Many hands make light work

A thin sheet of ACR plastic  gives her a smooth working surface and stabilizes the box without adding much weight.

A thin sheet of ACR plastic gives her a smooth working surface and stabilizes the box without adding much weight.

In September I wrote about a reader who asked me how my pochade box had survived two seasons of use. Yesterday Marilyn sent photos of the one she made. I like her modifications.

“My husband rigged up a corner hook to keep the surface firmly at a right angle—which I paint at.” That’s a nice hook latch, and it doesn’t have to be fixed at 90° either. I think it will be more stable than the framing wire I’ve been using, so I plan to stop by the hardware store and get a hook latch and retrofit my box.

“I added a thin piece of ACR plastic to the bottom ($2.58) so the weight is now 1.6 pounds.” This is another good idea. It will add stability, while the amount of weight it adds is minimal.

This hook latch is a definite improvement over my picture framing wire.

This hook latch is a definite improvement over my picture framing wire.

“I am going to the camera store to buy a quick release for the tripod mount. This should, I think, keep the box from turning in the wind, as you mentioned. Or at least it will make it easier to attach to the tripod.”

My other pochade box has a quick release and it is a feature I miss. The problem is that the ball head is particularly heavy. I’m looking forward to finding out what kind Marilyn ends up buying, how much it weighs, and whether it does, indeed, stop the turning problem.

My box was based on one made by Johanne Morin. I adapted it to my use; Marilyn has taken it another step. So are many great ideas developed, not by an inventor but by a series of tinkerers.

Have a great weekend!

Carol Douglas

About Carol Douglas

Carol L. Douglas is a painter who lives, works and teaches in Rockport, ME. Her annual workshop will again be held on the Schoodic Peninsula in beautiful Acadia National Park, from August 6-11, 2017. Visit www.watch-me-paint.com/ for more information.