I'm in the process of using a new web hosting service. So, some of my links won't work for now...soon I hope. My old IP service is not the easiest to use. Seems you have to go through several layers of ads and I am always getting lost in the shuffle. I also like elephants. I'll explain some other time. This new service will, I hope, be almost a third in price, which is great for me.

I have been studying and painting...nothing to show right now. I did attend an Alvaro Castagnet demo. He is quite a guy and is really good. Check him out on youtube. He was explaining that plastic palettes are not good, mainly because they stain with some colors. His travel palette is made of brass with enamel coating and opens up from 4 sides. It's quite nice but, it cost him about $500. I looked it up and found out that it is hand made. Here is the link.
http://www.watercolorpaintboxcompany.com
He uses the "Paint Box" for 12 years now. Tube paints are squeezed into to the wells. He also uses mop brushes for the big stuff. He had the brush made and sells under his name. They hold a lot of water and paint and also keep a nice point for detail. 
Here is a link to a simalar brush, I think his has a longer handle.
http://www.dickblick.com/buy/category/watercolor-brushes-mop
Other artists use such a brush; Joseph Zbukvic, Herman Pekel...check them out on YouTube. When asked what paper he was using...Arches Rough 140# just taped down with tape for a border.