Well I’m slowly getting caught up with the posting of my daily images, feels good…look forward to being up-to-date.

I decided to also post today’s image as I had a bit of a blog post to go along with it.

Kimi brought home a wooden box the other day from work measuring 6 5/8″ x 8 5/8″ x 2″. I was inspired to use it as a base for a do-it-myself pochade box (a portable easel to use for plein air, painting outside). On Friday we didn’t have a model in class, so I parked myself at the window and did a quick sketch painting of the city and distant hills. I was happy to finally do such a painting and it got me really wanting a pochade box to get out and paint with.

The one I really want is custom made at Alla Prima Pochade. He’s a painter as well as a carpenter and has come up with a smart design with a lot of nice features. The one I want (8″ x 10″) goes for $300 though, so that’s going to be a later purchase.

In the meantime, time to break out the tools. I’m mimicking his basic design, since I like it so much.

I have the original box that will hold supplies and the palette (I’m still trying to figure out how that’s going to work). I already glued a 1/4″ nut onto the bottom of the box so I can attach it to my tripod.

I made a second box based off the measurements of the first. This box will sit ontop of the other and open with a hinge. When opened the “front” of it will hold a canvas panel for me to paint with. The inside of this box has dividers so I can carry three 6″ x 8″ wet panels.

It’s all the same basic setup as Alla Prima Pochade, just not put together too great! I’ve always enjoyed woodworking, I’m just not very good at it. I understand the basics, but I’m just not patient enough to make exacting plans, or precise measurements etc.

Here’s a basic sketch of what it’s looking like, I’ll post some photos of it later that will likely be a lot more clear than my sketch or rambling post! I hope to have it finished tomorrow so I can take it out and go painting.