Looking for hand-made balanced palette

Debra Norton · 10-14-2005, 11:12 PM

I got the maple Artisan, 11x18 size. I didn't do anything to the finish on this one, I just started smearing my left over paint around at the end of painting sessions. I just checked it and I think it could probably stand a little more paint smearing to get it to the right value, but it still has a smooth feel to the surface. I have pretty small hands so I had my husband cut the u shape deeper so I can hold brushes and the palette with the same hand. It has a dent to fit my arm too, but I can't remember if that was there or if I had him cut it. I think I had him cut it because it seems like I remember it hurting my arm when I first got it. I had him match the cutting to my Boynton palette, which fits me very well.

I don't think I realized the Artisan came in color choices when I bought mine or I would have gotten a darker one. I bought mine directly from the store (Blick's) and got what they had in stock. My only reason for buying this palette was because (like a dummy!) I left behind the one that came with my french easel when we moved here. (We moved here for me to go to art school, and most of our stuff is in storage back in Washington state.) I tried the cheap $5 palettes, but they hurt my thumb, that's how I ended up with the Artisan. So I guess my recommendation would be that if you don't need it, don't buy it, but the thumb gasket is nice.

I have the smaller Boynton, and I'm not sure what kind of wood it is. And I would recommend that if you can buy only one palette that it be the Boynton. I love mine, I think I'll start a Lee Boynton fan club!

Jean-Marie Chapman · 10-15-2005, 01:44 PM

Debra: Now that you've shared about your Artisan, I think I'd like to get the walnut one, but they are out of stock until December. So I'm going to order the Boynton today and cancel my order for the maple Artisan. (Good grief!) I have Lee's phone number, so I think I'll call him and talk with him about the palettes.
I really appreciate your advice and help with this. I've spent a lot of money of things that didn't work out for me, so I'm trying to be more selective in my old age! Ha! Too bad I didn't do that in my personal life! Hee, hee.
Thanks, again,
Jean-Marie

Michele Rushworth · 10-15-2005, 02:54 PM

I have a palette made for me by my Dad to my specifications, a very simple, flat birch panel, not balanced or with any particularly creative shape. It's about 10x14" or so. It's so small and lightweight that it doesn't need to be balanced.

I looked at the Boynton palettes at the Portrait Society event in D.C. and they did feel great, though!

I painted my palette grey, with oil paint. It doesn't come off when I scrape it and I really like the medium value color. I think it might even be a good idea to try a white palette if you paint on a white canvas, as I do, to make it easier to judge your colors. Since I paint with a grey palette I should probably stain my canvases the same color, but I don't (for various other reasons).

Jean-Marie Chapman · 10-15-2005, 04:23 PM

Michele: Thanks for sharing about your palette. I'm going to go ahead and get the Boynton for now. I don't think I can go wrong. My son does wood work, so I might have him use the Boynton as an idea and make me an even smaller one out of my choice of wood. I'll let you know how it turn out!
As for the white palette, Helen VanWyk says never to use them. I have a ton of her books, and she swears by the medium toned wooden palette. But now that you mentioned the white canvas....you've got me thinking. I always start white, so it's something to consider.
Take care,
Jean-Marie

Debra Norton · 10-16-2005, 10:22 PM

Jean Marie, I think the color of your palette should complement the way you paint. After I transfer the drawing, my first step on the canvas is to complete a thin quick lay-in, getting as close to the values and color as possible. So my canvas is completely covered in a couple hours; that's why I like the darker wood palette. Grey would give the same effect. Someone who paints in sections and leaves the white for a long time would benefit from a white palette.

Elizabeth Schott · 10-20-2005, 11:09 PM

Jean Marie, I don't know if you have purchased one yet, or read my response at Cennini, but hopefully I can find the images and just to repeat.

Would palettes that are made of good hard wood are a standard throughout history. They become a lighter value the more you use them and the paint develops a natural patina. You can't beat them. Especially as you become more comfortable with values it will not be such a big deal, are you toning your canvas gray? Or a burnt sienna type brown, these figure in too.

The ones Max made for me based on Whitaker's patterns are not only made superbly but are finished in the best possible way for keeping them clean.

Because of the horn design, it eliminates the extra weight to balance the palette thus it stays very light. The smaller one that fits a Masterson Box, is lighter than a tube of paint.

On top of all of this they are very reasonably priced.

I forget how Max want's them ordered on his site, he doesn't have them specified yet, so just shoot him an email for more info. I recommend them highly, for they too are a work of art.

Real Gesso Panels

Jean-Marie Chapman · 10-20-2005, 11:27 PM

Beth and Debra: Thanks to both of you for your information and comments. I've not yet ordered my palette and will probably drive you all up the wall with this revelation: I'm going to ask my son to make me one! He has all the tools, and years ago made a beautiful classical guitar for his physics project. His subject was acoustics so he placed the sound holes in places that produced the desired result. That said, I would like to ask for some patterns and plans for balanced palettes. Anyone willing to wade in on this? It will be interesting to see what my son develops based on some of the tried and true designs. Perhaps I'll be able to play it!
Stay tuned.
Jean-Marie