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Liz Deakin palette
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Message
Posted
Hi All
I paint in watercolour and I am thinking of buying a Liz Deakin palette as sold by Jackson's.
It is described as being made of sturdy hard plastic and I worry about the way paint will mix on the surface. Some surfaces make mixes bead up into smaller globules of paint which doesn't happen on any ceramic surface I have used.
Is there anyone on here using a Liz Deakin palette or used one before able to advise how well it mixes paints on the surface.
Best regards, Ian.
Posted
Syd Edward is a great exponent of the Liz Deakin palette, and on his advice I bought one myself - haven't yet used it much, mind you, but I think you'll be happy with it. Paint forms globules on surfaces with a hint of greasiness, and some brands do seem to be more inclined to do this on plastic than others - why, I fear I have no idea. Giving the surface a quick wipe with Iso alcohol - or even white vinegar - does seem to help prevent that.
Another authority on palettes is Alan Owen - who has quite a collection, I believe. But whether the Liz Deakin model is one he uses, I don't know.
There are of course many, many brands and types of palette, and inexpensive alternatives to them, which was Jim's point of course, but I appreciate your question was specific - we've discussed the range of options before, and the answers may still be available by searching the watercolour thread for those who'd like to look for them. The Liz Deakin model has many devoted admirers, and having been around for a good few years now would seem to have passed the test of time.
Posted
Like Sylvia, I also found Art Attack's reply rather abrupt.
Many of the replies given on this forum tend to diversify to some degree, and I find that aspect of it interesting. Also, other points of view or ideas may have some interest to other members. I thought Jim's input was useful and I was disappointed that he deleted it.
Whatever palette any of us choose to mix on, it won't improve our painting one iota! I speak from experience on that point...
Posted
Jim can take it, and showed his maturity in doing so. Does a palette help with the painting process - of course I agree that it won't improve your technical skills or artistic vision. I've often thought that while contemplating - briefly! - the purchase of a shaped, balanced, weighted, mahogoany palette for oils, as opposed to my nice bit o' plywood. I keep the latter partly for sentimental reasons, because a friend made it for me; but largely because - it does the trick. Would I feel better to have the latest super-duper palette .... well, I haven't got one, so I don't know. But I've a suspicion I'd be afraid to use it.
There are watercolour palettes a world away from plastic - splendid brass constructions, with japanned lids, deep wells..... there's a plethora of ceramic, plastic, metal palettes. Probably they do help - to organize the colours, keep washes separate and unsullied. But for some people, they're a bit of a fetish - an object of desire. And that's where the Liz Deakin palette comes into its own again: practical, inexpensive (certainly by comparison with the Craig Young device), accommodating, value for money - does the job in home, studio, or out in the field.
(I'll take my commission in the usual way - plain envelope, tucked into the blasted oak.)
Posted
As you say - each to their own. I do see what you mean; the palette is mass-produced, and like most mass-produced products it ain't the last word in luxury or craftsmanship by any means.
It does have room and is versatile, though. Given a choice, I'd go for something a bit more substantial, but I'm just not good enough with watercolour to justify the cost. And if I don't pull my finger out and do a lot more, I never will be - but I'm certainly not ready for the Craig Young brassbound special at the moment.....