What Is a Pochade Box and Why Artists Love It for Plein Air Painting?
A pochade box is a compact, all-in-one setup for painting outdoors or on the move. With built-in storage, palette space, and easy portability, it's a favorite among plein air artists and sketchers alike.
Working outdoors requires an efficient setup, and a pochade box makes that possible. Designed for portability, these compact boxes let artists carry their paints, brushes, and surface all in one unit. Whether you’re sketching landscapes in the park or working on small studies in your backyard, these boxes help you stay focused and organized. This guide breaks down everything you need to know about these boxes, including the top models to consider and where to purchase them.
What Makes a Pochade Box Useful?
A plein air pochade box combines convenience and function. It’s a small, self-contained unit that serves as your easel, palette, and storage case all in one. Many boxes are designed to rest on your lap, attach to a tripod, or be placed on a table.
Key Features:
- Compact Size: Most fit easily in a backpack or tote.
- Integrated Palette: Usually built right into the box.
- Canvas Support: Holds small panels (typically up to 15–17 inches).
- Storage Compartments: Keeps brushes, paints, and accessories organized.
- Versatility: Works for oil, acrylic, and even watercolor or pastel (with adaptations).
A pochade box easel is an efficient solution for both beginners and experienced artists who value mobility without giving up essential features.
Want to compare your options side by side? Explore Blick’s pochade box collection here to find one that fits your workflow.
Types of Pochade Boxes for Different Painting Styles
When shopping for a plein air pochade box, it helps to understand the available options. While the concept remains the same, slight variations in design can better suit your specific medium or working style.
Oil and Acrylic Painting Boxes
This box typically comes with a removable glass or wood palette and has enough depth to hold tubes, brushes, and medium jars. They’re great for use with easels or tripods.
Watercolor and Pastel Adaptations
While plein air pochade boxes are usually designed for oils or acrylics, many brands offer add-ons or versions that support watercolor pans or pastel trays. Such box easels might come with different palette surfaces or more shallow compartments.
Tripod-Compatible Boxes
Some boxes, like the Sienna or Guerrilla Painter models, are built to mount on standard camera tripods, giving you height and angle flexibility while painting outdoors.
Top Brands You Can Choose From
If you’re looking to buy a pochade box easel, these are the most popular and trusted brands. Each offers slightly different features, so it’s worth comparing before you purchase.
Guerrilla Painter
Well-known for rugged plein air solutions, Guerrilla Painter boxes are field-tested and artist-approved.
Top Products:
- 9x12 Guerrilla Pochade Box – Solid and compact with room for paints, brushes, and accessories.
- Cigar Box V2 – Lightweight and ideal for fast outdoor sketching.
Key Features:
- Durable Baltic birch construction
- Deep compartments for paints and gear
- Compatible with most tripods
Jullian Paris
This brand brings elegance and tradition to plein air painting, with beautifully finished wooden boxes.
Top Products:
- Jullian Escort Pochade Box – Compact, stylish, and great for travel
- Jullian Rexy Pochade Box – Smaller and lighter, perfect for quick sessions
Key Features:
- Oiled wood finish with brass details
- Interior storage and mixing area
- Easy to transport and store
Mabef
Made in Italy, Mabef products are known for quality craftsmanship and long-lasting performance.
Top Product:
- Mabef Pochade Box (M/105) – Built from oiled beechwood with a clean layout and excellent internal organization
Key Features:
- Sliding palette drawer
- Smooth wood finish
- Holds panels up to 9" x 12"
New Wave Art
Focused on modern design, New Wave offers lightweight and ergonomic pochade box easels that suit contemporary artists.
Top Products:
- u.go™ Plein Air Anywhere Box (9"x12")
- u.go™ Anywhere Box (8.4"x11.25")
Key Features:
- Sleek, compact form with magnetic closures
- Built-in palette surface
- Tripod-ready with stainless steel mounting plate
Richeson
Jack Richeson offers artist-grade tools with thoughtful design, perfect for students and professionals alike.
Top Product:
- Richeson Pochade Box – Great for small canvas work with ample brush storage
Key Features:
- Smooth hinges and durable build
- Integrated palette and internal compartments
- Lightweight and easy to carry
Sienna
A go-to brand for plein air painters, especially those working with tripods. Sienna products are built for flexibility and comfort.
Top Products:
- Sienna Plein Air Pochade Box – Compact and customizable
- Sienna Supply/Brush Box – Keeps tools organized
- Sienna Tripod & Accessories – Ideal pairing for plein air painting
Key Features:
- Tripod-mount compatible
- Excellent interior layout for tools and supplies
- Add-on accessories available for personalization
Where to Buy a Pochade Box
When it comes to getting a good pochade box easel, two sources stand out for quality and reliability:
- Blick Art Materials: Blick has a wide variety of boxes in different sizes, styles, and price ranges. They also provide detailed product descriptions and reviews to help you choose the right model.
- Amazon: Offers a broad selection and fast delivery. It’s a good option if you already know the brand and model you’re looking for.
Final Thoughts
A pochade box can become one of your most valued art tools, especially if you enjoy painting on location or need a space-saving solution. It keeps your setup tidy and helps you focus more on painting than packing. From beginners to advanced artists, everyone benefits from the functionality and freedom this type of box offers.
Whether you’re going for a quick sketch outdoors or working on a series of studies, having everything in one portable unit can improve your flow and comfort. Choose a box that matches your medium, preferred size, and working style. You’ll get more done with less hassle.
FAQs About Pochade Boxes
What is the ideal canvas size for this box?
Most boxes are built to hold panels up to 15" or 17", depending on the model.
Can I use it for watercolor or pastels?
Yes, with slight modifications or add-ons. Brands like Sienna offer palettes designed specifically for watercolor and pastel use.
How do I mount this box to a tripod?
These come with a standard 1/4"-20 thread that fits most camera tripods.
Do all of these come with a palette?
Most do, but some may offer removable palettes or require you to purchase a palette separately.
Where is the best place to buy one?
Blick Art Materials and Amazon are the most reliable places to buy quality plein air pochade boxes with fast shipping and helpful customer support.
