Question about lighting

starrgirl

OK, so I've hung the black drapes and had planned to clamp an inexpensive work light at each end for the 85 watt CFL bulbs. However, the bulbs do not work in the clamp light fixtures I have. I'm sure they're not rated for the equivalent 350 watts that is stated on the bulb package. Do I need to get fixtures like one of these: https://www.1000bulbs.com/category/compact-fluorescent-high-bay-fixtures/

or is some sort of photography setup better? Like this socket: http://www.cowboystudio.com/product_p/ac.htm with this stand: http://www.cowboystudio.com/product_p/w803-flat head.htm Two of these are cheaper than some of the high bay fixtures and more adjustable.

I need to be able to dismantle everything when I'm not painting as I am in a very small apartment. I'm leaning towards the photography setup. Any other suggestions for how you hooked up your lights?

Thanks!

Kingston

I use this cowboy studio set up. It was supposed to be temporary but it works and it's cheap. But it is cheap stuff. Their bulbs are good.

They do double duty as a light to paint by and light for photography.

dencal

starrgirl

The rating of most light fixtures is based on the incandescent heat output/dispersion characteristics. The rating is to protect plastic insulation parts from melting.

Compact fluorescent (CFL) bulbs do not produce anywhere near the heat levels of incandescent bulbs.

If the CFLs fit the fixture you have, use them. No need to buy others.

Denis

starrgirl

Thanks, Kingston. This seems like the most adjustable setup for me.

Thanks Denis - that was the problem. I put those enormous CFLs in the clamp lights I have and they wouldn't come on. So I took them out and put the incandescent bulbs in and those worked. Drats! So I need new fixtures or an adapter or something. But the lighting stand setup seems like it will work best as far as being portable and adjustable.

Thanks so much for the feedback! I'm glad I found y'all.

oilpainter

starrgirl. I spent many years with lighting. Aquarium full spectrum bulbs and high output electronic ballasts could product any color light i needed. For art it's full spectrum 5000-5500K cri95 or higher. Look at bluemax cfl bulb web site. The giant high hat is correct for cfl, they need air space around the built in ballast or they fail fast. I have many cfl, and halogen bulbs with shades on light stands. solux and bluemax are the best yet. The solux mr16 bulbs with a pegasus lamp are about $75 total and "perfect" light. very small and a clamp fixture on the lamp. easy to stow away.
the bulbs you have might be bright but cri is the clue to the accuracy. they may not have screwed in all the way or are damaged. try them in a different socket to see if they work. When i get a chance I'll gather up the fixtures and bulbs and take a few shots. you will find it interesting, i think. I bought my shades direct from china and stands from B&H photography, NYC. once I get studio space i will be set.

Laura

Please, repeat about the dimmer switch device that plugs into the wall and the light cord plugs into the device.

Martin_J_Crane

https://www.1000bulbs.com/product/64247/LUT-TT300NLHWH.html?utm_source=SmartFeedGoogleBase&utm_medium=Shopping&utm_term=LUT-TT300NLHWH&utm_content=Lutron+Plug-In+Lamp+Dimmers&utm_campaign=SmartFeedGoogleBaseShopping&gclid=CjsKDwjwmuafBRCQ7ef6zJXhdRIkAFH2mef8cprBTOoEAa7HmVAIQjs8P-gcODWaauiq5HxXranCGgJ2lfD_BwE

or

http://www.ikea.com/us/en/catalog/products/10063148/

Laura

Thank you, Martin.

dencal

Martin

I noticed the online Ikea catalog had heaps of LED bulbs and fittings at good prices. Though the catalog did not specify color temps, I made a metal note to check it out next visit. Have you done any recons of what is available at Ikea?

Denis

Martin_J_Crane

You're very welcome Laura. Denis, everything I've seen at IKEA tend to be on the warm side, 2400K or 2700K if I recall. That said, I do use two of their clip lights for my travel setup. Because the lighting of the still life setup and the lighting of the palette are the same they cancel each other out and the resulting paintings are not too warm.

dencal

Martin

Thanks.

Denis

flyjosh

The prices of LED bulbs has now dropped a lot, due to the use of automated production lines. Thousands of LED bulbs have been produced one hour.
https://www.saving-star.com/category/led-bulb/

There also has a guide post for LED high bay lighting for warehouse etc.
https://www.saving-star.com/led-high-bay-light/