[Karin Wells]

I finally got a north lit studio and it was a big disappointment. I live and work in New Hampshire. When it is is rainy or cloudy (as it often is) it affects the light. The time of year and the time of day affect the light.

My solution was to install a whole lot of flourescent daylight balanced bulbs in the ceiling. Any time of the day or night when I enter the studio, I simply flick on the switch and I have perfect, steady, unchanging light.

For me, north light is totally not necessary. In fact, windows in a studio are completely unnecessary...pleasant for sure, but not necessary. To my mind, extra wall space is more appealing.

As to how much light? I personally need a whole lot of light in order to see. What affects my painting more than my light source is the color of my studio walls. I cannot paint when anything stark white is in my field of vision. I have medium value, neutral colored studio walls.

I have even hung a large old faded oriental rug on the wall behind my easel and this helps me keep my paintings on target - value wise and color wise.