- This topic has 174 replies, 93 voices, and was last updated 4 months, 2 weeks ago by
.
-
Does anyone use the Alla Prima pochade boxes or the Soltek easels with acrylic paints?
If so, what do you use for a palette?
I currently use a French Easel and put my Masterson Sta-Wet palette on the open drawer of the easel. That works well, but I find the FE a bit cumbersome…..
All the Soltek easels that I’ve seen in use, were being used by oil painters. I don’t think my Sta-Wet palette would fit in the main part of the Soltek……
and I’m sure that it would not fit in the Alla Prima pochade boxes either
the Masterson Sta-Wet palette that I use is 12″ x 16″…
Sooooo… just wondering what other acrylic painters do…
I’m sure if one is using Golden Opens you could use them just as oil painters do… but how about regular Golden acrylics?
The 12 x 16 Sta-Wet is quite large for the Alla Prima boxes. Any way you can get a slightly smaller one? I haven’t painted with acrylics in a while, at least not outdoors. Here’s what my Yellowstone looks like set up. You’ll notice I have those disposable palette sheets duct-taped to the box instead of using the wooden palette. I tend to leave my paint on too long and then it gets dry and I have to scrape it which I hate. I just tape a stack of them on and pull out one sheet at a time once it gets completely soiled.
Oh, and for the person who wants to use panels – I tried to use a panel once and it did not work. However, I’m sure there would be an easy modification Ben could make since the parts that hold your panel are actually just held there by magnets. He could just make some wider ones for stretched canvas. Though like most, I am totally converted to panels (mostly gessoboard since I like the smooth surface).
[FONT=Palatino Linotype]Chantal (C & C always welcome)
http://www.flickr.com/photos/102840288@N03/[URL=http://www.dickblick.com/products/winsor-and-newton-aluminum-bristol-easels/]http://www.dickblick.com/products/winsor-and-newton-aluminum-bristol-easels/[/URL]
its cheap …
HOWEVER – I love that pochade box and I’m going to sneak one into my art supplies as soon as possible.
I also use the W&N Bristol watercolor easel. In windy conditions I ‘anchor’ it with a one gallon Igloo jug full of ice water hung from the center. This easel is lighter and more user-friendly than a heavy, wooden sketchbox-style easel.
[FONT=Georgia]We live in a rainbow of chaos. ::::Paul Cezanne::::
My blog: http://passionforpigment.blogspot.com/Masterson makes a small Sta-Wet palette, about 8.5″ x 7″
http://www.artsuppliesonline.com/catalog.cfm?cata_id=1134
https://store.opusframing.com/sagro/storefront/store.php?mode=showproductdetail&product=9942I bought mine at Aaron Brothers Art and Frame
[FONT=Georgia]We live in a rainbow of chaos. ::::Paul Cezanne::::
My blog: http://passionforpigment.blogspot.com/What makes the Open Box M so special?
Why is it leading the pack at this point in time?
"Success is going from failure to failure without losing enthusiasm." Winston Churchill
I’m noticing that as I get older, I can’t put in a full day standing up anymore. My joints and back start to ache, my feet hurt…It’s tough getting old!
Sitting and painting with a pochade box in my lap makes a huge difference in my energy level, and I can go all day long. I know that some of the boxes mentioned won’t balance well without the tripod. Perhaps those of you who have the various brands could comment on how they work as laptop and/or tabletop boxes.The Guerrilla Painter 6×8 thumbox with palette extension works really well. I just got the 9×12 box with the extensions and 6×6/8×10 adaptors, and I’ll comment on how that works out once I’ve had a chance to test drive it. I felt the palette of the thumbox was fine for 6x8s, but when I used it for 8x10s, I just didn’t have enough mixing area. I think the 9×12 box will work better for me.
When I need a lightweight solution for hiking, I use a pochade box/panel carrier that I made out of foamcore. It fits in my backpack, and I use a piece of closed cell foam as a cushion for sitting on a rock or tree branch.
I use the Soltek for sizes 12×16 and up, but after standing up and painting one of those early in the day, I need to sit down and go smaller afterwards.
Jamie
Hudson Valley Painter[/url]
Hudson Valley Sketches -- Reviews/Lightfastness Tests/Art Materials [/url]
One year from now, you'll wish you had started today.I’m noticing that as I get older, I can’t put in a full day standing up anymore. My joints and back start to ache, my feet hurt…It’s tough getting old!
Sitting and painting with a pochade box in my lap makes a huge difference in my energy level, and I can go all day long. I know that some of the boxes mentioned won’t balance well without the tripod. Perhaps those of you who have the various brands could comment on how they work as laptop and/or tabletop boxes.Jamie
I just recently used my Yellowstone on a small table outdoors and it was fine. I couldn’t tell the difference between tripod and table-top use. But at 11 x 14 it might be a bit bukly for laptop. I have an old cigar box which I modified for painting on my lap, but it’s really only good for 5X7 paintings or smaller which doesn’t quite do it for me. I haven’t used it since getting my Yellowstone, but I may bring it along on some longer hikes this summer.
Sitting down is not always an option for me, since half my paintings are done in snow and the cold (and the bugs in summertime!) would get to me, even if I did bring something to sit on. Of course if I have to carry a folding seat, then I might as well just bring the tripod. I have also found that when I did those small lap paintings it was a killer on my back and neck since I always ended up hunching or looking down at the painting. But I can see where standing all day would get tiring so I think a combo like Jamie is suggesting is a good idea. Remember to stretch between paintings! You didn’t know plein air painting could be hazardous to your health did you?!!
[FONT=Palatino Linotype]Chantal (C & C always welcome)
http://www.flickr.com/photos/102840288@N03/I Remember to stretch between paintings!
I think I should print out these words in bold, bright red, Chantal, and tape them inside the lid of my easel! Then every time I remove a panel, I’ll see them!
As Brad says, a pochade box with a tripod is definitely not the way to go for me. It forces me to stand all the time while restricting my painting size! I’d rather have my lightweight chair….It has a shoulder strap, a back, adjustable legs, and pockets to hold extra stuff that doesn’t fit in my box… If I’m going to have to stand up the whole time, then I want to paint larger.
Jamie
Hudson Valley Painter[/url]
Hudson Valley Sketches -- Reviews/Lightfastness Tests/Art Materials [/url]
One year from now, you'll wish you had started today.
- You must be logged in to reply to this topic.