DIY Palette Box and Wet Panel Carrier

As I am getting ready for the 3 day painting retreat at The Parker Ranch in Clayton, I thought I would share this earlier post on how to build a palette box. If you are handy, it's nice to make your own! - Dawn

In a recent Plein air workshop, one of the students asked me to share how I made my palette box and wet panel carrier. Of course I've had that on my to do list for months, but that was the motivation I needed to get my to sit down and work on it.

A portable palette box and wet panel carrier for plein air

I typical paint 12 x 16 when working plein air, so I made the bottom of the box large enough to hold that size once I put the sides on. 13x 17 plus the handles.  Once I had the back cut out, I cut out the space that will go around my tripod. I used the jigsaw and drill with a spade bit to make this cut.

Now I have base of the palette box, I made the sides. I used  1/2 inch oak for this and cut them to size using the miter saw. Next I cut a block to bring the handle up to the same height as the sides. Now I put an adjustable bracket on the handle that will hold it on to the tripod.

This is a close up of the handle.  I mitered the top piece so that it can easily slide on to the tripod and the tension will hold the box in place. Also, it can be adjusted if I ever change tripods. 

Time for the folding shelves. I made two sides for the shelves first to make sure I had the measurements right, then cut the panels to make the tops. Glueing and nailing them to the frames

Okay ready for the hinges. I ran four small hinges down each side. 

Here's the completed box. I put blocks on the back as well with enough open space for me to guide the panels in. I have clips on the sides that will hold the panels in place.  It will hold 2 panels facing each other with plenty of space between them to keep them from touching. 

I also stapled elastic to the sides, that holds my palette knives, brushes and small tubes of paint. Then put mirror hangers on the sides and attach a shoulder strap and voila!!

Okay, there you have it. I hope it's helpful  

Thanks Megan for motivating me to actually do this. Let me know if you have any question!

 

 

Paint Yelapa Mexico!!

When we found out our amazing friend, Lisa, is part owner of a resort ( casitas - think glamping ) and bar in Yelapa Mexico, Rob and I booked a flight and packed our bags!!! Yelapa is a hidden gem - a beautiful little fishing village tucked away in a southern cove of Mexico.  It's super safe, really laid back, weather is perfect, wonderful food, and so affordable!!! Everything you need for a painting trip. You get there by water taxi from Puerto Vellarta and then step away from the crazy pace most of us live in today. This was a discovery trip with the idea of a starting a plein air retreat with Lisa at Oasis by the River in 2018. I could go on and on, but just look at the photos below and decide for yourself. Even if you can't join me for a painting trip at the Oasis, it's worth putting Yelapa on your bucket list.

Join me for a wonderful painting retreat in February 2018. I'll have more info up soon. 

Happy Painting,

Dawn

Favorite Subject For Painting

I love painting scenes of cyclists. I guess it makes me feel the joy of being out on two wheels while working in the studio! Here I'm using a photo by my friend and great photographer Kevin McPeake for my inspiration. You can check out his work on Facbook

I loved this photo when I saw it: love the diffused light and the mystery in the fog.  I painted this image about a year ago ( middle image ), but decided to give it another try and work on the grays a little differently. Here's the second attempt ( the image on the right). I was a little bolder with the reds. Although it similar to the first painting, this one feel more like night time to me.