Hi Richard,
I had to chuckle when I read your post. I also have used different artist's palettes, trying to get a better understanding of what works best. After having layed out paint blob after paint blob and letting it dry, I even ended up with a nice palette collection for reference.
After juggling a huge palette with all colors beautifully spread out, looking way to professionla for my own good, then ending up discarding half of it, since it dried out, I had enough. I too thought, there must be an easier way to achieve great result with less waste.
I opted for Marvin Mattelson's palette and love it, because it is simple to remember, has an easy layout that does not require a satellite dish and results in beautiful skin tones.
My paints are mixed on a stay wet palette with a neutral grey surface and I use just enough paint on a "small" palette (also tinted grey) while painting. Ok, so I no longer look as "cool" as before, but this humble layout suits me just fine.
I now tube my own colors and use just enough as needed. The palette one chooses has to make sense with the style of painting you are trying to emulate.
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The trouble is, after using one or the other of these "palettes" for a short time, I find I can make any color made by any of the other palettes.[/
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I can't say that's a problem, isn't that the beauty of paint?! Once an artist knows enough about the properties of colors, he/she should be able to mix the desired hues as needed.
So, to make a long story short, I suggest once an artist has used the different palette layouts, to find the palette that makes most sense to you and adobt the colors you think work best.