What is a better option for a beginner artist...?

[ellieraej20]

What is a better option for beginners, a drawing board with art clips, a drafting table, or a French portable easel? I've been looking at several options online and in the stores, and I'm wondering whether I should splurge on a French easel for canvas (holds up to 31") and sketching that folds up into a suitcase and can be used outside, or a drafting table for sketching, or just stick to the basics and get a drawing board with a few art clips to hold my art in place. I'm serious about art but I am a beginner, so what is your opinion?

[Singular]

I always just drew on a hard masonite board on a table. It's all about comfort with me when drawing.

[ellieraej20]

Thanks, I will look at those when I go shopping for a drawing board. I think I will wait to get the easel until I have improved my abilities somewhat.

[jenn_iam]

I don't like to draw from easels except when doing live figure drawing.. and I have drawing boards, such as Singular suggested, as well as a drafting table... I use each depending on mood and comfort.. But initially I drew when and where I could, as long as it was a drawing appropriate surface. its really up to you. Do you have any artistic friends or family or classes that may have some of these things before you spend the money?

[ellieraej20]

I settled for a standard drawing board, it's 18x18 so it will hold at least medium-sized paper, which will work for my purposes. I also picked up a few drawing supplies like fixative for my charcoal pencils. I got some money for Christmas which is why I wanted to buy some art supplies for myself to get started on drawing more professionally, and I've been taking art classes online to improve my skills. I do have family members that are in artistic careers, but they mostly do things like photography and digital art, which I'm not really interested in.

[jenn_iam]

Congrats.. sounds like you made some smart choices.. Look forward to seeing what you make of them.

[ehoeveler]

Ellie, that sounds sensible. You're starting with your basics and
from there, you can determine whether you want to sit, stand or hang upside down
while you create. I had an art teacher who, at 7am, wanted us to stand And listen
to the most dismal blues tapes ever. I think he was running some sort of experiment...
It worked - Never had I created such crappy work, lemme tell you.

[rocksana]

Hello, I think for a beginner, a sketchbook is best! Whether a large one or big, it is very useful for jotting down all the random ideas and thoughts that pop into your head, as well as doing sketches of things you like or are intrigued by and you can carry it with you everywhere. But also the drawing board with clips is a good option too.