Lighting
(continued)
LIGHTING AN EASEL
Not only do you have to consider the light on the object you
are about to draw, you must also consider the light on your
easel. It is an easy factor to forget, but it is important. You
have to be able to see clearly what you are drawing. When
using natural light, make sure when you begin that your easel
is being lit by a north-facing window, as it will provide you
with the most constant source of light that is unaffected by
the movement of the earth around the sun. The different types
of easels available are discussed on page 26.
If you prefer a constant source of light, and have no north fac-
ing windows to light your studio, then you must use artificial
light. Light your easel as well as you can. Here, the artist has
used 4-foot “fluorescent style” daylight temperature tubes. He
has angled the light bulbs down toward the easel. The light
bulbs in this overhead setup are called daylight bulbs.These
light bulbs simulate daylight and radiate a cool light, rather
than the hot light of ordinary light bulbs. (This is normally a
consideration when using color in your work.)