lighting problem

[godfather]

I have two movable lamps attached to my desk right and left. I usually place them over the figure but find that it is difficult for me to see what I have painted as the contrast is severely reduced, but I use this lighting as a guide to shadows and highlights. I use the bulbs that produce a soft light meant to represent daylight and they are 100 watts each. Any suggestions on lighting set up? Aside from the lack of contrast these lights also produce a large amount of heat should I go for 60 watt bulbs?

 

[Guy]

Hello Bruno,

I use 2 60w Reveal bulbs in 2 swivel arm lamps to the right and left of where I paint.

As I sit back and relax after a painting session I quite often swing them away or simply turn them off. The reveal lights give off a blue light that is as close to natural lighting as you can get.

I hope this helps.

Guy

 

[godfather]

actually that is my set up with the same bulbs!! Do you think 100 watts is too much?

 

[Guy]

You can have too much light and make it harder to shade because the 100w bulbs are flooding the figure with too much light. I rely on natural lighting with the 2 60w reveal bulbs and sometimes adjust them to help in seeing the shadows of the folds. I would reccomend replacing the 100w with 60w.
It would also cut down the heat too

My 2cents only