My favorite easel for a 5-inch square, 6-inch square, and 7 by 5 inch Anam Cara paintings — and for displaying unframed collage paintings on thick watercolor paper.

Pros:

• The clear plastic is unobtrusive, keeps the painting in full view.

• The angle is very adjustable.

• Folds flat for shipping or packing in luggage,

• Unlike a wooden tripod mini easel,

  • Two unobtrusive tips at each side hold the painting securely

  • The painting sits close to the desk, for stability and a sense of intimacy.

• In my experience, Gibson has good quality control.

Cons:

• The Gibson 2PL base is about 5 ¼ inches deep, and 3 ¾ inches wide -- so it takes up a lot more desk space than the Plymor medium double-scoop easel.

• The hinge is often tight, and if too much force is applied to a thin plastic part, that part can break. Note: It’s best to open the easel by holding both sides of the base right at the metal hinge. A note about this is enclosed with the easel when I send it to you.

• You sometimes have to bend the top part very slightly, so the easel isn’t a bit crooked.

Details:

• Clear plastic.

• Clear tips at side are about 0.75 inches high.

• 3.88 inches wide, 4.75 inches high, with base 5.38 inches deep.