Benefits of a Studio With North Light
For years, my studio was in the basement, and I relied on artificial lighting to bring out colors as naturally as possible. Thirty years ago, Dr. John Ott researched the wavelengths of light to create his small lamps, which help with vision and well-being, similar to the sun’s effect on us. Maybe you have used one for reading, sewing, artwork, etc. OttLites also help reveal true colors in artwork. If artists work before the sun comes up, after it sets, work in the basement, or another darkened space, OttLites are beneficial in our studios.
Before electricity, artist had to take advantage of natural light from north-facing windows in their studios. Their beautiful masterpieces, which we enjoy seeing in art museums, are a result of the benefits of natural light. They learned that north-light exposure, a natural reflection of daylight, does not change the direction as the sun rises, passes over us at midday, or sets. North-light is the illumination of daily sunrise to sunset; it is constant without variation. They relied on this indirect light to help them paint pure colors.
In other words, the color on their canvas remained true. The science behind color theory, expressing mood and emotions, depends on the temperature of colors, ranging from cool to warm. Creating artwork with a consistent, reliable light source helped make that happen.
Historically, artists sought out the advantage of working in studios with north-facing windows. They relied on the natural light provided by nature. I find it fascinating to think about this free light that remains unchanged. The next time you visit a museum, think about when the artist painted his/her canvas. You may notice a cooler palette influenced by the blue hues of a north-lit sky. You may also be aware that strong shadows created by direct sunlight will not show contrasting lights and darks.
Have you noticed how sunlight shining through your windows may feel warm in winter but too hot in summer? Either way, the intensity of direct sunlight can produce damaging light to furniture, photographs, and artwork. So, imagine trying to create artwork while worrying about the intensity of changing light on your work.
Boston artist, Paul Ingbretson, also suggests that artwork in a gallery or museum setting should be viewed with north light to show the work to its best advantage. That would be difficult to do, but there is no doubt in his opinion that north light allows artists to create a chromatic spectrum enhanced by indirect or natural light.
In our new place, I turned a small 9 x 7 room into my studio, which has the benefit of a north-facing window. This year, I have learned to appreciate how this reflective light illuminates my workspace. I do not have to worry about shadows cast across my work, as the window to the west in the late afternoon casts across my writing desk.
Whether you are an artist or not, how does natural light affect you? How do you use a north-facing window? Please feel free to leave your comments below.
