From Marion Boddy-Evans,
Your Guide to Painting.
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Definition:

The surface on which an artist lays out their colors (paints) as well as the range of colors an artist works with (see e.g. Basic Color Palette for Acrylics).

Palettes can be wood, plastic, or a disposable one where you simply tear off the top sheet from a pad of paper and throw it away when you're finished painting. Special palettes are available for acrylic painting to stop the paint drying out too fast – the paint sits on a sheet of wax paper place on top of a damp piece of watercolour paper.

See also:

• Palettes of the Masters
• How to Use an Acrylic Painting Stay-Wet Palette
• Basic Color Palette for Acrylics
• Painting Tip: Advantage of a Wood Palette when Oil Painting