Studio ergonomics

[Hawkswift]

I'm looking at purchasing my first easel (or making one, but I need the same information for both options...) and I don't know what I should be looking for.

How tall should it be?

I expect that this varies based on whether I'm in a standing or sitting position when I use it. What are the advantages and disadvantages of working from a standing position?

Where should the work surface be relative to my shoulders/eyes? Does the recommended viewing angle of my canvas vary based on the position of the model, when I'm using a model?

Is a stool a requirement if I'm working primarily from a standing position?

Any other ergonomics suggestions are also welcome. A quick search didn't bring up any general ergonomics of art threads, and I'm curious.

[dpaint]

I just wrote a post for my blog next week about Ergonomics. Basically you want to be able to put your feet flat on the ground when you sit in your chair and place your arm on your desk elbow bent at 90 degrees without raising your shoulders or slouching your back. You should have enough desk space to to rest your weight on your elbows not your wrists when typing at a keyboard (forearm can completely rest on desktop) and have your monitor at arms length from where you normally sit or at least 2 feet (24inches). There are other things but that is a start.
From Wikipedia, I disagree with the way they show the wrist and monitor distance here but everything else seems right.

[Hawkswift]

Sounds like the same ergonomic setup for a computer, and the web is full of information on that...

I'm more wondering about art-specific setups - easels in particular. Does the guideline placing the top of the monitor at or just below eye level translate to a canvas? How is that changed by needing to reach the canvas with a hand?

[dpaint]

Eye level for canvas standing or sitting so you don't get perspective distortion. Palette should be at the height of your outstretched arm with your brush in your hand. Painting its better to stand, like a fencer so you don't over rotate your forearm. I've been painting now for over thirty years with no injuries or surgery. I have two rugs and a bar mat in front of my easel to stand on to help me when I pull 16 hours at the easel for weeks on end.

[Hawkswift]

Just to be sure, eye level at the top of the canvas?

[dpaint]

Middle of the canvas, canvas at arms length, canvas perpendicular to your line of sight to cut down distortion.