What easel should I buy

[MindCandyMan]

Hi guys...I am going to buy an easel for my birthday and I was wondering which one I should buy. I want one that will allow me to do cast drawings at home (almost vertical ) and also allow me to be able to do paintings in the field if I need or in a studio...I want an all around easel...I don't mind lugging around something that might be a little heavy. Anybody know a good one? Thanks. I will probably order through www.dickblick.com

I can't spend a crazy amount of money either...but probably up to about 150 or 200...thanks

[Blackhawk]

Hey MindCandy, if your looking for an easel like you described, look into getting a sketchbox easel. It can fold up so you can take it outside. I bought one for Christmas and it's great for me. I don't have a lot of room right now, but it's perfect for me, I can take it outside to do drawings and paintings and it works well in my place when I want to do life drawings or paintings indoors on it. I'm not sure if this is what others will recommend, but it works for me and it may be what your looking for.

[gekitsu]

i recently dug out the old easel my dad had when he was younger and he got it from his dad when he was painting.

it's nothing fancy... just two bars, the upper one can be locked in any height to hold a canvas.
since i don't paint on canvasses yet (still beginning), i fit a piece pf wooden board in it and tape my papers and boards on that.
it's not very mobile, though. anyway, i guess for beginners like us, it's just the right thing.
why not searching for some cheapass easel from someone who clears his studio of all the old crap he doesn't need anymore and get loads of boards, paint and brushes for the rest of the money? :)