Easel

Easels are objects in The Sims, The Sims 2, and The Sims 3. They build Fun, and allow Sims to make money by selling their paintings. In The Sims and The Sims 2, painting at an easel builds the Creativity skill, and in The Sims 3, it builds the painting skill.

The Sims
"All Sims love to paint, especially those who wish to improve their creativity. Unleash the right side of the brain with this lightweight, folding easel. Made of oiled beechwood, this portable model can be deployed indoors or outdoors."

In The Sims, the easel is called the "Dimanche" Folding Easel, though it does not actually fold. (In keeping with the artsy theme of this easel, "Dimanche" means "Sunday" in French.) The paintings made on it are not separate from it, and cannot be removed from it. A partially finished painting cannot be scrapped, but the easel can be sold with a partially finished painting on it.

It can be used by children, but the painting they produce will be, well, childish.

The Sims 2
"All Sims love to paint, and with an Independent Expressions easel, painting is a snap. This 'blank canvas' is sturdy enough for use indoors or out, and blank enough to allow even the most independent creativity to blossom and grow."

In The Sims 2, the easel is called the Independent Expressions Inc. Easel. It costs §100 more than its counterpart in The Sims, but is considerably improved. With the Independent Expressions Easel, only the Sim who started a painting can continue it, though any Sim can scrap a painting. (Sims will not scrap paintings autonomously.) If a Sim has at least five points of Creativity skill, he or she can paint a still life or portrait.

Since children, and even toddlers, can gain Creativity skill in The Sims 2, the quality - and sale price - of a child's paintings will depend on his or her skill level, just as with adults.