Several weeks ago my palette of a decade(seen below) separated from the top and simply gave out. This sized palette was great as it did not take up much space and was relatively portable. However, without a cover the pigments can spill and it became a challenge to transport.
Several years ago I bought a second palette of the same dimensions and configurations which I thought I would use for painting portraits. So this one has been pressed into service. With a new palette it provides an opportunity to arrange ones's colors differently, or limit your palette or add new colors. Nevertheless, I have been agonizing over which changes I should make and then break in the new palette.
Normally, one is advised to put cool colors on one side and warm colors on the other side. So, I have stuck wth this tradition and added some of the umber and ochers in the strip above the mixing well.
While thinking about all this, I am propelled to paint larger with larger brushes which require a palette with larger paint wells. I included a larger brush in the photograph above which one can see does not fit easily into the smaller wells of this palette.
These decisions seem so important to me. Others may not see it this way. However, how you locate your pigments is critically important. When mixing pigments there are certain color combinations you rely upon to rapidly develop your painting. These color relationships evoke temperature and memories of past associations so it worth thinking this through.
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