Traveling palette kit

Originally, this kit was purchased as a field laboratory for performing soil tests, but that was a very long time ago.  It now serves our plein air needs as well as site-visits required in addressing issues that cannot come to the studio.

Labels in this photograph correspond to explanations in the following list.  Contents placed in the labeled compartments vary according to the purpose of an outing, and have been removed, for the most part, providing a better view and understanding of the kit's compartments.

A    This gesso-coated piece of Masonite is a palette, which is one reason it has a beveled thumb-hole in it (just in front of K).  A small hole on each long-side of the palette matches the threaded bolts mounted into the wood blocks at B and E.  The palette slips over those bolts and the threaded, black-plastic thumb screws tighten to hold the palette in place as a partition.  The palette's thumb hole is useful in removing and replacing the partition.

B    Screws mounted through the side of the case hold in the place the wooden block that serves as a shelf rest as well as a mount for the bolt that helps secure the palette.

C    This is all that remains (mounted in the kit) of the soil test paraphernalia, which can be used for medium, solvents, etc.

D    This white envelope, held in place by E, contains various grades of sandpaper.

E    The shelf at E is mounted to hinges at the back of B and E.  Because the shelf can be raised like a door, items mounted at C can be conveniently lifted straight up from their mountings.  Space above the shelf is used for rags, which are easily removed, and the block-style brush holder (K).

F    Trays that slide onto the runners at F usually contain palette knives, painting knives, paint tubes, masking tape, scissors, and other tools and supplies.

G    The top, bottom, and sides of this box fill one side of the case to provide something into which the partitions on this side of the case can be mounted.

H    A brush compartment.

I    An all-purpose compartment.

J    These plastic bottles contain water and cleaning solvents.

K    A wooden, block-style brush holder that fits on the shelf at E.

Tags: 2013, Tools supplies and operations