The Glossary of Art Supplies: What is a Palette and its Varieties

Introduction to Art Supplies

Art supplies are the tools and materials necessary for any type of artistic work. One such essential item is a palette. A palette refers to the surface where an artist mixes, arranges, and prepares their colors for application. This article will explore the concept of a palette, provide various types, and delve into the specific term "pastel" in relation to art supplies.

Understanding the Palette

A palette is the surface upon which an artist manipulates and blends colors. This typically includes palettes made of metal, plastic, or wood, available in various designs and shapes. In the context of pastels, a palette can refer to either the board used for mixing and organizing colors, or simply the range of colors available in pastel form.

The term "palette" comes from the Hebrew word pelet, meaning glittering. This etymology captures the rich, shimmering qualities of paint and color that artists utilize in their work.

The Role of Colors and Pastels in Art

What is Pastel?

Pastel is a form of painting medium made with pure powdered pigment. Unlike other pigments, pastels are not bound with a medium. They provide a rich range of colors and can be used directly on the surface or blended on a pastel board for a more luminous effect. When discussing pastels, the term palette refers to the broad range of colors available in the form of pastels, which can be as vast as a rainbow or as specific as the limited range used in a single artwork.

The versatility of pastels lies in their wide range of hues, from delicate pastel shades to vibrant, bold colors. Artists use individual pastel sticks for precision, or blend them directly on the surface to create soft, ethereal effects.

Pastel Palette: A Decorated Surface for Artists

In the context of pastels, a pastel palette can be a dedicated board specifically crafted for mixing and organizing pastel pigments. These boards are usually made of a porous material and have a slightly textured surface to hold the pastel crayons, allowing for easy application and blending.

Types of Pastel Palettes:

Disc Palettes: Disc-shaped pastel palettes offer individual sections for each color, allowing for a wide range of hues to be organized in a small space. Liquid or Wet Palettes: These palettes are made of a wet surface that binds the pastels, allowing for better blending and color uniformity. Rotating Palettes: Rotating palettes spin around to ensure even distribution of pastels, providing artists with a fresh, clean area for mixing colors.

These palettes are not only functional but also artistic in themselves, often ornately designed with intricate patterns or painted in the artist's preferred style.

Creative Applications of Pastels

Artistic Techniques with Pastels:

The use of pastels is not limited to traditional painting techniques. Artists can employ a variety of techniques to achieve unique effects, including:

Toning the Surface: Artists create a base layer of color to work on, allowing for a seamless blending of pastels. Burnishing: Rubbing pastels with a burnishing tool to intensify the color and create depth. Framing and Finishing: Adding fine details and highlights to enhance the final piece. Mixing Pastels: Blending different colors directly on the pastel board to achieve varying shades and hues.

These techniques contribute to the richness and depth of pastel paintings, making them a versatile and expressive medium in the art world.

The Significance of Palette in Art History

Historical Context:

The concept of a palette has evolved over centuries. In ancient times, artists used natural substances like earth, minerals, and stones to create their colors. With the advent of the Renaissance, the development of synthetic pigments and the use of materials like wood and metal for palettes became more common.

In the 19th century, the Impressionists began to experiment with pastels, revolutionizing the use of this medium. Artists like Edgar Degas and Mary Cassatt used pastels to capture the fleeting moments of everyday life, relying on the versatility and immediacy of the medium.

Modern Art and Palette Usage:

Today, palettes continue to play a crucial role in the artistic process. They serve as the foundation for color experimentation and creative expression. Digital replication of pastel palettes is available for artists who prefer a tech-savvy approach, but the tactile experience of real pastels remains irreplaceable.

Conclusion

A palette is more than just a surface for mixing colors; it is a reflection of an artist's creativity and the soul of their art. Whether referencing a traditional wooden palette or a decorative disc, the term encompasses the essence of color and technique. As artists continue to explore and innovate, the palette remains a fundamental tool in the ever-evolving world of art.