How to Make a POCHADE BOX for Painting Plein Air with Watercolor in 14 Easy Steps

Pochade  means `quick sketch’. Plein Air  means `open air’ and refers to painting on location outdoors. A pochade box  is very useful for plein air painting because it is lightweight, portable and convenient. 1. Cigar boxes come in all sizes and shapes. Find a cigar box that has room for holding a small watercolor block [...]

Fabriano Artistico Traditional White Watercolor Block

My favorite paper for watercolor is the Fabriano block. I use both cold and hot press but I usually prefer the cold press surface because it is more ‘forgiving’. The hot press will show the brushstroke and the color really ‘pops’ but you have to be feeling confident and make each brushstroke be right. I [...]