Which are the best drawing boards for artists?
People who do any type of drawing need to equip themselves with the proper work spaces and the tools necessary to bring their creativity to life. Drawing, painting, and sketching requires a surface that is functional and can enhance the artistic skill of the user. A collapsible drafting table would be the ideal tool, but if you’re looking for something more portable, lightweight, and smaller, a drawing board may better suit you. We’ve put together a list of five drawing boards for artists that have an array of styles to help get your ideas onto paper
Martin Portable Art Studio Adjustable Drawing Board
This drawing board is a great substitute if you don’t want, or can’t afford, an expensive drawing table. This is a well built, lightweight drawing board made of high resin particle board. The wood particles have a higher density that gives it a bit more strength to guard against being easily damaged. Although it cannot handle canvas on stretchers, it does produce wonderful results with watercolor paper. This adjustable drawing board can be set to six different positions between a 35 to 40 degree tilt. But it can only be set up in a portrait position versus a landscape position. It has a large working area while still providing the advantage of portability so you can take it wherever you go.
• Measures 20 by 26 inches and weighs 16 pounds
• Adjustable legs and stand can be locked into six different positions
• Durable particle board construction
• Double mounting clips to secure paper
• Has carrying handle for portability
See the latest price for the Martin Portable Art Studio Drawing Sketch Board right here…
Koh-I-Noor Portable Drawing Boards
This plastic drawing board can hold a 14 by 19 inch piece of paper by securing it in place by two locking clips. While great for right-handed artists, it’s not recommended for lefties. Being smaller than a few of the other boards mentioned, it’s an extremely portable drafting board. It’s small, easy to use, and comes with a transparent protractor. There is a t-square lock that allows you to fasten it into any position. There are no attachments. The ruler is included in the design so no assembly required. Just move the straight edge into any position along the guide rail, and it locks into place. A drawing head can be purchased separately and attaches to the straightedge of the board and will lock in 15 degree increments at any angle you choose.
• Measures 20.5 x 15.5 and weighs 3.4 pounds
• Corner paper clamps to secure paper in place
• Carrying case with handle included
• Optional drawing head (sold separately)
See the latest price for the Koh-I-Noor Portable Drawing Board right here…
Staedtler Mars Tecnico A3 size ST661-A3 Drafting Machine Lightweight Drawing Board
Another highly portable drafting board, the Mars Tecnico is perfect in the way of desktop drawing boards. There are no legs for tilting. It lies flat with a locking ruler that gives you accurate straight and parallel lines and perfect angles. The ruler even has finger ridges for easy adjusting.
• Measures 14.9 by 20.5 inches and weighs 2.9 pounds
• No legs for tilting; good lap design
• Desktop board or lap design
Sax Carry-All Portable Drawing Board
This portable drawing board was aptly named because it has a carrying handle cut out in the top of it to eliminate the need for a carrying case. There are two strong spring-loaded clips that secure the paper to the board plus a heavy duty rubber band to hold the paper in place. While the surface is smooth for working, it has a strong and durable hardboard back. No adjusting legs or tilting, but it works well on a desktop or your lap.
• Measures 26 by 23.8 inches and weighs 2.8 pounds
• Built-in carrying handle
• Smooth drawing surface
See the latest price for the Sax Carry-All Portable Drawing Board right here…
Darice 18 by 18-Inch Masonite Sketch Board
The least expensive of our portable drafting boards, this one offers quite a bit despite the low price tag. It can hold drawing pads that measure up to 11 by 14 inches. Another lightweight drawing board, it’s equipped with a single clip that holds the paper or pad securely in place as you draw while a thick rubber band secures the other end. Although there are no legs to make it adjustable, it is great as a lap board. Plus, this board has a perk the others don’t – you can write on the smooth marlite surface area with an erasable marker (marker sold separately).
• Measures 18 by 15 inches
• Built-in carrying handle
• Smooth white surface area can double as a white board
• No legs or tilt – good as a desktop drawing board or lap board
See the latest price for the Darice 18 by 18-Inch Masonite Sketch Board right here…
So – which are the best drawing boards for artists?
Artists need portable drawing boards that they can use on the go or desktop drawing boards for a home office. Lightweight portability is a must, and these drawing boards for artists provide just that with high quality manufacturing. If you’re looking for a drafting table with a parallel bar for precision, the Koh-I-Noor or the Mars Tecnico would be good choices with their locking rulers and straight edges. Since good things come in small packages, the Darice would be a great tool for a student on the go with a small budget.
Are you looking to go into digital are? perhaps you are looking for a second tablet or need to upgrade your existing tablet. if so check out our comprehensive reviews on graphics Drawing Tablets across a wide range of size, brands and price right here…
