Tripod, Paint Box & Plein air

 

This month's newsletter primarily focuses on the equipment I currently use when Plein air painting. Let it be known that I'm an 'Art Supply Junkie', forever!

 

There are three components to the painting system I have been using for the past three years: the tripod, the paint box and the upright panel holder; listed below as A, B and C. This setup accommodates painting on panels, not stretched canvas but with a little modification, you may be able to use stretched canvas.

 

Plein air painting is exhilarating and challenging! To make it easier, I keep my ultra lightweight gear packed and ready to go.

 

What works best for me is a tripod and a separate pochade box, which can be attached with an Arca-Swiss System quick-release plate. Easy on, easy off, helps with a fast setup and breakdown. SIRUI, STRADA, Manfrotto, Benro and many others, offer a good selection of tripod models. Remember to get one or two extra Arca-Swiss system quick-release plates. You will be surprised how much they are needed. Once you own a good tripod, you can purchase attachments made specifically for your chosen medium. When I buy a tripod, I am looking for the characteristics listed below.

 

A). Tripod - lightweight, preferably carbon with:

1. Ball Head that can hold at least 23 pounds
2. Ball Head fitted to a 'Arca-Swiss system' quick-release plate
3. The tripod must fold up to under 15 inches
4. The tripod should not weight much more than 2.8 pounds
5. A hook on the bottom of the central column to hang a backpack or art supplies. This helps to weigh down the tripod on windy days.
6. A carrying case that zips up.

I use my SIRUI tripod the most because it came with a Arca-type quick- release plate that is faster and easier to use in Plein air. An Arca-Swiss system is the most universal and fits many brands which is why they are preferred. My STRADA tripod and ball head model is not fitted with an Arca-Swiss system quick-release plate; instead it came with its own proprietary brand, which is not as easy to use. For this reason, my SIRUI tripod is better for outside work, however, I do use my STRADA in the studio for photographing and painting. Most artists do use more than one tripod and there are some great models out there. Often the best models are quite pricey but I consider it an investment that will last for years.

 

B & H Photo is a good online company, who will answer all your

questions.

 

Phone: 800.304.5407

Website: https://www.bhphotovideo.com

 

Let me repeat. Wherever you order a tripod & quick-release plate, ensure the Tripod's Ball Head is fitted with an 'Arca-Swiss system' quick-release plate so it will fit any other tripod/ball head system with an Arca-Swiss system. Make certain any extra quick-release plates you purchase are the Arca-Swiss system type. Don't assume what pops up online will fit your tripod, double check.

 

 

B). Pochade box - the paint box

 

My experience has taught me that no paint or Pochade box is perfect, which is why artists usually end up having multiple easels in their collection. Being no different, I have many that have been relegated to studio use only, for one reason or another.

 

Currently for oil painting I am using Joshua Been's pochade (paint) boxes.

 

The smallest one, 'The Fly on the Wall Easel' weights 2 pounds. Dimensions are 8" x 8" x 1" folded up, and 23" wide when open. The box comes with one center mixing area but the wings that open can be fitted with plexiglass, adding more weight. My box has the center area painted gray, is fitted with plexiglass and is great for travel! The paint box attaches to the tripod by opening the two arms and placing them onto two of the legs.

 

The Fly on the Wall Easel

 

FLY ON THE WALL EASEL (Tripod not included) $300 - $ 320

Features: Lightweight, Weighs only 2 lbs. Folds up small 8x8".

 

I also use Joshua Been's large paint box called the 'The Day Tripper'.

 

The Day Tripper Easel

 

The Day Tripper Easel (Tripod not included) $300 - 375 

Features: a little heavier paint box but not much more than the FLY. 

It folds up 17"x11"x1" and with the side wings open, it is 34" wide. The generous mixing area in the center is 17" wide. This model can more easily nest a watercolor or acrylic palette because of its interior size.

 

There are many good, lightweight Pochade box companies including those made by Easy L, Open M box, and many others.

 

 

C). The Painting Mast or UPH holder (Upright Panel Holder)

 

The UPH is made up of the vertical mast and horizontal crossbars. The taller the mast, the larger the vertical painting panel can be. The crossbars are what holds the painting panel onto the mast. Vertical masts can be purchased in 18", 24", or 30" and crossbars can in 8", 12", 16" and 20". To work large you would want a taller vertical mast and wider crossbars. In Plein air, I take the UPH holder and crossbars that best fit the size of the panel I will be working on that day. I recommend putting the panel onto the crossbar screws, in order to limit the amount of paint getting onto the crossbars. This will also eliminate any shadow on the panel coming from the top crossbar.

 

 The rest of this story is in the 'Keep It Moving' email newsletter. Click the 'Newsletter' tab, scroll down to 'Read Past Issues" or 

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Thank you for your interest in my work!

 

Best Regards,

 

Dianna