Whether you are a professional or a beginner, an easel is a great tool.You may have questions about putting your canvas in the right way, but setting one up is easy.Although there are many different types of easels, the process of securing your canvas is the same.A sliding holder system is used for most easels.The process is still easy even though plug types are less common.You should be painting in no time if you have an easel.
Step 1: You can set the height of the bottom holder.
The height of your painting is set by the bottom support holder on most wooden easels.Place the bottom holder where you want it.Raise or lower the piece until it is at the right height.The knob needs to be locked in place.If you want a different level, you can adjust the height after the canvas is on the easel.Some simpler easels don't have an adjusted bottom.The canvas height is already set.
Step 2: The canvas should be placed on the bottom holder.
Take your canvas and put it on the bottom holder.Set the canvas in there if there is a notch.Line it up with the front edge of the holder.There is equal space on each side if you center the canvas.If the top holder is too low, you may need to raise it.If you want to place the canvas on the bottom holder, you need to remove the knob from the top holder.
Step 3: The top holder needs to be snug with the canvas.
Take the knob out of the top canvas and put it on the canvas.If there is a notch, put it over the canvas.Line up the canvas with the front edge of the holder.The canvas should be locked in place with the knob back in.Lock the canvas in place by keeping your hand on it.
Step 4: The canvas should be lined up with the holder edges.
Some artists don't like the way the easel holders touch the canvas.Shadows could be caused by this blocking the top of the canvas.The front of the canvas should be lined up with the top and bottom holders in mind.The canvas should be flushed with the holders.The canvas needs to be locked in place with the top holder.There should be no shadows or obstructions on the canvas face.If you use this method, don't press down hard on the canvas.If it's not in the easel slot, the canvas can pop out.
Step 5: The canvas needs to be secured tightly.
Double check that your canvas is secure before you start because you don't want it to move while you paint.Make sure the canvas doesn't come loose by shaking it a bit.You are all set to start painting if that is the case.You can adjust the bottom holder to set a new level if you don't like the height.
Step 6: Only the tips of the plugs are visible.
A plug easel uses small screws to lock the canvas in place, which some artists find more secure than a standard easel.Start by removing the plugs from the ends of the support beams.You need to make sure you don't miss any plugs.Plug easels come in different shapes, so they have a different number of plugs.Plastic coverings may be used for safety.Before you start, make sure to check and remove these.
Step 7: The canvas should be centered on the top beam.
The center of your canvas should be aligned with the top easel support.Plug tips will penetrate the wood if it's pressed down onto the beam.It is easy to find the center if you have a canvas with center supports.You just need to align the easel beam with the wooden block.Do your best to estimate the center.Hold the canvas against the top beam so it doesn't come loose while you're working.
Step 8: The easel hub should be over the center of the canvas.
The center part of the easel is where the support beams come out.If you want to extend the beam up until the center of the canvas lines up with the hub, you need to remove the support plug on the top beam.Lock the beam back in place with a screw or plug.Plugs or screws may be used to hold the beams in place.It depends on the easel model.While you adjust the height, keep your hand on the canvas.
Step 9: The canvas should be extended so they can touch it.
The support beams all have the same extension.To extend one at a time, loosen the support plug and pull the beam until it reaches the canvas.Press the canvas against the plugs.The beam needs to be locked back in place.Wait until all of the arms are touching the canvas.Hold on to the canvas with one hand while you tighten the plugs.It is possible to come loose until you are done.
Step 10: Plugs need to be tightened so they can penetrate the wood.
All of the easel plugs need to be screwed into the canvas.They penetrate the canvas wood by turning them clockwise 2 or 3 times.The canvas should be secured when all the plugs are tightened.The wood might be weakened if the plugs are turned too many times.2 or 3 turns should suffice.
Step 11: Make sure the canvas is secured.
Your painting could be ruined if your canvas comes loose while you are working.Make sure the canvas stays in place with a light shake.You are ready to start painting if it does not move.The canvas won't come loose if you shake it too hard.