6 Best Brush Clips For Easel Attachment For Artists
Keep your workspace organized while painting. Discover the 6 best brush clips for easel attachment and improve your workflow today. Shop our top picks here.
An artist’s workspace is much like a knitter’s project bag; order is the difference between a meditative flow and a frantic search for a dropped stitch. When painting at an easel, the ability to keep brushes accessible and upright prevents color contamination and damage to delicate bristles. Just as choosing the right needle material changes the tension and speed of a lace shawl, selecting the right brush clip dictates the efficiency of every brushstroke. Proper tool organization saves time, keeps supplies protected, and ensures that focus remains entirely on the creative process.
Creative Mark Brush Butler: The Best Overall
The Creative Mark Brush Butler serves as the gold standard for artists who prioritize structural stability. Much like a high-quality rosewood needle that maintains its integrity after years of heavy lace work, this clip offers a reliable, no-nonsense grip that stays put.
It features a multi-slot design that allows for the simultaneous storage of several brush sizes. This mimics the utility of a interchangeable needle case, ensuring that everything remains organized by size or usage frequency.
The tension mechanism is balanced perfectly for standard wooden-handled brushes. It holds firmly enough to prevent slipping during active painting, yet remains gentle enough to avoid marring the finish of the brush handles.
Richeson Easel Brush Clip: For Heavy Brushes
When working with heavy, long-handled hog-hair brushes, standard clips often fail to maintain their grip, leading to the dreaded “slip and tumble.” The Richeson clip addresses this by utilizing a high-tension spring system.
Think of this like choosing a heavy-duty bamboo needle for a chunky wool project; you need something that can support the weight without bending or collapsing under pressure. This clip is designed specifically for those larger, oil-painting brushes that would weigh down lighter alternatives.
Because it is built for heavier loads, it is an excellent choice for studio artists who don’t move their easels frequently. It stays firmly locked to the frame, providing a consistent “home” for heavy tools.
Art Advantage Metal Brush Holder: Budget Pick
Simplicity is often the most underrated feature in any craft tool. The Art Advantage Metal Brush Holder provides a straightforward, utilitarian design that gets the job done without unnecessary bells or whistles.
If you are a beginner stocking up on your first set of acrylic paints and brushes, this is a sensible starting point. It functions similarly to a basic set of straight needles; it may lack advanced ergonomic features, but it is reliable and affordable enough to stock up on for every corner of an easel.
While the metal finish is durable, it is worth noting that it lacks the protective padding found in more premium models. Ensure that the brushes placed within it have sturdy, lacquered handles to prevent any potential scuffing.
J-Bonest Brush Clip Holder: Most Versatile
Versatility is king when an artist alternates between various mediums, such as switching from delicate watercolor rounds to wide glazing brushes. The J-Bonest holder offers adjustable sizing that accommodates a vast range of diameters.
Much like a circular needle that adapts to projects of varying circumferences, this holder conforms to the tool at hand. It is particularly useful for artists who frequently change their brush set-up during a single painting session.
The modular nature of this clip makes it highly portable. It is an excellent addition for those who frequently move between a home studio and a local art collective, as it fits easily into a gear bag alongside a small notions tin or a needle gauge.
Ken-Pro Easel Brush Holder: Premium Choice
Professional artists who require precision and ease of transition will find the Ken-Pro holder to be a worthwhile investment. The build quality feels substantial, reflecting a design intended for daily, rigorous use.
The spring tension is calibrated for a “quick-release” feel, similar to how high-end needles provide a smooth glide that reduces wrist strain during long sessions. It holds brushes in a way that keeps the bristles clear of the easel frame, which is vital for maintaining the longevity of natural hair brushes.
While the cost is higher than a simple metal clip, the longevity of the product justifies the expense. It is a tool designed to last for years, much like a well-maintained set of surgical steel needles.
Fushing Stainless Steel Clips: For Plein Air
Plein air painting requires gear that can withstand the elements, including wind and shifting lighting. These stainless steel clips are robust and resistant to corrosion, making them ideal for outdoor work where humidity or moisture might be a factor.
Think of this as the equivalent of choosing rust-resistant aluminum needles for humid climates. These clips lock onto an easel with significant force, ensuring that a stray breeze won’t knock your favorite brush onto the ground.
Because they are made of steel, they are incredibly durable but can be slightly heavier than plastic alternatives. Always check that your easel frame has a secure edge to accommodate the width of these clamps.
What to Look For in an Easel Brush Clip
When evaluating a brush clip, consider the size of your brush collection and the frequency of your painting sessions. Much like identifying whether a project calls for a smooth surface or a grippy needle, the material of the clip should match the surface it is attaching to.
Look for clips that offer non-slip padding or rubberized interiors. These protect the handle of your brush from deep scratches and ensure the clip itself doesn’t slide down the easel leg while you are working.
Consider the orientation of the slots as well. Vertical storage is usually better for preserving the shape of brush bristles, ensuring they don’t flatten against the side of the easel.
Metal vs. Plastic Clips: Which is Right for You?
Metal clips offer superior durability and are less likely to crack or fatigue over years of repetitive use. However, they can be rigid and sometimes lack the “give” required for fragile wooden handles.
Plastic clips are generally lighter and provide a softer, more forgiving grip. They are often less expensive, making them perfect for building out a studio space on a budget, though they are more prone to snapping if they are over-stressed by heavy brushes.
If you are working with expensive, hand-turned brushes, choose a clip with a protective coating. A metal clip that is not lined with rubber is a recipe for damaged varnish over time.
Getting the Right Grip: Attaching Your Clip
Placement is critical for maintaining your flow. Attach your clip at a height where you can reach your brush without looking down or breaking your visual connection to the canvas.
Always test the clip on the edge of the easel before loading it with a full set of brushes. If the easel frame is thin or rounded, you may need a clip with an adjustable screw-mount rather than a simple spring-loaded pressure clip.
Avoid over-tightening spring clips on delicate wooden easel components. Just as you wouldn’t pull your yarn too tight when working on a delicate lace cast-on, you want a secure hold that respects the integrity of the material.
Protecting Brushes From Clip-Related Damage
Even the best brush clip can cause damage if used improperly. The biggest risk is storing brushes while the bristles are still damp, which can cause the ferrule to loosen or the handle to warp.
Always ensure your brushes are wiped clean and placed in the clip handle-down or horizontally. Keeping the weight of the brush balanced is just as important as keeping the weight of a heavy wool blanket centered on a circular needle cord.
If a clip feels too tight, you can wrap a small piece of self-adhesive felt around the brush handle to act as a buffer. This minor customization ensures that your tools remain in pristine condition, ready for the next creative session.
Choosing the right brush clip is an essential step in refining your studio environment, ensuring that your tools are always exactly where you need them. Whether you prioritize the heavy-duty grip of a steel clamp or the versatile nature of an adjustable holder, the right accessory will bring a new level of ease to your artistic practice. Invest in quality support for your tools, and your workflow will become as smooth and consistent as a well-knit row of stockinette.