Abstract: A portable easel includes a base component having an upper surface, a lower surface, a continuous periphery and a central aperture. On the upper surface are a plurality of canvas grooves, each having a differing or discrete width and/or depth for receiving an edge of a canvas. The upper surface also includes one or more arcuate notches for retaining artist's tools, such as paint brushes, painting and palette knives, scrapers, etc. Narrow slits are variably positioned on the upper surface to receive and uprightly support canvas boards or similar thinner media. The lower surface of the easel includes a locking means for mating with canvas grooves on another easel to allow multiple easels to be compactly and seamlessly stacked for storage.