Term: Pochade

A quick, small sketch that is completed on location and in one sitting. Pochades are used by landscape painters to capture the essence of a scene in preparation for creating a full-size picture. In contrast to a croquis, which is line art, a pochade captures the colors, tone, and mood of a scene. Pochades are most often made with oils but may also be done with pastels or watercolor.

The term "pochade" is derived from the nineteenth century French verb "pocher" meaning to sketch. It is also used to describe a small painting box. The box has a hinged lid that is used as an easel, a small palette, and room to carry a few painting materials. This type of box became popular in the 19th century but was used earlier by artists like Turner and Constable.