The challenge of this project is to paint a still life lit only by candlelight. Lighting a subject by candle lends itself to a painting with strong darks and warm highlights. Don't try to light the subject completely as would happen with electric light; rather think about where the cadlelight falls and use it to focus the viewer's attention on a particular aspect of the painting's subject. This kind of painting is typified by the chiaroscuro of Rembrandt and Caravaggio.
If you want a particularly difficult challenge, try painting the candle as see through a glass or a glass vase!
Things to consider:
- The yellow/orange candle light will tend to warm the colors of the subject.
- The candle light will create very specific, directional shadows.
- If you use more than one candle, each will create its own shadows.
- As the candle burns down, the shadows will move -- watch out for this!
- You want enough light to be able to see your paints and canvas, but this light mustn't be so strong it 'contaminates' the subject.
Note: Submissions for this project will open in early August 2010. Until then, check the list of painting projects to see what the current project is.
