The Retz Box
$175.00 – $185.00
To inquire about the shipping cost to your country outside of the ones provided, reach out to me for a quote here
Please be patient with your order. It can take up to a few weeks before I ship it. Each one is carefully handmade in Upstate New York.
Description
This box is 100% handmade from hardwood oak (it’s not a cigar box). It comes with a neutral grey plexiglass palette and sliding panel holders. It also comes with a leather brush holster mounted on the side. It holds 4 brushes at a convenient location while you work.
Over 490 sold worldwide!
Exterior dimensions: 7.5 x 12.75 x 2.5 in.
Interior dimensions under the palette: 6.38 x 11.88 x 1 in.
FREE U.S. SHIPPING
Weighs 2 lbs.
Holds paint tubes, small brushes under palette.
Adjustable tension hinges to keep lid open at the desired angle.
Attaches to any tripod with universal mount (1/4-20)
Can sit flat on a table
Holds a small board or canvas from 6in. tall and any width to 9in. tall and any width.
With the Long Sliding Panel Holders it can hold a board up to 12in. tall and any width.
Thick leather handle and brush holster on side
Finger joint corners (very strong)
Finished off with brass hardware.
Brushes not included
I built this box for the traveling painter. I have struggled to find a painting box that isn’t bulky with unnecessary moving parts, while at the same time being a reasonable price. This little box solves these issues. It is lightweight but rigid. It is perfect for throwing in your suitcase or backpack before going on a hike or trip. I wanted it to stand on its own as a piece of art, but also be highly functional and simple. This is the set-up you bring with you when just can’t seem to take your big heavy easel or bulky pochade box. I believe this will help stop painters from coming up with excuses why they can’t paint in a certain location or time of day.
FAQ:
Q: How do I paint on paper? A: Tape a piece of your favorite paper to a board that the panel holders can hold stable. I like to use a 8.5x12in. sheet of Gator-foam.
Q: How do I tighten/loosen the tension of the hinges? A: With a phillips head screwdriver tighten or loosen the black screw on the bottom half of the hinge. Do not touch the brass screws.
Q: How do I adjust the friction on the panel holders? A: With a pair of pliers bend the end of the brass strip so it slides in and out of the wooden piece to your liking. You may need to try a few times before it is at the level of friction that works for you.
Q: What Tripod do you recommend? A: I recommend the Manfrotto Element MII or Manfrotto Befree Advanced. The MeFoto backpacker is also a nice compact option.
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PDF Demos
$5.00 Add to cart
Carole Pivarnik –
I’ve had a bunch of pochade boxes, some purchased, some made. They were all lacking in one way or another….too big, too small, too cumbersome. Then I discovered yours…as soon as I saw your video using it, I knew it was exactly what I’d been looking for. After using it a lot in the last few months, your pochade has become my all time favorite. It is beautifully crafted, so lightweight, just the perfect size for any pack, and a joy to use. I finally figured out that if I reversed the canvas clips, they’ll hold the smaller sizes I like to work with — 5 x 7 and 8 x 10 panels or watercolor blocks (I use gouache for plein air). The PERFECT pochade box. Thanks so much!
Mike Martin –
I used my Pochade box no. 3 today. It’s a work of Art in itself. I used it on an ultra lite camera tripod without any problems. The box is ultra lightweight and yet very sturdy. A great tool! Thanks, Tad Retz
Maggie Mardis –
I got so inspired by the Ultra Lite 3 that I purchased the smaller size to do plein air with my colored pencils. The pencils fit perfectly and the easel holds an 8×5 sketchbook which is what I like to work in. I added some clips to hold the book securely. I am so impressed by these well made light weight boxes.
Anton Yordanov –
Great person, great salesman, great communication, the box is great, great quality workmanship, great smell, thank you Tad, I would gladly buy another one, I recommend everyone, buy from these boxes, you will not regret, you will be very pleased.
Many thanks Tad from Europe Bulgaria.
Ron Engelbert –
Mine arrived today (in Germany). It’s perfect—can’t wait to use it:)
Amy Lewis –
I ordered the pochade box and brush wrap from Tad from the UK and despite the current delays with covid 19 they came so quickly! The quality of both the box and the wrap are top notch- even better than I’d hoped for and they are really sturdy yet light weight. They will last a long time through many painting adventures! Thanks, Tad, I will be recommending these to my arty friends!