Field Sketches and New Tripod
![aspensketch](https://expeditionaryart.com/app/uploads/2010/05/aspensketch.jpg)
I’ve had great fun this past week getting outside to field sketch and to test out my new tripod. I’m able to paint my largest plein-air sketches yet with it- 15″ x 30″! I’m heading to Seattle this week and plan to pick up a larger drawing board that will support a full 22″ x 30″ watercolor sheet.
My new tripod is a Slik Sprint Mini II model with a few key versatile features. First, it has three leg lock positions, so the legs can be independently opened to different angles. Next, the center column is detachable and has a screw cap that I was able to modify to add a wire hoop (for hanging a water-bottle as a weight during windy days. Finally, the tripod is under two pounds! I love it.
To attach my art boards to the tripod, I’ve modified two camera flash extenders I found at Glazers Camera Supply to form a “T” that secures to the tripod and which I’ve covered with velcro tape. My folding drawing boards have corresponding velco strips that hook onto the “T” support- the velco is surprisingly strong. I hope to soon rig up a support for my palette that clamps to my tripod leg or center column with this VersaMount.
The rest of the kit components include a folding brush holder, collapsable water container, palette, and a folding stool. So far my whole kit fits in my large Ortlieb Messenger backpack. Yesterday I took it to Washington Pass for some practice in the snow and am continuing to explore the Methow Valley as I hone my field kit in preparation for my trip to Greenland this summer.
Do you have any favorite field sketching tools?
![earlywinters](https://expeditionaryart.com/app/uploads/2010/04/earlywinters.jpg)
![f100519_earlywinters](https://expeditionaryart.com/app/uploads/2010/04/f100519_earlywinters.jpg)
![sunmountain](https://expeditionaryart.com/app/uploads/2010/04/sunmountain.jpg)
7 Responses to “Field Sketches and New Tripod”
Molly Hashimoto
Your aspens are so beautiful, Maria. Your sketch captures the feeling of new leaves. I hope you’ll keep me posted on how you like your tripod. It’s a great idea for working larger!
Molly
Maria
Thanks, Molly! I’d be happy to show you my tripod- especially as I refine the kit. And this time of year it’s so fun to be outside.
Dean Bandes
Of course it’s different up close, but up to my monitor resolution, I like the field sketch of the aspens better than the greener more detailed painting in the later post. In the sketch, I particularly like the rut in the middle of the road, the mountain in the background, the less even, more natural spacing of the trees, and the mid-height bushes or weeds on the near left, There’s more variety than I see in the studio painting.
BUT reading the how-I-did-it was very interesting!
Maria
Thanks for the feedback, Dean! I’m learning to paint trees and experimenting with different styles. It’s fun to explore. I’m trying to find a medium between fast/loose field paintings and tighter studio paintings.
Richard Polinski
I followed your recommendation and purchased the Slik tripod which arrived today. I’ll have to test it of course but am very impressed with the construction, size, and weight, I think it will work great. You mentioned in your post that you were able to modify the screw cap to hang a water bottle. How did you do that?
Btw, I’m still enjoying my Pocket Art Toolkit, I take it everywhere!
Richard Polinski
Upon closer examination I see that the bottom cap unscrews so that a hole can easily be drilled for an eyebolt/hook with a nut. Is that what you did?
Maria
Hi Richard, Yes! I drilled a hole in the removable cab and installed a wire loop, crimped closed on the inside. I often hang a water bottle or my backpack to stabilize the tripod in wind. Have fun! I’m so glad you continue to enjoy your Pocket Art Toolkit.