🖌️ How to Set Up Your Pastel Plein Air Package
What's Included
- Pastel Palette with Cover and Pastel Organizer Tray Insert (6 foam sections, holds up to 108 pastels)
- Two Sliding Shelves with 5 grooved channels each
- Pro Series Panel Holder with 2 ABS Brackets and Dust Ledge
- Slik U8000 Tripod
- 4 Spring Clamp
- 60L Heavy Duty En Plein Air Pro Embroidered Cordura Convertible Backpack
Total Packed Weight: 12 lbs / 5.45 kg
Step 1 — Unpack Your Gear
Remove all items from the 60L Convertible Backpack and lay them out on a flat surface before beginning assembly.
Step 2 — Set Up the Tripod
Open the Slik U8000 tripod and extend each leg using the flip locks. Adjust to your preferred working height — standing or seated — then lock each leg firmly in place.
Step 3 — Raise the Center Column
Crank the center column up to your desired height. Turn the center locking collar to a snug position to hold the column in place.
Step 4 — Install the Palette on the Tripod
Slide the Pastel Palette onto the legs of the tripod. Position it at a comfortable working height. Unhook the bungee cord from the shelves, then pull out both sliding shelves approximately 6 inches.
Step 5 — Set Up the Palette Cover as a Shade
Lift the cover from the palette and position it vertically at the back of the palette, resting against the center column of the tripod. Hook one end of the bungee cord into the hole on the left corner of the cover, stretch the cord behind the cover and around the back of the tripod center column, then insert the other hook into the slot on the right side of the cover. The cover now acts as a palette shade — essential for accurate color comparison outdoors.
Step 6 — Attach the Panel Holder to the Tripod
Locate the quick release plate already screwed onto the aluminum channel of the Panel Holder. Do not unscrew or remove this plate. At the top of the tripod, find the pan head. Pull down the grey lever on the left side of the pan head, insert the quick release plate, then push the lever back up to lock the Panel Holder securely in place.
Step 7 — Adjust the Panel Holder Brackets
Loosen the star knobs on the Panel Holder brackets and rotate them 90 degrees. Adjust the bracket height to fit your panel or canvas. Place your panel in the brackets and tighten the star knobs firmly to ensure a snug, secure fit.
Step 8 — Install the Dust Ledge
Unscrew the star knob from the back of the Dust Ledge. Slide the Dust Ledge screw through the open channel of the Panel Holder below the bottom bracket. Screw the star knob back onto the screw from the back of the panel holder. Tilt the panel holder slightly forward so pastel dust falls freely from the panel into the Dust Ledge. To empty the Dust Ledge, loosen the star knob and tilt the ledge to either side.
Step 9 — Add the Spring Clamp
Attach the 4 spring clamp to a tripod leg above the palette for added stability.
Step 10 — Load Up and Paint!
Load your pastels into the organizer tray and sliding shelves. You're ready to paint!
💡 Pro Tip: The palette cover doubles as a shade when positioned vertically — this is key for accurate pastel color matching in bright outdoor light. The Dust Ledge is exclusive to En Plein Air Pro and keeps your palette tray clean by catching falling pastel dust. Tilt the panel holder slightly forward for best results.