Alright, let’s be real—this is one of those things that totally depends on the artist. Some people swear by one solid easel and never need another. Others? They’ve got easels for every situation—big ones, small ones, portable ones, ones they never even use but keep “just in case.” So, how many do you actually need? Let’s figure that out.
Do You Even Need An Easel?
Honestly? Not necessarily. Some artists never use one. They paint on the floor, tape paper to the wall, or prop their canvas against whatever’s around. But easels do make life easier. They hold your work at a good height, help with posture, and make it easier to step back and see the whole picture. If you’ve ever spent hours hunched over a table, you know how much your neck and back can hate you for it.
That said, if you’re comfortable without an easel, that’s fine too. There’s no rule saying you must have one to be a “real” artist.
Should Beginners Get One?
Not right away. If you’re just getting started, you don’t need to rush out and buy the fanciest easel you can find. A lot of beginners paint on tables or clip their paper to a board. But once you try an easel, you might never go back. It just makes painting easier and way more comfortable. So, while it’s not required, it’s something to think about.
What Makes A Good Easel?
If you do decide to get one, here’s what actually matters:
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Stability: If it wobbles every time you make a brushstroke, it’s no good.
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Adjustability: Being able to tilt and raise/lower your easel helps a ton.
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Material: Wood is classic and sturdy. Metal is lightweight and portable.
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Size: Painting big? Get an easel that can handle large canvases. Working small? A tabletop easel might be enough.
How Many Easels Do You Actually Need?
That depends on a few things:
1. How Much Space Do You Have?
Got a big studio? A nice, sturdy easel can stay in one place. Working in a tiny room? A tabletop or foldable easel makes more sense.
2. Do You Paint in Different Places?
Some people paint in their home, outdoors, and at workshops. If that’s you, having a portable easel as a backup could be super helpful.
3. What’s Your Style?
Your art style matters. If you work with big canvases, you need something strong and steady. Watercolor artists often prefer easels that tilt flat. If you do a mix of mediums, you might want different easels for different projects.
4. Budget
Easels can be dirt cheap or ridiculously expensive. If you’re on a budget, get a solid basic one. You can always upgrade later.
5. Storage
If you’re thinking about getting multiple easels, where are you gonna put them? Studio easels take up space. Foldable ones are easier to store. Just something to think about before you start collecting them.
Can You Paint Without An Easel?
Of course! Tons of artists don’t use one. You can work flat, prop your canvas against the wall, or make your own DIY setup. An easel is helpful, but it’s not a requirement.
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Conclusion
At the end of the day, most artists are fine with just one easel. But if you paint in different places, use different techniques, or just like options, having more than one could be handy. It’s all about what makes painting more enjoyable for you.