Artists use easels to display two-dimensional artwork or to keep a work surface, such as paper or canvas, at a comfortable height. Easels come in two styles and are used for three different purposes. There are also many different types of easels, as well as different materials used in their construction and design. Of course, an easel can be used for a wide range of purposes. As a result, there are a variety of ways to categorize easel styles.
Easels can be classified according to their design. Easel design can be divided into two categories. The tripod is a straightforward design with three legs that converge at the top. Crossbars on tripod easels, similar to the rungs on a ladder, add stability between the two front legs. The easel can stand freely thanks to the third leg, which is adjustable and swings out and away from the main legs. The front side of the two main legs are bisected a small shelf-like bar that can be moved vertically to adjust the height of the work surface. Because of the resemblance to a “A” when viewed from the front, tripod easels are also known as Lyre easels or A-frame easels.
The H-frame design is another type of easel. The H-frame style has two or four main legs that are supported a rectangular base that is at right angles to the legs. Crossbars for support and adjustable shelves for vertical placement of the work surface are common features of H-frame easels.
Easels are divided into three categories based on their intended use: studio easels, field easels, and display easels. During the creation of a work of art, both studio and field easels are used. Studio easels are intended for use in an artist’s workspace. They are frequently very large and sturdy to support large canvases that are not transported to an external location for painting.
Field easels, on the other hand, are specifically designed to take the art studio outside. These easels are lightweight and usually have compartments for the artist’s supplies, such as brushes, paint, and canvas or paper. These easels are typically small and light, and they can’t hold large canvases. The sketch-box, also known as the French box easel, is a popular type of field easel.
Easels come in a variety of styles, some of which are only used for display. Completed artwork is displayed on display easels. These do not necessitate the same level of stability as when the artist is still working on the piece of art. Although display easels must be able to support the weight of the artwork, they are usually more decorative than functional.
Nesting easels, reversible easels, single-mast easels, bi-fold easels, and convertible or hybrid easels, all of which are related to H-frame easels, are examples of modified easels. Easels’ frames can be made of wood, steel, aluminum, or brass in a variety of styles. Many easels now include built-in work surfaces that can be used for purposes other than painting. White boards, chalkboards, magnetic surfaces, cork, flannel, fabric, and paper are all options for work surfaces. Telescopic legs, wall mounts, wheels, trays, and small shelves that fan out from a pivot point are among the more advanced easel styles.