200812

Tool of the Month

Dimmer Switch - This is a useful tool to control the amount of light a fixture provides. Usually part of a wall switch it is useful to control the mood of a room. It is also helpful when evaluating a painting. Check the painting out in different levels of light and make sure it looks good in most, if not all of them.

Be careful, some of the compact flurescent buld are not recommended for fixtures with dimmer switches. But if you have light fixture that uses standard bulbs, consider adding a dimmer switch if you do not have one. It comes in handy to see your paintings in a good light.

In Good Light

We paint in different lighting situations. Sometimes we’re lucky enough to paint by northern light. Sometimes we paint plein-aire and use natural sunlight. Sometimes we paint after dark in studios lit with flurescent or standard lights.

Good paintings look good in any kind of lighting. Before you decide that you painting is finished take some time and look at it in different kinds and levels of light. Take it outside to check it out in the bright sun. More and more houses are being lit with compact flurescent bulbs - how does the painting look under that light? Use a dimmer switch and check out how it looks in different levels of light with traditional incandescent bulbs. Are halogens possible - check those out too.

Make notes when looking at your painting in the different levels and kinds of light. Are you lights light enough? Are you shadows dark enough or too dark? Are your whites too bluish? Use this info to improve your painting.

When you sell or give away a painting, you lose control on how and where its displayed. Make sure your painting looks good in any lighting situation and those that are lucky enough to have it, will enjoy your art no matter where they display it.

Light Blue Violet - available from Daniel Smith. A light version of ultramarine blue with a hint of cool violet. A wonderful color to use in skies and clouds. Also a nice addition to shadow areas to keep them from becoming dull. It mixes well with other paints without creating mud. Mix in some crimson (or other cool red) for beautiful purples. Mix it with warmer reds such as cadmium for atmospheric grays.

You can mix a similar color by adding a little ultramarine blue to a lot of white. But this is handy to have when you either need just a small dab of the color or if you want a consistent light color you can easily get more of. You just might find this color handy to have around.

Please visit again, soon!
This web site, all artwork and information is copyrighted and subject to Federal Copyright Laws.
All rights are retained by Jackie Stacharowski unless otherwise negotiated.
The viewer of this information understands and agrees that these concepts are
the property of Jackie Stacharowski and may not be copied without the written agreement of the artist.

Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year
May your holidays be filled with bright colors and happy images!

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Classes at the Base Rec Center
Last Class 12/11. New Session starts 1/8/09
Thursdays from 9 am til Noon.
Oils or Acrylics - every skill level welcomed!