Carl's armheld self-made palette - Page 2

Elizabeth Schott · 05-15-2003, 12:21 PM

Tim, all I can think of is Corian, and I don't even know if that is plastic, but it would be heavier than the wood.

Now I wonder if the ABS plastic panels, which can come in very thin sizes could work? Bill was teaching us about using these for oils, but I am going to let Carl tell you about them. Too much of a guy thing for me. I would think you know about them, but others might not.

Side note: Carl you look much cuter than your palette!

Cynthia Daniel · 05-15-2003, 04:41 PM

Can't you patent that design? I've never seen anything like it!

Timothy C. Tyler · 05-15-2003, 06:53 PM

Beth, I think artists need very heavy easels and I even attach weights to my brushes. It's the main form of exercise I get.

Carl Toboika · 05-15-2003, 08:08 PM

Cynthia, I'm pretty certain it is not at all like a copyright. An inventor friend once tried to get a patent and was turned down because every component existed in some other application already, even though the whole concept was new. He was told that he had to have a unique, never before used component in there, to get a patent.

Tim, Yeah, I have one of those lightning rod mahlsticks. You never fall asleep using it, and the shape keeps you on your toes, too.

I think Lexan plastic may be a good solvent-resistant choice and am going to try it out. I'm sure it comes in gray, however what value gray I don't know. Clear would allow you to paint that little grayscale, and put a signature on the back side, then cover the back in an epoxy, or urethane gray value of your choice. The value scale and signature would be visible through the clear on the front. So, I think I'll mess with the clear first.

Thanks Beth! Bill W. informed us that through his research he has found that ABS makes a good painting surface without the need for primer. The thin ABS gets mounted to 3/8 inch thick Birch plywood to make the panel. Once mounted, you go right at painting.

I'm ordering a sheet of ABS along with a bit of Lexan to play with and see how this all works.

Carl

Linda Brandon · 05-16-2003, 07:12 PM

Carl, why am I not surprised that you have inventor friends? It couldn't hurt to visit the government patent website and do a search on "artist palette" (or similar search).

If the only criterion for patentablity is a new component to your palette, I'm sure we can all come up with something for you ... windshield wipers for fast paint cleanup?

http://www.uspto.gov

Carl Toboika · 05-17-2003, 10:10 PM

Ok Linda,

I'll look into it and see what I find out.

First though, I'm going to see if I can get hold of some ABS and beat you to that panel making thing. I can't wait to try that stuff out.

Did you get your Trekells?

Carl

Mai Ly · 05-29-2003, 12:23 PM

Hi All,

Would someone on here kindly point out where I can find the picture of the palette, or the link to it? I cannot see it anywhere in this link.

Thanks,
Mai

David Bottoni · 05-14-2004, 11:38 AM

Hi everyone. I felt that I could contribute to this on a technical level. I deal with plexiglass, lexan, pvc or abs etc. with my signs. I normally use regular white acrylic for a palette. Lexan is great for a 'shatter proof' palette for all those angry artists out there

but regular acrylic will do. Lexan is much softer and will scratch easy (like a cutting board), while acrylic is a little tougher , but not as fragile as glass. I would imagine that ABS is just as good, as well as cheaper than acrylic plastic, as long as you are careful scraping the paint off. One note on Lexan: when I use a strong solvent, such as lacquer thinner, lexan becomes brittle and cracks. This may not happen as readily with milder turpentine, but it is a slow process that could occur. Lexan will also 'yellow' over time. I would stick with acrylic, which, by the way, comes in different colours as well - 1/4" thick. Acrylic and especially Lexan is not cheap, but if you take care of the palette, I would say it is your best choice. If any of you live in the Toronto area, I could probably help you out with this. Let me know if this helps.

David

SB Wang · 05-15-2004, 12:01 PM

Repin's palette
Peggy probably can tell us how Repin designed a palette when he is injured.
I was told that Robert Bruce Williams with Steven Morpes and a lady designed a nice easel.

Linda Brandon · 05-15-2004, 05:52 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SB Wang

Repin's palette
Peggy probably can tell us how Repin designed a palette when he is injured.

SB, do you know something that you're not telling us? For a couple of years I've been trying to track down a photo of Repin's palette that appears as if it's strapped around his waist. It stuck out like a tray, and he could walk around with it while keeping both arms free. Is this what you're talking about?

If any enterprising, high-tech artist would like to come up with a prototype for this kind of palette, I would be very interested.

David, I am delighted to discover another high-tech artist* on the Forum! By the way, there are many references to ABS throughout the Forum, pros and cons, for use as a ground for oils and drawings. Please consider this an invitation to post your opinions on those threads as your time and inclination allows.

*I'm editing this to clarify that I'm not a high-tech artist, by any stretch of the imagination, but I pester those who are.