Heated Palettes

nowadays there are a variety of palettes to chose from for the encaustic painter. still many artists just starting to work with this medium would like other, less expensive options. one choice is to make your own palette-i often talk about this in my workshops as this is how i started and many of my students seem interested in also starting this way. in its most basic form-

purchase an electric hot plate (hardware stores or the large chains with kitchen depts.).

find a metal shop in your area and ask them to cut you a square of anodized aluminum sheet 1/4" thick ( i started with 12" square, kind of small and it wasn't even anodized which prevents a black film from forming on the heated metal surface). also have them drill a 1/4" hole in each corner.

get a 1"diameter wood dowel. measure the height of the hot plate and add 1/4"-this is the measurement to use to cut the dowel for the legs.

use screws from the top to attach the legs.

set over the hotplate and you are ready to start. 

it is also handy to have a small level to check  your palette-if it is not level the wax will run over the side and burn on the hotplate.

one more thing-you should use a surface thermometer to monitor the temp. of the palette-very important for safety and health reasons.

i used this palette for about five years and did many large paintings during that time although now i do use the r&f palette. every artist has different needs and i would suggest looking into the other palettes that are now available.