From the Toysit archive

Artist Easel With Art Supplies

Explore this wooden art easel through its clipped drawing surface and tray of paint cups, then plan a landscape in three passes from large shapes to small details.

Historical toy profileContext reviewed
Wooden easel with a tall white drawing surface, clips at the top, a blue tray of colored-lid paint cups and a red tray visible behind.
Original Artist Easel With Art Supplies image from Toysit’s earlier coverage.

The play at a glance

A tall drawing space with colors close by

A white drawing surface fills the front of the wooden easel in Toysit’s photograph. Clips sit along the top, and a blue tray holds a row of paint cups with colorful lids. A red tray is visible on the far side. The arrangement puts a large picture space above a compact row of materials.

The original account describes chalkboard and dry-erase faces, paper, brushes, paints and removable trays. It suggests a satisfying way to approach a picture: begin with the large areas, add the main subject and finish with a few details that draw the eye.

Start with the largest shapes

Imagine a landscape with a hill beneath a wide sky. Place the hill’s curved edge across the page, then choose how much room the sky should have. A low hill leaves space for clouds; a high hill brings the ground closer to the viewer.

Use a few broad areas of color to establish the scene. Look at the picture from a little farther away. The big shapes should make the setting easy to recognize before smaller marks enter it.

Give the eye a place to arrive

Add a main subject, such as a tree beside a winding path. Choose where the path begins and how it leads toward the tree. A darker trunk or a bright patch of leaves can help the subject stand out.

Finish with a few small details: a bird above the hill, flowers beside the path or a window in a distant house. Leave some broad areas simple so the details have room around them. Each pass gives the picture another layer to look at.

Plan a landscape in three passes

  1. Draw three small rectangles for stages of the same picture.
  2. In the first, place the largest land and sky shapes.
  3. In the second, repeat those shapes and add a main subject.
  4. In the third, add three small details that suit the setting.
  5. Use the sequence to make one larger drawing and choose a title.

This original Toysit activity uses paper and drawing materials. For a physical easel session, an adult should follow the matching setup directions and use materials intended for its board or paper surface.

The historical record

Original Toysit coverage

The original product account and commentary are preserved below as historical coverage.

Artist Easel with Tray Supplies.

This double easel is 48 tall and has a 24 chalkboard on one side and a dry erase board on the other. It features pre-hinged hardwood legs, support braces and a paper roll bar to hold an 18 roll of paper (included). The easel is fully collapsible for easy storage and height adjustable for growing artists. The molded tray is specially designed to hold the included four non-spill paint cups, six poster paints and four chubby paint brushes. It also comes complete with 12 colored chalks, black board eraser, six wipe-off markers and two easel clips. With this well-designed, double-sided easel, preschoolers can enjoy the advantages of creative expression on an upright surface. The easel's frame is made from sturdy wood left in its natural state, with thick pressed board used as the bases for the art surfaces. One side of the easel has a 24-by-24-inch, green chalkboard, and the other side has a 24-by-24-inch, white dry-erase board. Two removable, washable trays are included to attach to the easel (one with molded spaces to hold paint jars and brushes). The easel requires simple assembly, but no tools are required and all bolts and plastic bolt covers are included. Some thoughtful design aspects include an adjustable height feature, a convenient, built-in paper towel holder, and two metal clips to attach paper for painting. Included in the set are some art supplies to get started: four large, no-spill paint jars, six small jars of poster paint, four paint brushes, a package of colored chalk, six dry-erase markers, a foam eraser, and a 75-foot roll of newsprint paper. This set was a winner of the Dr. Toy Best Classic Toys Award, and it would be a winning addition to any playroom, family daycare home, or preschool.

Dry Erase Boards

Providing children with a dry erase board is a simple yet powerful way to inspire creativity and foster a love for learning and expression. Here's how a dry erase board can be a valuable tool for children's creativity:

  • Unlimited Canvas: A dry erase board offers an endless canvas for children to draw, write, and create. They can easily erase and start over, allowing for continuous experimentation and exploration.
  • Encourages Collaboration: Children can work together on a dry erase board, sharing ideas, and creating collaborative artwork. It promotes teamwork, communication, and social skills.
  • Enhances Fine Motor Skills: Drawing and writing on a dry erase board help children develop fine motor skills and hand-eye coordination, essential for their overall growth and development.
  • Promotes Visual Learning: Visual learners can benefit greatly from a dry erase board. They can use it to visualize concepts, organize thoughts, and make connections between ideas.
  • Environmentally Friendly: Unlike paper, a dry erase board can be used repeatedly without waste. It's an eco-friendly option that teaches children about sustainability.
  • Interactive Learning: Teachers and parents can use dry erase boards to make learning interactive and engaging. Whether it's solving math problems or practicing spelling, it adds an element of fun to education.
  • Portable and Versatile: Many dry erase boards are lightweight and portable, making them suitable for various settings, including classrooms, bedrooms, and outdoor activities.
  • Boosts Confidence: The non-permanent nature of a dry erase board encourages children to take risks and try new things without fear of making mistakes. It builds confidence and creativity.

A dry erase board is more than just a writing surface; it's a versatile tool that unlocks a world of creative possibilities. It nurtures a child's imagination, encourages collaborative play, enhances learning, and provides endless opportunities for fun and creativity. It's a valuable addition to any home or classroom, sparking joy and inspiration in children of all ages.

Sources and editorial notes

The original photograph and detailed Toysit account support this profile. Exact dimensions, supplied quantities, adjustment hardware, the paper-roll/towel-holder wording and the award claim remain attributed to that account; a matching complete guide was not recovered. The original August 12, 2023 update is preserved. The landscape activity is an original drawing exercise, and no physical testing occurred.

Images and descriptions are retained as historical material. How Toysit covers toys.

Created for Toysit by Tabbloza — the artwork in our header.