help with lighting arrangement

[godfather]

I am having a really hard time seeing what I am painting especially with dark colors. I have trouble seeing if the shadow is fully blended etc. I use oils. My lighting set up is the main light (60w) a Torchier ( those long 6' narrow lamps with a inverted cone so light goes up) I believe halogen and two movable desk lamps secured in front of me left and right about 15 inches above many desk but because there are movable can be extended or lowered. All the bulbs are 60 w “reveal") I have a really hard time seeing any contrast. I feel like contortionist when trying to move the lamps to better see concealed areas of the figure. Any suggestions.

 

[pkw4]

Hi Bruno
i've only one word for you and i can swear by it
ACTULITE
it is superb magnificent a god send it will improve your shading overnight
best money i ever spent ...and no i don't work for that company
regards
Roberto

 

[Roc]

Roberto, I will try this actulite, it sounds pretty good.

Cheers
Roc.

 

[KeithP]

I am probably the exception to the Actulite accolades.

I got one last year for Christmas and did not like the effect. I found the light to be too harsh and blue. I ended up giving it to a friend.

The Actulite's are pretty expensive too. $100 for a desk top, I think.

I am back to my two 60W reveals at desk top and a fluorescent fixture on the ceiling. I like that...

On the other hand, use what ever works for you. I have read alot of praise for the Actulite so may be it works for some of you.

Keith

 

[John Bowery]

I AM USING AN "OTT " LIGHT AND THAT GIVES A LIGHT CLOSE TO DAYLIGHT WITHOUT THE HARSH GLARE. THEY COME IN DESK LAMPS, STANDING LAMPS AND ALSO A DESK MAGNIFIER LAMP. I ALSO HAVE A FLOURESANT OVERHEAD FIXTURE WITH 40 WATT DAYLIGHT LAMPS IN. YOU CAN GET THE FLOURESANT BULBS AT SEARS STORES OR HARDWARE STORES. THESE ARE QUITE REASONABLE. THE OTT LAMPS ARE MORE EXPENSIVE BUT I LIKE THEM AS THEY GIVE TRUE COLORS. CHECK OUT THE DISPLAYS OF OTT LAMPS IN CRAFT STORES LIKE "JOANN'S" IN THE STATES. THEY USUALLY HAVE SIDE BY SIDE COMPARISON LAMPS ON DISPLAY SO SHOW THE DIFFERENCE IN THE COLOUR FROM THE SAME MATERIAL OR PAINT. .

WORKS FOR ME.

 

[John Bowery]

Please excuse the caps above. It was not meant in disrespect and I apologize

 

[mertenspeter]

My intention was to buy me an actualite this year at Folkstone, any other planeteers own one? any comments regarding the lite? because the price is not 100 dollars but 130 pounds that is about 220 dollar

Actualite

Peter

 

[Guy]

Originally posted by godfather@Jan 18 2006, 03:49 PM
I am having a really hard time seeing what I am painting especially with dark colors. I have trouble seeing if the shadow is fully blended etc. I use oils. My lighting set up is the main light (60w) a Torchier ( those long 6' narrow lamps with a inverted cone so light goes up) I believe halogen and two movable desk lamps secured in front of me left and right about 15 inches above many desk but because there are movable can be extended or lowered. All the bulbs are 60 w “reveal") I have a really hard time seeing any contrast. I feel like contortionist when trying to move the lamps to better see concealed areas of the figure. Any suggestions.

After reading what you are using now for light it seems to me you have too much light. I rely on some natural shadows and only use two 60watt reveal on my work desk. Too much light wil flood the figure making it extremely hard to see any dark shadows or see where the dark shadows go.

just my 2cents.

 

[pkess]

I tried an acculite and a Ott light. I didn't like either. They are low wattage and did not provide enought light for me to paint with.
I use a 100watt halogen articulated drafting lamp and a 60watt high intensity reading lamp.
When it comes to lighting you have to try a variety of lights and see what works best for you. I prefer a lot of light; less fatiguing on the old eyes.

 

[garyjd]

I was going to try an ott light for sculpting. It does not sound like it would be bright enough.~Gary