Why look at this web-site on a Wooden Palette?
A wooden palette is light and strong, with a smooth surface. It has a warm color which helps artists perceive colors accurately.
To seal a palette made of wood make use of boiled linseed oils and a lint-free rag or a high quality paper towel. Rub the oil on the the wood palette. Repeat daily, back and front.
Wooden Palettes for Oil Painters
Oil paints are readily available using the wooden palette. This makes it much easier to mix your colors and move them across the surface of your canvas or board. It's also a great method to keep your brushes at hand. I've found that using a palette of this sort can reduce the amount of time I spend turning my body to reach and refill my brushes. I've also noticed that it aids me in my accuracy and consistency.
You can either buy wooden palettes that have been stained and sealed to resist water and standard solvents for artists or buy them unfinished and stain them yourself. When working with raw wood you will want to seal it prior to painting. This makes it less able to absorb of the oils you use in your oil paints. Pour a small amount Linseed onto the palette, and then rub it into it with a non-lint cloth. After that, clean off any excess oil and your palette will be ready to use.
I prefer to tone the linseed prior to using it by adding a few drops of it to a brown medium, such as burnt sienna (or yellow ochre). This helps me visualize the shadows I'll be creating in my paintings and it also lets me observe how the colors look against the wood. The tone helps me differentiate between the dark and light values of my painting.
With time, 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 bit and the pigments blending together to form their own varnish-like coating. It's a gorgeous thing to behold.
Some artists prefer to apply a clear acrylic sealer on their wooden palettes - it will protect the wood and give it a stunning shine. I prefer the traditional method of applying thin layers of oils from linseed. It takes a bit more time than using polyurethane but it's worth the wait because you can apply a coat each time you clean your palette, and it will only improve with time.
Wooden Palettes for Acrylic Painters
A wooden palette is the most popular option for acrylic and oil painting. It has a wide solid, stable surface that blocks absorption of pigment and encourages color mixing. It also makes clean up easy and simple by a quick wipe with a paper towel or cloth after every use. The majority of stores selling arts and crafts have wooden palettes that aren't expensive.
There are a myriad of options available for acrylic painters today. Plastic palettes are coated with a nonstick substance and are light. They also resist the effects of solvents. They are easy to clean with warm soapy water, and can be utilized for a variety of materials including acrylics. They are usually available in several sizes with deep wells to mix colors.
Another option for acrylic painting is a paper or styrofoam plate. These plates are easily disposable and cost-effective and can only be used once during a painting session. This is why they are a great option for plein-air painting. However, they can absorb some paint which can make it difficult to clean.
One of the best alternatives for a permanent acrylic paint palette is a piece of sanded wood, like pine or spruce, with a thumb hole. This allows the artist to hold the palette by inserting the thumb in the hole, leaving the other fingers to hold brushes and the mahlstick. The thumb hole also helps keep fingers from getting too dirty while using the palette.
Some artists create their own wooden palettes out of household items. A dish covered with aluminum foil or plastic could be a great spot to begin. Old ceramic or glass dishes are also an excellent option. They are available at yard sales and in thrift shops. They are typically attractive. You could also try a piece of tin foil that will ward off the absorption of paint and will be easy to clean.
A popular alternative to a DIY palette is a stay-wet plastic palette. They are basically a plastic box with an airtight lid. You soak a sponge in water and place it in the bottom of the box. Then, you place the special paper top to keep paint damp. The box can be kept closed and will keep the sponge and paper wet for several days. You can always add water to the palette in case the paper gets dry.
Wooden Palettes For Watercolor Painters
A wooden palette is a fantastic 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 for easy handling. 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 are finished with a satin that allows paint to be applied without absorbing. They are also easily cleaned and last for many years of use.
Wooden palettes were among the first mixing surfaces utilized by artists, and they remain a vital element in many studios of artists in the present. They have an elegant and professional appearance and are ideal to mix alkyds, oils, and acrylics. Additionally they are usually made from sustainable forest practices. This makes using a wood pallet a green option for modern artists.
A key to the longevity of a wooden palette is regular cleaning and re-oiling. Applying linseed or a wood conditioner can help prevent excessive absorption, and increase the lifespan of your palette. Re-oiling can be as easy as pouring oil into the middle of the palette, and wiping it off with an lint-free cloth.
Some artists opt 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 artwork and bring a sense of history to your tool. Some of these palettes are customizable with lids that lock in place. This is a fantastic feature for traveling.
Instagram has also played a part in the popularity of wooden palettes. Artists upload photos of their beautifully-arranged setups on Instagram to inspire others. These visual signals serve as a reminder that painting on a pallet made of wood is a rewarding, artistic experience. When you continue painting using your wooden palette, it will become a cherished piece of equipment that reminds you of your journey to creativity.
Wooden Palettes for Mixed Media Painters
When we think of a paint pallet the first thing we think of is an old wooden one, which was used by old masters. These palettes, although still utilized by a few artists, are not suitable for acrylics or watercolours because of their porous surface. A new paint palette was invented to solve this issue. The new palettes are constructed of tempered glass, which is very sturdy and won't break if you drop it. They're also available in a variety of sizes and shapes, so you can find one that is easy to hold and fits in your hand while working.
These new palettes are called "stay wet" palettes due to the fact that they keep your paints wet and functional for a lengthy time after you've finished painting. To prepare a stay-wet palette, simply add your preferred oil painting medium on the back side of the palette. Rub it into the wood until it appears somewhat tacky (like soft butter). Use a towel to wash away any excess oil and ensure that you get into all grooves of the wood grain. This process, also known as seasoning, permits the palette to retain pigment and oil while allowing brushhairs to pass easily.
Another method to prepare a wooden palette is by using a drying oil like linseed or safflower, or walnut - and applying it to the surface of the palette using a rag. This will help protect the wooden surface and make it impervious to water and solvents. This also stops the paint from sticking to the surface of your palette when wet.
Some artists prefer using disposable palettes like paper plates or styrofoam cups. This is a great option because it doesn't absorb paint too much and it's easy to clean. However, I'd prefer to use an old-fashioned wooden palette since it's more durable, and it is more comfortable to hold. I also love the idea that I'm carrying on the legacy of the old masters!