As I sat with a group of artists last night discussing how to market ourselves, the subject came up about costs of doing what we do vs. earnings. For most of us, costs and earnings were about equal. While that’s sad, I bring this up to make the point that while we like to have beautiful tools and equipment, many in our industry can’t afford the most expensive kind. However, the big easel I wanted to replace is a hand made model, sturdy, heavy, and remodeled by my wonderful husband to fit my space. But it didn’t feel sturdy enough. Between the wobbles and the lack of adjust-ability, I wanted something more.
My quest for an easel was to find a reasonably priced, sturdy model that would hold fairly big canvasses, fit in my small space and be useful for smaller pieces as well as big ones. I also was looking for a very adjustable model that could lay down. What I found was US Art Supply® MALIBU Extra Large 80″ to 139″ Tall Adjustable H-Frame Deluxe Adjustable Wood Studio Easel with Tilt & Casters from TCP Global Corp through Amazon, which seems to fit the small space I have and meets all my criteria for the current need.
It rolls on casters. I can see that they may need to be replaced someday, but for now, it rolls smoothly, and I’m happy about how easy it is to move about the space.
Adjustments for height at the top bracket, at the rack, and at the back braces give it full adjustability, and, as shown in my picture, will also lay flat. I will use that feature for final varnishing, and it’s also useful for watercolorists or other artists that want to work flat. I like it better than trying to set a large canvas on a table surface, especially with bigger canvasses.
It was not hard to put together, though it took a whole evening. Look at the drawings carefully — I did — and still put some parts together backwards, though that was easily remedied. I like a challenge, but not too much of a challenge in assembling things like this. No words, just pictures on the instructions.
All in all a good buy at $150.
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