The palette used for oil painting consists of a flat, thin panel of wood, cut either oval or square, with an oval hole in one end for the thumb. The palette should be as thin and light as it is possible for the wood to be cut without warping, as it must all be in one piece.
Some of the great painters have designed palettes of peculiar size and shape to suit their own individual needs; but those generally preferred by artists are of cedar, walnut, or mahogany, and cut oval. The very light woods are not considered desirable, as they are not agreeable to the eye; a highly glazed or varnished palette is also to be avoided. A good reliable working palette is one of cedar or walnut, measuring about 18 inches in length, oval in shape, and merely oiled, neither polished nor varnished. It is a great mistake to begin with a small palette; one wants plenty of room to mix the colors, and keep the tints clean.
Such a palette costs from 50 to 60 cents at the retail prece.
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