Why Paint on a Wooden Palette?
A wooden palette has a smooth, light surface and is extremely rigid. It is a warm-colored palette that helps painters perceive the colors with precision.
Make use of boiled linseed, an unlinty rag or paper towel to protect a wooden palette. Rub the oil onto the surface of the palette. Repeat daily, both front and back.
Wooden Palettes for Oil Painters
Painting on a wooden palette can bring all your oil paints right at your fingertips. This makes it a lot easier to mix colors and move them across the surface of your canvas or board. This is a great way to have your brushes in your fingertips. This palette has helped me to save time by reducing the amount of time I spend turning around my body in order to reach my brushes and then reload them. I've also noticed that it helps in my accuracy and consistency.
You can purchase wood palettes that are stained and sealed to resist water and standard solvents for artists or purchase them unfinished and stain them yourself. When working with raw wood you should seal it before you start painting. This will make it less adsorbent of the oils in your oil paints. To do this, pour a small pool of linseed oil on the palette, and then rub it in with a lint free cloth until it's fully saturated. Then, wipe off any excess oil and your palette is now ready to use.
I prefer to tone the linseed before using it by adding a few drops to an oil medium that is brown, like burnt sienna (or yellow ochre). This allows me to visualize the way my shadows appear on the wood. The tone will help me distinguish between the light and dark values of my painting.
As time passes, a well-used wooden pallet will develop a gorgeous patina. It will get more opaque and smooth with the oil from your paints staining it a little and the pigments mixing together to create their own varnish-like coating. It's an amazing thing to see.
Some artists prefer to apply a clear acrylic sealer on their wooden palettes - it will protect the wood and give it a beautiful shine. However, I have found that the traditional method of applying multiple thin coats of linseed oil work just fine for me. It takes a bit more time than using polyurethane but it's worth the wait since you can apply a coat each time you clean your palette, and it will only improve over time.
Wooden Palettes for Acrylic Painters
The wooden palette is an ideal option for oil and acrylic painting. It provides a large solid surface that is resistant to pigment absorption and facilitates optimal mixing of colors. After every use, a quick wiping with a paper towel or cloth makes cleanup simple. Wooden palettes are also inexpensive and can be found at the majority of stores for arts and crafts.
If you are a modern acrylic artist there are numerous palette options. Plastic palettes are a lighter option that resist solvent damage and feature a non-stick coating. They are easy to clean using warm soapy water and are used for a wide range of materials including acrylics. They are available in various sizes and have deep wells that allow mixing colors.
A paper or styrofoam dish is a different option for acrylic painting. They are cheap and disposable, so they can be used for a single painting session, which makes them an ideal option for plein air painting. They may take in some paint though, which is difficult to remove.
A piece of sanded timber like pine or spruce with a thumbhole is one of the best options to create a permanent acrylic paint pallet. This allows the artist to hold the palette with the thumb inserted into the hole leaving the other fingers for holding brushes and the mahlstick. The thumb hole is designed to stop fingers from becoming too dirty when using the palette.
Some artists make their own wooden palettes out of household items. An old aluminum or plastic foil covered dish can be an excellent place to begin. Old ceramic or glass dishes are also a good choice. They are available at yard sales or in thrift shops and are usually quite pretty. You can also use a piece tin foil which can resist paint absorption and is easy to clean.
A palette made of stay-wet is a substitute for the DIY palette that is extremely popular. They're basically a plastic box with a lid that is tight. The sponge is placed at the bottom and dampen with water, then place a piece of special paper on top to keep the paint moist. The box can be kept closed and will keep the sponge and paper wet for a few days. If the paper dries out you can always add more water to the palette.
Wooden Palettes For Watercolor Painters
A wooden palette is a great option for anyone who paints with watercolors or oil. These palettes are lightweight compared to other alternatives, including paper and glass and are strong enough to make it easy to handle. They also have cut-outs in the interior for the thumb and other fingers, making them comfortable to hold for long periods of time as you work. They feature a satin-finish that allows paint to be applied without getting absorbed. They can also be cleaned easily and last for years of use.
The wooden palettes were among the first mixing surfaces used by artists, and they are still an important element in many studios of artists in the present. They have a classic, professional look and are ideal for mixing acrylics, oils, and alkyds. Additionally they are typically produced using sustainable forestry practices. This makes using a wooden pallet a green option for contemporary artists.
The most important factor in the longevity of a wooden palette is regular cleaning and the re-oiling. Reapplying linseed oils or a specialized wood conditioner can help to prevent excessive absorption and extend the longevity of the palette. Re-oiling can be as easy as pouring oil into the middle of the palette, and wiping with a lint free cloth.
Some artists choose to personalize their wooden palettes by carving initials or other decorative elements into the surface. This is a great option to make your palette feel like an extension of your work and give a sense of historical significance to your tool. Some of these customized palettes have lids that can be locked in the position and lock in place, which is a wonderful feature for travel.
Instagram has also contributed to the popularity of wooden palettes. Artists share photos of their beautifully-arranged setups on Instagram to inspire others. These visual clues serve as a reminder that painting on a wooden pallet can be a rewarding, artistic experience. As you continue to use your wooden palette, it will grow into a favorite piece of equipment and an excellent reminder of your creative journey.
Wooden Palettes for Mixed Media Painters
When we think of a paint palette the first thing that comes to mind is a wooden one used by old masters. They are still used by some artists, are not suitable for watercolours or acrylics due to their porous surface. However, a new kind of palette for painting has been invented that solves this problem. These new palettes are made of tempered glass, which is very robust and will not break if you drop it. They are also available in various shapes and sizes which means you can pick one that is easy to hold and fits into your hand while working.
These new palettes are called "stay wet" palettes since they keep your paints hydrated and able to work for a long time after you've finished painting. To prepare a "stay wet" palette, place your preferred oil painting medium on the back of the palette. Rub click through the next article in until the paint looks tacky (like butter). Use a paper towel to get rid of any excess oil, and ensure that it gets into all grooves of the wood grain. This process, known as seasoning, assists the palette to retain pigment and oil while allowing the hairs of the brush to move through the wood easily.
Drying oil, such as linseed or walnut can be used to make a wooden pallet. Apply it using an abrasive to the surface. This will help seal the wood and make it more resistant to solvents and water. It also stops the paint from sticking to the surface of the palette when wet.
Some artists prefer using disposable palettes like paper plates or styrofoam cups. This is a good option since it doesn't absorb paint too much, and it's easy to clean. I prefer a wooden palette, because it is more durable and feels more comfortable in my hands. I also love the thought that I'm continuing a tradition of the old masters!