The most common and most likely answer to this crossword clue is the 5 letter word EASEL
I've seen this crossword clue in The Times
E
A
S
E
L
More clues leading to the result EASEL
- Drawing support and comfort first from lover
- Support a bit of leisure — after relaxation
- Stand or move gently left
- Support rent getting left at the lowest level
- Facility left for support of painting
- Supporter employed in theatre as elocutionist
- Supporter of art?
- Stand for an artist having facility with light, primarily
- One’s under canvas to relax at length
- Stand in line, with no trouble going to the front
Buddy explains!
The straight part
We know that "Supporter of art?" is the straight/definition part of the clue. The straight part is often a synonym or definition, in this case supporter of art? = easel.The cryptic/wordplay part
In cryptic crossword there's often an wordplay/cryptic part as well.This part involves a more complex hint, such as an anagram, homophone, hidden word, etc.
Sadly, We don't have an explanation for this specific crossword clue yet.
What does EASEL mean?
EASEL noun- An upright frame, typically on three legs, for displaying or supporting something, such as an artist's canvas.