As I have had a few students ask me to post information covered in class up, this post I will cover palette set up.
First, pick up a piece of Masonite at your local hardware store, cut to size (Mine is cut to fit into a small refrigerator, to prolong paint life it is 17x13in. You can also cut to fit into a palette seal which is 16x12in.)
Next, as the Masonite is very absorbent when new you must prime the surface, to prevent it sucking the oil out of your paint within minutes. Take a paper towel and rub 2tbs. of linseed or stand oil, with 1tbs. odorless mineral spirits (OMS) into the top of the palette, allowing mixture to absorb into Masonite. Let stand 2-5 min. until fully absorbed. Repeat this step at least 4 times before using palette. **NOTE** dispose of paper towels in firesafe or outside garbage can, as they have been known to spontaneously combust. Now your ready to layout your colors.
My palette set up has been handed down to me, from Timothy Jahn and Brian Townsend. It is a impressionistic color palette laid out in a color wheel. Follow image above for set-up.
Good Luck and Happy Painting!