You can make a special easel for oversized artwork.
If you have a very large canvas, you need to make your own easel to hold it. Standard easels may not secure it. You can make your own easel for the canvas and use it not only for painting, but also for displaying the finished work. This will prevent having to buy an extra-large frame for the painting, because the easel will showcase the piece unframed. A large easel will hold a variety of sizes of canvases, so you don't have to worry about the exact dimensions of your artwork.
Instructions
1. Cut three pieces of 2-inch by 2-inch white pine to a length of 6 feet. These will be the three uprights of your easel. Make sure you cut all three pieces to the same exact same length so your easel won't wobble or fall over. Make sure there are no cracks or flaws that could cause the legs to break with repeated use.
2. Cut one piece of 2-inch by 2-inch lumber 4 feet long. This will be the cross piece that the canvas sits on when it is on your easel. The 2-inch width will make a solid resting place for the canvas to rest on.
3. Measure 3 feet down from the top of each leg and make a mark. This is where your cross piece should be attached. Line the cross piece up with the marks you made on each leg. You should allow the cross piece to extend past the legs 6 inches on each side. The legs will be three feet apart. Note that the 2 legs and the cross piece should form an "H" instead of the traditional "V" shape of most easels. This will give more support to your oversized canvas. Drill a guide for screws. The guide holes should be 1/8 inch. Screw the cross piece to the legs.
4. Cut a 3-foot piece of the 2-inch by 2-inch lumber. Drill holes in each end and screw it to the top of the legs. This piece should rest on top of the legs, and your screws should screw down into the tops of the legs. This is your top brace.
5. Measure the halfway point of your 3-foot top brace and attach a cabinet-door hinge. Attach the other half of the hinge to the third piece of 6-foot lumber that you cut. This will be your support leg in the back of the easel.
6. Stain all the wood with wood stain. Use a rag to apply the stain. You should let the first coat dry, then apply the stain a second time for a smooth finish.
