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I agree. They really are great sets in their own way.

Hi. So I went and opened it to test it. I wish I could show pictures here. It does open flat but is a tiny bit off the surface. While open and you tap the 3 mixing area lid, it would be a little wobbly. It is not slanted though. I hope this answers your question. Please feel free to send any more questions. I’d be happy to try and answer them.

Hi. Great question. I went and tried it out. With the grids out and just pans, you can fit two rows of seven. So a total of 14 half pans in that space.

Thank you very much. It’s something that I hadn’t really seen much and I wanted to get that “before and after” perspective out there. The black sketchbook is Artist’s Loft from Michael’s Craft Store. It’s a small 4”x 4” hardcover book with 80 sheets, 75lb/110gsm paper. The pages are acid free and the outer cover has an elastic band for secure closure. It’s good for quick sketches and practice. Fits really well in pockets or bags. Sorry I missed this one.

That is a great question that I still go back and forth on. I still use both for different outings. My Meeden is a solid box that will hold just about everything, brushes, many paint tubes, mediums and accessories, and even wood/canvas panels. The palette is built-in and slides out. It really is an all-in-one paint box. The bad thing is that it's pretty deep, bulky, and heavy. The box does come with a handle and a shoulder strap. The Sierra is not so deep, but still pretty solid with the wood. It will not hold your paint tubes or much else, just the palette glass. As shown in this video, you'll see that I have a separate wood supply box (also made by Sienna) that hold all of my gear. This pochade box is all wood, but pretty light compared to the Meeden box. As with the accessories/gear, I have another box to carry the wood/canvas panels. I would carry this set up if I was using my larger backpack to put everything in. A smaller back pack if using the Meeden, for paper towels, bags, clips, etc. I hope this helps with your decision. I could not choose, so I got both, but I do use them for different outings.

​@@ArroLyfeArt Thank you so much for your reply. That gives me a lot to think about, and is very helpful ☺️

​@@ArroLyfeArt I have another question about the Meeden pochade: would it be suitable to use on a table top, if you were seated, or would it make your work area too high up, if that makes sense? I'm looking for something that I can take to my art class, and use seated at a table, but I suspect it might not be ideal for this. Have you ever used it this way,? Many thanks for your time and thoughts ☺️

For table top, I would have to recommend the Sierra box. It is more narrow and isn’t as deep. The Meeden Box is pretty deep and would be a big too bulky for table top/desk use.

@@ArroLyfeArt Thank you so much. I suspected that might be the case!

Hi. Great questions. The white box that is out is the exact same as the blue box. I’ve seen that some of the boxes are being made with all white plastic. I think this is not a change in the set or quality, just changing the colors which might appeal more with artists. As for your question about using a watercolor box of 48 colors or a travel box (usually 12 colors), really depends on your preference. When I go out for urban sketching, I may go with a modified box of 18-24 colors, but that’s because I want to be more compact and mobile. If you wanted to go to a park that had a picnic table in the area and you wanted to paint there, then a 48 color box would work there. I suppose it can also boil down to if you like to mix a lot of colors, a smaller number of colors would work. If you like to paint straight from the pans, a 48 color box would give you all the colors you needed and then some. I hope this helps.

Heh, you know I did have that same thought…about a month after posting this video. I happened to be watching the video in order to see what I could have done better next time. I thought, “why didn’t I just use a measuring cup for this?” Well, lesson learned and I’ll do better next time. 😆

Yes. That is a great question. I didn’t have trouble this time. A few months later, after this video, on a flight back home from California, I found that two of my fountain pens had leaked out. Fortunately the ink leaked into their caps, but I definitely have some washing to do. Yes, I would not recommend taking fountain pens on flights. I won’t be doing that again.

That’s correct. I purchased those after I published the video, but I have yet to use them. I want to finish these current pans before trying those new ones. 😃

I never thought about putting the sponge in the water cup. Thanks for these tips.

Thank you very much!

I am very proud of myself for not losing mine yet.

I AM quite proud of myself for not losing mine yet.

I’m glad you enjoyed it.

Thank you for your comment. I’m glad you enjoyed it. 😊

You’re welcome. I’m glad you enjoyed it.

I hope someone here has more info for you. Maybe you can modify the box so it could be more flat when opened?

I very happy I could help. Yes, that blue section was just not useful to me, but I sure liked that blue pop of color on the box. I’m glad I could make it useful for that.

Yeah, they do switch out box, plastics, thickness, colors from time to time. I suppose a good thing is that you can have different boxes of the same model. Makes it feel like they’re all different.

@@ArroLyfeArt yep, but I preffered the same qualaities

I’m glad I could help and it worked out. I like getting creative with these paint boxes.

Hi there. Yes, it’s the Sakura Koi 12 color travel box. I took the plastic inset out and covered the bottom with packing tape-covered cardstock to make a flat base. Then put in my half pans using ZOTS adhesive dots to hold them down. I tried it and there IS room (where my brushes are now) for a fourth row to add another 7 half pans of colors. I hope you have a chance to try it out. It really is my favorite travel watercolor box.

​ @ArroLyfeArt That's quite ingenious! Thank you so much for sharing the DIY tips on how to modify this box to accommodate the half pans, I much appreciate it! I'm seriously amazed at the incredible expansion capability of this little box, truly. 28 half pans? In such compact size? That's insane. I'm just a bit sad they removed the finger ring on the back of the box. 😢 It can be so handy at times. As well as providing an extra layer of security to prevent the box from slipping off your hand. Still, I need to get my hands on one of these. Solid box overall. And it won't rust like the metal ones, haha!

Thank you very much. I really appreciate the feedback. I look forward to reviewing more of your products in the future.

@@ArroLyfeArt 🥰🥰🥰

Pretty much. I’m going to be packing for another trip soon so let’s see how well I learn from this one. Lol

You a very welcome. I’m so glad it helped.

Thank you. They are some pretty fun pens to write and even draw with.

@@ArroLyfeArt Couldn't agree more. I loved mine so much, I ended up acquiring the other two sizes. Just amazing little things.

Hi. Thanks for the comment. I haven’t done a video for that but would be happy to soon. Thanks for the tip.

@@ArroLyfeArt By the way, are the racks in the Rosa Gallery tin clip on? If I understand the advertising correctly that would be brilliant!

Hi. So I went and looked. The long tins (24 half pan) have the racks wedged and almost clamped on the tray. I tried to take them off one before and had to use pliers. I ended up bending and damaging the tray and threw the tray and racks (still attached) out. The small tin (12 half pan), the racks are attached to the tray by a grove that they are simply popped in. The racks can easily be popped off the tray. I hope this helps.

@@ArroLyfeArt Thank you! I think maybe they changed the tins at some point? Because product photos suggest that that the long Rosa Gallery tins that have three rows/racks on the tray also can be popped off. I haven't found anyone showing it off online yet thought and I wanted to make sure I understand correctly szal-art.pl/images/product_images/popup_images/13808_2.jpg I love this solution so much! I largest area possible to attach pans with magnets, but I also don't want to destroy the racks

I used to do plein aire and my favorite was a 18 half pan palette made by schminke available from WET PAINT. it balanced perfectly even when my hand began shaking. I took out metal pan holder due to weight and because I could use a plastic sheet ( cut to size) and with adhesive dots could put in 21. 1/2 pans or if traveling to an area that I would be near a beach, woodland and city I could get in even more 1/4 pans. There were only 2 areas for washes but in the other side there were many mini areas for mixing small amounts of paint.. Since I did botanticals along with landscapes I found that I needed more convience colors. That way I spent less time mixing colors and needed a smaller mixing pallet.....my studio mixing pallet is 10×14...and no way would anyone take that afield.

Hi. That’s a great question. I do not have a video for that…yet. I’d be happy to research that and make one though. Stay tuned.

@@ArroLyfeArt thanks you replying .. looking forward to it. 🙂

I’m sorry about that. That one was made without the extra mic. I’ll remember to use it more consistently.

Very true that blue rubber thing did get in the way, but I managed to take care of that. Now it’s just there to look nice and doesn’t bother me anymore. 😎

I’m glad you liked it and that I could help. Hope the mod works out for your palette.

Heh, seemingly, but there is method to my madness. Lol

I’m so happy that you enjoyed it. I’m glad that the video helped. I am going on an Alaskan cruise in a few months and plan to pack acrylics and watercolors, so stay tuned for that one.

That sounds like a pretty neat set up. Very efficient. I may have to look into that bamboo roll idea. Thank you for sharing.

Thank you very much very much.

Hi. It would depend on the shade and type of pink color you wanted. I’d go with a shade of red and a shade or white and start with mixing very little and building your way up to the shade that you want.

Thank you very much for your comment. I am very happy to have helped with your decision. I remember when I was looking for videos comparing these two, I didn’t find many. That’s when I decided to put one out there just for these sets. Enjoy your urban sketching!

Thank you. I’m glad you enjoyed it. I had a lot of fun making it. 😀

I eyed this box for a few years. Ended up being a very late night purchase that made a lot of sense at the time. I do like it a lot though.

@@ArroLyfeArt that's all that matters. As long as you like it and it serves your needs. We all want one of we're being honest with ourselves.

Very true.

Thank you for your comment. These kits are really neat. They all have unique features to use for many places.

That’s a pretty good point about the clip as I wonder if the rubber band would age and loosen in time. As for a bag option, I sometimes use a sling-type bag. It’s just a small backpack but with one strap and it on one shoulder and across (diagonally) the chest and back. It works pretty well.

Thank you for your comment. I’m glad I could add more perspective to these great products.

Thank you for the tip. I’ll certainly try that out.

Yes! It worked. I'm 74 and was blaming the loose hold on my grip strength. It's brain not brawn. Thank you for sharing

Hi. Thank for your comment. I eventually got my exacto knife and sliced it down the seem. I don’t use the finger-holder attachment, but like the blue contrast. Now it stays on and opens flat. The dots are called ZOTS. They’re made by the company Therm-o-web. I got the medium size, 3/8 inch. If you’re near a Michael’s, Hobby Lobby, or Walmart, you can get them there. Amazon should have them as well. I hope this helps.

They sure go a long way.

Heh, I’m sorry your pen was broken. I suppose it could be a nice display item now. They ARE neat pens. Those and TWSBIs.

That’s me as well for sure. But I figure, if I have the room, what’s the harm, right?

Mine varies. When I go out a lot in a shorter span of time, I start to slim down. When I haven’t gone out in a long time, I seem to revert back to taking everything I can think of, and then start over with thinking out them more I go out. Lol

I have an older box as well. Looking at them side-by-side, the new one does look slightly deeper.

You know, the Fanny pack has come to mind for an on the go kit/case many times. I may just have to go find one and give it a try.

It was a bit long. Thanks for watching. 🙂

bless your heart. hopefully, you'll learn to be a nicer person in the future.