In the Open Air
En Plein Air is French for in the open air. We use the expression for painting outdoors. I like to hike. I like to paint. It’s not surprising that this is where I would find myself. Equipping oneself for this feat is quite the task. After much reading and researching I settled on the Soho plein air aluminum light weight easel and the Jack Richeson Sienna palette box as the basis for my set up. The palette box comes with hardware to attach it to a specific tripod. That tripod is 3 times as heavy and 6 times more expensive than the Soho Plein Air therefore I did not buy it. Instead I decided I would figure out how to make the light one work.
Re-designing the connecting mechanism was actually pretty straight-forward taking it one step at a time. I'll spare you the sketches and missteps. Here's how it all worked out.
All the pieces cut and glued. I used light weight 1 x 2's, 1/4" hex bolts 3.5" and 2.5" long. The angular pieces are cut at 55°.
I used a Masterpiece Pro cross bar which worked out great as it already had a notch for the cover clasp.
So for all you aspiring plein air painters seeking the perfect set up and wondering Can the Sienna Palette box attach to other easels? The answer is yes!