The Fine Art of Lighting - Bringing Out the Best in Artwork

It is possible to get a master of fine arts in lighting design. Light is perhaps the most crucial element in creating art. Film makers, photographers, painters, print maker and, yes, even writers work with light to create texture and mood. In fact, shop owners, business managers, architects, and nearly anyone choosing a seat on the porch or around the pool considers light in making their choice. A work of art such as a painting is essentially an interpretation of light. An artist does not paint a tree, but rather paints how the light is reflected off of the tree. To bring out the qualities the artist worked to create, proper picture frame lights, and art lights should be used. Art lighting is a craft and skill in its own right. Finding the right light for the right art, complementing the mood, bringing out the theme and enhancing the artist's pallet are all part of the design. There are several factors that should be considered when creating a lighting plan.

There are some other issues to consider when creating a lighting plan that go beyond bringing out the best qualities of a painting. One basic concept of any design is relationship to other objects in the room, be it other pieces of art or merely objects like a fireplace, fish tank or large plant that might demand attention. The other major issue is preservation of the work of art. Natural light, fluorescent lights and other forms of light emit ultraviolet rays that can damage some works of art and lead to the fading of colors and images. Indirect natural light, while favored by an artist at work, may not be the best choice for a finished product on display. Sculptures are often a good choice for natural light. Many museums have skylights that allow rooms to be lit and change by the hour creating a dynamic experience.

There is a style of oil painting that uses a glaze. This glaze helps in decreasing the drying time of the oil paint and increases the reflective luminosity of the painting. Light bounces off the glaze giving it a nearly glowing quality. Many of the Dutch masters used this technique. Finding a proper light and the proper direction of light can make one of these masterpieces pop and come to life. Like a mirror reflecting light, care should be taken to position a light in such a way that the reflection is directed and glare is avoided.

Most people do not have a Dutch master piece hanging over the couch. Glare often remains a problem as these paintings are often behind glass. The angle of light can reduce both glare and reflection. Consider the place from which the painting will be most observed. This is often from the center front, but in some cases will be off center. Set the light or lights at an angle that doesn't bounce the beam into these areas.

Quality of light is important as well. Natural light brings out the blue tones, incandescent light brings out the warmer tones. Fluorescent light is just plain ugly. Halogen lights are often used in museum settings and offer descent quality.


Source : ezinearticles