7 Best Easel Attachments For Holding Reference Images

Many parents find themselves wiping paint off the kitchen table, wondering if an easel setup might finally help a budding artist focus their creative energy. Providing a dedicated space to work from reference images is a subtle but profound way to signal that artistic exploration is a skill worth nurturing. This guide outlines practical tools to help bridge the gap between imagination and observation while remaining mindful of typical growth spurts and changing passions.

Artlicious Painting Reference Clip: Simple Budget Choice

When a child is first moving beyond free-form drawing into observational painting, the clutter of loose papers can become a point of frustration. This basic clip provides a low-cost, low-commitment solution to keep a reference photo upright and visible.

It serves as an excellent introduction for children ages 6 to 9 who are just beginning to mimic shapes and colors they see in nature or books. Because the cost is minimal, it is an ideal “starter” purchase that doesn’t demand a long-term commitment to the hobby.

SoHo Urban Artist Reference Clip: Best Flexible Reach

As a child enters the 10-to-12 age range, they often begin experimenting with more complex compositions that require specific, angled views of a reference image. This clip features an adjustable neck, allowing the artist to reposition the image without moving their entire easel setup.

The flexibility is vital for students who have outgrown basic tracing and are now working on depth and perspective. This tool grows with the student, adapting as they transition from simple shapes to more nuanced anatomical or landscape studies.

Richeson Lyptus Wood Side Tray: Top Professional Quality

Investing in high-end studio furniture is a decision best reserved for the older student—typically age 13 or 14—who has demonstrated consistent dedication to their craft. A solid wood side tray acts as a permanent anchor for reference materials, brushes, and palettes.

This level of equipment is designed for longevity and can often be passed down to siblings or resold for a significant portion of its value. It marks the transition from “after-school hobby” to “serious artistic practice,” providing the stability needed for long, focused studio sessions.

Jullian Paris Easel Tray: Best for Plein Air Painting

For families whose artistic journey takes them outdoors to parks or gardens, a compact, integrated solution is necessary to prevent materials from blowing away. The Jullian design is legendary for its durability, offering a secure spot for both the canvas and the reference image.

This is a specialized choice for the student who enjoys the outdoors and requires a portable system that sets up in seconds. It is a functional investment that supports a specific, active style of art-making rather than just indoor studio work.

Artograph LightPad Easel Mount: Best for Digital Work

As more youth artists blend traditional sketching with digital refinement, the need to view backlit images or trace complex lines becomes standard. An easel mount for a light pad allows the artist to maintain a professional posture while working on detailed projects.

This tool is highly recommended for the middle-schooler who is tech-savvy and beginning to explore animation or digital illustration. It bridges the gap between old-world manual techniques and modern digital workflows.

Creative Mark All-Media Tray: Most Versatile Storage

If a young artist tends to work in multiple mediums—switching from watercolor to charcoal or acrylic—a multi-functional tray is the most practical choice. It offers ample surface area to hold not only reference pictures but also the assorted tools required for different projects.

This utility-focused choice prevents the common pitfall of buying specialized, single-use gear that later sits unused on a shelf. It offers the best return on investment by consolidating space and simplifying the cleanup process for busy parents.

Guerrilla Painter Laptop Mount: Advanced Student Tool

By the time a student reaches their mid-teens, they are often using tablets or laptops to curate high-resolution reference galleries for their work. A sturdy, adjustable mount that can secure a screen at eye level is essential for preventing neck strain during long painting sessions.

This is essentially the “final step” in gear for the high school student preparing a portfolio for arts programs or advanced classes. It treats their creative process with the seriousness of a professional workspace while providing the stability required for precision work.

Helping Young Artists Transition From Memory to Reality

Most children begin by drawing from their internal imagination, which is a vital developmental phase for creative confidence. However, incorporating reference images introduces the concept of structural observation and objective reality.

Encouraging the use of these tools helps children move from “this is what I think a tree looks like” to “this is how the light actually hits these specific branches.” This shift in perspective is a hallmark of developing critical thinking and patience within the artistic process.

How Reference Tools Build Critical Observation Skills

Using a reference clip or tray forces a child to pause and look repeatedly, slowing down the impulsive urge to finish a project in five minutes. This repetition creates a feedback loop where the brain learns to process texture, tone, and spatial relationships more accurately over time.

These habits are not limited to art; they are foundational skills in biology, engineering, and any field that requires detailed observation. Equipping a student with these tools teaches them that quality work requires external data and thoughtful analysis.

Matching Attachment Style to Your Child’s Easel Type

Before purchasing, always verify the clamping mechanism of the current easel to ensure compatibility with the attachment. While some clips use universal tension mounts, others require a specific ledge or hole configuration found on professional-grade stands.

• Ages 5–8: Prioritize simple clips that are easy to operate without adult assistance.
• Ages 9–12: Look for adjustable “gooseneck” arms that offer versatility in viewing angles.
• Ages 13+: Focus on robust, built-in trays that accommodate larger canvases and digital devices.

Selecting the right tool for the current stage of development ensures your child feels supported without the overwhelm of overly complex equipment. By choosing gear that scales with their growing talent, you provide a stable foundation for their artistic growth for years to come.