Matching north light with fluorescent bulbs

[Marvin Mattelson]

Originally Posted by Elizabeth Schott

I don't mean this to sound like an incredibly stupid question, but... on a very nice day does anyone just roll their easel and reference (not live models) outside?

Beth, as the saying goes: there's no such thing as a stupid question. I think it would be ill advised to change the source of light you're working under in the middle of doing a painting. The color relationships would change to some degree. To what degree, would depend on the quality and temperature of your studio bulbs.

I've heard many stories from artists, particularly back before the advent of color corrected lights, who worked all night to finish a painting, under artificial lighting, and were horrified to see their results the following morning, in the light of day. Also, wouldn't this require you lugging your computer and monitor outside as well?

[Garth Herrick]

Originally Posted by Marvin Mattelson

I've heard many stories from artists, particularly back before the advent of color corrected lights, who worked all night to finish a painting, under artificial lighting, and were horrified to see their results the following morning, in the light of day.

Marvin,

How true!

I've been one of those work-all-night-and-be-horrified-the-next-morning-by-the-light-of-day artists, every time I worked at night, until I installed those 98CRI Fluorescents. They really work!

5000K 98CRI
JUST Normlicht Color Control Daylight 5000

6500K 98CRI Lumichrome (Marvin's Choice)

Garth

[Elizabeth Schott]

Originally Posted by Marvin Mattelson

Beth, as the saying goes: there's no such thing as a stupid question. I think it would be ill advised to change the source of light you're working under in the middle of doing a painting. The color relationships would change to some degree. To what degree, would depend on the quality and temperature of your studio bulbs.

I've heard many stories from artists, particularly back before the advent of color corrected lights, who worked all night to finish a painting, under artificial lighting, and were horrified to see their results the following morning, in the light of day. Also, wouldn't this require you lugging your computer and monitor outside as well?

This makes sense, but we had one of those lovely early spring days and it was just so tempting to just roll out on the deck - since I use a laptop the computer was not a big deal.

I haven't been able to get accustomed to working with oil under artificial light. I think I have them hung incorrectly, or it's my old age eyes. I'll have to re -read this and see what I am doing wrong!

[John Reidy]

OK, here's a (I should know the answer but I don't) question - does anyone know the measurement of halogen lights? Because of a low ceiling and it being white, I bounce two halogen lamps off of the ceiling for illuminating my canvas. I recognize a difference in color when I take my paintings outside.

I may experiment with other lamps that I can bounce off of the ceiling.

[Richard Monro]

John

If my memory serves me correctly Halogens are in the 3200 kevin to 3800 kevin range and have CRI's from 82 to 92. Not a very good light souce for accurate color rendering. Sunwave makes a screw in flourescent bulb at 5500 kelvin and 93 CRI that might be a better light source for you.

[John Reidy]

Thanks, Richard. I ordered some similar bulbs yesterday that Chris recommended. I'm looking forward to trying them.