Start Painting Right: Best Easel Starter Kits
The US Art Supply 62 Piece Artist Painting Set with Aluminum Easel stands out as the top pick for beginners because it bundles a sturdy aluminum easel with a full range of paints, brushes, and canvases, providing everything needed to start painting immediately. Its main limitation is that the easel is best suited for tabletop use and may not support very large canvases.
Starting to paint is exciting, but gathering all the necessary supplies can be overwhelming. An easel starter kit simplifies the process by bundling an easel with essential accessories like paints, brushes, and canvases.
We compared popular kits available on Amazon to help you choose the one that fits your creative goals. Whether you paint with acrylics, oils, or watercolors, there is a kit that will get you started on the right foot.
Our top picks
US Art Supply 62 Piece Artist Painting Set with Aluminum Easel
This comprehensive set includes a sturdy aluminum tabletop easel, 24 acrylic paints, 12 oil pastels, 12 colored pencils, 8 brushes, 5 canvases, and a wooden sketching pencil. Owners report that the easel is surprisingly stable for its size.
Pros
- Complete set with many accessories
- Easel folds flat for storage
- Good quality paints for practice
Cons
- Tabletop design is not height adjustable
- Some users found the brushes a bit stiff
Melissa & Doug Deluxe Standing Wooden Art Easel
This solid wood floor easel features a chalkboard on one side and a dry-erase board on the other, with a paper roll holder on top. It is designed for children aged 3 and up, and parents report it withstands enthusiastic use.
Pros
- Dual-sided creative surface
- Adjustable height for growing kids
- Comes with accessories
Cons
- Not suitable for professional painting
- Large footprint requires space
Mont Marte Tabletop Display Easel with Accessories
A beautiful solid beechwood tabletop easel that adjusts to three angles, perfect for displaying paintings or holding a canvas while you work. This kit includes a small canvas and a set of brushes, making it a thoughtful gift.
Pros
- Elegant wood construction
- Compact for small spaces
- Great for both painting and display
Cons
- Small canvas size limit
- No paint included
Artify Studio Wooden Table Top Easel with Drawer
This sturdy beechwood tabletop easel features a convenient drawer for storing supplies, and it comes with a 12-piece acrylic paint set and two brushes. Users appreciate the angled working position and the built-in brush holder.
Pros
- Built-in drawer and brush holder
- Folds for easy storage
- Comes with paints and brushes
Cons
- Not for large canvases (max 18 inches)
- Paint tubes are small
HearthSong Adjustable Kneeling Easel for Kids
A lightweight aluminum kneeling easel that folds compactly, ideal for taking to the park or on vacation. It includes a canvas panel and a few paints, but the main draw is its portability.
Pros
- Very lightweight and portable
- Stable on uneven ground
- Easy setup
Cons
- No height adjustment for standing
- Small canvas capacity
Kingsley Wooden H-Frame Artist Easel with Accessories
This sturdy H-frame easel is made of solid rubberwood and can hold canvases up to 48 inches tall. The kit includes a set of brushes and a palette, but you will need to buy paints separately.
Pros
- Professional grade stability
- Accommodates large canvases
- Easily adjustable
Cons
- Heavy and bulky
- No paint included
Fusion Art Wooden Tabletop Standing Easel with Paint Set
This versatile easel can be used on a tabletop or as a floor standing model, thanks to extendable legs. It comes with a generous 48-piece acrylic paint set, brushes, and two canvas boards.
Pros
- Dual functionality
- Large paint assortment
- Folds flat for storage
Cons
- Leg locking mechanism may feel flimsy
- Assembly required
Side by side
| # | Model | Easel Type | Best for | Score | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | US Art Supply 62 Piece Artist Painting Set with Aluminum Easel | Tabletop aluminum | All-in-one beginners kit | 9.4 | Check price |
| 2 | Melissa & Doug Deluxe Standing Wooden Art Easel | Floor standing (adjustable height) | Kids and families | 8.9 | Check price |
| 3 | Mont Marte Tabletop Display Easel with Accessories | Tabletop wooden | Displaying finished art | 8.2 | Check price |
| 4 | Artify Studio Wooden Table Top Easel with Drawer | Tabletop wooden | Oil and acrylic painting | 8.8 | Check price |
| 5 | HearthSong Adjustable Kneeling Easel for Kids | Kneeling/ground | Outdoor and travel | 8.4 | Check price |
| 6 | Kingsley Wooden H-Frame Artist Easel with Accessories | H-frame floor easel | Serious beginners | 8.6 | Check price |
| 7 | Fusion Art Wooden Tabletop Standing Easel with Paint Set | Convertible (tabletop to standing) | Multipurpose use | 8.0 | Check price |
How to pick the right one
Frequently asked questions
What is the best easel starter kit for a complete beginner?
The US Art Supply 62 Piece Artist Painting Set with Aluminum Easel is ideal for complete beginners because it includes an easel, paints, brushes, and canvases, so you have everything you need in one box.
Can I use an easel starter kit for oil painting?
Yes, many easel starter kits are suitable for oil painting. However, you should ensure the easel is sturdy enough to hold the canvas and that the paints included are appropriate. Some kits come with acrylics, which can also be used for oil painting practice if you buy separate oils.
Are tabletop easels good for beginners?
Tabletop easels are great for beginners because they are affordable, compact, and easy to set up. They are best for small canvases and for painting at a desk or table. If you prefer to stand while painting, consider a floor easel.
How do I know which easel size to choose?
Consider the size of canvases you plan to use. Most starter kits support canvases up to 18 inches or more. If you intend to paint larger works, look for an H-frame easel with a higher maximum height.
Do easel starter kits include paint?
Many do, but not all. Some kits only include the easel and a few accessories like brushes or a palette. Check the product description to see if paint is included. If not, you will need to purchase paints separately.
What is the difference between an A-frame and H-frame easel?
An A-frame easel is shaped like the letter A and is typically more portable. An H-frame easel has a more rectangular shape and is heavier, offering greater stability for larger canvases. For beginners, an A-frame is often sufficient.
Can children use easel starter kits?
There are specific easel starter kits designed for children, such as the Melissa & Doug Deluxe Standing Wooden Art Easel. These kits are sized for kids and include safe, non-toxic materials. Always check the age recommendations.
How do I clean and maintain my easel?
For wooden easels, wipe off any paint spills quickly and keep them dry to prevent warping. For aluminum easels, simply wipe with a damp cloth. Regularly check and tighten any loose screws or bolts.
Do I need a separate palette with a starter kit?
Some kits include a palette, but if not, you can use a disposable paper palette or a simple plate. Many beginners find that a wooden palette is a nice addition, but it is not essential.
Can I use an easel for displaying finished paintings?
Yes, easels are commonly used for display. Tabletop easels are especially good for displaying smaller artworks on a shelf or table. If you want to display larger pieces, a floor easel works well.
Our pick
For most beginners, the US Art Supply 62 Piece Artist Painting Set with Aluminum Easel is the best choice because it offers a complete set of supplies at a reasonable price. If you are buying for a child, choose the Melissa & Doug Deluxe Standing Wooden Art Easel. For those who plan to grow in their painting hobby and want a studio-grade easel, the Kingsley Wooden H-Frame Artist Easel is a solid investment, even though it lacks paint.
