How far away from still life to sit?

Comments

• Flatty ★ admin

  May 2017

  I think you can. Just make sure your shadowbix light isn't shining on your color checker and your studio light is :-)

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• DawnTup -

  May 2017

  Thanks, @flatty. That's something I realized when I tried color checking this close, just wondering if there was any other things to consider.

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• Flatty ★ admin

  May 2017

  Sitting closer may require and adjustment of your proportional diver too. I set mine by holding it up making the adjustment then physically going up to the object to see how accurate I am. 

  

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• Forgiveness -

  May 2017 edited May 2017

  I've been sitting 2-3' away for same reason, to capture details and subtleties and for accurate measurements. I sit just far enough away so that measurements taken using the proportional divider delivers me a life size (or just slightly larger) mirror image on my canvas. And it is important that my canvas is well lit to work on. I've observed many great artists who do the same. When the use of the color checker is difficult, I use a spatula and hold it up to the still life, checking as frequently as necessary. I also take care to wear dark clothing(black), long sleeved shirt, if necessary a black cap on my head otherwise interference from reflected colors, especially so when sitting so close to your subject.

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• DawnTup -

  May 2017

  Ah, thanks @forgiveness! I'm glad this will work. What exactly do you mean by using the spatula? How does it help you?

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• Forgiveness -

  May 2017

  I take a dab of my color with the spatula as I would with the color checker and bring it right up to almost resting on my subject. It's easier to work with problem of glare. Given that you are only 2' away from the still life, it should work for you.

  

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• DawnTup -

  May 2017

  I'm going to try that, @forgiveness. Thanks

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• BOB73 -

  May 2017

  @DawnTup, that's a very ambitious still life for a beginning painter regardless of distance. Good Luck.

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• Terance -

  May 2017

  I agree with you DawnTup,  I think I need to sit closer as well with my vision not being what it use to be.

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• Kaustav -

  May 2017

  Main problem is with the studio light impacting the still life lighting. If you are using the same bright studio light for the still life subject light as well (like the curtain system) then you can sit wherever you want to. I generally sit between 2-3 feet with or without shadow box. 4 feet is too far away for my eyes.

  

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• DawnTup -

  May 2017

  I agree it's ambitious @bob73, but I'm feelin it and jumping in head first. If it's a fail there's always the trash can.

  

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• DawnTup -

  May 2017

  Thanks, @kaustav.. im getting creative blocking still life from studio light.

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• Kschaben -

  May 2017

  Dawntup , It is beautiful and look forward to seeing your progress. I am not sure it can be a fail if you learn from your experience. 

  

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