




I made this pochade box myself from scrap pieces of wood, no electric tools were used. The easel part (the top) was inspired by Jim Serret, plein air painter, how to make your own. This is a "standard" size box, measures 12" x 16", 2 1/2" deep (box). The tray on the side (brush holder) measures 11"x 4 1/2". The mixing palette is made of clear plexi glass with the adhesive paper protective still on the back (the largest piece I had) measures 15 1/8" x 10 7/8" x 1/8" thick. The box weighs 2lbs, made from 3/8" Maple plywood for the sides for top and bottom including the dividers. The top and bottom panels are made of Laune. I was also inspired by
@Kaustav and his posts. In the very beginning this appeared impossible, out of reach for me, but as I looked around more carefully at what I had on hand, which is not much at all but I am skilled, everything started to come together ridiculously easy yet very unexpected. The only things I needed to purchase were the brass hinges on the back (not shown), the finish (Spar Urethane, quick dry, indoor/outdoor) for it with brushes for the job, bungee cords, just enough of everything nothing more at all. It is built for outdoor use, to handle Canadian weather, is harsh on things. The handle has enough room to be wearing a pair of gloves/mittens to carry when cold. I have the freedom to paint sketches/paintings measuring from 5" x 7" (horizontal) up to 12" x 16" , on both horizontal/vertical. This will sit on my lap most often, I need a strap to put around my waist and attach to box to better secure while painting and resist weather (winds). Need a stool and new supply of paint and to mess up this box some by using it. Thanks for looking, enjoy!....now back to painting!
Comments
@Forgiveness, this is incredible work. You made all that? Superb. I'm seeing features that I've been reading about in very expensive commercial boxes. Not one item there looks like "scrap". You could sell these.
Now I'm looking forward to your plein air paintings. And of course, the sushi that you will make.
Beautiful work. Suggest you adjust the lid to vertical to avoid sky glare.
Denis
Thank you, much appreciated @Richard_P.
Anyway, here are some of the good designs that you can attach underneath your box.
Sienna Wet Panel Box and Sienna Plein Air All in One box (panel carrier underneath)
Use Caribiners on the side of the box. Find the spring loaded versions. You won't lose stuff.
Clockwise from top left: D-shaped wire gate, D-shaped straight gate, Oval straight gate, Pear-shaped auto-locker, D-shaped screw-locker. Center is a standard carabiner rating.
Denis
Jerrys artarama has some very simple ones (not enclosed though) but easy to make if you have more know-how than materials. Carry 4 differnt size panels at a time. Again these would be for fair weather.
You need to think about how many paintings you can do in a day. If it is not more than two, then there is no need for slots more than two. Three is general. Don't go for too many sizes; maybe one underneath box for 10X12 and inside it can hold an 8X10 also. U need to create an 'L' kinda thing.
Since you are making all the stuff, put a tripod hole inside and 12X16 box for six panels in advance.
Can easily be made into a new pochade box with tripod adapter added, or used as subject matter in still life set up for painting.
I found it inspiring, hope you do too.
This is the view underneath the box.