Keeping track of your paints and paintbrushes can be a hassle.
Rather than hunting for the right color, why not invest in an oil painting palette?
Oil paints have several advantages over their watercolor counterparts.
They give you better control when applying color to your canvas, and they dry much faster, making it easier to change colors without waiting for them to dry between coats.
Plus, they’re far more durable than watercolors, too. That’s why it makes sense to invest in an oil painting palette as well.
You won’t be disappointed with the results! In this article, we will discuss everything you need to know about the ideal oil painting palette for beginners and professionals alike:
its features, pros and cons, compatibility with other products, price range, and more.
What Kind of Palette Is Best for Oil Painting?
The first question you should ask yourself is what kind of painting you are going to produce with your oil paints.
If you are an expert painter, then the only option for you is a traditional palette with several compartments.
If you are new to oil painting and plan on purchasing a brush set, then it’s best to purchase an all-in-one palette that gives you everything you need.
You can still get a traditional palette if you want to paint in different styles later on, but in this case, it is not recommended for beginners as they will have difficulty using different palettes.
If you’re looking for something more compact than an all-in-one palette, there are plenty of options for artists who want standard starter kits and those who just want the bare necessities.
For example, the ProArt Palette from Liquitex has been rated as one of the best palettes for beginners because it comes with two colors and six brushes.
It also has a carrying case so that your equipment is always handy when creating art at home or on the go!
A final note: Oil paint palettes have different features and prices depending on their size and the materials used to make them.
Some palettes are made out of wood, while others use metal, glass, acrylic, or any combination thereof. There are even ones that look like paintings themselves!
How Many Colors Should a Pallet Have?
When selecting a palette, one of the most important factors to consider is how many colors you will be using.
Depending on what kind of oil painting style you are going for, your number of colors may range from just a few basic hues to a full spectrum of colors with tints and shades.
For the beginner artist, it’s best to stick with smaller palettes that have fewer colors so as not to overwhelm yourself.
As you become more experienced and confident in your work, then you can expand your color selection by purchasing additional paints or larger palettes.
No matter what kind of painter you are, having a well-organized and thoughtfully designed palette is critical!
What Other Accessories Should I Keep on Hand?
In addition to your oil painting palette, several other accessories can make your painting process easier and more enjoyable.
These include items like paper towels, cleaning rags, mixing cups, pallet knives and spatulas for mixing colors, and a water cup for thinning paint or cleaning up brushes.
It’s also important to have an easel or table for you to place your canvas while you work.
Overall, having the right supplies will help ensure that you get the most out of your oils and create beautiful works of art!
By investing in a good quality oil painting palette and gathering all the necessary accessories, you need to begin your journey as an artist.
With patience and practice, you will be able to create stunning works of art with ease. So go ahead and get started! Good luck!
Is a Wooden Palette Good for Oil Paint?
A wooden palette is a less expensive option. The pros of a wooden palette are that they’re lightweight and compact, making them easy to transport.
They also look great on display, with their natural texture and beautiful wood finish.
Plus, they’re easy to clean and maintain as they’re not harmed by oil paint or turps.
The cons of a wooden palette are that they can easily warp and crack if neglected.
Wooden palettes also cannot be used with different types of oils, so you may have to invest in more than one if you want to use different colors for your paintings.
If you decide to go the wooden palette route, remember that it will be difficult to mix colors without consistency issues cropping up.
It would also be frustrating not being able to save your brushes from paint after each use as the bristles become coated in paint easily.
Finally, because of their natural wood finish, these palettes are prone to staining from any oil paints or turps you put on them because the wood absorbs the coloring agent instead of repelling it as plastic palettes do.
How Big Should a Palette Be?
Before getting a palette of your own, you need to know how big it should be.
Different artists have different opinions on the size of the palette they prefer.
A smaller palette is more portable, but it also limits your options regarding what colors you can store in it.
A larger palette may be better for storage purposes but will be harder to carry around and harder to work with on-site.
A good rule of thumb is that the size of the palette should be commensurate with the number of colors you plan on using in any given painting project.
The more colors you use, the bigger your palette needs to be. Bigger palettes take up more space, which can make some artists feel boxed in or limited by what they can paint with them.
This doesn’t mean that bigger palettes are always better; if you have lots of space available, consider a smaller one instead.
Is Glass Palette Better?
Glass is a type of material that has been around for centuries. It is a durable and sturdy material that can be easily cleaned, making it ideal for artists.
So are glass paint palettes better than oil painting palettes?
Most people would say they are, but let’s take a closer look to see what the differences are between these two types of palettes.
Oil paint is smoother and cleaner than watercolors. Watercolors tend to get dirty over time and can be difficult to clean up when handling them with your hands or dropping them on the ground.
Glass is also more costly than oil paint as well, so check the price difference before you decide which one to purchase.
The other downside of oil painting is that if you want a broad range of colors, you’ll need to buy multiple bottles or tubes of paint.
You won’t have this problem with glass paint as it usually comes in sets with multiple shades of each color.
Conclusion
As you can see, both wooden and glass palettes have their pros and cons when it comes to oil painting.
Wooden palettes offer a lightweight and compact option that looks great on display, but they can warp and crack if neglected.
Glass palettes are more expensive but come in sets with multiple shades of each color, so you don’t have to buy multiple tubes of paint.
Ultimately, the best palette for you will depend on what type of painting you plan to do and your personal preferences.
No matter which one you choose, be sure to practice proper care and maintenance so that it lasts as long as possible.
Good luck!
