Tabletop Easel

Tabletop easels are convenient and practical for the traveling artist.  I prefer the Academy Clamp on Table Easel, because it can attach to almost any stable surface whether it is a stool or desktop corner. This is particularly convenient if your surface space is limited. It is light and can easily fit into an average sized suitcase or carry-on luggage.  Personally, I far more prefer using a tabletop easel than a masonite clip sketchboard, particularly because I am so used to draw from an easel.  Anytime I have tried to use a sketchboard, I end up propping it up on my lap, which is really not very comfortable.  The worst mistake I made when using a sketchboard was that I forgot to cover my lap.  I was using Prismacolor pastels and charcoal, and the dust of these products got all over my pants! Secondly, trying to hold the board upright in one position proved to be so frustrating that I just gave up drawing for the rest of my trip.

Since that experience, I bring along my tabletop easel. After my earlier experience, I make sure to cover the table and surrounding area before I begin to paint or draw.  Another favorable attribute of the tabletop easel is that you can also use it for painting, while the drawing board is strictly used for drawing – as its name implies. A clamp on table easel, such as the one made by Academy, is also more versatile, as far as size of canvas or drawing paper you wish to use. The clamp on easel has almost all the benefits of a full size easel, without the extra bulk or cost. I suggest that you weigh a chair down to avoid tipping it over should you need to lean on your easel. You may want to put your paint box on the chair, making it into a sort of makeshift French easel. Again, compared to a French easel, a tabletop easel can be purchased at a fraction of the cost.

With regard to convenience, especially for those of us who are no longer able to stand for lengthy periods of time, a tabletop easel solves that problem. Because it is attachable to most tables or stools, those pieces of furniture are already designed at a level for of a seated person. Additionally, you can spread all of your supplies on the table where you are working – also within reachable distance. If you enjoy doing still life, the tabletop easel is ideal, because you, your canvas, and the still life are all at the same level, which makes it easier to draw with regard to perspective.

Written by Brenne Meirowitz, BA, MA, MS
© 2010-2011 Brenne Meirowitz & Tabletop Easel. All Rights Reserved.