Creative Expression: 3 Reasons Every Artist Needs an Easel

 Easels are tools that have been used for years if not centuries. In fact, it is believed that they have been used by ancient Egyptians and also by Romans in the 1^st century which makes them quite old if you think about them like that. Working on an easel at first might seem strange, especially to beginners, however, one can get easily used to it.

Large Selection Of Easels

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Over the years, the choice of artist's easels has evolved a lot, and nowadays, artists have all the freedom in the world to choose one according to their needs. In the end, they are a crucial tool that artists need for painting, so choosing the best one for your needs is paramount.

Whether you prefer painting in nature, at home in a studio, over a table or on the go, finding the right artist's easels for creating a masterpiece is quite easy and simple. Now, you can choose from a selection of fixed free-standing models to wheeled and adjustable easels that you can use while in a sitting or standing position. These handy tools for painting can have different features like shelves and storage drawers where you can keep all your painting essentials. If mobility is important, you should also opt for the ones that feature wheels for ease of movement. When in the search for the right one, aside from considering its mobility and material, you should also take into account its stability, adjustability and additional features. Regarding the type, if possible choose a four-legged version of easel or an H-frame as it seems to be more stable and perfect for beginners than the three-legged or A-frame types of easels.

Reasons to Have One

Ease of Use

The truth is that painting on the floor or table cannot be compared to painting on the easel. Once you have an easel, you can see the differences and benefits of painting on it. Having one means that you won't have to bend over and kneel for hours in order to paint and achieve the needed effect. Back pain and back stiffness will become a thing of the past with the right painting tool of this kind. All it takes is to choose the right model, material and height to allow you to paint without having to bend even a bit.

Viewing the Art from Different Angle

Given the fact that painting should be done (and it's better to be done) in an upright position, this allows you to step away from the painting and see it from a distance. Being able to step away from it will also allow you to see it from different angles which will give you a clear perspective of how it will look when placed on the wall. All of these things will help you achieve the needed result and effect faster than doing the same thing but on a flat surface. By painting on a table for instance, if you step away from it, you won't be able to see the real size of the painting nor the things that you have painted in their real size. So, yeah, painting on an easel will help you achieve everything you have imagined.

Ease of Hand Movement

While this tool gives you the freedom to move with ease, it will also allow you to move your hand more freely. While some people consider that painting on a flat surface is better for the hand as you will be able to rest it, still, the practice has proven that your movements will be limited. By working on an upright painting tool, you will be able to move your hand and arm with ease which will allow you to make different strokes and marks with the brush. In other words, with a painting tool of this kind, you will be able to express yourself better and faster.

Tips on How to Maintain It

Regular Cleaning

Just like with everything else, cleaning this painting tool should be done regularly as dust and dirt can accumulate easily. In order to clean it, all you will need is a soft cloth, and in case of a build-up, use a brush. That's all it takes to remove any dust and dirt.

Lubrication

If you have chosen a foldable easel or one that has any movable parts, it would be great if you lubricate them once in a while with a silicone spray. This will keep it running smoothly and will prevent it from becoming stuck.

Damage Inspection

Make sure to inspect it for possible damage or wear as this is quite common to happen if you use it regularly. That being said, make sure to check for any looser screws, weak joints, etc.

Keep It Safe

When not in use, make sure to keep it in a safe, dry and clean place. This will prevent it from being exposed to different temperatures, sunlight and humidity which if exposed can lead to cracking or wrapping.