Building a Pochade Box

Plein air means out in the open, and was a pastime much enjoyed by the Impressionists. Indeed nothing quite compares to sitting out in the open, rendering the colours of a dramatic landscape, such as the Lake District or Stratford. Few items are required. A collapsible camping stool might come in useful, or alternatively a foam pad to insulate and cushion the posterior against cold, hard surfaces. A roomy travel bag will provide ample room for the artist’s lunch and waterproof clothing. What is a Pochade Box?

A contraption known as a pochade box is used for the carrying of wet oil paintings and the art materials.Pochade boxes on the market consist of a hinged wooden box that opens up like a laptop. The painting surface is clipped onto the lid and completed. The painting is then slotted away into the box without fear of it getting smudged. Buying a pochade box can sometimes be costly. Making your own gives the artist more control over their requirements.

How to Build a Pochade Box

• The materials required for making your own travel box are for the carrying of oil paintings are: A foolscap box file (often manufactured in imperial sizes). This is a rectangular box with a hinged lid and sprung lever to hold the contents in place. Box files come in two sizes: A4 or foolscap. Foolscap is the one required. These are available in 10 x 14 inches (25.5 x 35.5cm) in area and needs to be 1.25 inches (3cm) deep

• Six lengths of beading, each 14 inches (35.5cm) in length. These are widely available in DIY stores and are easy to cut.

• Four 1.25 inch (3cm) small blocks of balsa wood (or similar lightweight wood)

• Glue, or alternatively, double-sided tape

• Scissors

• Pencil

A Homemade Pochade Box

Position the end of the beading into a corner within the box. Allowing a gap of a millimetre, position a block of the balsa wood against the other side of the beading. Stick the balsa wood down firmly into the corner of the box. Do the same for the other three corners of the inside of the box.

Equipment for Painting on Location

The carrying box will store oil paintings in sizes 10 x 14" (25.5cm x 35.5cm), 10 x 12" (30.5 x 25.5cm) and 10 x 8" (25.5 x 20cm) in size.

When the painting has been completed, place it into the box. Place a length of beading into the slots provided by the balsa wood. Place another length of beading on the other side of the box.