Sienna
MEEDEN
Soho Urban
New and professional painters alike are constantly in search of the perfect tools and accessories to enhance their passion for art. It is a constant quest for the right kind of everything: the right paints, the right brushes, the right canvas, and the right easel.
But what about the right pochade box? That little piece of equipment that allows artists to paint en plein air like the great masters. The small and compact yet mighty pochade box is an essential component to the success of an outdoor painting expedition.
Many artists believe that finding the right pochade box is as important as selecting the right colors. It may seem like a small detail, but in reality, it can make a significant impact on the quality and enjoyment of the painting process.
Therefore, it is critical to find the best pochade box that works with your specific painting style and preferences. So, let’s take a closer look at the many options available in the market for this vital component of an artist’s arsenal and find out which one reigns supreme as the best pochade box to use en plein air.
In this article, we will explore the best options out there that cater to various artistic tastes and styles. If you’re an artist looking to take your painting game to the next level, then you know the importance of plein-air painting. The ability to capture the essence and energy of a scene in the great outdoors is a skill that separates the masters from the amateurs. But if you’re serious about your art, you also know that you can’t just drag your easel and paints around with you everywhere you go. That’s where the pochade box comes in.
This compact and portable kit is specifically designed for plein air painting, allowing you to capture your surroundings in stunning detail without the bulk and hassle of a traditional setup. Now, not all pochade boxes are created equal.
There are a lot of options out there, and finding the right one for your needs can be a daunting task. But fear not – we’ve done the research and testing for you, and we’re here to unveil the mysteries of the best pochade box you need to own.
Pochade Box Buying Guide
When it comes to plein-air painting, every artist knows the importance of having the right tools. And when it comes to the perfect pochade box, it’s all about finding the one that fits like a glove.
A true work of art in its own right, the pochade box is the unsung hero of outdoor painting. It’s the ultimate travel companion, enabling artists to go to the remotest locations with ease.
But finding the right one can be a daunting task. Some are too small, some are too large, and some are simply too complicated.
With so many options out there, it can be hard to find the right one that caters to an artist’s needs and preferences. Some may value the sturdiness and stability of the pochade box, while others may prioritize portability and ease of use.
Nevertheless, a pochade box is an essential tool that every artist should have in their kit, especially those who love to engage with a wide range of landscapes in the great outdoors. So, whether you’re a plein air painter, a backpacker, or a traveler, it’s important to invest in a top-quality pochade box that can take your art to the next level.
What are Plein Air Painting and Pochade Boxes?
The pochade box is a popular tool among artists for plein air painting. It’s compact, convenient, and has been a favorite for centuries.
The best pochade box depends on factors like size, weight, durability, and ergonomic star knobs. These portable easels provide an easy way for artists to take their painting practice on the go with painting supplies and a work surface in one tidy package.
Pochade boxes have a rich history dating back to the Renaissance and have been used by famous artists like Monet, Cézanne, and Van Gogh. They’ve evolved to cater to the modern-day artist with models designed for small studies to spacious compartments with large ergonomic star knobs for easy adjustment and sturdiness.
However, with the competition in the market, it’s challenging to choose the right pochade box. It’s not just about preference but also materials, paneling, and dimensions.
Artists can find a wide range of models that differ in weight, price, and size. The pochade box can be a game-changer for artists who enjoy working en plein air.
Tips for using a pochade box outdoors
Speed is vital when working en plein air, and a pochade box organizes everything while speeding up your painting process. Also, it eliminates the need for a table, easel, and extra trips to the car.
Pochade boxes provide a compact workstation, reduce mess, protect wet paintings, and require practice to use them effectively. They’re the perfect tools for artists on the go, who enjoy experimentation.
Maintenance and care for your pochade box
Using a quality pochade box means you must take proper care of it. Your box is the key to capturing your artistic vision.
Keep your pochade box in top condition by caring for the materials it’s made of. Wooden boxes must not be exposed to excessive moisture or sunlight, as they can warp or crack.
Wipe metal boxes regularly with a damp cloth to prevent rust and corrosion. Store plastic boxes in a cool, dry place to avoid warping or cracking.
Remember to clean your box after each use, including spilled paint and excess pigment. Ensure your brushes are entirely clean too.
With proper care and maintenance, your pochade box can be a lifelong tool, accompanying you on journeys to create your most stunning works of art.
Selection Criteria for the Best Pochade Boxes in 2024
Types of pochade boxes available
Painting en plein air is a unique experience that requires a quality pochade box for organized and accessible supplies. There are several types of pochade boxes available, from simple wooden setups to more complex tripod-based models.
Materials used in making pochade boxes
A pochade box is a must-have for plein air painters. But what makes the best pochade box? It starts with sturdy materials that can withstand outdoor conditions while also being lightweight and versatile enough to hold all your supplies.
Manufacturers use high-quality woods like basswood or birch, or even more durable materials like aluminum or lightweight plastic. The type of palette is another important consideration – traditional wooden palettes or convenient plastic versions are available.
And the easel is important too – some boxes come with built-in easels, but some artists prefer separate plein air easels for added stability. The best pochade box for you depends on your needs and preferences.
By understanding the materials and features available, though, you can make an informed decision and find the perfect tool to elevate your plein air painting.
Size considerations for pochade boxes
The art world is vast and fascinating, offering a range of opportunities for artists of all backgrounds and specialties to create awe-inspiring pieces that captivate audiences. Among the mediums available, oil paint has stood the test of time, remaining a favorite among professionals and amateurs alike.
However, when it comes to outdoor painting, such as en plein air, using oil paint can be a challenge without the right tools. Pochade boxes provide a solution, serving as portable easels that can conveniently hold art supplies and canvas while painting on location.
Choosing the right pochade box means taking size into account. Larger boxes provide ample storage and stability for larger canvases but can be cumbersome to carry across difficult terrain.
Smaller boxes offer portability and ease of travel but can limit the canvas size. Finding the right size for your individual artistic style and needs is key, without sacrificing the portability and practicality that pochade boxes are known for.
Choosing the best palette for your pochade box
Choosing the right palette for your pochade box can be overwhelming, whether you’re a pro or a beginner. This decision is crucial for plein-air painting, where space is limited and environmental conditions are ever-changing.
Your palette is the foundation of your art, and where your creativity thrives, so you need to select it with care. To transport wet paintings without damage, consider using wet panel carriers.
This means you can create multiple pieces without drying them before transport. Also, keep in mind your box size, preferred paint type, and layout and organization preferences.
With thoughtful consideration, you can find the perfect pochade box palette for your unique style and needs.
Importance of a sturdy easel and tripod
Plein air painting requires certain items to ensure success. A sturdy easel that can hold your painting surface and withstand the elements is crucial.
Equally important is the tripod it sits on, which should support your setup’s weight, adjust for uneven terrain, and be compact for transport. When using a pochade box, make sure the tripod can securely attach to it.
The setup makes the difference between frustration and satisfaction when painting en plein air. Investing in a good easel and tripod can significantly improve the quality of your outdoor artwork.
Assembly and breakdown of a pochade box
Do you admire the work of plein air painters? They can capture the essence of a landscape, bustling city street, or tranquil beach scene. And their secret weapon? A pochade box that is easy to assemble and break down in a matter of minutes.
The best ones are durable, versatile, and easy to assemble and break down. Setting it up may seem daunting, but with practice, it becomes second nature.
Unlock the latch and open the box. Attach the tripod to the bottom and adjust the legs for stability. Extend or pivot the easel arm to find the perfect angle. And voila! You’re ready to create your masterpiece en plein air.
Choosing a pochade box that is easy to set up and take down will allow you to want to use it more and will not subtract from your time and enthusiasm for your art. Grab that glass palette, set up your pochade box, and get ready to paint!
Top Product Recommendations for the Best Pochade Box 2024
- Best Overall Pochade Boxes: Sienna Plein Air Pochade Box CT-PB-0910
- Best Pochade Boxes for Plein Air Painters: MEEDEN Pochade Box for Plein Air Painting
- Best Easel System for Oil Paints: Soho Urban Artist Plein Aire Pochade Box
- Best Compact Pochade Box: Creative Mark Cezanne Half Box French Easel
- Best Lightweight Painting Plein Air Box: SoHo Urban Artist Standing French Easel
- Best Budget-Friendly Pochade Box: US Art Supply Solid Solana Desk Table Easel
1. Best Overall Pochade Boxes—Sienna Plein Air Pochade Box CT-PB-0910
Pochade Boxes Selection Criteria
- Quality – 10/10
- Size – 6 x 12 x 14 inches
- Weight – 5 pounds
- Storage Space – 10/10
- Plein Air Easel and Tripod – Sold separately
- Setting up and Breaking Down Difficulty – 10/10
About Sienna Plein Air Pochade Box
The Sienna Plein Air Pochade Box is a piece of versatile and compact painting equipment for artists who enjoy painting outside, and a gold standard for the industry. This pochade box is lightweight and portable, making it an excellent choice for plein air artists who want to capture nature’s beauty on canvas.
The adjustable easel on the Sienna Plein Air Pochade Box is one of its most notable features. The easel can be adjusted to fit canvases of various sizes, ranging from small six-by-eight-inch panels to large 12 x 16-inch canvases. As a result, painters can use the same pochade box for multiple painting projects.
The built-in palette is another fantastic feature of this pochade box. The palette is composed of tempered glass, making it easy to clean and providing a flat surface for color mixing. The palette is magnetically kept in place and may be readily removed for cleaning.
The Sienna Pochade Box also has several sections for holding art supplies. There’s a drawer for brushes, paint tubes, and other small materials, as well as a larger compartment for larger items like paint thinner and palettes.
Pros:
- Ample storage space
- Good for oil painting, due to the glass palette
- Wooden palette for long-lasting use
- Quick release plate
Cons:
- Tripod sold separately, Sienna Plein Air Tripod Easel (CT-TRI-0158)
2. Best Pochade Boxes for Plein Air Painters—MEEDEN Pochade Box for Plein Air Painting
Pochade Boxes Selection Criteria
- Quality – 9/10
- Size – 11.81 x 14.96 x 5.91 inches
- Weight – 16 pounds
- Storage Space – 10/10
- Plein Air Easel and Tripod – Aluminum tripod
- Setting up and Breaking Down Difficulty – 9/10
About MEEDEN Pochade Box for Plein Air Painting
The MEEDEN Artist Pochade Box for Plein Air Painting Easel is a lightweight metal travel tripod that comes with a nylon carry bag and is intended to make traveling and painting on the go simple and enjoyable.
The adjustable easel is one of the striking characteristics of this pochade box. This plein air pochade box accommodates canvases between five by seven-inch panels and 12 by 16-inch options. The easel also features a tilting mechanism that allows artists to paint from various angles, which is especially handy when painting on rough terrain.
The MEEDEN Artist Pochade Box also includes a built-in palette made of sturdy plastic, which is simply removable for cleaning and provides a flat surface for color mixing. Additionally, there are various storage spaces for brushes, paint tubes, and other painting tools. What sets this painting panel apart from the competition is the extra storage compartment for the paper towel holder, which comes especially handy during a painting session with wet paint or to easily store wet brushes.
Overall, the MEEDEN Artist Pochade Box for Plein Air Painting Easel is a high-quality and adaptable tool for painting outdoors. Its adjustable easel, built-in palette, and storage compartments make it an excellent choice for all levels of plein air painters. Its portability and lightweight construction make it an excellent alternative for artists who want to paint while on the go.
Pros:
- Comes with a storage bag and shoulder strap
- The pochade box’s hinged adjustment arm can be adjusted to any painting angle
Cons:
- Heavier than the competition
3. Best Easel System for Oil Paints—Soho Urban Artist Plein Aire Pochade Box
Pochade Boxes Selection Criteria
- Quality – 10/10
- Size – 15.35 x 13.19 x 6.77 inches
- Weight – 6.17 pounds
- Storage Space – 9/10
- Plein Air Easel and Tripod – Universal tripod mount bracket
- Setting up and Breaking Down Difficulty – 10/10
About Soho Urban Artist Plein Aire Pochade Box
If you’re an artist who enjoys painting in the great outdoors, the Soho Urban Artist Pochade Box is a fantastic option to consider. Plein air oil painting is best done with this French-style easel, which features a lovely mahogany finish and is lightweight, portable, and adjustable.
The adaptability of this pochade box is one of its best qualities. It is built to safely hold panels and canvases, and it can support canvases up to 17 inches in height. The easel has movable legs and a tilting mechanism so that the canvas can be set at the ideal angle for any painter, despite their height and preference.
A sturdy plastic palette is integrated into the Soho Urban Artist Pochade Box. The flat surface of the palette makes it ideal for blending colors, and it can be removed for cleaning. The bottom compartment stores up to six small dry or two wet canvas panels up to nine by 12 inches and is easily accessible, so you won’t waste time hustling while you could be enjoying your art.
This pochade box is lightweight and portable as well. It may be folded up into a little package and carried with the help of the cotton carry strap. It’s perfect for plein air painters who value portability due to its lightweight construction.
When it comes to outdoor oil paint activities and as far as wet panel carriers go, the Soho Urban Artist Pochade Box is an excellent and adaptable instrument. Any artist, regardless of experience, can benefit from this portable easel because of its height adjustment, integrated palette, and storage space. In addition, its lightweight and compact build makes it a great option for traveling artists.
Pros:
- Great option for carrying wet panels
- Can store wet panels up to 12 inches
- Transport wet paintings, without having to wait for them to dry up
Cons:
- One would expect a wood palette, given that this is a mahogany box
4. Best Compact Pochade Box—Creative Mark Cezanne Half Box French Easel
Pochade Boxes Selection Criteria
- Quality – 9/10
- Size – 49 x 25 x 72 inches
- Weight – 11 pounds
- Storage Space – 8/10
- Plein Air Easel and Tripod – Yes
- Setting up and Breaking Down Difficulty – 10/10
About Creative Mark Cezanne Half Box French Easel
If you’re an artist who needs a portable painting setup, go no further than the Creative Mark Cezanne Half Box French Easel. If you’re a professional artist in need of a compact pochade box that can carry all of your painting equipment, go no further than this professional artist easel.
The half-box shape of this pochade box is one of its most distinguishing characteristics. The artist’s materials can be kept together in one place in this portable and small box. The movable top of the box can serve as a palette, giving artists a flat surface on which to blend colors.
The easel’s height can be altered to suit canvases ranging in size from five by seven inches to 17 by 26 inches, while being lightweight and portable as well.
Pros:
- Sturdier brass fasteners ensure a solid build
- Its packable half-box nature facilitates portability
- Compact box
Cons:
- Even though it is compact, it is still heavier than most of the competition
- If you don’t paint standing, its height might be too tall
5. Best Lightweight Painting Plein Air Box—SoHo Urban Artist Standing French Easel
Pochade Boxes Selection Criteria
- Quality – 10/10
- Size – 24.41 x 17.91 x 8.46 inches
- Weight – 9 pounds
- Storage Space – 9/10
- Plein Air Easel and Tripod – Included
- Setting up and Breaking Down Difficulty – 9/10
About SoHo Urban Artist Standing French Easel
If you’re an artist who needs to paint or sketch while on the go, the SoHo Urban Artist Standing French Easel is a convenient and lightweight solution. This easel is perfect for artists who prefer to work away from the studio, thanks to its quick set-up. The dark mahogany finish also gives it a timeless appearance while also being long-lasting and practical.
The versatility of this easel is one of its most notable features, and makes it a good option for artists who want to work in different mediums and on different-sized canvases or panels. The height-adjustable legs make it practical for use on a variety of surfaces, allowing artists to paint anywhere they like.
The SoHo Urban Artist Standing French Easel may double as a portable art storage container, a pochade box. It’s lightweight enough so that you can bring it along on treks and other outdoor experiences with ease. The built-in drawer is a practical place to keep paint tubes, brushes, and other painting equipment when working outdoors.
Pros:
- Allows for the use of a wood palette
- One of the lightest plein air easels on the market
- Great gift for the outdoor painter
Cons:
- The folding legs can appear wobbly when on uneven ground
6. Best Budget-Friendly Pochade Box—US Art Supply Solid Solana Desk Table Easel
Pochade Boxes Selection Criteria
- Quality – 9/10
- Size – 10.25 x 13.25 x 2 inches
- Weight – 2.5 pounds
- Storage Space – 9/10
- Plein Air Easel and Tripd – No
- Setting up and Breaking Down Difficulty – 10/10
About US Art Supply Solid Solana Desk Table Easel
Artists on a tighter budget who need a flexible and transportable pochade box should give the U.S. Art Supply Solid Solana Adjustable Wood Desk Table Easel a try. The finest beechwood used in the construction of this lightweight and strong easel is ideal for any artist. It can be adjusted from a tabletop to a standing position, making it a convenient option for artists who prefer to switch up their workspace, and all this at such a low price point.
This easel has a built-in drawer and paint palette, which is one of its defining characteristics. The drawer has plenty of room for paint tubes, brushes, and other tools, and the palette can accommodate many different hues for simple color blending. The top board of the easel can also be used as a book stand for drawing or painting on canvas.
Pros:
- Great value for money
- Versatile use, some people even use it as a stand for diamond painting
- Lightweight and easy to transport
Cons:
- The drawer is shallow, if you try to add other art supplies rather than palette knives, or brushes
- Does not come with a camera tripod
Conclusion
In conclusion, finding the best pochade box is no simple feat. It requires research, patience, and a keen eye for detail.
But the reward of finding the perfect tool to accompany your artistic journey is invaluable. It’s not just about the functionality, but the history, the craftsmanship, and the personality of each box.
The way it holds your brushes and paints, the way it fits on your easel, the way it becomes an extension of your creative being. It’s a personal journey, and the path towards the best pochade box is one filled with trial and error, disappointment and elation, frustration and triumph.
But in the end, the fulfillment of discovering that perfect piece of equipment is unparalleled. So go forth, dear artists, and may your search for the best pochade box be a fulfilling one indeed.
According to our research, the Sienna Plein Air Pochade Box CT-PB-0910 is a high-quality and versatile painting setup ideal for outdoor painters. Its adjustable easel, built-in palette, and storage compartments make it an excellent choice for all levels of plein air painters.
For artists on a tighter budget, the U.S. Art Supply Solid Solana Adjustable Wood Desk Table Easel is a sturdy and convenient alternative to a more expensive pochade box. It is portable and convenient because of its small size and lightweight, and it is durable and reliable because of its well-made structure.
In conclusion, the SoHo Urban Artist Standing French Easel is a great option for painters looking for a portable, sturdy, and adaptable easel. It’s perfect for plein-air painting and other forms of art made outside because of its modular construction and compact storage space requirements.
We hope you found our analysis of the top pochade boxes to be helpful. Consult our associated guides for further sources of comparable items for the artistic lifestyle.
