How To Make A Light Box For Still Life Painting

A shadow box was needed a place where i could light the subject independently of the light source of the room.

How to make a light box for still life painting.

You can also. A strong light source from the side and somewhat higher than the still life often gives the most pleasing results. I realized that my hour a day still life studies for the 30 in 30 painting challenge need a better set up than a south facing window although the window set up does give me some terrific back lighting. The shadows created by your still life objects are important shapes within the composition and a strong light source will create more definitive and deeper shadows as well as creating greater contrast in the form values of.

The shadow box or light box always the artist to control the background behind the still life as well as light coming in from above and or from the side. Some designs allow one to adjust one or two sidewalls to control light. Often the light source from the top is adjusted by moving a slit of light to achieve the lighting desired. This is how i set up my still lifes and what i use to get the most out of painting from life in my own little studio.

The controlled environment means you do not need to worry about the changing environment the wind blowing your canvas or your subject moving. Start with my free beginner s guide to painting. You can have as much control as you need with a still life scene.