvas size a beginner easel can hold?
Most floor-standing beginner easels can hold canvases up to 60-80 inches. Tabletop easels typically support smaller canvases up to 24 inches. Check the product specifications for the exact limit.
Can I leave my canvas on the easel when not painting?
Yes, if the easel is sturdy and the canvas is properly secured. However, if you need the space, you can easily remove the canvas. Some easels fold flat for storage, but you should not leave a heavy canvas on a folding easel for long periods.
What accessories do I need with my first easel?
You may want a palette, brushes, paints, and a canvas. Some easels come with a supply tray or drawer. You can also purchase a separate easel light or a sketchbox for additional convenience.
The verdict
If you are committed to exploring painting at home, choose the US Art Supply 63 Inch Adjustable Studio Easel for its stability and versatility. For a space-saving option, the Artify Tabletop Easel with Drawer is a great choice. If you are buying for a child, the HearthSong Adjustable Wooden Art Easel is the best pick. Ultimately, define your art space and choose an easel that fits your budget and inspires you to create.
