Priya Kapoor
A palette is a surface on which a painter arranges and mixes paints. Palettes are made of materials such as wood, paper, glass, ceramic or plastic, and can vary in size and shape. They are often oval or rectangular and are designed to be held in the non-dominant hand while the other hand is used for mixing and painting. Artists may also use an artist drawing board or artist clipboard to place their canvas and paint on.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Name | Palette or board |
| Description | A surface on which a painter arranges and mixes paints |
| Materials | Wood, paper, glass, ceramic or plastic |
| Shapes | Oval, rectangular, wheel |
| Features | Built-in wells, thumbhole, mixing areas, grooves |
| Types | Watercolour, "stay wet", classical |
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What You'll Learn
Artist drawing board
A surface on which a painter arranges and mixes paints is called a palette. Palettes can be made of wood, paper, glass, ceramic, or plastic, and come in various sizes and shapes.
Now, if you're referring to a surface that holds your canvas in place while you paint, that is called a drawing board. Artist drawing boards are portable and provide a stable surface for artists, designers, architects, crafters, students, and even coloring book enthusiasts. They are usually made from wood, Masonite, MDF, plastic, or other durable materials that resist warping. Common features include one or two clips and one or more rubber bands to hold your work in place, and a hand-hole or carrying handle for portability. Some drawing boards also have a metal edge for use with a T-square, or a melamine surface that can be easily wiped clean.
You can find artist drawing boards at art supply stores or online at retailers like Amazon and BLICK Art Materials.
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Artist clipboard
An artist clipboard, also known as a drawing board, is a surface used by artists to place their canvas or paint on. It is usually made of wood and can be purchased from art supply stores or online retailers like Amazon. Artists can also create their own clipboards by purchasing hardboard from hardware stores and cutting it into their desired sizes. This allows for customisation and flexibility, as artists can make clipboards suitable for both plein air painting and studio work.
The size and shape of artist clipboards can vary depending on individual preferences and specific art requirements. Some artists may prefer larger clipboards that can accommodate multiple canvases, while others might opt for smaller, more portable options. Customisation of clipboards allows artists to tailor their tools to their unique needs and work environments.
While the term "clipboard" typically refers to a thin, rigid sheet of material used for holding paper, in the context of art, it takes on a slightly different meaning. Art clipboards are designed to hold canvases or painting surfaces and provide a flat, solid base for the artistic process. They are an indispensable tool for artists working in various media, including oils, acrylics, and watercolours.
In addition to being a practical tool, artist clipboards can also contribute to the creative process. The size, shape, and texture of the clipboard can influence the composition and style of a painting. Some artists might prefer a smooth surface, while others might opt for a textured clipboard to add unique dimensions to their work. Ultimately, the artist's clipboard is an essential component of the artistic toolkit, offering both functionality and creative possibilities.
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Palettes are often oval or rectangular
A palette is a surface on which a painter arranges and mixes paints. Palettes are made of materials such as wood, paper, glass, ceramic or plastic, and can vary in size and shape. Watercolour palettes, for instance, are usually made of plastic or porcelain and are rectangular or wheel-shaped. They also have built-in wells and mixing areas for colours.
A classical palette is most often oval, but it can also be rectangular, and is tapered to ensure optimal weight distribution. It has a thumbhole and insert for brushes, and is designed to be held in the non-dominant hand while the other hand is used for mixing and painting. Rectangular palettes that slide into grooves and are held in place within a paint box are also popular.
Because oil paint dries slowly, artists might leave thick globs of paint on their palettes for weeks or even months. Palettes are also a universal symbol of painting. While palettes are traditionally oval or rectangular, some artists have been known to use more unconventional surfaces; for instance, Picasso used a sheet of newspaper.
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Palettes with stay wet options for acrylic paint
Stay-wet palettes are designed to keep acrylic paints wet and workable by delaying their drying time. This is achieved by using a sponge material or paper towel soaked in water, which sits underneath the paint. The water evaporates and creates a humid environment inside the palette, preventing the paint from drying out.
There are various palettes with stay-wet options available for acrylic paints. One option is to use a Masterson Sta-Wet Palette, which has an absorbent sponge and a Golden Wetting Agent (previously called 'Acrylic Flow Release'). The sponge is saturated with water, and the lid is sealed to prevent the water from evaporating. Another similar option is the Daler Rowney Stay Wet palette, which has two layers: an absorbent paper layer soaked with water, and a sheet of grease-proof paper that prevents the water from immediately reaching the paint.
An alternative to the sponge-and-membrane style palette is the Mijello 24-Well Plastic Palette with an airtight lid. This palette has separate compartments, which prevent colours from mixing. To keep the paints wet, simply give them a mist of water and seal the lid. The Jackson's heavyweight ceramic palette with a cover is another palette with separate compartments and a lid, which can be used to keep acrylic paints wet.
For those who prefer a DIY approach, a cheap wet palette can be made using a shallow Tupperware container, a towel or sponge, and some plastic or wax paper. The towel or sponge is soaked in water and placed at the bottom of the container, and the plastic or wax paper is placed on top for the paint. This creates a humid environment that keeps the paints from drying out.
Stay-wet palettes are a great way to prevent paint wastage and maintain the consistency of acrylic paints, ensuring they remain workable for several days or even weeks.
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Palettes with thumbholes and brush inserts
A palette is a surface used by painters to arrange and mix paints. Palettes are made of materials such as wood, paper, glass, ceramic, or plastic and vary in size and shape. Watercolour palettes, for instance, are typically rectangular or wheel-shaped and made of plastic or porcelain. They also have built-in wells and mixing areas for colours.
Some palettes are designed to be held in the non-dominant hand, with a thumbhole and insert for brushes, while the other hand is used for mixing and painting. These palettes are often oval or rectangular and tapered for optimal weight distribution.
The BEADNVOA Paint Tray Palette, for instance, is a plastic palette with a thumb hole and three sections for acrylic, oil, and watercolour paints. It measures 22 x 17 cm, making it suitable for kids or beginners. The palette has ten positions for holding colours, allowing for a maximum of ten colours to be used simultaneously.
Another option is the Kare & Kind® Paint Tray Palette, which comes in a pack of three. This palette is made of sturdy plastic and features a large thumb-hold ring with a contoured rest, making it comfortable to hold for extended periods. It has a mix of six round and four rectangular wells, ideal for mixing colours and suitable for all water-based media, including acrylic, oil, and watercolour paints.
The Artlicious Paint Palette is another plastic palette option with ten wells for mixing colours. It measures 8.8 x 6.5 x .6 inches, providing ample space for holding, blending, and mixing multiple colours. This palette is designed for both kids and adults and can be used with acrylic, oil, or watercolour paints.
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Frequently asked questions
It is called a palette. Palettes are made of materials such as wood, paper, glass, ceramic or plastic, and can vary in size and shape.
You can buy palettes from Amazon or any good art supplies store.
Watercolour palettes are generally made of plastic or porcelain in a rectangular or wheel format, and have built-in wells and mixing areas for colours.
