Lighting your subject

[Abdi R Malik]

Hello David,


I would like to share my opinion. Does any portrait painter really need a fancy sophisticated lighting system?.

I completely work by photograph which is average SLR camera and simple attached flash light, so far nothing wrong with it. Of course the result not as good as with advanced lighting system. You can not emulate natural daylight.

In my opinion being an artist, portrait painter one has to have ability to enhance the appearance of the subject on canvas. You with your paint emulate the natural light not the light system. Perception in light and shadow is the key. I would rather set the lighting for painting than taking photograph. John Howard Sanden painting with light attached on the easel. Lets see what old masters did in the past with no light system. They created masterpieces with brilliant light and shadow, natural skin tone, dress etc. Have a looked at Caravaggio & Rembrandt as if they had the light system,indoor.

Lighting system is good but that does not mean one should acquire them in order to paint better. If you have the money feel free to buy it.

I apologize for my words, I am not a native English speaker.

Best Regards,
Abdi