What options should I get for the Gorilla pochade box?

cunparis · #1 06-24-2004, 06:49 AM

I'm going to be in the US in August for vacation and I'm seriously considering ordering a Gorilla 9x12 pochade box. I've been dreaming of them for a while now. I have a french halfbox easel (funny, they're not called "French" here in France) and I love it for my studio/backyard but it's a paint to fold up and carry. And it's a little heavy. It has backpack type should straps but it's not very comfortable.

My questions are: Can I easily paint smaller than 9x12 if I order the 9x12 version? 9x12 is the biggest I'd like to paint, I often paint just 6.25x9.5.

Also what optional add-ons are "must have"? They have so many I'm not sure what will be the most useful. I like to build things myself so I think I can make some like the paper towel holder myself. I'm asking about this because once I return to France it won't be very practical to order the accessories. PS: I paint oil/acrylic.

-Michael

frisbee1948 · #2 06-24-2004, 10:24 AM

I just received my Guerilla box this week. I have made many comments about it in the thread called "Which Pochade can fit CAO..."

As far as accesories, here is my take:

You don't need the paper towel holder. You can use a bungee cord.

You don't need the pallette extender. It takes away room for carrying a wet canvas. You can extend the pallette area by cutting a piece of wood that will that will fit inside the box, under the pallette for storage and that can be placed next to the partially slid out pallette for painting.

The Pocade sized brushes are nice, but you can cut the tips off of regular brushes and they will work just as well.

You do not need the adapter to hold 8x10 or 6x9 panels. Just get a 9x12 panel and cover it with velcro. Then attach velcro dots to the back of the panel you want to paint on and stick it onto the 9x12. The velcro dots can be reused two or three times before the adhesive wears out.

The mini brush washer is nice since it fits perfectly into the box.

The brush tray is nice. It makes more storage room in the box since you can store paint tubes underneath it. And you can attach it to the side of the pallette with small clamps while you are painting. That keeps all your brushes neatly in front of you. You don't need the hanging brush container that they sell.

I did not get the shoulder strap. It comes with a nice handle and the box is very light, so I don't see a need to carry it over my shoulder. For places that I might have to hike into, I am considering a backpack.

The pallette cup is nice (I got the single one, not the double). It has a screw on cap and doesn't leak, so you can just put the cap on, throw it in the box and you're on your way. No need to clean it up.

I got the plastic solvent container, but you could easily use any small jar.

I also go the umbrella. It attaches qucily and easily to the side of the box and has a flexible pole so that it is infinitely adjustable. I haven't used it outside yet.

They had to back order the tripod for me, so, if you are in a hurry to get it, you should call them first. Any sturdy tripod will work. I have a cheap one that I've had for thirty years, but it is to wobbly. I hope the new one comes soon and does a better job.

That's about it. If you have any questions, feel free to ask me.

Where will you be going on your painting trip?

Guerrilla Painter II · #3 06-24-2004, 10:45 AM

[quote=frisbee1948]I just received my Guerilla box this week. I have made many comments about it in the thread called "Which Pochade can fit CAO..."

They had to back order the tripod for me, so, if you are in a hurry to get it, you should call them first. Any sturdy tripod will work. I have a cheap one that I've had for thirty years, but it is to wobbly. I hope the new one comes soon and does a better job.

QUOTE]
I saw this post after I posted my last one. Tripods will be avaliable next week. You should recieve it the following week.

LeeHaber · #4 06-24-2004, 01:02 PM

Before you buy anything...look at the Soltek...it's what I use and I love it.
Fast set-up, light, compact, wide tripod...will not blow over. It's expensive
but if you use it often like I do it's worth the investment. I've used the Julian half and full box, open box M 11x14 and this is my favorite. Fits easily into a 21" or 22" rolling suitcase for travel.

TomHart · #5 06-24-2004, 01:46 PM

I'd recommend the brush tray, the brush washer, and one of the solvent bottles. Also, get two of the small clips they sell (at a very competitive price), and then you can attach the brush tray to the side of your palette or the box, and serve the same purpose as the brush caddy. You really don't need anything else right away. You'll need a tripod, but not necessarily the particular one they sell.

Enjoy. I love mine!

Tom

Guerrilla Painter II · #6 06-24-2004, 10:41 AM

Micheal

I paint smaller than 9x12 all the time. The lid holds 9x12 panels or streched canvases. I have lots of homemade solutions for carring wet paintings smaller than 9x12 inthe lid of my pochade box. An artist friend turned me on to velcro covered panels( ie: foam core, aluminum, coreplast....) and velcro dots on the back of the painting support. I usualy leave a 1/2" boarder around my painting support, then I have room to tape or clip the painting support to the foam core.
Guerrilla Painter ( My father Carl, Myself, and our wonderful staff ) sell accesories to allow smaller formats to be used with the 9x12 box. slip in adapters avaliable in 6x8 and 8x10. The slip in easle has been great. It holds a large range of panels from 3" high to 16" high.
I recomend the brush washer, brush tray and the brush caddy as very useful accesories. thanks for letting me voice my highly subjective opinions.

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