Little palette cups for oil painting.

by Marie

The only "little" ones I see on-line have a little clip on the bottom that would attach to my palette. I don't want that! (Because of arthritis in my fingers, I cannot comfortably hold the palette as I paint). As I would put the cup on my old desk with the rest of my "stuff," I want a flat bottom, because I would be afraid that that clip might make it easier for the cup to tip.

And......I have Odorless Turpenoid on hand. The can says that it contains "petroleum distolates." Is this compatible with Damar varnish? Or would I need the Odorless Turp to be safe?

Lastly......how long can I keep the various "mediums?"
Or, do you make them fresh for every "layer?" Fresh mix for every painting?

Thank you for sharing your incredible talent and knowledge, and for breaking down your style of painting into an understandable format. Your "Real Art Lesson" E-book is wonderful!! I can't wait to start painting again. And I am looking forward to your E-book on that gorgeous yellow rose.


Editors Note:

Hi Marie!
These are great questions, so here goes with a few answers for you.

Firstly, the palette cups do indeed have a small piece of metal that runs along the bottom in order to clip it to your palette. I bend it inwards just a little in order for the cups to tilt towards me on the table. Because they are fat and squat, I haven't had any tipping problems.

Here's the link to get your's:


Aluminum Palette Cups


Now for the turps question:

Damar is a pretty tough natural resin, and needs something pretty strong to cut it. Odorless Minerals spirits will not work.

Turponoid might work, but you may need to write the manufacturer for advice. Turponoid is an odorless turp product (I believe) but be on the safe side and contact the manufacturer for clarification.

Finally, how long to keep mediums?

I use old camera film cups to keep mine in. They keep quite well due to very little oxygen in the container. Any small container with a tight lid will work. If the medium becomes thick or clumpy, it has begun to change and will need changing out and a new mixture made.

Hope this will help you, and thanks for the positive feedback on the e-book. Will be anxiously waiting to see your painting here on the site when it's completed!

Best wishes!
Delmus