An easel is a stand designed to hold a canvas, poster board, or pad of paper upright while someone works on it. Picture a tripod with a ledge: the three legs keep it stable, and the ledge or clamps hold the work surface at just the right angle.

Artists use easels in their studios so they can step back to see their paintings from a distance, then move close again to add details. The easel keeps the canvas steady and at a comfortable height, whether the artist is sitting or standing. Teachers sometimes use easels too, setting up large paper pads during lessons so the whole class can see what they're writing or drawing.

Easels fold up for storage and come in many sizes, from small tabletop versions perfect for painting at home to tall studio easels that can hold enormous canvases. Whether you're presenting a science poster at a school fair or painting a landscape in your backyard, an easel keeps your work positioned right where you need it.