12 Best Plein Air Easels Reviews for Students and Professionals

Are you wondering which is the best plein air easel to pick for your art projects?

You’re not alone. Most artists have a difficult task choosing this equipment. It especially gets complicated when you are operating on a budget.

Apart from the price, there are lots of other details that you need to think about, such as the flexibility, durability, height, and even portability.

Picking the right tool for the painting job gives you satisfaction and confidence in completing your projects. But with so many products overflowing in the market, you may get a bit confused. But don’t let that be a bother.

We’ve done the legwork for you, and in this post, we’ll present to you the finest models and show you how to choose the ideal easel for painting.

A great display contributes to a better view of any artwork. In this modern era, we all would love to have a display stand that uniquely showcases our items to the world. But more importantly, we want a stand that correctly supports our work.

If you’re looking for such a stand, you might want to hear what the T-SIGN 66 Reinforced Aluminum Adjustable Easel has to offer.

This unit is meant for the perfect display of your item either at the floor or at the table. It is designed with adjustable legs, which make it convenient for use in all types of terrain.

It can be used in flat surface and also on uneven ground. It can be used in canvas paintings, display of art, in the studio or for Pictionary.

The unique reinforce design and the thick lightweight aluminum offers wind resistance, which makes it convenient for use outdoors.

An enhanced aluminum display with a non-slip base which provides grip and contributes to greater stability mainly when used outdoors. The adjustable legs also contribute to this stability and ease of use outdoors.

It’s obvious that as an artist, you may want to move from place to place showcasing your art. Maybe you’re even a traveling artist. In that case, you’ll be glad to know that the stand comes with a free carry bag measuring 33 by 1.2 inches. This bag makes transportation a piece of cake.

For your peace of mind, the easel comes with a hassle-free 2-year warranty from the manufacturer.

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2. Mont Marte French Paint Easel (It has a drawer!)

Artists love to practice their work in a conducive environment with quietness and the right equipment. The Mont Marte Black French Box Easel is an equipment that is specially designed for artists to practice their artwork.

The easel is made from wood and fitted with brass and steel. If there’s something you can count on with regards to this tool, it is durability. The unit is made to last.

It is also easily foldable, which makes it easy to handle and transport. The design incorporates divided compartments for storage of your items. It also has an adjustable canvas holder and flexible height and angle adjustments that allow you to work at your most comfortable position.

The shoulder strap allows you to carry the stand with ease to your destination without having to worry about portability.

You should also note that the unit has brass hooks that can help in attaching your wet canvas during transportation.

This is meant to give you peace of mind in the event that you have uncomplete work which you need to finish your next destination.

Has a wooden handle for holding. This makes it easy to carry the Monte Marte French box with you by having a specific place specially designed for handling and carrying. All these attributes make it the best French easel to acquire for your artwork.

And lastly, the stand comes with a drawer. That’s an extra storage unit for any additional paintings you might have. How cool is that!

Go ahead and check out the easel on Amazon today.

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3. Melissa & Doug Deluxe Wooden Standing Art Easel

Kids are playful. This is mostly exhibited in their first few years after birth and should always be encouraged for proper growth.

It is at this stage that various abilities about a child start to grow and which should be nurtured. Art is one such field and which can develop into real talent in the later stages of their life.

Now, the Melissa and Doug Deluxe art easel is built precisely for kids. It’s designed with safety and ease of use in mind. In that regard, the unit comes with a child-safe paper cutter, plastic trays, a dry erase board, and other features that are interesting to kids.

If you want your kids to grow their motor skills for painting, this unit will come in handy. The dry erase board provides a perfect practice platform.

There are also clips, which ideal for holding oversized papers on the surface. This incorporation of multiple art media helps a child to choose what they wish to use at each particular time.

The wooden art easel is meant for creative work development and is shipped with quickly packaged items that are easy to assemble at home.

The easel is designed using a wooden frame that is easy to assemble.

You should be aware that the easel has adjustable height options, which makes it easy to set according to the height of the kid. The Melissa & Doug art easel is also easy to clean, which allows uninterrupted creative work display by a child.

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4. Art alternatives Adjustable Desk Box Easel

A comfortable desk is one key aspect that any art lover looking to get the best plein air easel would love to have. This not only brings the convenience to do their work well but also affords them access to a dedicated place to do their job.

The art alternatives Marquis Artists adjustable desk is designed to provide a conducive working environment for an artist.

It is designed to be adjusted to up to four different positions, which enables you to work from any of your comfortable sittings. This provides you with a wide choice of favorable sitting positions that you can choose from.

It is also light in weight, which makes it easy to carry with you in its compact nature. The drawers on the easel have up to three compartments that are essential for the storage of essential items that you use in the course of your work. They may include brushes, paints, sketching tools, and all your necessary items crucial for your job.

The easel is easy to fold, which makes it easy to transport it with you to your destination. It also comes with a handle that makes portability easy, especially if you are always on the move. This contributes to greater convenience.

It can be used as an ordinary desk while at the same time converted to a painting easel. This offers two options on how you can use the desk according to your preference. One limitation of the desk is that It does not correctly support watercolor painting jobs. This is due to the few notches that are used to adjust the desk. It is, however, a great tool that you should consider to purchase as you seek to progress in your art profession.

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5. Ohuhu-Display-Adjustable Aluminum-Table-Top

A comfortable working table is one top factor that any artist will consider before starting their job.

A cozy table not only provides convenience but also offers a dedicated working space always to do their job. The Ohuhu display adjustable tabletop is one such working table meant for an artist.

The table is multifunctional and can support chalkboards, dry erase boards, and posters. This makes it easy to use when doing various tasks.

It can also be used for a presentation. It has an adjustable leg which makes the easel ideal for use on any terrain when outdoors. You need to adjust the lock lever and the spring clamp to set it to your comfortable position.

The Ohuhu display aluminum table can also be folded up to 25 inches. This makes it easily portable whenever you are on the move. It is also fitted with a non-slip base that firmly supports the bottom of the easel. This is particularly helpful when working outdoors since it can prevent any falling off the display table.

It is also light in weight and too compact at the same time. This makes it easy for you to carry when you’re on the move.

The easel made of aluminum alloy, which makes it a durable art item. One limitation of the easel is it is light and hence can be blown when working outdoors on a windy day. It is, however, a beautiful item that you should have as you seek to have a pleasant working environment at your convenience. The portability, adjustable legs, and its multifunctionality makes it a must-have item for your artwork

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6. En Plein Air Pro Traveler Series for Watercolor

Traveling with all your items in one pack enables you to travel in comfort and assures you that all your items are safe. This is unlike the past when artists lacked a proper package from the manufacturer for carrying their things.

The En Plein Air Pro Traveler is meant to help you carry all our items in one pack. It enables you to travel with all your items in a secure work platform that can be folded and assembled in minutes.

The easel has dimensions of 12.25 inches by 15.75 inches and can easily fit under the seat without pang baggage fees when traveling.

It can also fit in a laptop bag, which makes it easy to carry with you. The design incorporates brush holders that are essential for the storage of watercolor brushes, and all the necessary items meant for your artwork.

You can also use the tripod to adjust the working surface to your ideal angle position. This is mean to allow you to work in the most comfortable position.

The backpack has a measurement of 13.5” by 20” by 8” and is made up of backpack straps, shoulder strap, and a handle for easy portability. The backpack offers enough storage for the items that you would require in your artwork. This assures you that you will leave nothing behind when traveling.

One limitation about the easel is that it lacks a hook which you can hang the tripod. It is, however, a perfect pack for carrying all your artwork items. It is a product that you need to consider purchasing due to the numerous advantages that it has, as explained above.

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7. Soho Urban Artists Pochade Box Artists Easel

As an artist, it is right for you to break the norm and carry out your painting job outdoors. This change of environment is one way through which you can relax your mind as you seek more creative ideas.

This shift of the working environment can be achieved by having a dedicated box for carrying all your items with you.

The Soho Plein Air Pochade Box is designed to eliminate the challenges that come with transporting your artwork with you. It has six panels and can be adjusted to any angle to allow painting in the most comfortable position.

It has adequate storage compartments that accommodate the divider, magnetic brush, and magnetic paper towel.

This you to pack your items safe when on the move. The box has dimensions of 18.1 by 14.9 by 8.7 inches and is constructed using lacquered wood plaited with brass.

The box is easy to carry along with you to your destination. This type of convenience helps to travel stress-free since all your artwork items can fit in one place.

It has the right size to suit all your essential items, which helps you to have all the things in one secure pack. The major limitation of this box is that I lack instructions on how to use. It is, however, simple and using it is straightforward and easy.

This might be the perfect box that will be your ideal travel pack choice and which is meant to solve all your traveling needs as an artist. It is also expected to offer you comfort and convenience when working, especially when outdoors.

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8. Coronado French Style Easel and Stretch Box

The Coronado French style easel and stretch box is meant to provide you with a comfortable working environment for your painting job. It has a sliding drawer and divided compartments that offer adequate storage for your items.

The room can easily fit all your set of paints, paintbrushes, and an easel for doing your drawing.

It has a leather handle that is ideal for its portability when on the move. It is also fitted with an adjustable shoulder strap which enables you to carry the box with ease on your shoulders. It has a full height of 71 inches and can hold a canvas of up to 34 inches.

This is a big working area on which you can comfortably do your painting job.

The box has dimensions of 17.7 by 24 by 7.9 inches. It can easily be folded to fit in an enclosed place such as a closet or even a limited storage area. This helps you to travel comfortably with it to your destination without the worry of it being a bother.

One limitation of the box is that it lacks directions on how to use it and therefore can be challenging especially when using it for the first time. It may take you a while before knowing the adjustments.

It is, however, a great product that is strong and easily portable for your painting job. It is the ideal easel that you should consider purchasing as you seek to have a dedicated desk for doing your work and a portable working desk.

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9. Monte Marte Tripod Easel H.D Beech

As an artist, it is always good to hold your painting or any other artwork and have it on display. It helps you to have a vivid view of the work that you were doing and thus help you appreciate paintwork as a job like any other.

The Monte Marte Tripod Easel is a made from beech wood and is fitted with steel which enhances its aesthetic beauty and makes it appealing. The steel fitting also adds to its stability and ensure it is more durable and thus able to serve you for long.

It can hold a canvas of 52 inches in height, and this makes it the ideal easel for home or studio use for any artist.

The legs can easily be adjusted to numerous positions which you find fit, and this is aimed at making the working space comfortable and convenient for you.

It has dimensions of 37 by 6.5 by 4 inches. It is light while at the same time compact and easily folds flat when on the move. This makes its portability easy when on the move. It is easy to fold, and this makes it convenient to store it. The only limitation of the easel is that it has is not study enough for artists using broad strokes and who might require a more extensive horizontal piece at the top.

This, however, cannot be compared to the many advantages that the easel provides to the artists and which makes it a top choice that you should consider acquiring.

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10. Ravenna Table Easel with Drawer

A stand that is equipped with a drawer enables you to work and store your artwork safely when on the move or when you are done. This gives you assurance and peace of mind that indeed, your creative work is safe from any tampering or even theft.

In the same regard, the Ravenna table easel is designed with a side drawer for storage of your items such pencils and paint and a carrying handle that is useful when traveling.

The easel can also support a canvas of up to 34 inches, which makes it the ideal easel for any artist.

It has dimensions of 16.3 by 17.8 by 5.8 inches and can easily be folded for storage. This makes it convenient for you to carry the easel to your destination. It is made of unfinished wood with rounded corners which make it a beautiful and appealing piece of art.

The major limitation of this easel is that the presence of a divided drawer makes it challenging to store various types of big brushes.

This is, however, a small limitation that can be solved by having separate storage for your brushes.

It remains a well-constructed and sturdy painting table that is meant to provide you with a conducive environment for your artwork. As a painter, the easel is intended to solve all the challenges that come with different or unreliable working places by having a dedicated place where you can do all your work at a peaceful and comfortable environment.

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11. Heritage arts BH60 Brush and tool holder

Having a secure place for all your tools helps in doing your work in an organized way. It helps you know the right place to put your items, and this helps in keeping your work environment organized. It also prevents any damage to your items.

The Heritage arts BH60 brush and tool holder is meant to provide you with a safe place to have all your painting tools. It prevents any misplacements and helps you establish what is missing among your tools. It is meant to increase your work organization and increase the comfort and convenience of having all your tools in one place.

The pack has dimensions of 14 by 6 by 0.8 inches and has slots which can accommodate up to 12 short and long brushes. Each slot in the holder can easily fit several small brushes bundled together. You are therefore able to utilize it as both a tool holder and a brush stand.

It is padded, and this provides more protection to your brushes against breakage and bruises.  This is helpful when traveling or when in a busy working environment, such as a studio.

The limitation with the holder is that the brushes in the center slots can quickly lose their bristles sturdiness and which can make the hairs too wide. This can affect your quality of drawing when they are too broad. It is, however, a pack that every artist should consider acquiring to enjoy greater efficiency, easy access, and storage of drawing items.

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12. Portable Painting QINUKER sketch box

A functional and portable stand with the adjustments to offer a comfortable working space is what makes best plein air easel for oil painting.

The Portable Painting QUINUKER sketch box is designed with three legs with a vertical distance of 103 cm. This is an ideal height for any artist to work from.

The box has a drawer which can offer storage for items such as paint and brushes. It is also easy to fold, which makes it easy to transport and work from your place of choice. It can be used without opening the legs.

This uniqueness allows you to place the box on the desktop where there is an available desktop easel.

It is also made of solid metal and rubber on the feet, which give it durability and stability primarily when used outdoors.

The metal fittings give it an appealing look and enhance its aesthetic appeal. The shoulder straps are adjustable. That makes it portable and easy to move around with. It has dimensions of 22.9 by 16.7 by 7.1 inches and is lightweight yet at the same time compact.

One limitation, however, is the bolts which connect the tripod to the easel at times get loose and need to be checked regularly. It is, however, a reliable tool for beginning and advanced artists who prefer to work outdoors and are always on the move as they seek to progress in their profession. It offers comfort and the convenience of working in your preferred location.

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How to Take Care of Your Plein Air Easel

Hope you are enjoyed our top 12 plein air easel reviews and choose right one fro you needs. But, after getting one you need to consider how to take care it for longevity. You know, All items require great care to last long.

This durability enables you to have better utilization of the thing and have value for your money. A Plein air easel is an essential item that requires excellent care to serve you well and for long.

Regularly servicing the easel: You need to check periodically the nuts, bolts and any place that require oiling. This will help in keeping it in good shape and condition

Carrying only the needed items in the drawers and storage compartments: You should not overload the drawers and storage compartments with excess things that you want taken.

You should only carry the essential items that relate to artwork and which can easily fit in the drawers and the storage compartments.

You should also regularly check the drawers to ensure that they can open and close well. This can help prevent loss of items such as pencils and brushes, especially when traveling.

Repairing the broken parts on time: You need to repair the damaged parts in good time if any to avoid further damage. This may include the storage compartments and the legs. This will help you have a functional easel that can always serve you anytime that you use it.

Storing it in a safe place: You need to ensure that you place it in a safe place where it cannot be broken. You need to avoid storing it in dark and congested locations such as a store or garage where it can easily be damaged.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Is Plein air easel heavy?

A Plein air easel is essential for your outdoor projects. For this reason, you need something portable and that which you can carry easily. They typically weigh between 8 and 20 pounds.

However, a more massive easel will demand more space and stability. Very light models are preferable since they allow for your flexibility and mobility.

Nevertheless, weight should not be a hindrance since, for your project to succeed, there are other items to think about, such as paint and surfaces.

2. What features make a Plein air easel easy to use?

When choosing the right plein easel for your art projects, it should be user-friendly to allow you to work with ease.

You may want to consider the features, and one important consideration is storage. As an artist, you most likely have a supply of essential items for your work, and therefore, you need a place to hold these things. Also, a top cover is crucial as this also helps in supporting the paint. Some modern easels have a cup holder where you can place a drink or a bottle.

3. Can I get a Plein air easel that accommodates my height?

Most often, tall artists complain of back pains when using an easel since they have to bend. However, before ordering for one, you may want to consider the height.

You can enquire from your supplier since there is some model on the market that can easily be adjusted to become taller. Also, you may look for a tall chair or a reinforcement while work to ensure your comfort.

4. How can I carry my Plein air easel?

Of course, you will need to move your easel either from the studio to outdoor space and back. The ease of movement calls for a carrier bag.

Most easels usually have a strap that allows you to carry as a backpack on your back. Others have padded packs for more comfortable carriage. A canvas carrier ensures your easel gets back to the studio in one piece.

5. Is it easy to setup a Plein air easel?

When you receive your package, you will find various tools and hardware for set up. These include screws and few nobs.

It can be somewhat intimidating, especially if it’s your first time. Nonetheless, this piece of equipment usually comes with a clear set of instructions for a quick set up.

If these are missing from your package, there are several instructional videos available online that would assist in helping you get started.

6. How do I achieve accurate colors when painting outdoors?

Doing your painting on an outdoor space can be fun, especially when using the best outdoor painting easel. However, your comfort comes first. If you are beginner, there are a few items you need to consider when buying this excellent product.

For instance, you may need an umbrella to offer shade, and this you can get precise colors while painting. It is also essential since it protects you from rain or the sun.

7. Are Plein air easel expensive?

They are different types of easels available on the market and which vary depending on many factors. If you are a beginner, you may want to consider a low-cost option to get started.

However, for professional artists, there are some models which are pricey but which will last for many years, for instance, the best French easel.

Despite your options, the price may not be an issue since it will depend on your budget. The best easel is one which will give you value for money.

Final Word

As earlier discussed in this guide, there are several factors to consider when picking the best Plein air easels.

Whether you are using paints, colors, oils, or even acrylic, you need one with much space for storing your essentials. Comfort cannot be overlooked, and this goes hand in hand with sturdiness and stability.

The quality of the product you pick is also vital since it will save you on replacement work. Having the finest Plein air ease is essential for any artist, whether a beginner or a professional. It will not only make your job easier but will it also make painting outdoors a fun-filled adventure.