Choosing the best palette for plein air painting can improve your outdoor art experience. A good palette keeps your paints fresh and easy to use on the go.
Painting outside means dealing with changing weather and limited space. You need a palette that holds many colors, stays airtight, and is lightweight. Some palettes come with lids to keep paint wet longer. Others include mixing areas or brush holders for convenience.
Materials like metal, plastic, or glass offer different benefits. For example, a glass palette is easy to clean and durable. A folding palette saves space in your bag. Many palettes are designed to fit in portable easels or boxes for easy transport. Choosing the right palette helps you focus on your art without worrying about your paint drying out or spilling.
Transon paint storage Palette Box
The Transon Paint Storage Palette Box 24 Wells Airtight Stay Wet is ideal for artists who work with multiple types of paints including watercolor, gouache, acrylic, and oil. Whether you are a professional painter, an art student, or a hobbyist, this palette box is perfect for those who need a convenient, compact, and efficient way to organize and preserve their paints while working on various projects.
Pros:
- Airtight design helps keep paints moist and usable for extended periods.
- Contains 24 wells allowing ample space for mixing and storing different colors.
- Compact and lightweight (only 0.4875 pounds) making it highly portable.
- Suitable for multiple paint types including watercolor, gouache, acrylic, and oil.
- Durable black case with practical dimensions (Height: 1.6″, Width: 4.5″, Length: 7.9″) for easy storage.
Cons:
- May not be large enough for artists who require bigger mixing areas.
- Black color can show fingerprints and smudges easily.
The Transon Paint Storage Palette Box features a secure airtight lid that effectively preserves the moisture of your paints, preventing them from drying out too quickly. This is particularly beneficial for artists who need to take breaks during their creative process or prefer to prepare their palette ahead of time. The 24 individual wells provide ample room for mixing and storing multiple colors simultaneously, enhancing workflow efficiency and allowing for greater creativity.
Designed with portability in mind, the palette box’s compact size and lightweight build make it easy to carry for plein air painting sessions or classroom use. Its versatile compatibility with various paint types such as watercolor, gouache, acrylic, and oil makes it a multifunctional tool for artists working across different mediums. Overall, this palette box offers a practical and durable solution for paint storage and mixing, helping artists maintain their paint’s quality and streamline their painting process.
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Mr. Pen Airtight 18-well Watercolor Palette
The Mr. Pen Airtight 18-Well Watercolor Palette is ideal for artists, students, and hobbyists who seek a portable and organized solution for their watercolor painting needs. If you value convenience, cleanliness, and efficient color mixing on the go, this folding paint tray is designed specifically for you. It is perfect for those who want a compact yet versatile palette that can be easily carried and stored without worrying about paint drying out.
Pros:
- 18 airtight wells prevent paint from drying quickly, preserving colors for longer periods.
- Two separate mixing areas provide ample space for blending and customizing colors.
- Compact and lightweight design with dimensions of 10.6 x 5.2 inches makes it highly portable.
- Folding paint tray with a secure lid ensures mess-free transport and storage.
- Durable white plastic construction offers easy cleaning and longevity.
Cons:
- Limited to watercolor paints only, not suitable for thicker media like acrylic or oil.
- Wells might be too small for users who require large quantities of paint at once.
The Mr. Pen Airtight 18-Well Watercolor Palette boasts an innovative airtight design that effectively keeps your watercolor paints moist for extended periods. This feature is particularly beneficial for artists who prefer to work over multiple sessions without the inconvenience of drying paints. The inclusion of two separate mixing areas enhances your creative flexibility, allowing you to experiment with color blending and gradients easily. Its compact size and folding mechanism make it an excellent companion for outdoor painting sessions or travel, ensuring your paints stay protected in transit.
Additionally, the palette’s lightweight yet sturdy build provides a balance of portability and durability. The secure lid prevents accidental spills, which is a common concern when transporting art supplies. Users will appreciate how easy it is to clean the white plastic surface, allowing them to maintain a neat and organized workspace. Overall, this palette is a practical and efficient tool for anyone passionate about watercolor painting, combining functionality with convenience to enhance the artistic experience.
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Masterson Artist Palette Seal
The Masterson Artist Palette Seal is ideal for artists who frequently work with oil or acrylic paints and need a reliable solution to keep their paint fresh between sessions. Whether you are a professional painter, an art student, or a hobbyist, this airtight palette container is perfect for anyone looking to extend the usability of their wet paint without waste.
Pros:
- Airtight seal keeps paint fresh for weeks
- Spacious 12in x 16in surface suitable for mixing colors
- Durable and lightweight design with only 1.6 pounds
- Compatible with both oil and acrylic paints
- Made in USA ensuring quality craftsmanship
- Includes a blue lid that securely locks paint inside
Cons:
- Only available in white color, which may show stains easily
- The 1.8-inch height may limit the amount of paint that can be stored for some users
The Masterson Artist Palette Seal features a thoughtfully designed airtight lid that prevents paint from drying out, allowing artists to preserve their mixed colors for an extended period. This not only reduces paint waste but also saves time by eliminating the need to remix colors before each painting session. The large dimensions of the palette provide ample space for mixing, accommodating a wide range of color combinations.
Constructed by New Wave, LLC, this palette combines functionality with durability. Its lightweight yet sturdy build makes it easy to transport, while the secure blue lid ensures no accidental spills. Being made in the USA guarantees a high-quality product that artists can trust for their creative projects.
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New Wave U.go Plein Air Anywhere Grey Glass Palette
The New Wave u.go Plein Air | Anywhere Grey Glass Palette is ideal for artists who enjoy painting outdoors or require a portable and versatile palette for various art media. Whether you’re a professional painter or a hobbyist, this palette is perfect for those who need a lightweight, durable, and easy-to-clean surface that fits conveniently into the u.go Anywhere Pochade Box #00701.
Pros:
- Durable grey glass surface provides a smooth mixing area compatible with all art media.
- Compact size of 9 x 13.5 inches makes it highly portable for plein air painting.
- Lightweight at 1.4 pounds, ensuring easy transport without added bulk.
- Fits perfectly into the u.go Anywhere Pochade Box #00701 for seamless integration.
- Easy to clean and maintain, ensuring longevity and consistent performance.
Cons:
- The glass surface may be fragile if not handled carefully during transport.
- Limited mixing area compared to larger studio palettes for extensive projects.
The New Wave u.go Plein Air | Anywhere Grey Glass Palette boasts a sleek grey glass design that is not only aesthetically pleasing but also highly functional. Its smooth surface is perfect for mixing paints of all types, from oils to acrylics and watercolors, providing artists with a versatile tool that adapts to multiple styles and techniques. The glass material ensures that colors do not stain or absorb into the palette, making cleanup quick and effortless.
Measuring 9 x 13.5 inches and weighing only 1.4 pounds, this palette is designed with portability in mind. It fits snugly into the u.go Anywhere Pochade Box #00701, making it an excellent companion for plein air painters who want to carry their essential tools with ease. Its compact size does not compromise functionality, allowing artists to mix a variety of colors comfortably on the go. Overall, this palette combines convenience, durability, and versatility to enhance the outdoor painting experience.
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Looneng Metal Watercolor Tin
The LOONENG Metal Watercolor Tin with Fold-Out Palette is ideal for artists who enjoy painting outdoors, such as plein air painters, as well as those working with acrylic and oil paints. This product is perfect for creatives seeking a portable, durable, and organized solution for their painting supplies. Whether you are a beginner or a professional artist, this medium tray palette with 26 empty half pans offers versatility and convenience for mixing and storing colors efficiently.
Pros:
- Compact and lightweight design weighing only 0.55 pounds, making it highly portable for outdoor use.
- Durable metal construction ensures long-lasting use and protection of your paint pans.
- Fold-out palette provides ample mixing space for creating custom colors on the go.
- Includes 26 empty half pans, allowing artists to organize and customize their paint selection.
- Black color gives the palette a sleek and professional appearance.
Cons:
- Empty pans require artists to fill them with their own paints, which may be inconvenient for beginners.
- Medium size may not be sufficient for those who need a larger mixing area or more paint capacity.
The LOONENG Metal Watercolor Tin stands out due to its fold-out palette design, which maximizes the workspace available without increasing the overall footprint. This feature is especially beneficial for plein air artists who often work in compact settings. The metal build not only adds durability but also ensures that the palette can withstand the rigors of travel and outdoor conditions. With 26 empty half pans, artists have the flexibility to customize their color palette to suit their specific project needs, whether they are working with watercolors, acrylics, or oils.
Additionally, the lightweight nature of the palette enhances its portability, making it easy to carry along with other art supplies. The sleek black finish offers a professional look while being easy to clean after each use. Overall, this palette supports efficient color mixing and storage, helping artists focus on their creative process without worrying about the organization or transport of their materials.
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Fuumuui Travel Watercolor Palette
The Fuumuui Travel Watercolor Palette 24 Grids Foldable is ideal for artists who enjoy painting on the go, especially those who practice plein air painting. Whether you are a beginner or a professional seeking a compact and efficient watercolor solution, this palette is designed for creative individuals who value portability and quality in their art supplies.
Pros:
- Compact and foldable design makes it highly portable for travel and outdoor painting.
- Includes 24 grids allowing for a wide range of colors and mixing options.
- Comes with 2pcs high-quality sable travel watercolor brushes perfect for detailed work.
- Durable and elegant walnut wood palette box enhances aesthetics and longevity.
- Lightweight at approximately 1.32 pounds, easy to carry without adding bulk.
Cons:
- The compact size (1.0 inch in height, width, and length) may limit the size of mixing areas for some users.
- Brushes included are travel-sized and may not suit artists who prefer larger brushes.
The Fuumuui Travel Watercolor Palette stands out with its thoughtfully designed 24-grid layout, providing artists with ample space to arrange and mix a variety of colors. This feature is especially beneficial for plein air painters who need quick access to diverse hues without carrying bulky equipment. The foldable structure not only protects the paints but also makes it effortless to pack and carry during travels or outdoor sessions.
Crafted from walnut wood, the palette box combines durability with a natural aesthetic appeal, making it a stylish addition to any artist’s toolkit. Paired with the two included sable travel watercolor brushes, users receive a complete set ready for immediate use. The brushes’ fine tips allow for precision, enhancing the quality of artwork produced on location. Overall, this palette offers a blend of practicality and elegance for artists committed to creativity beyond the studio.
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Sienna Plein Air Palette Box
The Sienna Plein Air Palette Box (CT-PS-100) is ideal for artists who enjoy painting outdoors or those who need a compact and organized palette solution. This item is perfect for painters looking for a durable and portable palette box that can keep their colors fresh and easily accessible while working on location. Whether you are a professional or an enthusiastic hobbyist, this palette box offers convenience and functionality tailored to plein air painting.
Pros:
- Compact and lightweight design weighing only 4.0 pounds, making it easy to carry.
- Durable construction by reputable brand Jack Richeson ensures long-lasting use.
- Spacious dimensions (11.5 inches width x 13.25 inches length) provide ample room for mixing colors.
- Attractive brown color finish that is both professional and stylish.
- Organized layout helps keep paints and brushes neatly arranged during outdoor sessions.
Cons:
- The height of 0.039 inches might be too slim for artists who prefer deeper palette wells.
- Limited to a single color option (brown), which may not appeal to all users.
The Sienna Plein Air Palette Box features a thoughtfully designed size and weight that enhance portability without compromising space for mixing paints. Its durable material and construction by Jack Richeson ensure that it withstands the rigors of outdoor painting conditions. The wide surface area allows artists to work comfortably with multiple colors, improving efficiency and creativity while on location.
Additionally, the sleek and compact design facilitates easy storage and transport, making it ideal for artists who travel frequently or prefer minimalist setups. The palette box’s brown finish not only looks elegant but also helps to visually balance the vibrant colors of the paints, aiding artists in color evaluation and mixing. Overall, this palette box offers a practical and stylish solution for plein air artists seeking quality and convenience.
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Transon Paint Saver Storage Palette Box
The Transon Paint Saver Storage Palette Box 16well Portable Airtight Moisturizing White is ideal for artists, hobbyists, and students who require a compact and efficient solution for mixing and storing paints. Whether you work with acrylics, oils, or watercolors, this palette box is perfect for those who value portability and want to keep their paints fresh and ready to use without waste.
Pros:
- Comes with 16 wells for ample paint mixing space
- Airtight design helps maintain paint moisture and freshness
- Portable and compact size, easy to carry and store
- Made by trusted Transon Art Materials brand
- Lightweight (0.176 lbs) and durable white plastic construction
Cons:
- Small dimensions (3.5 x 4.6 inches) may limit mixing larger paint quantities
- White color may show stains from some paint types over time
The Transon Paint Saver Storage Palette Box features a well-designed layout with 16 individual wells, providing artists with plenty of space to mix multiple colors simultaneously. Its airtight sealing mechanism is especially beneficial for keeping acrylic and other fast-drying paints moist for longer periods, reducing waste and saving money. The compact and lightweight nature of the box makes it highly convenient for travel and outdoor painting sessions.
Crafted from durable white plastic, the palette box is easy to clean and maintain. Its size ensures it fits comfortably into art bags or backpacks without adding bulk. The product’s portability combined with its efficient moisture-retention capability makes it an excellent choice for artists who want to preserve their mixed paints between sessions while on the go. Overall, this palette box supports creativity by enhancing paint usability and convenience.
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Hhmkk tabletop easel Box With Watercolor Palette
The HHMKK Tabletop Easel Box with Watercolor Palette Empty is ideal for adult artists and enthusiasts who enjoy plein air painting or need a portable and multifunctional watercolor easel. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned painter, this compact and sturdy wooden easel case is perfect for those who want to conveniently carry their painting supplies and work on their art anywhere.
Pros:
- Compact and lightweight design for easy portability
- Multifunctional wooden case combines easel and storage
- Includes an empty watercolor palette ready for custom paints
- Sturdy construction ensures stability during painting
- Ideal dimensions (2.3″ H x 6.2″ W x 8.2″ L) fit easily in bags
Cons:
- Limited storage space for larger painting supplies
- Empty palette requires purchasing paints separately
- May not accommodate very large canvases or boards
The HHMKK Tabletop Easel Box features a thoughtfully designed wooden watercolor easel case that combines both an easel and storage compartment in one compact unit. This multifunctional approach allows artists to carry their essential watercolor tools, brushes, and paper conveniently while setting up a stable painting surface wherever they go. Its sturdy construction ensures that the easel holds your work securely, making it easy to focus on creativity without worrying about stability.
The built-in empty watercolor palette adds versatility by allowing artists to customize their paint selection, catering to individual preferences and styles. Its portable size, measuring just 2.3 inches in height, 6.2 inches in width, and 8.2 inches in length, makes it an excellent travel companion for plein air painters who want to capture outdoor scenes. Overall, the HHMKK easel box offers a practical and efficient solution for artists seeking mobility without sacrificing functionality.
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Dugato Airtight Watercolor Palette Box
The DUGATO Airtight Watercolor Palette Box (16-Well) is an ideal choice for artists who need a portable and compact solution to carry and preserve their paints, especially those who work with acrylic, gouache, oil, and watercolor mediums. Whether you’re a professional painter, an art student, or an enthusiastic hobbyist who enjoys painting on the go, this palette box offers convenience and functionality to keep your colors fresh and organized.
Pros:
- Airtight lid ensures paints stay wet and usable for longer periods.
- Includes a collapsible brush basin for easy cleaning and mixing on the move.
- Compact and lightweight (only 0.25 pounds), making it easy to carry in any art kit or backpack.
- Features 16 wells providing ample space for mixing multiple colors simultaneously.
- Durable blue casing offers protection and a stylish look.
Cons:
- The shallow depth (height of 0.1 inches) may limit the amount of paint in each well for extended sessions.
- Limited to 16 wells, which might be insufficient for artists requiring a wider palette.
The DUGATO Airtight Watercolor Palette Box combines practicality with thoughtful design. Its airtight lid is essential for preventing paint from drying out quickly, which is a common challenge for artists working outdoors or during travel. The inclusion of a collapsible brush basin is a clever addition, allowing users to rinse brushes or mix colors conveniently without needing extra containers. This feature is particularly beneficial for artists who paint in limited spaces or on the go.
Additionally, the box’s compact size and lightweight build make it extremely portable without sacrificing functionality. The 16 individual wells provide sufficient space for a wide range of colors, encouraging creativity and experimentation. The sturdy blue exterior not only protects the paints but also adds a professional and attractive touch, making it a valuable tool for both beginners and seasoned artists alike.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What Makes A Palette Ideal For Plein Air Painting?
An ideal plein air palette is portable, lightweight, and airtight to keep paints fresh. It offers multiple wells and mixing areas, suitable for various media like watercolor, acrylic, or oil. Durability and ease of cleaning also enhance outdoor painting convenience.
How Does Airtight Sealing Benefit paint palettes?
Airtight sealing prevents paint from drying out quickly, preserving moisture and usability for days or weeks. It is essential for watercolors, gouache, acrylics, and oils when painting outdoors. This feature reduces paint waste and allows artists to pause and resume work easily.
Which Palette Suits Multiple Paint Types Best?
Palettes like the Transon Paint Storage Box and DUGATO Airtight Palette support watercolor, gouache, acrylic, and oil paints. Their airtight design and multiple wells accommodate various media, making them versatile for mixed-media plein air artists.
Are Foldable Palettes Practical For Travel Painting?
Yes, foldable palettes like the Mr. Pen Folding Paint Tray and Fuumuui Travel Watercolor Palette are compact and easy to carry. They include mixing areas and brushes, enhancing portability and convenience for plein air artists on the go.
What Features Enhance Paint Mixing On Plein Air Palettes?
Large mixing areas, multiple wells, and a smooth surface improve paint blending outdoors. Palettes like the New Wave u. go Grey Glass Palette offer ample space and a non-absorbent surface, ideal for precise color mixing in natural light.
How Do Palette Boxes With Storage Improve Plein Air Painting?
Palette boxes with storage, such as HHMKK Tabletop Easel Box, keep paints, brushes, and tools organized. This multifunctional design saves space and time, making it easier to manage supplies during outdoor painting sessions.
Conclusion
Choosing the best palette for plein air painting makes your outdoor art easier and more enjoyable. A good palette keeps your paints fresh and ready to use, even when you paint outside for hours. Palettes like the Transon Paint Storage Palette Box and the New Wave u.
go Plein Air Glass Palette offer airtight seals to prevent paint from drying too fast. Portable options, such as the Fuumuui Travel Watercolor Palette and LOONENG Metal Watercolor Tin, are great for carrying all your colors neatly. wooden palettes like the Sienna Plein Air Palette Box add a classic feel while staying practical.
Whether you prefer acrylic, watercolor, or oil paints, these palettes suit many styles and needs. Pick one that fits your painting routine and space. Enjoy painting outside with ease and keep your colors fresh no matter where you go. Your plein air experience will be smoother and more fun with the right palette.
