Showing posts with label Barbara Abel. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Barbara Abel. Show all posts

Saturday, March 26, 2022

Post 131: PWAS Artist's and their Easels

PWAS Artist's and their Easels

I find it fascinating to see what other artists use to get their art work done, don't you as well? I like to see the tools they use from small to large, how their setup is, and probably the most important piece of equipment - what easel they use. As my continuing search for the best easel for ME continues, the artists at the Prince William Art Society share a look into their studio easels.

PWAS Artists Share Easel Info

Otis Stanley

I use a Studio RTA easel. It's a folding travel easel. Easy to set up with built in storage for paints and brushes and has adjustable height for different frame sizes. 

I like this one because it's easy to fold away and light weight for travel. Any frames larger than a 16x 20 I would recommend something more sturdy.

Bettie Sperty

About my easel: Years ago I bought an aluminum Stanrite easel. I had used one in a class, I didn’t have any experience with any other easel and it was affordable. It did the job ok, but had it’s limitations. 

Then a few years ago I decided to treat myself to a better, more versatile easel when I saw a phenomenal sale online at Jerry’s Artarama. And I’m happy I did. I have limited space - like many artists - and this one didn’t take up too much floor space, could be easily moved and is very versatile. It adjusts from completely vertical to totally flat and every angle in between, holds up to a 71” canvas. I’ve been very happy with it.


Barbara Abel

I have large drawing table which I've had for about 40 years.  It can tilt from flat to straight up.  The picture shows the wood, but I usually cover it with thick cardboard and the wood is about 1 1/2 inch thick so I can clip photos or lists or whatever to the wood.  When the table is flat, I can pad it and use it to cut mats, which I don't do much anymore.

I love the table and haven't seen any modern ones that I would rather have.

Sometimes I think of getting a small portable easel for outdoors, but probably wouldn't use it much.


John Hartt

In my studio I nailed a few sheets of homasote to the wall. I thinks it’s made out of recycled boxes and is designed as a sound insulation. It takes nails and pushpins well, so can hold big and lightweight pieces well. It’s super convenient to hang tools and pallet paper at the ready. I have one sheet I use in my home studio that I’ve been using for over thirty years.

This Christmas I got this easel by Artistic (https://artristic.com/product/artristic-tripod-mounted-easel/?wmc-currency=USD). It’s great when I’m bringing a large piece to a live painting event. It attaches to the back of the canvas, allowing access to all four sides of the gallery wrap canvas. It tilts, and rotates easily, great when you need to find that comfortable painting position.



Donna Liguria

At the moment, I have table top easels, several of them and very inexpensive folding easels that will not do for large canvases. They are much too flimsy. My search is helped with the above recommendations as I do want something to handle bigger pieces, but something that will also tilt and fold up when needed. I agree with Bettie above - it's all about the space.

Thanks everyone for your input!

I did have to look up "homasote" as I had no idea what that was. From Wikipedia: "Homasote is a brand name associated with the product generically known as cellulose based fiber wall board, which is similar in composition to papier-mâché, made from recycled paper that is compressed under high temperature and pressure. Homasote contains no adhesives. It is held together by the surface tension between the paper fibers, a process that is augmented by hydrogen bonding and the presence of a wax binder (2% volume). It is available in multiple thicknesses and comes in sheets 4 by 8 feet (1.2 by 2.4 m)."

 What do you recommend as an easel?



Local Art: Visit us at Clearbrook Center of the Arts at 2230 B Tackett’s Mill Drive, Lake Ridge, VA 22192 on Saturdays and Sundays from 1 to 4
AND at Stonebridge Open Space Arts at 15000 Potomac Town Center, Woodbridge, VA - Open Wed to Sat 12-7 and Sun 12-5
Want to join PWAS? Go to https://www.princewilliamartsociety.com/membership


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Author: Donna Liguria
An artist member of PWAS in Woodbridge, VA specializing in acrylic painting. She paints landscapes, seascapes, animals and many subjects. Visit her Website at https://DonnaLiguriaArt.com & her Blog at https://donnascavepainting.blogspot.com/.