by Lea Puckett

When I first started out painting, I picked up your stereotypically plastic palette with the small bowls to contain the paint. Only after a couple of times of using it and I found out it wasn’t really for me. It was way to small to for mixing paints of any amount. So after doing some research I found some interesting alternatives to your typical palette.

Plastic Disposable Plates
They are cheap and very easy to come by. This type of palette is easy to store and travel with. Just cover the plate with some plastic wrap and away you go.

Tin Foil and Wax Paper
Once again, this option is cheap and easy to find. Just rip off a sheet to any size you want and adhere it to a steady surface such as a piece of wood, cardboard or to a table your working on.

Ice Cube Trays
It’s a bigger version of the plastic palette I first bought. In each compartment, you can create your custom mixes or washes in larger batches and it prevents them from running into one another. Store the trays in large plastic bags and they will stay wet for long periods of time.

Lidded Tubs
This a good option for folks that like to recycle. First, rinse and save your tuna or cat food containers. These containers will be where you put your paints. Now, find a tub with a lid that can hold as many colors you want to keep. Place the cans in the tub and then pour about 1/2 inch or more of water into the tub surrounding the paint tins. With this method, your paints should last for several months as long as the water around the tins doesn’t get to low. So take your time with your paintings.

Now it’s your time to choose your palette. Remember you need to find what works for your style of painting. So experiment with these ideas to see what works for you.