I keep telling myself that I want to try my hand at plein air painting. So far I've procrastinated, but I'm always on the lookout for plein air ideas! Go figure. I want to buy a plein air easel even if I only use it for workshops. There are a number of really good ones out there. That's the problem, each of the four I like seem to have at least one feature I really like.... so hard to decide! I am also intrigued with the "how to" internet videos where people show you how they built their own boxes. Some of the small ones are built out of cigar boxes.
I spotted a thrift store the other day and swear my car just turned in on its own. I went in looking for toys to paint. They didn't have any toys I was interested in, but I found some cigar boxes and then an old metal cash box for $4.00. Of course I bought both. When I got them home I realized that unlike the cigar box, the cash box was ready to use. The lid opens to exactly the right angle and I don't need to add hinges as I would with the cigar box. The lid easily holds a 6x6" panel. I think I will cut a piece of masonite to fit as a palette then it will have room for a few paint supplies under the palette. I also think paint will last with the top closed.
I tried it out today painting a 4x4" 'mug' and it worked like a charm. The lid has a lip that holds the panels and leans back just far enough you don't have to worry about the panel falling forward.
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| Use a metal change box to paint on small panels |
I was even more thrilled about
my pochade cash box after looking online for modifications ideas. I found this wooden Pochade Thumb Box ... it was
on sale for $84.00! I saved $80!! What else can I buy?Its all about Art...
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| B.C. by cartoonist Johnny Hart |
What a great idea! I may have to look for a cash box. Then I can keep it in the car with just a limited palette and be ready for anything!
ReplyDeleteLove the cartoon! :-)
Hi Linda, I'm having a great time using it. I'm going to get a plexiglass insert cut to use as a palette. I was reminded to have one of the corners cut off as a finger lift to make it easier to get out. I'm planning to glue a small post in each corner to hold the palette up so I can stick brushes and paint tubes under it.
DeleteI love the cash box too!!! What a great idea. I have some old cigar boxes and will have to try out my hand with the small box and a limited palette.
ReplyDeleteHi Maria, I've been on the lookout for a cigar box after finding step-by-step instructions on how to make one on Lori McNee's blog. Here are her instructions:
Deletehttp://www.finearttips.com/2009/05/build-a-pochade-box/
This is looking so good. It's a great idea. I will try this for sure.
ReplyDeleteHi Tim, I'm pleased you find the art tips helpful. Its fun to share art tips I run across & a blog is the perfect place to do it. If you decide to try your hand with making one from a cigar box, as I mentioned to Maria, Lori McNee has great step-by-step instructions on converting a cigar box.
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