This shows the bevel of the thumb hole.

The following are the back showing how they "weighted" the palette with extra layers of the thin wood for balance.

The second view.

I think they added 3 extra layers of the wood for the weight, I think it makes the thumb hole a little more comfortable so it isn't a thinner cutting feeling. I may be wrong about that, maybe it is actually the reverse. Ignorance is bliss.

I just took a look at those palettes on-line, my goodness, they are huge!

I started off with a 13.5" x 9.5" oval and a 11.75" x 8.5", hardwood ply, but over the years I have shrunk to an 8" circle.

Now, I'm using a 9.25 x 7.25" oval, and I am painting around 4' x 6' canvas on panels. Must be something in the air.

Boynton palette
 

I used the Lee Boynton (even though I'm left handed) palette at Peggy Baumgaertner's workshop this past summer. I had never held a palette before, as I lay my palette down while I paint. To watch Peggy paint with her palette is as if they are one. To watch me paint with that very large palette and everything else around me is like watching a bull in a china shop.

I really wish I would /could stand and hold a palette for the "quickness" and seemingly "one with the paint" experience that so many painters seem to have. I just don't feel comfortable holding all that paint, choosing brushes, cleaning constantly and referring back to my notes (hehe) like I do.

Back to the Boynton. It was very nice - the feel, the fit to your body is amazing. The hole for thumb was very nice as well. I didn't pay that much attention to the weighted quality. Probably because I was trying not to whack the person beside me or drop it into a container of mineral spirits.

Good luck with your decisions! Just wanted to share my experience with a beautiful palette I cannot use.

Boynton palette website update
 

For anyone interested in the Lee Boynton weighted palette, his website for these products has been changed to www.artpalettes.com

I think it was Chris Saper who posted a picture of Lee Boynton's palette, and I believe it was wood with a shine to the surface.

Does anyone use this? I was going to ask if the finish makes it easier to clean when one isn't attentive enough and the paint is left on for a day.

I need something that is a bit forgiving with out a surface that glares.

The links above do not work or will not take you to the palettes.

Beth,

No, I don't have an image of the Boynton palette. I use the Artisan palette, mentioned by Marvin earlier in the thread.

Mel Gibson
 

Lee looks like Mel.