Claessen's Linen and Arm Palettes

Michele Rushworth · 02-24-2003, 11:54 PM

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!

Michael Georges · 02-25-2003, 12:08 AM

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

Sharon Knettell · 02-25-2003, 08:47 PM

Hi Michele,

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

Sincerely,

Michele Rushworth · 02-25-2003, 10:32 PM

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

Mike McCarty · 02-25-2003, 10:48 PM

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

Thanks.

ReNae Stueve · 02-25-2003, 11:03 PM

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.

Michael Georges · 02-25-2003, 11:31 PM

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.

Michele Rushworth · 02-26-2003, 12:42 AM

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.

Michael Georges · 02-26-2003, 10:47 AM

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.

Enzie Shahmiri · 02-26-2003, 11:54 PM

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?