This box was "designed by an artist (me) and made by artisans" in South Carolina. Their original box is intended to be used as a fly box for fishermen. They replaced the foam liner with Corian that is routed out and shaped to fit so perfectly it doesn't need to be glued in. The wood is cherry, very smoothly finished and a delight to handle.
In my experience there really isn't anything out there that is designed just for watercolor artists. Plein air pochades start off for oil painters and then are minimally modified for watercolor. The other aspect is one of aesthetics, the plein air pochades on the market have sharp exterior metal pieces and knobs sticking out of them, in addition to being made of plywood or some rather non-descript woods. A walnut pochade, that is considered top of the line, has many sharp metal edges unless it is housed in a very heavy walnut case.
I have used this little cherry paint box frequently as a plein air palette for the past month and it is fumble-free. Everything except the paper fits inside. The water well is small but adequate. Twelve pans are all I need to paint on the move, I prefer a limited palette anyway. There is room to store 2 folding brushes, a pencil, eraser, pencil sharpener, pipette, and a sponge. I also keep a small rag folded up inside the box. I am very pleased with this professionally made prototype. We are now working on a slightly larger one that will hold a watercolor block and has a tripod mount. Check back next month.
