Best art easels for painting

Start here: the Heavy Duty Extra Large Adjustable Wood H-Frame Easel. It's the one that behaves like a real studio easel — a wide, deep H-frame that stays put while you push a loaded brush, and it raises tall enough for big canvases. Best for oil and acrylic painters working at a fixed spot.

Who the others suit:

• Medium Wooden Studio H-Frame with Storage Tray — the sensible middle: full-size studio stance, holds canvases up to 48", tray keeps brushes and medium to hand.
• Large Wooden H-Frame with Drawer & Shelf — a home-studio easel with storage built in; canvas capacity is smaller, so it's for mid-size work.
• Adjustable Artist Easel — tall and light-ish, good if you want one easel for both standing and sitting.
• Venice Heavy Duty H-Frame Tabletop — the best-loved small one: solid for sketchbook and small-panel work on a desk.
• Royal & Langnickel Aluminum Artist Easel — folds down and travels; the pick for plein air or classes.
• Tabletop A-Frame / Royal & Langnickel tabletop — cheap, simple starters for kids and small studies.

Rule of thumb: buy for the biggest canvas you actually paint, and check the easel's canvas-height limit before anything else.