EASEL RECOMMENDATIONS
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There are a few variables to consider when choosing your easel. First, is it primarily for drawing or for painting? Easels for painting should be larger and steadier than one that will be used mainly for drawing. However if you are like most artists your easel must assume double duty. A heavy duty easel will always outperform a light-weight. Whatever easel you decide upon the most important factor to keep in mind is that a wobbly easel will soon be assigned to the storage locker. Whatever you do do not get a single-mast easel. Sure they are inexpensive and save space but they sway and wobble like the devil.
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The next consideration is whether you work standing up or sitting down. Again, you probably do both. That said you will need an easel that accommodates your height when standing up and is also comfortable to work at when your sitting down.
The third consideration is whether your easel will be used exclusively in your studio or outdoors (or, again, both) and also if you travel with your gear - how do you travel? If your riding (or more accurately described as enduring the forever packed beyond all reason) the M1 bus in Manhattan to your class you will want a half-box Jullian French Easel (it's compact, light-weight, sits on your lap and you won't be giving yourself a nasty bang on the shin as is apt to happen regularly with a metal tri-pod easel or, worse, smearing your painting on a fellow passenger).
The half-box Jullian also handily fits into your check-in luggage when flying. When I'm travelling I pack all of my art gear into my luggage and buy whatever clothes I need at my destination. Needless to say I do get asked the extra questions at customs.
And last, but not least, is the size of your studio. A large studio easel like the Santa Fe II requires a minimum ceiling height of 9 feet. If your working in your apartment a medium size studio easel will suffice.
Below is a selection of easels that I feel are the most suitable for beginners, intermediate artists working on small to medium size works (I consider 36x48" a medium size) and advanced artists who are ready for the challenge of working big.
All of my recommendations are for wooden easels. They are relatively easy to repair unlike metal easels that once something breaks or falls off never to be seen again are impossible to fix - unless you are a welder or know one.
The following recommended easels are from Blick Art Materials  and are only available from Artacademy.com online. Unfortunately we cannot process telephone or mail orders for these easels.
Recommended Easel for Beginners
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List Price: $350 Blick Price: $146.99 SAVE $203!!
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Recommended Easel for Intermediate Artists
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List Price: $670 Blick Price: $504.00 SAVE $166!!
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Recommended Easels for Advanced & Professional Artists
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List Price: $1,595 Blick Price: $807.00 SAVE $788!!
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List Price: $1,895 Blick Price: $987.00 SAVE $908!!
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The Jullian French Easel - ideal for studio, plein aire & travel
Designed in 1945 by Roger Jullian the Jullian French easel sets the standard. There are many French easels on the market today and in these difficult days of cutbacks and shortcuts you need to choose carefully. Many manufacturers now use inferior wood and cheap metal fittings that, compounded with poor workmanship, result in an easel that inevitably is of little use.
I have been using my Jullian half-box easel for over ten years now. I have had to do some repairs and replace some rusted bolts but that is because I have used it outside in torrential rains and baked it in scorching desert conditions. It has been my constant traveling companion on many painting journeys.
My recommendation is to get the half-box Jullian. It does hold fewer art materials than the full-box but you have to consider the weight and wear-and-tear on your shoulder when carrying your gear. And, as always, a limited palette is best.
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List Price: $600 Blick Price: $149.99 SAVE $450!!
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