The present invention relates generally to a repositionable and handheld easel of lightweight composition, and that is removably attachable to a painting canvas frame without interfering with any paintable portion of the canvas. The handheld easel is also adjustable in size to accommodate virtually any size of handheld canvas frame, and allows the painting surface to be rotated in relation to the artists hand to enable the artist to achieve a specific brush stroke while the handheld easel remains in the artist's hand.