Why Paint on a Wooden Palette?
A wooden palette has a smooth, light surface and is extremely rigid. It also has warm tones that allow artists see colors with greater clarity when painting.
To seal a wood palette make use of boiled linseed oils and an lint-free rag, or a high quality paper towel. Rub the oil on the surface of the palette. Repeat every day, both on both sides.
Wooden Palettes for Oil Painters
Oil paints are at your fingertips when you use an wooden palette. This makes it much easier to mix colors and move them on your board or canvas. This is a great way to have your brushes close at hand. I've found that using a palette of this sort reduces the amount of time I spend turning my body to grab and reload my brushes. I've also noticed that it helps with my accuracy and consistency.
You can buy wood palettes that are stained and sealed to withstand water and standard solvents for artists, or you can buy 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 you use in your oil paints. To do this, simply put a small amount of Linseed oil onto the palette and rub it into the palette with a lint free sponge until it is completely fully saturated. After that, clean off any excess and your palette is ready to use.
I prefer to tone the linseed before using it by adding a few drops of it to a brown medium such as burnt sienna (or yellow ochre). This allows me to visualize how my shadows will look on the wood. Tone also helps me to differentiate between shades of light and dark in my artwork.
As time passes, a well-used wooden pallet will begin to develop a gorgeous patina. It will become more transparent and smooth due to the oil in your paints staining it bit and the pigments blending together to form their own varnish-like coating. It's gorgeous to see.
Some artists prefer using an acrylic sealer that is clear on their wooden palettes - it will protect the wood and give it a stunning shine. I prefer the old method of applying thin layers of Linseed oils. 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 with time.
Wooden Palettes for Acrylic Painters
The wooden palette is a classic choice for acrylic and oil painting. It provides a large, stable surface that resists pigment absorption and facilitates optimal mixing of colors. After every use, a quick wipe with a cloth or paper towel makes cleanup simple. Palettes made of wood are not expensive and can be found at the majority of stores for arts and crafts.
There are many options for acrylic painters today. Plastic palettes come with a nonstick coating and are lightweight. They also withstand solvent damage. They are easy to clean using warm soapy water and can be used for a wide range of materials including acrylics. They are available in a variety of sizes and come with deep wells to mix colors.
A styrofoam or paper dish is a popular alternative for acrylic painting. They are inexpensive and disposable, so they can be used for only one painting session, making them an ideal solution for plein air painting. However, they can absorb paint, which can make it difficult to clean.
One of the most effective alternatives for a permanent acrylic paint palette is a piece of sanded wood such as spruce or pine with a thumb hole. This allows the artist to hold the palette using the thumb inserted into the hole leaving the other fingers for holding brushes and the mahlstick. The thumb hole also helps to keep the fingers from becoming too dirty while using the palette.
Some artists make their own wooden palette using household items. An old plastic or aluminum foil-covered dish is an ideal place to begin. Glass or ceramic dishes are also a good choice. They are available at yard sales and thrift shops. They are typically beautiful. You can even try a piece of tin foil, which will resist the absorption of paint and be very easy to clean.
A palette that stays wet is an alternative to the homemade palette that is extremely popular. They're basically made of plastic with a secure lid. You dampen a sponge with water and put it in the bottom of the box. Then, you place the special paper the top to keep paint moist. The box can be sealed and the sponge and paper will stay wet for a few days. If the paper dries out, you can always add more water to the palette.
Wooden Palettes for Watercolor Painters
When you're painting watercolors or oil paints, an wooden palette is the best option. They are lighter than other options like glass or paper and rigid enough to handle easily. They also have cut-outs in the interior for the thumb and other fingers, which makes them comfortable to hold for long periods of time while you work. They are finished with a satin that allows paint to be applied without getting absorbed. They are also easy to clean and are durable for years of use.
The wooden palette was among the earliest mixing surfaces utilized by artists. They remain an essential component of many studios. They have a classic, professional look and are perfect for mixing oils, acrylics and alkyds. Additionally they are usually produced using sustainable forestry practices. This is why using a wooden palette can be a green option for the contemporary artist.
Regular cleaning and re-oiling are the most important factor in a wooden pallet's longevity. Applying linseed or a wood conditioner can help prevent excessive absorption, and prolong the life of your palette. Re-oiling is as simple as pouring oil into the middle of the palette, and wiping with an unlinty cloth.
Some artists even 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 part of your artwork, and to create a sense of history for your tool. Some of these palettes are customizable with lids that lock in place. This is an excellent feature for traveling.
Instagram has also contributed to the popularity of wooden palettes. Artists upload pictures of their beautiful setups on Instagram to inspire others. These visual cues serve as a good reminder that painting with a wooden palette can be a rewarding and satisfying experience. As you continue to work with your wooden palette, it will grow into a beloved piece of equipment and an enduring reminder of your artistic journey.
Wooden Palettes for Mixed Media Painters
When we think about an art pallet the first thing we imagine is a wooden one, which was used by masters of the past. These palettes, though used by some artists are not suitable for watercolours or acrylics due to their porous surface. A new paint palette was created to address this issue. The new palettes are constructed of tempered glass, which is extremely robust and will not break if you drop it. They also come in a variety of sizes and shapes and sizes, so you can choose one that is comfortable to hold and fits into your hand when you work.
These new palettes are called "stay wet" palettes because they keep your paints wet and functional for a lengthy time after you've completed painting. To prepare a "stay wet" palette, place your preferred oil painting medium to the back of the palette. Rub it in until the paint appears tacky (like butter). Then you can use either a paper towel or lint free cloth to clean any excess, ensuring to reach all the tiny grooves in the wood grain. This process, also known as seasoning, allows the palette to retain the pigment and oil, while allowing brush hairs to move through the wood easily.
Drying oils such as linseed, or walnut, can be used to make a wooden pallet. Apply it using an abrasive on the surface. This will help protect the wood and make it resistant to solvents and water. click through the next article will also stop the paint from sticking to the surface of the palette when it's wet.
Some painters prefer to use disposable palettes, such as paper cups or styrofoam plates. This is a great choice because 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 better in my hands. I also love the idea that I'm carrying on a tradition of the old masters!