A question of light...

[Kyle]

Currently on my workbench I use a hands-free magnifier that has a built in "natural light" bulb for illumination; I use this as my primary source of light. I then back this up with two adjacent lamps that use 60-Watt soft-lite bulbs.

Problem: I tend to be "underpainting" on my highlights. In other words, under the lit magnifier, my shading and highlighting looks strong, but when I move the subject into real light, my highlights become just a tad darker than desired.

Any thoughts on how I can solve this problem?

Thanks

 

[KeithP]

If by "real" light you mean natural sun light, then yes you will see a difference unless you paint with natural light.

I use a fluorescent ceiling fixture and a couple 60W GE Reveal (a bit cooler than the std incandescent) bulbs on the desk top. Hopefully, this combo gives me a pretty broad light spectrum. I don't get enought natural light in my work space.

You can loose that desk top magnifier as your primary light source and use a opti visor. Or, try painting without the light on the hands free magnifier.

Keith

 

[Kyle]

Thanks Keith. The magnifier boasts a "natural"-type light - I will now pull in the lamps - one on each side, and just use the magnifier with the light switched off.

Thanks--
Kyle

 

[Guy]

Like Keith, I too use the GE Reveal 60watt bulbs, one on each side with swing arm lamps. Any flourescent light floods the figure and may be causing your problem.

Guy

 

[Guy]

Here's a link to planet member's work areas that may give you ideas of what others are using for light and light fixtures.

Planet Members work areas - click here