Kind of support a painter may need (5)
I believe the answer is:
easel
'kind of support' is the definition.
I can't explain the rest of the clue.
Can you help me to learn more?
(Other definitions for easel that I've seen before include "Wooden frame for an artist" , "Artist's tripod" , "Studio frame" , "Artist's stand for painting" , "Artistic tripod" .)