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Michael Georges · 10-27-2002, 08:48 PM

I now paint only under natural north light and I am completely and utterly spoiled by it. I am blessed to have a window at about 320 degrees North/Northwest, so I get great, even, wonderfully soft, and cool light from about 8 a.m. to about 3:30 or 4 in the afternoon. It is not quite high enough to allow me to get the raking light I really desire, but we make due with what we have. I allow the light to regement my painting time.

I have no problems with weather as a cloudy day through my window is just as bright as a sunny day. While there is a slight variation in brightness, it is still near perfect light rain or shine. Your eyes are programmed to see in natural light and your painting, IMO, will benefit - especially if you are painting anything from life.

I have done nearly all of the artifical light setups. If you are stuck without a north window, then you have to do what you have to do, but if you ever have the chance to see north light in a studio properly set up for it, be prepared for a real treat - it will spoil you for anything else.

10-27-2002, 08:48 PM	#7
Michael Georges PAINTING PORTRAITS FROM LIFE MODERATOR FT Professional Joined: Nov 2001 Location: Loveland, CO Posts: 846	To each their own...but... I now paint only under natural north light and I am completely and utterly spoiled by it. I am blessed to have a window at about 320 degrees North/Northwest, so I get great, even, wonderfully soft, and cool light from about 8 a.m. to about 3:30 or 4 in the afternoon. It is not quite high enough to allow me to get the raking light I really desire, but we make due with what we have. I allow the light to regement my painting time. I have no problems with weather as a cloudy day through my window is just as bright as a sunny day. While there is a slight variation in brightness, it is still near perfect light rain or shine. Your eyes are programmed to see in natural light and your painting, IMO, will benefit - especially if you are painting anything from life. I have done nearly all of the artifical light setups. If you are stuck without a north window, then you have to do what you have to do, but if you ever have the chance to see north light in a studio properly set up for it, be prepared for a real treat - it will spoil you for anything else. __________________ Michael Georges www.fineportraitsinoil.com Michael's Life Drawing & Painting Blog Regular and consistent work from life will improve your portraits. Drawing skills are the foundation of all an artist does.