Frequently Asked Questions:
Q: Do you sell tripods?
A: Not at this time, however, our boxes are designed to mount onto any standard camera tripod. You can either screw the tripod directly into the tripod mount on the back of your easel or use a quick-release plate (from your tripod manufacturer). Our preference is to use a tripod with the head removed because it saves the weight and bulk of carrying it - then just shorten a leg to adjust the angle of the easel if needed.
A: Certainly! Our easels are designed to carry all the major brands (Unison, Sennelier, Girault, Rembrandt, Nu-Pastels, Townsend, Ludwig etc). The pastel storage area is 1 inch deep. Your pastels are cushioned by a layer of foam on the bottom and by one on top. (Hint: move this top layer of foam into your paper storage area while you are working so it doesn't blow around.)
Q: How deep is the paper-storage area in the pastel boxes?
A: The depth inside the paper storage area is about one inch. It will hold a couple of 1/4 inch thick backing boards and a dozen or more sheets of paper
Q: What about traveling with pastels?
A: We always carry our art gear with us on the plane. You may need to open your easel and show the inspector what they are - sometimes they look suspicious when going through the x-ray machine. You may also want to tape a label onto your box that says "Open This Side Up" so the inspector doesn't accidentally open your box the wrong way!
Q: What about set-up in windy conditions?
A: The All-in-One is an intrepid worker. We carry along bottles of water in a plastic grocery bag. Fasten the bag to your tripod. More wind? Add more bottles of water.
Q: What types of panels can be used with the All-In-One oils boxes?
A: Panel thickness: Our measurements are based on carrying ¼ inch thick panels (canvas mounted onto Gatorboard or hardboard) but you can carry more 1/8” or thinner panels (RayMar, ArtBoard, Ampersand, WindRiver multi-media boards etc)
Q: What types of stretched canvas can bs used?
A: We allow for a standard ¾” stretched canvas plus the wet paint spacer
Q: Do you really squeeze out enough paint for the day's work and leave your tubes at home?
A: Absolutely!! Why carry all that weight! Our pochade boxes are designed to hold extra-large 'worms' of paint - plenty for a day of working.
Q: Doesn't the paint gush and slide around on the palette when you are carrying it?
A: Not at all - but there's a secret! After you squeeze out your paint worms, give the palette a slap against your hand. This will settle the worms down and keep them from crawling around!
Q: What about keeping paint fresh? I'm worried about squeezing out too much paint. I don't want to waste it.
A: The easel lid is designed to create a secure compartment which closes over your squeezed out paint to keep it protected and fresh. Also, because our palette is removable, you can wrap it with plastic wrap or foil at the end of your work day.
Q: Is there any way to carry my brushes inside the box?
A: Yes! They can ride on top of your palette while in transit, although you may need to shorten the handles for the smaller easel sizes.
Q: I like to use plexiglass instead of wood for my palette. Is this possible?
A: It most certainly is. We've allowed enough space for you to lay a piece of 1/16 inch plexiglass on top of the palette. We recommend double -backed carpet tape to hold it in position.
Q: How can I travel with extra panels?
A: Extra wet painting separators are sold individually. You can stack up any number of paintings face-to-face (like a stack of pancakes) and then wrap them tightly in plastic wrap to keep them from sliding (or use a rubber band). Slip the package into a plastic bag - no need for extra storage boxes or carriers to transport your wet paintings.
Q: What about traveling with my box and gear?
A: We often travel to Europe to Paint. It's very easy! All our boxes are sized for carry-on, although you should check with your airline first because their restrictions are always changing.Your tubes of paint need to fit into a quart-sized ziplock plastic bag along with your other liquids (for carry-on). Buy your turps when you get there. It is sold in grocery stores, usually close to the lightbulbs, and is called 'odorless white spirits'. Generally, it is labeled in both English and other languages.
Q: Do you sell tripods?
A: Not at this time, however, our boxes are designed to mount onto any standard camera tripod. You can either screw the tripod directly into the tripod mount on the back of your easel or use a quick-release plate (from your tripod manufacturer). Our preference is to use a tripod with the head removed because it saves the weight and bulk of carrying it - then just shorten a leg to adjust the angle of the easel if needed.
- Note: If you want to purchase a tripod without the head, they are called 'tripod legs' and you can buy them on E-bay, Amazon, or any photo store. Some very good brands are Cullmann, Bogen/Manfrotto, Velbon, Benbo.
- Note: Sometimes someone has a very heavy-duty tripod with a larger tripod mount screw. These still work just fine, but you will need to purchase an adaptor at your camera store (for 1/4" mount).
A: Certainly! Our easels are designed to carry all the major brands (Unison, Sennelier, Girault, Rembrandt, Nu-Pastels, Townsend, Ludwig etc). The pastel storage area is 1 inch deep. Your pastels are cushioned by a layer of foam on the bottom and by one on top. (Hint: move this top layer of foam into your paper storage area while you are working so it doesn't blow around.)
Q: How deep is the paper-storage area in the pastel boxes?
A: The depth inside the paper storage area is about one inch. It will hold a couple of 1/4 inch thick backing boards and a dozen or more sheets of paper
Q: What about traveling with pastels?
A: We always carry our art gear with us on the plane. You may need to open your easel and show the inspector what they are - sometimes they look suspicious when going through the x-ray machine. You may also want to tape a label onto your box that says "Open This Side Up" so the inspector doesn't accidentally open your box the wrong way!
Q: What about set-up in windy conditions?
A: The All-in-One is an intrepid worker. We carry along bottles of water in a plastic grocery bag. Fasten the bag to your tripod. More wind? Add more bottles of water.
Q: What types of panels can be used with the All-In-One oils boxes?
A: Panel thickness: Our measurements are based on carrying ¼ inch thick panels (canvas mounted onto Gatorboard or hardboard) but you can carry more 1/8” or thinner panels (RayMar, ArtBoard, Ampersand, WindRiver multi-media boards etc)
Q: What types of stretched canvas can bs used?
A: We allow for a standard ¾” stretched canvas plus the wet paint spacer
Q: Do you really squeeze out enough paint for the day's work and leave your tubes at home?
A: Absolutely!! Why carry all that weight! Our pochade boxes are designed to hold extra-large 'worms' of paint - plenty for a day of working.
Q: Doesn't the paint gush and slide around on the palette when you are carrying it?
A: Not at all - but there's a secret! After you squeeze out your paint worms, give the palette a slap against your hand. This will settle the worms down and keep them from crawling around!
Q: What about keeping paint fresh? I'm worried about squeezing out too much paint. I don't want to waste it.
A: The easel lid is designed to create a secure compartment which closes over your squeezed out paint to keep it protected and fresh. Also, because our palette is removable, you can wrap it with plastic wrap or foil at the end of your work day.
Q: Is there any way to carry my brushes inside the box?
A: Yes! They can ride on top of your palette while in transit, although you may need to shorten the handles for the smaller easel sizes.
Q: I like to use plexiglass instead of wood for my palette. Is this possible?
A: It most certainly is. We've allowed enough space for you to lay a piece of 1/16 inch plexiglass on top of the palette. We recommend double -backed carpet tape to hold it in position.
Q: How can I travel with extra panels?
A: Extra wet painting separators are sold individually. You can stack up any number of paintings face-to-face (like a stack of pancakes) and then wrap them tightly in plastic wrap to keep them from sliding (or use a rubber band). Slip the package into a plastic bag - no need for extra storage boxes or carriers to transport your wet paintings.
Q: What about traveling with my box and gear?
A: We often travel to Europe to Paint. It's very easy! All our boxes are sized for carry-on, although you should check with your airline first because their restrictions are always changing.Your tubes of paint need to fit into a quart-sized ziplock plastic bag along with your other liquids (for carry-on). Buy your turps when you get there. It is sold in grocery stores, usually close to the lightbulbs, and is called 'odorless white spirits'. Generally, it is labeled in both English and other languages.