Painting outdoors in the dark (?)

[Laurel Alanna McBrine]

Hi Mara,

This sounds like fun - quite a change from the usual solitary existence most of us lead.

Try a book light. I used one (battery operated) for an outdoor painting session that began at dusk.

You could also try one of those flashlights that mount on your forehead. I think you can find them at stores that sell camping equipment. Another participant in the painting group used one. It seemed to work even better than the book light, since wherever you are looking you have illumination, whether it is your painting or your palette.

A practice run ahead of time to see if either of these suggestions will meet your needs would probably be wise.

I agree with the idea of preparing your palette ahead of time, since even with the book light, you will have a hard time discerning subtleties in the color and value in dim light and having your "notes" already lined up will be extremely valuable when you have time constraints.

All the best - post some pictures after the event so we can see how it all went down!

[Debra Rexroat]

I recommend against the head lamp. I used them in mountaineering, and they shine light at whatever you are looking at -- imagine looking up at your subject and blinding her during her number! The book light is a better solution.

In the October issue of Artist's Magazine on page 34, in an article about Robert Armetta, is pictured his premixed palette recipes. I know for the life of me I have also seen, within the last day or so, an image of a palette with several skin tones premixed, but I can not locate it. But I found this online: http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Eiwce13X73...0/PALETTE+.JPG It shows the artist's palette with anticipated colors and values all premixed. I could see something like this being of great value in your situation!

Addendum:
This is what I was looking for to show premixed colors:
http://www.rexart.com/art-supplies-b...matters_lg.gif

[Allan Rahbek]

Mara,
you should try a camping style gas lamp. Easy to carry with you and they give a nice white light.

[Claudemir Bonfim]

I've already done something like that before. I recommend you to take a look at Daniel Greene's pre-mixtured palette. You can mix it all in about 20 minutes and you won't regret taking the time to do so.
Do two fast sketches before the event, this is a great warm-up.
Vignettes are fast and charming.
Well, I'm against the photographs, specially if they are taken by another person, but that's my opinion only. I think that most professional photographers don't know anything about portraits and amateurs are a total disaster.
I wish you the best of luck.

[Mara Schasteen]

Thank you all for your suggestions, and for taking the time out to entertain my question! The event is over, and I hate my painting. Ha! The good news is, this very amazing and beautiful musician has agreed to sit for me for a REAL portrait soon.

Well, I brought several lights with me, but ended up relying on the street light nearby for illumination. I had every single thing against me: crowds standing between me and the stage, people tripping over my easel, everyone talking to me, no lighting whatsoever on the band ... even with all those obstacles, the painting was a hit for the people watching and I sold two other plein air paintings as a result.

If I get the guts to expose myself in such an unflattering manner, perhaps I will post a picture of this disasterous one hour portrait.

Now it's time to get back to business ...

PS: Claudemir, I absolutely loved your honest statement about photos! I agree!

[Vianna Szabo]

Hi Mara,

I agree that you were asked to paint what is nearly impossible. While I have never painted moving rock stars I do go plein air painting at night. Some of my favorite places to paint are carnivals. The lighting is so odd and there is so much color it is a real feast for the eyes.

Here are some tips for any one who wants to attempt nightime painting.

Use a limited palette. I use three primaries plus white and lay them out the same way every time. Doing this makes it easy to know the value limits of the palette. With only the three colors available I know exactly what each color will do even if I can't see that well. Night time painting really comes down to trusting your palette.

Use a clip on light on your palette and your canvas. I use a full spectrum "Mighty Bright". I have a pochade box so I can place the lights on the edge of the box.

Bring bug spray. Of course when you paint at night with a light in a secluded area every bug around comes to visit. Usually they bite me before they throw themselves into the paint.

Good luck with your commission.

[Mara Schasteen]

Vianna, such great tips! This makes me want to go out and try painting in the dark again just for the challenge!