Artificial lighting

Marvin Mattelson · 12-11-2003, 01:19 AM

This is in response to Michelle's report of the lighting used in Tony Ryder's workshop.

Quote:

We're using standard household bulbs in fixtures on flexible necks. The lights are surrounded by cylindrical hoods made of aluminum foil, used to more narrowly focus the light. These lights are attached to the top of each easel to shine directly on each student's canvas. Another incandescent light is on an 8-foot stand shining on the model.

Tony feels that it is important to use the same type of light on the model as you use on the easel. The color studies look fine in daylight afterwards and the color on the skin looks as if it was painted in natural light.

This lighting approach allows him to work in any location at any time of the day with any type of weather going on outside. Those of us who have been relying on daylight (even north light) find it changes so much throughout the year and with the weather.

I question the validity of using incandescent bulbs due to the fact they reduce the sCount of colors that can be accurately seen by the eye. In natural light the eye perceives all colors.

Natural light has a Color Rendering Index (CRI) of 100. CRI refers to how well the light from the bulb reflects true colors. An incandescent bulb has a CRI of approximately 50. The lights I use in my studio have a CRI of 98. They are fluorescent tubes made by Lumichrome.

I totally agree with Mr. Ryder on the point that that the light source illuminating one's canvas should be equal to the one on the model. So I would caution anyone who was trying to emulate the work of Mr. Ryder from using those bulbs. A far better alternative would be to use bulbs made by Sunwave. These are compact fluorescent bulbs that can screw into any lamp and they have a CRI of 94, far better than thatof 50. The Sunwave bulbs generate far less heat and use much less electricity.

Sharon Knettell · 03-25-2004, 07:44 PM

I admire anybody that can paint in artificial light. I did it for years when I did illustration but I can not seem to make it work for painting.

My studio faces southeast and I augment the light with 12 Verilux bulbs on the ceiling, the screw in kind.

I know, south light, difficult. However, in the northeast it actually is a boon as we have so many dark days. I just filter the sunlight with a curtain, actually it works better than I expected.

I tried working at night, but except for drawing I miss so much of the color subtleties, especially the blues. When I review any color work I have done at night, it invariably has to be redone. This drives me nuts because I work best in the late afternoon and evening. I never thought I would be the kind of person who would get up at 6 in the morning, but my model comes at 10, yikes!

Marvin Mattelson · 03-26-2004, 12:07 AM

Quote:

When I review any color work I have done at night, it invariably has to be redone.

If you tried the lumachrome bulbs you might feel differently the next morning. These lights are above and beyond the call.

Garth Herrick · 03-26-2004, 01:11 AM

Marvin: Where does one buy the Lumichrome tubes? Where did you get yours?

I have tried the Verilux screw in flourescents, and 94CRI is not quite good enough.

Sharon: I also have to repaint in daylight anything I painted at night. If I am foolish enough to use my halogen Tota-Lite which is for photography, my flesh tones come out too reddish in hue.

Chris Kolupski · 03-26-2004, 03:43 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Marvin Mattelson

A far better alternative would be to use bulbs made by Sunwave. These are compact fluorescent bulbs that can screw into any lamp and they have a CRI of 94, far better than that of 50.

Marvin, I use the Lumichrome tubes but need screw in bulbs for on location portrait studies. Could you please post where you purchase the Sunwave bulbs? Thanks.

Mike Dodson · 03-26-2004, 12:02 PM

Here is the link for the Lumichrome tubes: http://www.lumiram.com/html/LRBLumi2.html

Marvin Mattelson · 03-26-2004, 10:29 PM

Sunwave- http://www.sunalite.com/s_lightbulbs.cfm

Lumichrome- http://www.mmlights.com/Lumichrome.htm This distributer sells all the different lengths from 18 to 48". Most only carry the 48" length.

Sharon Knettell · 03-26-2004, 11:10 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Marvin Mattelson

If you tried the lumachrome bulbs you might feel differently the next morning. These lights are above and beyond the call.

Marvin,

It was late at night, i was confused as usual, I meant the Ott-lites, not the Verilux. Are yours better?

Marvin Mattelson · 03-27-2004, 12:23 AM

Sharon,

Ott-llites vs Lumichrome?

Water soluable vs oils?

Red Sox vs Yankees? (Sorry, couldn't resist)

Picasso vs Bouguereau?

Ginger vs Mary Anne?

I used to have Ott-lites in my studio. Now I have Lumichrome. You could say I've seen the light.

Sharon Knettell · 03-27-2004, 06:25 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Marvin Mattelson

Sharon,

Ott-llites vs Lumichrome?

Water soluable vs oils?

Red Sox vs Yankees? (Sorry, couldn't resist)

Picasso vs Bouguereau?

Ginger vs Mary Anne?

I used to have Ott-lites in my studio. Now I have Lumichrome. You could say I've seen the light.

I just spent a minor fortune outfitting my studio with Otts.
I will probably change if I see the light and if the Sox win the series.

I can only use the screw in type as I have no fixtures on my ceiling for tubes, just for screw-ins. I have a very high ceiling appx. 9 1/2' and 12 fixtures. My studio is appx. 20' x 30'. What do you think would work better in bulbs that the very expensive Otts I have now.

Thanks.

Thanks, Marvin.