Sometimes in creating art, it’s the little things that can help make a big difference. This short video explains a few simple tips and tricks I use to help set up and light my still life paintings.
I learned how to properly set up and paint the ‘still life’ through trial and error. I hope my tips help give you a shortcut to successful paintings…
Here are the tips that are demonstrated in the video:
1. How to use Sculpey polymer clay to hold your props in place
2. How to use Sculpey polymer clay as a rough model to represent my birds in the still life to better understand the lighting for a believable painting.
3. How to light your still life set up with a spotlight.
4. How to use a piece of cardboard to help you adjust the lighting effects in your set up.
How to Paint Iridecent Bird Feathers and Make Them Glow
How to Paint Animal Fur
3 Steps to Find Art Gallery Representation
Still Life Painting: Create Your Own Small Universe
To view my paintings: http://lorimcnee.com
I like your setup. It reminds me a lot of David Leffel. Great tips!
Thanks for sharing such great tips. It’s interesting to see the process you go through.
Love, love, love your work ! Love the the detail and the softness. Great site with great tips.
Nice to meet you Audrey and thanks for the reaffirming comment. I am glad you enjoy the site.
Lori :0
Hi Lori, I want to learn how to paint with traditional medium. I wish to set up some still life in my room for practice. I was wondering, What is the name, kind of light, or light bulbs, or where so buy them? I have done some research, I saw on Blick website “Daylight Artists’ Studio Lamp” Is that the right kind of lamp to lit still life? Please help. Thank you~ 🙂
In additional…how bright should the lamp be? some people say 120Watts is comparable to the tall spot light used in a life drawing/painting classroom. What do you recommend? Thanks again!
You can use a 120 watt bulb or less. It depends what kind of shadow you wish to cast. Also, moving the light closer and farther away will produce different shadows. Play around with it and you will find what looks and feels right to you. I hope this helps!
Yes, I use daylight corrective bulbs. You can also find them at HomeDepot or other hardware stores. I bought a lamp/stand from Blick years ago, but get the replacement bulbs in town.