How do I work this easel??

Question

I have a Mabef M-11 A-frame style easel. As I was putting a canvas on it (using it for the first time), the canvas never really seemed stable enough to paint on. Also, there are these "canvas support" things that are like little blocks of wood that are on the spine of the easel....what are those for? Do I rest the canvas on those or on one of the shelves? Im obviously an extremely confused artist......

Answer 1

Hey Stir,

The attached web site sells these, so, in looking at a picture of them, you should rest the bottom on a Bar, and Clamp down from the top. See the following words "a strong-grip metal ratchet"...

Made of select beachwood, the Mabef Lyre Easel is constructed with a sturdy A-frame for excellent rigidity. An easy-slide canvas holder on top clamps the canvas. A strong-grip metal ratchet adjusts the bottom canvas holder.

Answer 2

Okay, below is a picture of what the easel should look like. The canvas should sit on the shelf (bottom canvas tray) and the little block (canvas holder) on the spine (mast) should go on top of the canvas to secure it in place.

Having said that, A-frames are great, but they do tend to be a bit floppy at times. However, Mabef makes great easels and mine is an H-frame Mabef M18 Deluxe Convertible Studio Easel.

If you ever decide to change the style of easel, and paint at home or you have a studio, then I would suggest you get an H-frame. Although, if you are a plein air painter, then never mind.

Good luck!

Answer 3

I have this easel but have stopped using it for large paintings for exactly this reason.

Here's how you use it.

Rest canvases on the bottom rest and clamp down on it with the upper clamp. This will give you stability. Go to the link below and click on the third thumbnail for a picture of how to use those little block canvas support clip things. Positioning your painting this way will give you maximum stability when using this easel.

The downside is if you want to use the incline at all, you will lose the support of the clip things. I've found this easel is good for smallish paintings, but anything bigger than 36" x 36" it wiggles far too much.