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Marvin,
When I was setting up my new studio I researched lighting extensively. Hopefully the following will help. Color Rendering Index is very important as is the Kelvin temperature. Both must be considered together to get the best light compromise...and it is a compromise. North light is about 7500 Kelvin according to some sources and tends to be more blue and balanced in spectrum than south daylight. However, the reflected color from your studio walls and ceiling will influence the color you see. Hence my statement about chosing the best compromise.
Lumichrome flourescent bulbs at 6500 kevin and 98 CRI seem to be the best compromise of both criteria for bulbs on the market for the studio artist. Going with lights that are between 5000 and 7500 kevin and with a CRI greater than 92 should work well in any case.
If you want to get very technical you can do prismatic spectral analysis to verify that your new lighting reasonably matches your north light. In the end though it will come down to what pleases you as your art will ultimately be displayed in lighting that will be anything but north light.
Wish you success.
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