Why Paint on a Wooden Palette?
A wooden palette is lightweight and strong, with an even surface. It also has warm tones that allow painters to perceive colors accurately when painting.
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 onto the the wood palette. Repeat daily, both front and back.
Wooden Palettes for Oil Painters
Painting on a wooden palette allows all your oil paints right to your fingertips. This makes it much easier to mix colors and then move them on your board or canvas. It's also a great method to keep your brushes close at the ready. This palette has helped me reduce the amount of time that I am able to spend turning my body in order to reach my brushes to reload them. I've also noticed that it aids me in my accuracy and consistency.
You can purchase wooden palettes that have been stained and sealed (to resist water as well as regular solvents for artists) or you can buy unfinished ones and stain them yourself. Sealing the wood before painting will allow it to absorb less oil from your oil paints. To do this simply pour a small pool of oil from linseed onto your palette and rub it in with a lint free cloth until it's fully saturated. Then, wipe off any excess oil and your palette will be ready to use.
I like to tone my palette before using it by adding the smallest amount of brown medium (such as burnt sienna or yellow orange) to the linseed oil. This helps me to visualize the shadows I'll create in my paintings and it also lets me visualize how the colors will look against the wood. The tone helps me differentiate between the dark and light values of my painting.
A well-used wooden palette will develop an exquisite patina over time. The oils you use to paint will stain it and the pigments will combine to create a varnish-like look. It's a gorgeous thing to behold.
Some painters apply an acrylic varnish that is clear to protect their wooden palettes. This protects the wood and will give it a stunning shine. However, I have found that the old method of applying multiple thin coats of linseed oil is perfectly for me. It takes a little longer than using polyurethane but it's worth it because you can apply a coat every time you clean your palette. And it will only improve over time.
Wooden Palettes for Acrylic Painters
The wooden palette is a classic option for oil and acrylic painting. It is a large solid, stable surface that blocks the absorption of color and facilitates color mixing. It also makes clean up easy and quick by simply wiping a paper towel or cloth after every use. Palettes made of wood are not expensive and are available at most arts and crafts stores.
For a modern acrylic painter, there are many palette options. Plastic palettes are a lightweight option that resist damage from solvents and also have an anti-stick coating. They can be cleaned with warm soapy tap water and are suitable for acrylics among other materials. They are available in a variety of sizes and have deep wells that allow mixing colors.
Another popular option for acrylic painting is a styrofoam plate. They are inexpensive and disposable, which means they can be used for only one painting session, which makes them a great solution for plein air painting. They could take in some paint, and is difficult to remove.
A piece of sanded timber such as pine or spruce that has a thumbhole, is among the best options to make a permanent acrylic paint pallet. This allows the artist to hold the palette with the thumb inserted into the hole leaving the other fingers free for holding brushes and the mahlstick. The thumb hole can also help prevent the fingers from getting too dirty while using the palette.
Some artists make their own homemade wooden palettes using household items. A dish covered with aluminum foil or plastic can be a great place to begin. Glass or ceramic dishes are also a good choice. They are available at yard sales and in thrift shops. They are generally beautiful. You can even try a piece of tin foil, which will resist the absorption of paint and will be easy to clean.
A palette that stays wet is an alternative to the DIY palette that is very well-known. These are basically containers made of plastic with an airtight lid. You place a sponge at the bottom, which you then make damp with water, and then you place a sheet of special paper on top to keep the paint moist. The box can be sealed and keep the sponge and paper wet for days. If the paper starts to dry out you can always add more water to the palette.
Wooden Palettes for Watercolor Painters
A wooden palette is an excellent option for anyone who paints with oil or watercolors. These palettes are lighter than other options such as glass or paper, and are also strong enough to be able to be handled easily. These palettes have interior cutouts for your thumb and other fingers. This makes them easy to hold for long periods. They are finished with a satin that allows paint to be applied without getting absorbed. They can also be cleaned easily and last for years of use.
The Wooden Palette - Agronytradingllc.Com - was one of the first mixing surfaces used by artists. They are still an essential component of many studios. They have an elegant, professional look and are ideal for mixing acrylics, oils and alkyds. In addition they are typically produced using sustainable forestry practices. In this way, using a wooden palette can be a green option for the contemporary artist.
The most important factor in the longevity of a wooden palette is regular cleaning and re-oiling. A reapplication of linseed oil or a special wood conditioner can prevent excessive absorption and prolong the lifespan of the 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 even choose to personalize their wooden palettes by carving initials or other decorative elements into the surface. This is a fantastic option to make your palette feel like a part of your art, and to create a sense of history for your tool. Some of these personalized palettes come with lids that be locked into the place, which is a nice feature for travel.
Instagram has also played a role in the popularity of wooden palettes. Artists post photos of their stunningly-arranged palettes on Instagram to inspire others. These visual clues serve as an example of how painting on a pallet made of wood can be a rewarding artistic experience. As you continue to use your wooden palette, it will eventually become a beloved piece of equipment and an enduring reminder of your artistic journey.
Wooden Palettes for Mixed Media Painters
When we think of a paint pallet, the first thing we imagine is an old wooden one that was used by old masters. They are still used by some artists are not suitable for acrylics or watercolours because of their porous surfaces. A new paint palette was created to address this problem. The new palettes are constructed of tempered glass, which is extremely sturdy and won't 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 in your hand while working.
The new palettes, also known as "stay-wet" palettes, will keep your paints hydrated and usable for a long time after you have finished painting. To make a "stay wet" palette, add your preferred oil painting medium to the back of the palette. Rub it into the wood until the paint looks tacky (like butter). Use a paper towel to remove any oil that has accumulated, and ensure that you get into all the grooves of the wood grain. This process, called seasoning, assists the palette retain pigment and oil while allowing hairs of the brush to move through easily.
Drying oil such as linseed, or walnut is a great option to prepare a wooden palette. Apply it with a rag to the surface. This will help seal the wood and make it more resistant to solvents and water. This will also prevent the paint from sticking to the surface of your palette when wet.
Some painters like to use disposable palettes, such as paper plates or styrofoam cups. This is a great option 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 more comfortable in my hands. I also love the thought that I'm carrying on the tradition of the previous masters!