To the left is the easel with a painting leaning against a board peppered with assorted references. Behind the easel and under the window are boxes full of artworks, and other equipment.

For many, easels are an essential part of the painting process. They allow you to face your canvas straight on, whether you’re working on your largest masterpiece or a small sketch.

To help, we spoke to Mangold and six other artists, teachers, and art professionals — many of whom are also parents — about the ones they’d recommend. Their nine favorite easels for kids ...