The Best Easels for Sketching: A Comparative Guide for Artists

Choosing the right easel can greatly impact the ease, comfort, and flow of your sketching process. With a wide variety of easels available on the market, it’s important to find one that suits your artistic style and space. In this blog, we’ll compare three of the top brands of easels for sketching, examining their features, pros, and cons to help you make the best decision for your creative journey.

Investing in the right easel can enhance your sketching experience. Learn more about the different types of easels: here.

1. Mabef Easels

Overview: Mabef is a renowned Italian brand that has been crafting high-quality, handmade wooden easels for over 70 years. Known for their durability and elegant design, Mabef easels are popular among professional and hobbyist artists alike.

Best Model for Sketching: Mabef M-29 Field Easel

Key Features:

Made from oiled beechwood for long-lasting durability.
Portable and lightweight, making it great for both studio and outdoor use.
Adjustable height and tilt, allowing artists to find the perfect working angle.
Includes a canvas holder that can accommodate larger sketchpads.

Pros:

High-quality craftsmanship with a sturdy build.
Versatile for indoor and plein air sketching.
Easy to set up and collapse for transport.

Cons:

Pricier than other easel brands due to premium materials.
The wooden design, while attractive, may be heavier than aluminum alternatives.
Requires occasional oiling to maintain the wood.

2. U.S. Art Supply

Overview: U.S. Art Supply offers a wide range of affordable and functional art supplies, including easels designed for beginners and intermediate artists. Their products are well-regarded for providing good value for money.

Best Model for Sketching: U.S. Art Supply Coronado Wooden French Style Easel

Key Features:

A traditional French easel with a built-in drawer for art supplies.
Adjustable legs for stability on uneven surfaces, making it ideal for outdoor sketching.
Comes with a shoulder strap for easy transport.
Accommodates sketchpads up to 34 inches in height.

Pros:

Budget-friendly without sacrificing too much quality.
Highly portable, with a built-in drawer for extra convenience.
Versatile, suitable for both studio and plein air work.

Cons:

The construction is not as robust as more premium brands like Mabef.
Assembly can be tricky for first-time users.
The wooden parts can loosen over time if not properly maintained.

3. Meeden

Overview: Meeden is known for creating a wide range of affordable art supplies, including easels. Their easels are great for beginners who want functionality without breaking the bank. Meeden products are recognized for their solid construction and ease of use.

Best Model for Sketching: Meeden Large H-Frame Studio Easel

Key Features:

Sturdy H-frame design made from solid beechwood.
Adjustable height and tilt, making it perfect for sketching at different angles.
Includes a storage tray for sketching supplies.
Large base and wheels for easy maneuverability around the studio.

Pros:

Affordable price point for an H-frame easel.
Extremely stable and robust for long studio sketching sessions.
Height can accommodate very large sketchpads or canvases.

Cons:

Bulkier and less portable compared to field easels like the Mabef M-29.
Not ideal for outdoor use due to its size and weight.
Assembly required, which can be time-consuming for some users.

Comparison Summary:

Portability:

Mabef M-29 Field Easel takes the top spot for portability, making it the ideal choice for artists who like to sketch both indoors and outdoors. It’s lightweight and easy to carry.
U.S. Art Supply Coronado French Easel also offers good portability, especially with its built-in storage drawer and shoulder strap, but it’s not as lightweight as the Mabef.
Meeden Large H-Frame Easel is the least portable due to its size and weight, but it excels in stability and is best suited for studio work.

Stability:

Meeden Large H-Frame Easel wins for studio stability. Its wide base and sturdy design make it perfect for artists who sketch on larger canvases or pads.
Mabef M-29 and U.S. Art Supply Coronado offer decent stability for their size but may not be as rock-solid as the Meeden, especially when working with larger sketchpads or on uneven terrain outdoors.

Price:

U.S. Art Supply Coronado is the most budget-friendly, making it a great choice for beginners or artists on a tight budget.
Meeden H-Frame Easel offers a balance between affordability and quality, making it an excellent option for serious artists who primarily work in a studio.
Mabef M-29 is the most expensive, but the quality of craftsmanship and durability justify the higher price tag, especially for professional artists.

Best Use Case:

Mabef M-29: Best for artists who sketch outdoors or want a durable, high-quality field easel that’s easy to transport.
U.S. Art Supply Coronado: Best for beginners or hobbyists who need a versatile, portable easel at an affordable price.
Meeden H-Frame Easel: Best for studio-based artists who need a large, stable easel for extended sketching sessions.

Conclusion:

Choosing the right easel depends on your artistic needs and environment. If you’re a plein air artist who needs something lightweight and easy to transport, the Mabef M-29 Field Easel is your best bet. For beginners or artists on a budget, the U.S. Art Supply Coronado French Easel offers great value with portability and a handy supply drawer. Lastly, for studio-based artists, the Meeden Large H-Frame Easel provides the stability and space to support larger works during long sketching sessions.

Investing in the right easel can enhance your sketching experience, helping you focus more on your art and less on equipment. Happy sketching!

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