Well, I don't know about anyone else, but I am looking forward to spring. As beautiful as snow can be, I'm ready for warmer weather. I bought an Alla Prima pochade box, which are made to order, and it was ready at the end of last summer so I didn't get to use it much. I know some brave souls paint en plein air in the winter, but between the MS and the temperature, I shake too much to be very useful then. Although, it could be interesting to see how a picture when I'm in that state turns out. Hmmm. Maybe I will try that at some point. Regardless, I am excited to finally be able to break it in properly. It's beautifully made and I am almost loathe to stain it up, but as Ben Haggett, the creator of these fine boxes says, they are tools and tools are made to be used. I am more than ready to heed his advice!



The paint tubes are all paints I made myself, with the exception of the Cobalt Blue (Vasari) which I just retubed into something smaller. The rest are all hand-ground by me. I plan on doing a blog post in the near future with pictures about how I make my paint so check back soon!