Easel
An easel is a free-standing support that holds a canvas, board, or display upright for painting, drawing, or viewing.
Tripod: A three-legged support that stands on a surface and carries a camera, instrument, or other load. Many portable easels use three legs to stand steadily on uneven floors.
Plein air painting: Painting outdoors directly from the landscape or other observed subject. Portable easels let painters secure canvases while working outside.
Ancient Egyptian art: The visual arts produced in ancient Egypt, including painting, sculpture, and decorated objects. Ancient Egyptian paintings survive on walls and objects, offering context for painting before the familiar studio easel.
Wall-mounted display: An object or artwork presented on a wall using a fixed hanging or mounting system. Wall mounting keeps a work upright without the floor space and mobility of an easel.
A-frame: A structure with two sloping sides joined at the top, forming the shape of the letter A. The A-frame is a common easel shape, with rear legs bracing the upright front.
Field easel: A lightweight, foldable easel designed for painting outdoors or traveling between locations. Its folding legs and low weight suit plein-air work.
Panel painting: A painting made on a rigid support, commonly wood or another prepared panel. Panel painting created a portable upright surface that could be supported while artists worked.
Drawing board: A flat, rigid surface used to support paper while drawing or drafting. A drawing board is commonly held by hand or placed on a table rather than standing independently.
H-frame easel: A studio easel with a broad, rectangular frame and a central upright mast for supporting artwork. Its rigid frame supports large canvases more securely than many folding designs.
Tabletop easel: A compact easel designed to stand on a table or other raised surface. It supports small canvases where a full-size floor easel would be impractical.