Palette

A flat surface with separate paint deposits and mixed areas is likely visible.

Visual traits

• small paint deposits
• mixed areas
• flat surface

Expected changes

• Paint deposits and mixed areas become more likely
• A painting-making context becomes more likely

Definition

A palette is a flat tool for holding paint, mixing colors, and loading a brush. It does not specify a color plan, a particular paint, or a digital color interface.

In more detail

Small paint deposits, mixed colors, and a hand hole or flat surface make a palette recognizable. Material and form vary among wood, plastic, paper, and other types.

Includes

• A physical palette used to hold and mix paint

Excludes

• A color scheme
• a digital color-selection interface
• a palette knife

What this does not imply

• A particular color scheme, paint, art style, or digital interface

Variability

Shape, material, and amount of paint vary with tool type and use.

Usage

• Specify as a physical making tool; specify color scheme separately

Distinguish similar expressions

• Distinguish from a color plan and digital color interface

Typical uses

• A paint palette at an artist's hand
• A making scene with mixed-color marks

Possible failure modes

• It becomes a swatch chart
• The paint-holding surface is unreadable