Painter/Artist Easel

[KJT]

I'm looking for some help from any artists or painters who have experience using an easel to hold canvas.

My girlfriend really enjoys painting but has fallen off in recent years due to an increasingly busy schedule of law school and work. We both agree she needs to take some time to relax and decompress after her long days, and on weekends, and she has talked about starting to paint again, but hasn't made any moves. I'm planning on converting part of our house into a little art studio for her and wanted to get a nice easel for her to use.

I have NO experience and don't know where to begin looking other than google. I've pasted some that I saw that looked nice, but I don't really know if I'm on the right track or not. She paints with both oil and water colors if that helps with the decision.

Any advice for me? It's for Christmas, so we have some time. Budget would be less than $200. Thanks!

http://www.jerrysartarama.com/discou...dia-easels.htm

http://www.jerrysartarama.com/discou...edia-easel.htm

http://www.jerrysartarama.com/discou...udio-easel.htm

http://www.jerrysartarama.com/discou...udio-easel.htm

http://www.jerrysartarama.com/discou...udio-easel.htm

 

[cimabue]

Those last two look good. Prob made by the Best Easel Co. Good product. The others are overkill. In fact, don't spend too much money as an unused easel could prove embarrassing for her and create tension between you? Art supplies/furniture are prob like fitness equipment in that regard: will either be used with regularity or left gathering dust.

 

[celery]

From what you posted the last two would be the best. Primarily because of the ratchet system for height. The others with the screw knob eventually will wear down the wooden slider they're attached to and won't hold.

I used one of these for years and it's still going strong:
http://www.dickblick.com/products/kl...eel-art-easel/


Also, get a plastic tarp for the floor.

 

[KJT]

Originally Posted by cimabue

Those last two look good. Prob made by the Best Easel Co. Good product. The others are overkill. In fact, don't spend too much money as an unused easel could prove embarrassing for her and create tension between you? Art supplies/furniture are prob like fitness equipment in that regard: will either be used with regularity or left gathering dust.

Good point. The last 2 fold away pretty easily too.

Originally Posted by celery

From what you posted the last two would be the best. Primarily because of the ratchet system for height. The others with the screw knob eventually will wear down the wooden slider they're attached to and won't hold.

Also, get a plastic tarp for the floor.

Two good things to know. Thanks.