While I was in a week long plein air class at Truro Center for the Arts, I noticed some of the students using a pochade box. It is an artist easel and supply box that mounts on a tripod. Since I have a Bogen Tripod from my photography days, I decided this was the perfect solution. I was tired of hauling around a portable table, easel and box to do my painting, especially on hots days in the summer.
I did a bit of research and ordered the medium Sienna pochade box online for $158. I liked it but it was too small. I sent it back intending to buy the large version. But at $188, I was a bit hesitant. Fortunately, I hesitated long enough to come up with another cheaper solution.
A few years ago I purchased a used artist box (including some paints) for $20 at a flea market. I’ve been using that along with the metal easel with expandable legs and table, etc. Too many parts. The more I looked at this box, the more I realized it had every feature I needed. It has a place for paints and brushes, of course, but also four slots for 12 x 16″ art boards (larger than the Sienna medium box would accommodate) and paint palette, which slide right into the grooves in the top. That will carry one or two wet paintings and a cleaned up palette back to the car. The only option missing was being able to slant the box top back to angle the board while painting. I discovered if I use the bottom of the case to secure the board, it should be fine. But how to secure the box to the tripod?
I knew from my research that you could buy a tripod attachment plate from an art supply store in the UK for a little over $10. I screwed this right into the middle of the bottom of the box. As I feared, the screws are too long and came through the bottom, so my husband used a rotary tool to cut off the excess. Now I can add paint tubes without worrying they will get pierced by the screw points. It’s important to keep your materials at a minimum. Not more than six or so tubes of paint and brushes to keep the weight light. Additional materials can go in an old back pack. So, back pack, box and tripod and you are good to go! Happy painting!
Note: One more item for a faster set up is a quick release tripod attachment. Just get one that is made for your brand of tripod.