Imagine this: you’ve found the perfect spot, the light is just right, and you’re ready to capture that breathtaking landscape. But then you wrestle with your easel, a wobbly, awkward thing that just won’t cooperate. Does this sound familiar? For many artists who love painting outdoors, the search for the ideal plein air easel can be a frustrating journey.
Choosing the right easel is like picking the right paintbrush; it can make a huge difference in your experience and the quality of your work. You want something sturdy that can handle a breeze, lightweight enough to carry to your favorite vista, and adaptable to different surfaces and painting styles. But with so many types – from classic French easels to lightweight tripod models – how do you know which one is best for *you*?
This post is here to help you navigate that confusion. We’ll break down the different kinds of plein air easels, explore what makes them great (or not so great), and highlight the key features you should look for. By the end, you’ll have a much clearer picture of how to find an easel that will become your trusted companion on all your outdoor painting adventures, letting you focus on what you love most: creating art.
Our Top 5 Plein Air Easels Recommendations at a Glance
Top 5 Plein Air Easels Detailed Reviews
1. Falling in Art Light Weight French Style Field and Sketchebox Easel with Aluminum Tripod
Rating: 9.4/10
Unleash your inner artist with the Falling in Art Light Weight French Style Field and Sketchebox Easel. This easel is designed for artists on the go and those who want a versatile studio companion. It’s made with a beautiful beechwood tripod and a sturdy aluminum frame. You can easily take your art projects from your desk to the great outdoors.
What We Like:
- It’s super light at only 9.35 pounds, making it easy to carry.
- The working board is a good size (12 1/2” W x 17 2/5” L) and works for different types of art, like pads or canvases.
- You can adjust the easel to fit canvases from 6 inches up to over 31 inches tall.
- It can be used as a floor easel or a desktop easel thanks to its three adjustable aluminum legs.
- A handy leather handle and a wide shoulder strap make it easy to move around.
- The built-in drawer keeps your art supplies organized, and the removable palette is a great bonus.
- Falling in Art offers many art supplies and is there to help if you have any problems.
What Could Be Improved:
- While lightweight, some artists might prefer an even lighter option for extreme portability.
- The drawer, while useful, might not be large enough for a wide variety of supplies for some artists.
This easel offers a fantastic blend of portability and functionality for artists of all levels. It’s a solid choice for anyone looking to paint or sketch wherever inspiration strikes.
2. MEEDEN Plein Air Easel for Painting: Adjustable Travel Watercolor Easel Stand for Adults- Collapsible Portable Tripod for Artists
Rating: 8.6/10
The MEEDEN Plein Air Easel is a fantastic tool for artists who love to paint outdoors. It’s designed to be lightweight and easy to carry, making it perfect for taking your art studio anywhere. Whether you’re a student, a hobbyist, or a professional artist, this easel helps you create your masterpieces in comfort and style.
What We Like:
- It’s super adjustable! You can change its height from 17 to 65 inches.
- The easel can tilt and stand up straight, so you can paint at just the right angle.
- Setting it up and taking it down is a breeze with its easy-to-use buckles.
- The rubber feet give it a strong grip, so it won’t slide around while you’re painting.
- The drawing board is a good size (15.5 x 12 inches) and strong enough to hold up to 5 kg.
- It’s easy to pack in a backpack or car for trips.
- The handy mixing palette lets you keep your paints and brushes organized.
- It only weighs 2 kg, and it comes with a free carrying bag.
- MEEDEN offers great customer support if you ever have a problem.
What Could Be Improved:
- While the drawing board is sturdy, some artists might prefer a larger surface area for very expansive works.
- The plastic drawing board might show wear more quickly with very heavy use compared to wood.
This easel is a reliable companion for any artist on the go. It offers great flexibility and thoughtful features to make your outdoor painting experience enjoyable.
3. Magnetic Sketch Easel Plein air easels Plein air watercolorist Camera Tripod easels Sketch fits on a Camera Tripod (Easel and Easy-dismantling)
Rating: 8.6/10
Unlock your creativity wherever inspiration strikes with the Magnetic Sketch Easel. This versatile easel is designed for artists on the go, easily attaching to your camera tripod. It’s perfect for plein air painting, urban sketching, and capturing landscapes. You can even use it in your studio or take it backpacking.
What We Like:
- Strong magnetic sides securely hold your metal palette, water cups, and brushes.
- The drawing side easily holds sketchbooks and paper sheets.
- Attaches quickly and easily to your camera tripod with a standard 1/4″ bolt.
- Smooth finishes and excellent craftsmanship make it a pleasure to use.
- It’s lightweight and packs easily, making it ideal for hiking and travel.
- Provides strong overall stability for steady painting.
- Works wonderfully for watercolors (it can lay flat!), gouache, oils, and drawings.
- Helps you record your life and surroundings anywhere, anytime.
- Makes your art better and your life happier!
What Could Be Improved:
- While the magnetic sides are strong, very heavy metal palettes might be a slight concern for some users.
- The size is great for sketching and smaller watercolor blocks, but larger canvases might require a different setup.
This easel is a fantastic tool for any artist who loves to paint outdoors or needs a compact setup. It’s a perfect gift for students, professionals, and anyone who enjoys capturing the world around them.
4. Newzealkids Artist Easel Stand Painting Stand Art Easel
Rating: 9.4/10
Unleash your inner artist with the Newzealkids Artist Easel Stand! This versatile easel is designed to support your creative journey, whether you’re painting a masterpiece or showcasing your latest work. Its adjustable height and sturdy aluminum construction make it a reliable companion for artists of all levels, both indoors and out.
What We Like:
- Adjustable Height: Easily change the easel’s height from 20 inches to 61 inches using simple turn knobs and a handle. This makes it perfect for artists of different heights and for various projects.
- Lightweight and Durable: Made from lightweight aluminum, this easel is built to last without being heavy. You can carry it easily.
- Versatile Use: It works great as a painting easel with its included tray and apron. It also doubles as a display easel to show off your art.
- Stable Design: The easel can hold canvases or art boards up to 27.5 inches tall and 1 inch thick, with a weight capacity of 25 pounds. You can even hang weights on the center pole for extra stability.
- Portable and Convenient: It folds down small, weighing only 2.5 pounds, and comes with a carrying bag, making it easy to take anywhere. The adjustable legs work well on different surfaces.
- Includes Accessories: You get a portable bag and clear instructions.
- Good Customer Support: NewZeal offers a professional after-sales service team to help with any problems.
What Could Be Improved:
- Tray Installation Note: The tray attaches with screws directly, without brackets. The screws with brackets are specifically for posters or art boards, meaning the tray cannot be attached if you want to use the bracket system for art boards.
This Newzealkids easel is a fantastic tool for any artist looking for flexibility and portability. It’s a solid choice for both creating and displaying your artwork.
5. New Wave u.go Plein Air
Rating: 9.4/10
The New Wave u.go Plein Air | Anywhere Pochade Box is a fantastic tool for artists who love to paint outdoors. This box lets you carry your art supplies easily and set up your canvas anywhere. It’s built tough and designed with painters in mind.
What We Like:
- It’s made from strong Baltic Birch wood with tough stainless steel and aluminum parts.
- The finish resists water, solvents, and chips, so it lasts a long time.
- Magnets keep it closed securely.
- You can tilt it flat or vertical, and it works with tripods.
- The included palette is easy to clean, even for dried acrylics.
- It’s super light at just over 3 pounds, making it great for travel.
- It holds canvases and panels of different thicknesses.
What Could Be Improved:
- The 14-inch vertical limit might be too small for some larger projects.
- While sturdy, some artists might prefer an even heavier, more anchored feel for very windy conditions.
This pochade box is a well-made and practical choice for any artist who enjoys the freedom of painting en plein air. It offers a great balance of durability, portability, and thoughtful design.
Your Guide to Picking the Perfect Plein Air Easel
Painting outdoors is a fantastic way to capture the beauty of the world. A good plein air easel makes this experience much easier and more enjoyable. This guide will help you find the right one for your artistic adventures.
What to Look for in a Plein Air Easel
When you’re choosing an easel, think about what you need.
Key Features to Consider
- Portability: You’ll be carrying this easel to different spots. It should be lightweight and easy to fold up.
- Stability: Your easel needs to stand firm, even on uneven ground or in a light breeze. A strong base is important.
- Adjustability: You should be able to change the height and angle of your canvas easily. This helps you work comfortably.
- Durability: The easel should be built to last. It will face different weather conditions and being moved around.
- Storage: Some easels have built-in trays or holders for your paints, brushes, and other supplies. This keeps everything organized and within reach.
Important Materials
The materials used in an easel greatly affect its quality and how long it will last.
- Wood: Many easels are made from wood, like beech or pine. Wood is strong and can look very nice. However, some woods can be heavy.
- Aluminum: Aluminum is a popular choice because it’s very light and rust-proof. This makes it great for carrying and for use in damp conditions.
- Plastic: Some lighter easels use plastic parts. While this can make them very cheap and light, they might not be as strong or stable as wood or aluminum.
What Makes an Easel Better or Worse?
Several things can make an easel a joy to use or a frustrating one.
- Build Quality: How well the easel is put together matters. Strong joints and sturdy legs mean it won’t wobble. Cheaper easels might have weak connections that break easily.
- Weight: A lighter easel is easier to carry. However, if it’s too light, it might not be stable enough in windy conditions.
- Ease of Use: How simple is it to set up and take down? If it has too many complicated parts, it will slow you down.
- Canvas Support: The part that holds your canvas should be secure. It should grip the canvas well so it doesn’t slip.
User Experience and Use Cases
Think about how you plan to use your easel.
- For Beginners: If you’re just starting out, a simple, sturdy, and affordable easel is a good choice. You want something easy to handle so you can focus on painting.
- For Experienced Artists: If you travel a lot or paint in challenging weather, you might need a more robust and adjustable easel. Look for features like a wider base or better locking mechanisms.
- For Different Surfaces: Most easels work well on flat ground. If you often paint on hillsides or beaches, look for an easel with legs that can be adjusted to different lengths or have wider feet to prevent sinking.
- Storage of Supplies: Some artists like having a palette tray attached to their easel. Others prefer to carry their supplies separately. Consider what works best for your painting style.
Choosing the right plein air easel is an important step in your outdoor painting journey. By considering these features, materials, and your own needs, you can find an easel that will be a reliable companion for many creative sessions.
Frequently Asked Questions about Plein Air Easels
Q: How heavy should a plein air easel be?
A: A good plein air easel should be light enough to carry easily, usually between 2 to 8 pounds. However, it also needs to be heavy enough to stay stable in the wind.
Q: Can I use any easel for outdoor painting?
A: While you can try, easels designed for studio use are often too bulky and heavy for outdoor painting. Plein air easels are specifically made to be portable and stable in various conditions.
Q: What is the best material for a plein air easel?
A: Aluminum is often considered the best material because it’s lightweight, strong, and won’t rust. Wood is also good, but it can be heavier and might need more care.
Q: How do I make sure my easel is stable?
A: Look for an easel with sturdy legs that spread out wide. Some easels also have hooks to hang a weight, like a bag, from the center to give it extra stability.
Q: What is a “French easel”?
A: A French easel is a type of easel that has a built-in wooden box for storing paints and brushes. It often folds into a neat carrying case and is very popular for plein air painting.
Q: Do I need a special easel for different types of canvases?
A: Most plein air easels can hold various sizes of canvases or boards. Make sure the easel you choose can support the weight and size of the canvases you plan to use.
Q: How much should I expect to spend on a good plein air easel?
A: You can find basic plein air easels for around $50-$100. More advanced or durable easels made from high-quality materials can cost $150-$300 or more.
Q: Are there any easels that are very easy to set up?
A: Yes, some easels are designed for quick setup. These often use simple locking mechanisms or have legs that unfold easily. Tripod-style easels are usually very fast to set up.
Q: What if I paint in windy conditions often?
A: If you paint in windy areas, look for an easel with a wide base and adjustable legs. Consider easels that come with a hook to add extra weight for stability.
Q: Can I attach a palette to my easel?
A: Many plein air easels have a built-in palette or a tray that attaches to the side. If not, you can often buy a separate palette that clips onto the easel legs.
In conclusion, every product has unique features and benefits. We hope this review helps you decide if it meets your needs. An informed choice ensures the best experience.
If you have any questions or feedback, please share them in the comments. Your input helps everyone. Thank you for reading.
My name is Carlos Gadd, and I am the creator of AirPurityGuide.com.. With a passion for footwear, I share my experiences, insights, and expertise about shoes. Through my blog, I aim to guide readers in making informed decisions, finding the perfect pair, and enhancing their footwear knowledge. Join me on this journey to explore everything about shoes!