Easels have been around since the beginning of ancient Egyptian times. They are most often used to hold a painter’s canvas, and basically act as a large sketchbook for any working artist. An easel is typically made from wood, steel, metal, or aluminum. They come in various sizes, have multiple purposes, and can be used by just about anybody of any age, height, or ability.

There are two art easels that are most frequently used.

1. The tripod design includes three stabilized legs and includes a supportive crossbar. An independent part is included to allow for vertical adjustment of the working plane. This can occur without sacrificing the supportive qualities of the three durable legs.

2. The H-frame easels are designed to be based on right angles. The base of the easel is rectangular while the posts are all parallel to each other. The “H” shape is enabled through the two vertical posts which are accompanied with a horizontal crossbar support. This is another design that often comes with adjustable verticality.

Art easels are not just meant for artists. There are three typical uses for any type of easel.

1. A studio easel is meant to assist a studio artist working on paintings, drawings, and the like. The largest art easels can hold up to 200 pounds and reach over seven feet in height.

2. For en plein work, field easels are used. They are often portable and small with a tripod design to them. They usually have collapsible or telescopic legs which makes en plein work easier and more efficient.

3. Display easels or presentation easels are intended to present completed works. They may be used in a gallery like setting or in the professional business environment. Many times, advertising agencies will display their campaigns on a display easel as a way to win over their clients.

There are many types of art easels out there. There are kids easel that come as a whiteboard, a chalkboard, or with tear off paper sheets. There are also French easels which come with a supply compartment, and table top and portable easels that can serve any professional artist. Visit EaselsOnline.com to get a brand new easel of any kind.