Thanks to Mary Ann's Sketchbookery class, I've gotten knee deep into making my own palette out of watercolors. (No need to fret for those that missed the sign up deadline for class, she'll be running another class this December!)
I purchased this empty palette upon her recommendation. She's right, it's a good one, I like it a lot! And as pricey as it seems, compared to other metal paint palettes out there it seems reasonable. I want to get this one for a smaller set of paint tubes I have, but can't pull the trigger due to price. This one for 24 is a better price, but the shipping kills that deal. Anyway, if you order one, be sure not to forget to buy the pans or half pans to squeeze your paint into!
Too bad I forgot that this set allows you to remove all the pans at once on it's removable tray as I've done above...it would have been easier for me to load them and lock them in if I had removed it before doing those things. oops. My set also looks a bit of a hot mess due to the fact that I was working with some of my tubes that I've had for a very long time. Some were a bit dry, some no longer mixed well. Here's the best set I could make from what I had and a few bought tubes:
Certainly good enough to have hours and hours of fun and lots of learning from doing!
I used mostly Daniel Smith tubes, a few Winsor & Newton artist series, and some Grumbacher. I'm not familiar with them enough to compare them yet, I like them all! All those tubes in that clear container (I love you Daiso) are in my current palette...in case I run out of one and want to refill it, I'll know right where to find the same color.
I spent a long time making cards out of each different brand of tube watercolors I have. Then, I chose from there. The Grumbacher's are pretty vibrant:
I would like to find some more of these to try (on sale somewhere)...I see a basic "Academy" set on overstock...and this on Amazon leads me to believe that they have been sold to Chartpak somewhere along the way...but enough about Grumbacher, as I don't really even know if they'll be my favorite next week!
I can't stand to waste paint. Just.can't.stand.it! So, I grabbed some of these sheets to wipe my brush (usually in some shape or pattern) before dipping it in water. (And it protects the table too). Look at all that paint that could have gone to waste! Maybe I'll use them as journal covers in the future...or...
Me being me, I couldn't resist a little doodling on some too....
That's the art fun I've been up to lately, what about you? Any art adventures to share?
