Try it, you'll like it!
 

I just want to thank all the artists on this forum who have recommended two new items I've begun to use recently.

About a month ago I started using a large "arm palette". I enjoy using it so much I expect I will never go back to a flat palette on my table beside me. The arm palette feels so natural and easy to use it seems like a part of me now, when I paint. It allows me to mix colors right next to the painting and I think it will save me time for that reason too.

The second item I've just started using is Claessen's 13DP linen. I began a painting on it today and I absolutely love it. Its smoothness is exactly what I think I need to take my work to another level of subtlety and precision. I don't know how I ever painted on the stuff I used to use.

So, anyone out there who has not tried these two things: I encourage you to give them a go!

Hear, Hear...use both and love them too. :)

Another vote!
 

Hi Michele,

13DP, I love it, I have sadly ruined yards of it. It kills me when I have to restretch!

Sincerely,

Sharon, you're one of the artists I have to thank for recommending that linen. What a treat it is to paint on!

Could someone please put up a link to a Claessen 13dp linen supplier?

Thanks.

Arm Palette
 

Michele,

Where did you get your large arm palette? I use a very large plexiglass palette. I like the clear palette but its shape does not allow for a comfortable balance since it's a standard oval shape. What I'd like to do is find an inexpensive, but well-shaped palette to use as a template and have the local Sam Flax art supply store cut a new plexiglass.

BTW: I think we are talking about the Classen's 13SP not the DP, yes? I use the SP (Single Primed) and it is great for portraiture.

I buy mine from Utrecht.

I bought the Claessen's Double Primed in a roll from Jerry's Artarama at http://www.jerrysartarama.com/

I got the large wooden arm palette from Dick Blick at http://www.dickblick.com/ (If you paint with your right hand, order the one that sits on your left arm. The way they describe which palette is which can be kind of confusing.)

I'd like to hear what people who use the Claessen's feel are the advantages of the Single Primed vs the Double Primed or vice versa.

I have only used the 13SP, so I cannot talk to the double primed version. It is the same weave underneath, so it is probably comparable.

I have been using a glass palette that I kept next to the easel. Clean up was easy, because I could scrape the old paint easily off with a razor blade.

Recently I have started to use a hand held palette made of plastic to see if I'd like to start investing in a wooden one. I have to say, I like the feel of the palette on my arm, but cleaning it is no longer easy. The razor gets stuck in the plastic and wiping dried paint off with turp isn't exactly fast either.

For those of you who use wooden palettes, how do you clean dried paint in the fastest manner without damaging the surface of your palette?

Below is my small wooden palette. It is 1/8th inch birch plywood that is stained with Burnt Sienna and sealed with Tung Oil (6 coats). It was traced from Bill Whitaker's palette of the same size.

I love the thing.

I clean it with mineral spirits and I don't let paint dry on it if I can help it. If I do, then Oil of Spike cleans it right up. I rub walnut oil into it after each session and polish it up. It gets more beautiful each day. :)

Hi Michael,

That is a beautiful palette. Thanks for the tip.

I scrape my palette off with a palette knife and when I really feel like getting all of the old paint off and starting with a clean slate, I sand it and then re-oil the sanded areas. I do that about once a week.

In between those times I keep my palette and brushes, with all the paint still on, wrapped in Saran Wrap in the freezer.

Michael,

Another way to clean dried paint: Brush Cleaner, available at any home improvement store (or Wal Mart, I suppose). This is the best stuff to have around the house. Not just for artists, but anyone. It's great for removing paint, even from brushes that have dried, caked-on paint. I've used it to get creosote off my boat, and for removing silicone caulk. You'll wonder how you got along without it.

Unlike paint stripper, Brush cleaner is safe to handle, and won't destroy plastics.

Easy clean
 

I discard all paint at the end of the day and mix fresh the following morning. Its much better to avoid "old" paint.

I got tired of fussing with mine and have been using a double layer of wax paper taped on the back.

There's a whole other thread about saving your paint:

http://forum.portraitartist.com/show...hlight=freezer

Here is a discussion on all the different types of arm palettes: weighted palettes

Couple of things
 

Firstly, try a real mahogany palette - not plywood for pure soulfulness. Second, there are two linens mentioned above here that you need to understand, both for sale thru Utrecht; Classens' primed and Utrecht primed-single or double primed...maybe that's 4 types huh? I've found all may offer you knots where smooth cheeks may ought to be. There are finer portrait linens available which you will need worry less about bumps and knots - I mean finer as a non-judgement term.

Tim,

I hate to be a downer but the soul of the rainforests is being raped for mahogany. The soul should be in the painting.

There are many Claessens, I am sure you must be referring to the 13DP and the 13DP. I get mine from New York Central Art, as they carry the 84" width. Actually they carry the best lines of canvas available anywhere and will custom prime and stretch.
www.nycentralart.com

Sincerely,

When I use either my glass palette or my arm palette, I lay a sheet of transparent textured contact paper on first. When totally done and ready to clean everything off the palette, I just pull off the contact paper and throw it away. The extreme in laziness...


Linda

Soul
 

But Sharon, I meant to recycle ugly furniture for your palettes. The reading I see suggests that the wood being cut and sold as the rain forests are being cleared are only a by-product as the goal is farming and this is the main reason the rain forests are being depleted. If any of you have been to the forests of Oregon, Washington, California, Georgia, Alabama etc. you'll see clear cutting here for pine plywood.