How to Light Your Studio | 3 Tricks For Perfect Art Studio Light
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- čas přidán 30. 06. 2024
- One of the most common question I get is how to light an art studio. Does your work look great in the studio, but dies outside or in another room? Poor lighting can cause your work to look drab, contrasting or flat. In this art instruction video I will show you how to balance the light in your studio with three simple tricks that are inexpensive and will give you a consistent look from studio, to outside, at your art gallery! - Derek C. Wicks
Derek's Website: derekwicks.com
Derek's Art Instruction Website: powertopaint.com
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Thanks so much for this info! I've been watching lots of videos on art studio lighting, and none were as clear and concise as yours. I almost pulled the trigger on a $220 LED photo lighting kit that was sitting in my Amazon cart. After watching this, I literally just bought a 4-pack of daylight bulbs (5000k and CRI 90+) and a clamp desk lamp, totaling about $35. I already have another lamp, so I will start with a setup of two on each side of my workspace and see how it goes. I have a 47" table, so I probably won't even need an overhead light source. I am also in front of a window (SW facing) so I do get some natural light in the latter part of the day. Very thankful I came across your video, you seem quite knowledgeable!
I am very happy to found the video helpful. Video tape your work with a phone with the old light and then the new CRI+90 and see how much sharper the good CRi is! I have a whole section of videos on studio techniques, hope they help to! Happy painting!!!
👍🏻
Great video! Love how you explained it all and love the bloopers at the end! Thanks for making me laugh. :)
Glad you enjoyed it!
Amazing, this explains so much.
Glad it was helpful!
Thank you so much for the gift of your time and expertise. Your advice will make all the difference as I move forward with my lighting purchases. Thanks again!
You are so welcome!
Very helpful! Your use of examples showing under/over exposure and grey scale was so helpful.
Glad you enjoyed it!
Thanks so much for the excellent detailed information about studio lighting. Love the end of the video. Great job. Congratulations and much success! Blessings, take care and be safe! New subscriber.
Glad it was helpful!
This video is great, thank you for all the info and the technical explanations!
Glad it was helpful!
Watched a few "studio lighting" vids and I'm grateful I came upon yours. You're the only one who brought up Lux's, which the other vids never mentioned but I think is vital to understand and help getting the lighting how you need it. Thanks for the video and thanks for reminding us to actually "remove" the Lux light cap before use. 😁
Glad I could help!
This was SO helpful! Thank you!
You are so welcome!
Thank you. This is so clear. I'm about to setup my artstudio and dearching for light setup
Glad it was helpful!
Excellent information and presentation. Very helpful, thanks!
Glad it was helpful!
Terrific video! It is very thorough and well thought out. I like the gray scale info, especially. Thank you!
Glad it was helpful! Happy painting Bonnie ;)
@@wildrealmspublishing 😊
Really appreciate the comprehensive approach while keeping the set up simple! Thanks so much for taking time to make a great instructional video!
You're very welcome!
Fantastic video! So informative and helpful. Love the outtakes, too 🤣
Glad you enjoyed it! Happy painting!
You’re the MAN! Thanks for the helpful information 👍
Glad to help and happy painting!
Good thorough information is timeless. Thank you!
Glad it was helpful!
Thank you for this amazing video!! Extremely useful information and the outtakes made me laugh, too! 😊
Happy painting!
Very informative! Thanks for sharing!
Glad you enjoyed it!
Thank you for this information which was just so helpful! I also really enjoyed the outtakes, I'm dying of laughter over here!
🙃😉
A full breadown and visual explanation. Thank you, I appreciate you😊❤
Glad it was helpful!
Thank you very much for these amazing video!
Glad you like them!
Thank you this was so helpful❣❣❣
Glad it was helpful! Happy painting!
I must say you that are the most pratical explanation about illumination on the work surface. Thanks a lot.
Glad it was helpful!
Thank you for sharing gotta try this one!
Please do! And happy painting.
Thanks Derek, really helpful.
Glad it was helpful!
I liked your bloopers. I got a little laugh and lots of good information. Thanks!
Glad you like them!
Thank you so much for this information. I’m trying to setup myself and I’m having a hard time, now I know what to do.
You are so welcome!
Great information, thank you!
You bet!
Thankyou very good information and laughed there at the end haha haha 😂
Glad you enjoyed it and Happy Painting!
You truly are a wealth of information!
LOL, thanks again Karen!
loved it! thank you!
You're so welcome!
Oh God I laughed so hard watching your out-takes at the end buddy - right there with you! Been doing this for over 15 years and it's still the hardest thing sometimes to get a single sentence right. Thanks for putting those in - priceless! (Also, great info. Nice job.)
Glad you enjoyed it!
Thank You, it is very very helpful!
You are welcome! Good luck with the studio lighting and be safe!
This was very helpful. Multiple things that you spoke about, I hadn't considered before. Although I only work with ink.
I've been hunting for days, and the only affordable bulbs you can buy in my whole country is 6500K blinding-blue, or 2700K time-for-bed lights. Same with fluorescents, and tubes.
If your just work in B&W i would not worry about temperature, just in the amount of light hitting your work area ;)
Thank u ,cleared a lot of doubts
Your more than welcome! Happy painting!
Great tips!
Glad it was helpful!
Wow very helpful... Thank you so much..
Glad it was helpful! Happy painting!!
Thank you so much for the information
So nice of you
Very properly indepth video for studio and shooting and proper lighting ..Thank you....Pls make a video on camera and camera setting for video ...
Thank you!
Thank you for that information.
Any time! ;)
Excellantro!
Thanks kind sir.
🪄💛✨💨
Glad you enjoyed it!
Great video! I have watched several videos on lighting, but this is really the best so far. Showing a way to measure if you are getting enough, makes this superior to the others. Thank you!
I have been wondering, does the studio wall color affect this? Is there a way, like the light meter to measure the best color for a studio (I noticed the color of your walls and that you used a gray mat board under your work.)
Does the mat board color, under your work, help in some way?
Is there a suggested studio wall paint color, that has been proven to be the best?
Would you consider doing a video on this subject?
lol, not sure if colour is much of a factor. I would be willing to say white would reflect more light, but I think that is over thinking studio lighting 😉
Hey Excellent job Derek. Thanks for this info. Great trick with grey scale. Helpful. This just makes me more sad I could not make your workshops this year because of this Covid nonsense. I am watching for your emails to find out for next time. Cheers stay safe.
Glad it was helpful! stay safe and happy painting.
WOW.... FINALLY!!! omg thank you!!! I get it!!!
Glad it helped!
Thank you!
You're welcome! Happy painting!
Thank you so much. ❤
You're welcome 😊
Amazing video!!! I have learned a lot. Thank you soooooo much for sharing your expertise with us and making our lives easier. I would really request to share with us the tools you have used and possible places we can purchase them from.
You are so welcome!
Thank you so much
You're most welcome and happy painting!
Love love LOVE this studio set up. Would you be able to provide a link to the light fixture / bulbs that you use? I am having a hard time finding lights that fit the same light temp, CRI, watts, etc
these are the bulbs I use: www.amazon.ca/gp/product/B089HMWNXP/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o02_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1
Thank you for the tips. I paint from a dark room and am looking at better lighting options.
Glad it was helpful!
Thank you so incredibly much ! This is such an incredible explanation!! I had a 5000k bulb in but wasn’t bright enough and I was concerned about the temperature I was seeing as my room lights are warm ( cannot be changed unfortunately). I did some research on lighting on some suggested up to 6500k . I purchased a 6500k bulb, partly hoping to compensate for the warm lighting in my room. I’ve only had it in for a few days but it really seems so blue and I’m thinking perhaps it is too bright ! Your explanations are so helpful. I think perhaps I need to return to the hardware store for another bulb or if I can, a complete new light. Would love to hear your thoughts! I’ve seen a few lights on amazon but didn’t want to put in links! Thank you so much again
So for me i find 6500K very blue and think you would be better suited with a bulb that is 5000-5500K. Even though you have incandescent bulbs (3500) as your ambient lighting, it sounds like your 6500 would be your direct lighting and would still be to blue. Try to set up your lighting as close to the video as you can. If you can not use over head lighting going with two side lights with 5000-5500K will work just fine! Amazon has a great range of 5500K Photographic bulbs that are both 5500 and CRI of 90+, any of these will work very well. Happy painting!
@@wildrealmspublishing Thank you so incredibly much!
Great video with necessary information. Also funny 3:10.
Thank you!
This video is very informative. I tried the LeD bulbs at my art table, but it is just to bright at 5000k so I went back to the incandescent bulbs. However I have a side table for the paint mixing which does have an LeD and my eyes aren't bothered.
Fantastic!
I have an East facing studio with a big window. It's impossible to work in it after 11am. Too dark. So I'll try to fix this with the optimal studio light. Thank you for the clear explanation and demonstration. My clamp easel lamp can take 30watts max though
Tour more than welcome. Use the LED bulb or equivalent that I use and it will be just fine in your easel lamp. LED generates very little heat. Bulb: www.amazon.ca/gp/product/B089HMWNXP/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o02_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1
Derek C Wicks - Power to Paint just ordered light equipment as per your advice with minor adjustments due to the limitations of Amazon.co.uk marketplace. But the light temperature will be consistent throughout all the fittings. I also painted my studio white today. It was cream yellow when I moved in. Happy Christmas, Derek! And thanks once again
@@va8003 Your very welcome. Happy holidays and happy painting!!!!
Very helpful
Thank you,glad I found your channel
Glad it helped, happy painting!
I downloaded a fee app called LUX on my cell phone that measures lux. Sadly I only have 550 lux in my painting space now so I am happy to learn what you are teaching in this video!
That is awesome!
Very useful video, thanks for posting Derek; please recommend makes of lightbulbs you use to achieve the balances you mention? When you listened to the video before posting were you aware of any fluctuation in audio quality? I opine that it seems highest at your big window, but lower away from it, though that could be my headphones. Regards, JB.
these are the light bulbs I use: www.amazon.ca/gp/product/B089HMWNXP/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o02_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1
@@wildrealmspublishing hello. Thanks, that cleared up a little bit, as you say in the video "two 60 watts LED's", I was wondering if you meant 60 Watts equivalent. Which is about 800 lumen. But actually the ones that you use together with the two light tubes are about 1600 lumens each? Thanks for your video and explanation.
@@ofthetree I use two 100Watt, one on either side. You adjust the swing arm light for more or less light, closer more, further away for less concentration. Here are the two bulbs I use www.amazon.ca/gp/product/B089HMWNXP/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o02_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1
@@wildrealmspublishing ok. Thanks for the tip. I already got some two good colour proof tubes so I am almost there.
Great video Derek. Thanks. One question I have though, you mention most galleries have 5000-5500 kelvin lighting, but what about most homes, where you hope your painting is eventually going to hang. How does an artist account for the purchaser's lighting?
Well you really can not as homes are lit differently from home to home. Best advice is to tell your clients the best lighting for the piece and let them decide what to do. Happy painting!
yes, thats the MOST irritating thing about galleries...they aren't lighting them properly..
Thank you for this wonderful video. I was looking at the bulbs I can’t find 60 W is 135 W OK with the same brand
I just asked the same question
Have never used that way, but give them a try!
Bloopers were as good as the information you gave us 😁
Glad you like them! Happy painting!
Thank you so very much can you please guide me on which tripod and camera to use for overhead shooting?
Hi Devika I use a Panasonic TM700, but they have been out of production for many years.
I’ve have been looking for information on how to light my studio for a while now. The information on your video is so easy to understand, thank you for sharing your knowledge!
Awesome! Thank you!
I actually watched the bloopers again. I am so glad you added those. The way things are going in the world, we need some fun! Thank you
Yes we do! Happy painting!
Great video! Does foot candle play a role here? Thanks.
Not unless you want to measure in it. There is approx. 10lux per foot candle, if that helps.
Thanks! That was very helpful! Do you know whether the Daylight lamps are any good? They have 6000K, which seems rather blue to me.
6000K is very blue, i would suggest something a little closer to the 5000K mark 😉
Thank you so much for this video, very helpful. Where can I buy a card from like the one you used for the grey chart? I looked up on internet but couldn’t see one.
Tiffen Grey Cards, or any grey cards are available at your local camera store ;)
@@wildrealmspublishing Thankyou very much. You are very kind.
I'm curious to know something....Even if the proper daylight bulbs etc are used, surely there's still issues to be had with the artist's choice of camera including camera settings? Do you have any tips on camera settings when recording artwork using daylight bulbs? For example, white balance? Would this feature affect the quality of the recording/streaming video image?
I suggest using auto white balance and let the camera evaluate the light and set appropriately.
@@wildrealmspublishing That's what I've done so far. 👍
I have looked at alot of desk clamp on lights for LED....and reviews say they don't hold the extension well. any recommendations for an inexpensive/moderate price lamp? from where? Thanks Love your video. very helpful
I just use a couple of desk lamps from homedepot. the lights I use are these: www.amazon.ca/gp/product/B089HMWNXP/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o02_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1
This could be a stupid question but during the day even with natural light present, do you still have the daylight lamps on?
I only have them on when I need them.😉
Dear Derek, thank you very much for this great, informative and practical video.
You said the light should be 1500 - 2000 lux. I can not see "lux" on bulb information instead lumen information is given. Does 1500 -2000 lux countable as almost equal to 1500-2000 lumen for a very small space?
I have a very small studio and it is almost impossible to work with natural day light. And these details are very important for me.
Thank you again
Google lux to lumen and there are many great explanations!
Thank you Derek, you are such a wise man, all the best...@@wildrealmspublishing
I am trying to get lighting for painting from an easel in my lower level of house. What would you suggest. I only have a very bad track light in the ceiling. Can’t put up anything permanent as I’m a renter. Thank you so much
I would go with the two table lights like in the video, just make sure you use 5000K bulb with a CRI of 90 or better. I would suggest a 100 watt bulb if you have no over head light.
Thanks for the video! Question: if we paint in balanced 5000k light at between 1500 and 2000 lux, but where the painting will hang is in the 4000k range and a lux of 250, won’t the painting appear too dark on the wall?
Hey Kevin, at 250 lux anything would look dark. The 5K - Lux is the standard you would find in any well lit gallery or studio.
@@wildrealmspublishing - Thanks so much!
hi thanks for the info. QUESTION ?? How far above your desk is your Florescent light? I have a Florescent table lamp with a 17" bulb in it. How do I calculate the light from this into my mix of side lamps?
just go by 1500-2000 lux in total.
Can you recommend a lamp stand type of set up if you stand to paint on a wall?
I would have no idea as I have never used anything like that. Amazon may have what you need ;)
Found really helpful I've bought two of the lamps from the side but have a smaller space to cover. The problem I'm getting is that having both on lights the surface nicely but then I'm left with two shadows. If I introduce a light above wouldn't that create a third shadow where I'm trying to draw any advice from anyone to alleviate this? I'm a bit stuck?
No matter how you arrange lights there will be a soft shadow. Having the overhead light is essential to help eliminate and soften the shadows. You can also add a shadow box or sock to the light to soften the light.
@@wildrealmspublishing Thank you very much for replying, my set up is a little breakfast bar with a cupboard above its the only space I have, would an undercupboard strip light work? Would you recommend something with a little less bright than yours as mine is closer? . Thanks again and happy painting 😁
that was funny at the end :D
LOL, I really should do outtakes more! Happy painting!
@@wildrealmspublishing I absolutely agree! You're funny! I just discovered you today and am enjoying looking at some of your other videos! Thank you for taking the time to share:)
What is the make and model of your light meter? I would like to buy one but can’t find much info about using those for art.
Tondaj Lx-1010B, very basic and inexpensive.
What is the kelvin for the fluorescent bulb? and how many are there? Thanks.
I use two 5000K, T5 tubes. Happy painting!
Derek, do you know if I have 5000k with CRI 80 shop lights at about 9 feet above my easel, but have 5000k CRI 95 clamp-on lights on either side of my easel, but only a few feet away, if the closer CRI 95 lights will be diminished to something less than CRI 95 because of the overhead CRI 80 lights? I'm trying to decide if I need to upgrade my 9 foot CRI 80 shop lights or not. I don't have a gray card. But I do have a lux meter. But my lux meter doesn't tell me anything about the CRI. Thanks again for your awesome video.
I think you should be OK. ;)
@@wildrealmspublishing - Thanks, Derek!
Just saw your video. Could you please advise on light position vs painting surface. I paint with oils,. I get glare and my hand creates shadows. Thank you .
Hi Danielle, your lighting should be above, and slightly behind you on either side. Do not put them directly behind you as this will cause hard shadows. Put your lights one over head and one on either side of you just slightly behind you. If the lighting is equal the shadows will be reduced to next to nothing. Hope this helped and happy painting!
@@wildrealmspublishing thank you will give it a try
amazing video, but do you have any brand or name in your mind? Or what kind of lights do you personally use ?
My florescent bulbs are always changing because they keep discontinuing them. I always choose a 5000K bulb with +90 CRI. My two desktop lights are these ones here: www.amazon.ca/gp/product/B089HMWNXP/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o02_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1
@@wildrealmspublishing thank you!!
Where did you get the arms that hold up the side bulbs?
I bought mine at Currys Art supply.
I paint here and there, is it bad or good to have different light settings?
I would try to keep your lighting consistent.
Hi Derek, I opine: why after having presented an interesting and helpfully instructive video, put in the sharp beeping out-takes? Regards, JB.
have fun with it.
Umm...because they’re funny and enjoyable? 😉
Is it okay for my video setup to have just the the two clamp desk lamps with the daylight bulbs on the sides, without an overhead light?
Absolutely ;)
@@wildrealmspublishing and what clamp lamps do you use?
@@neuroatutoring6322 Mine are about 15 years old, you can get these at places like Walmart, Staples, or any art supply ;)
And funny too!
Thanks Karen!
How do you set up a lighting system if you paint at an easel, 0ne window E and one W......I prefer to pull the shades and use lamps.. how should I set up the lamps.
There is no difference whither it is an easel or table ;)
Where did you get that easel?
It is custom made for shooting my art instructions videos powertopaint.com
Where did you purchase the gray card?
any photography store.
Great video. My right ear is lonely though XD
not sure what you mean, but thank you!
What is the lumen for your light bulbs? On most product page they only listed the lumen, no lux. So I wouldn't know before I purchased it. I also tried to look for bulbs with 6500K because I want to match my monitor temperature, but all of those bulbs only came with CRI 80. The CRI 95 bulbs are all between 2700K to 5000K.
6500 is at to blue!
One thing I have heard mentioned is that art gallery lighting is usually quite warm (around 2500-3000), is this true?
2500-3500 is very warm, it is incandescent. Any gallery I know will have 5000-6500K lighting.
What light bulb do you recommend or what works for you? Links?
these are the light bulbs I use: www.amazon.ca/gp/product/B089HMWNXP/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o02_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1
@@wildrealmspublishing thank you so much for the reply and link, I appreciate it!
😊 you say painting is flat when taken outside ,,, but painting s are hung inside often in rooms with low light ,,, so dose this not mean painting should should be done in light that is similar?? Lower levels of light ?? How many homes have daylight light in them ?😊
information is up to the viewer to accept or reject. hope you did find something in the video helpful.
Can anyone recommend where I can buy 5000k CRI 90+ light bulbs? Any specific brand name? I have been searching online and I see they are sold on Amazon but I am confused as I have never heard of the brand names before. Many thanks x
brand really won’t matter. any build between 5000k-5500k will work well.
what is the height of tube light by floor to tube light ?
Mine is set to around six and a half feet.
@@wildrealmspublishing thank you sir 👍🏻
Hi .. im not finding 5000 kelvin light for my art studio in india , is there any alternative for that , i have 6500 k bulbs but that temperature is slightly cooler side how to fix this problem .plz help
I know many artists that use the 6500, just be aware that it is just a little cool ;)
@@wildrealmspublishing Thanks :)
Great explanation of the key lighting considerations. I have single 48” fluorescent tubes (5000K, CRI 96) tubes on each side and above my easel. Your discussion and examples of correct exposure now have me questioning the overall intensity of my lighting. I have a shorter grey scale that, for me, is not adequate for displaying under/over exposure. What model light meter (with the removable cover 😉) did your use?
@@D96112 Tondaj LX-1010B
LuX is equivalent of Lumen?
here is a link to help explain the difference. www.waveformlighting.com/home-residential/what-is-the-difference-between-lux-and-lumens
@@wildrealmspublishing thanks for the link!
FWTW - watts and light levels are virtually unrelated. Lux is the measure of light intensity, as you correctly point out. Watts, are energy, and are only distantly related to light intensity. My kiln, 11,000 watts, is not an effective light source in my garage at night. With the lights off, it does glow, but it would be difficult to read by... Unfortunately, over the last 150 years, we've been told that the wattage of a lightbulb was equivalent to its brightness. Really, people should be looking at lux or lumens. Great video otherwise, my partner will love the soon to be re-lit studio space I'm going to make for her.
Nice ;)
Derek are your windows NORTH or ?
My windows actually face west, thatb is why i have the light filtering blinds for the late afternoon.