Easel lighting

[Epitaph of Sanity]

I recently started working at an easel to paint and found that I have really horrible lighting in my room. Im always infront of my light source its infront of me. I've seen some easel lights on a couple art supply websites and was wondering if they are worth the investment or is there some special way a light source is supposed to be placed.

Also, just in general what is a 'good' lighting set up for drawing and painting?

[Mirana]

Ouch. Putting the lightsource where it's in your eyes sounds pretty bad. Is it b/c you're using the light in a still life, or facing it is just the only place for your easel?

A light behind you (on the easel or otherwise) is definately a good idea. Art supply stores tend to gouge in prices though...so I'd only go that route if you're going to invest in a "natural light" (which is great, but uber expensive), or need one specifically for clipping on the easel. Otherwise, any cheap floor or desk model would do.

Hmm, but perhaps on-the-easel is the only option for a small space or dramatic lighting?

[New Jersey artist]

I recently started working at an easel to paint and found that I have really horrible lighting in my room. Im always infront of my light source its infront of me. I've seen some easel lights on a couple art supply websites and was wondering if they are worth the investment or is there some special way a light source is supposed to be placed.

Also, just in general what is a 'good' lighting set up for drawing and painting?

http://img78.imageshack.us/img78/3100/easellightsxu6.th.jpg (http://img78.imageshack.us/my.php?image=easellightsxu6.jpg)

Hey there, I got these inexpensive clamp on lamps for my home made easel at the Homedepot and they work just fine for me. Give it a try, if you don’t like them you can always return them!
Good luck !

Mike

[New Jersey artist]

I recently started working at an easel to paint and found that I have really horrible lighting in my room. Im always infront of my light source its infront of me. I've seen some easel lights on a couple art supply websites and was wondering if they are worth the investment or is there some special way a light source is supposed to be placed.

Also, just in general what is a 'good' lighting set up for drawing and painting?

http://img376.imageshack.us/img376/3935/lightbulbjo6.th.jpg (http://img376.imageshack.us/my.php?image=lightbulbjo6.jpg)

Epitaph of Sanity,
I also needed more light so I used General Electric 100 watt Halogen bulbs. There suppose to enhance the full color spectrum.

Mike

[timpaatkins]

Go to home depot, get a few 5000K fluorescent tubes (Philips 42 ") and an armature, set me back about 50 bucks and works a treat. The tubes have a CRI of 92, and they are 8 bucks each, armature was 30 i think.

[Qitsune]

I have photofloods on a tripod and I put either a 500w 42 000k incandescent bulb or a 40w fluocompact bulb in it, depending on how long I need to work and other variables. Works great and I can use them to take ref pics.