How do you light your workspace?

[Skallagrim]

I use two desk lights when I write, but I don't seem able to set them up to avoid the light glinting off the wet ink on the page. Did a search on the forum but couldn't find anything on it.

 

This is probably a really stupid question, but is there a trick to fixing this problem? Thanks.

[ANM]

 

 

Two kinds of light, adjustable height and angle. Too much glare, too much shadow? Move it.

[someonesdad]

A wet surface is a good convex-shaped reflector. The only way to avoid the reflections is probably to have them such that the incidence angle of the light is small. However, this can lead to poor illumination of the surface. I assume you're using lights that are e.g. bulbs or similar -- meaning they are like point sources.

 

If you can arrange for more diffused light sources, this can cut down on the reflections. Fluorescent lights behind plastic diffusers is the typical solution. Another effective way when you have a light-colored ceiling is to use indirect lighting by beaming your lights at the ceiling and using the reflected light for illumination. If you don't get enough light this way, you could try positioning a white reflector closer to the lights. I've used a piece of construction foam from some leftover project of my wife's for this purpose in photography and it works quite well. In a pinch, a white bedsheet can work.

 

Basically, the principle you want to use is to spread the light source out over a large area so that you still get plenty of illumination, but there are no point-like sources of light that get reflected strongly.

 

The "end game" of this would be to conceptually construct something similar to a "light tent" used by photographers for even lighting.

 

Other than those ideas, you're stuck with the laws of physics...

[stevlight]

I have the same lamp as ANM above and it is great--You can always turn it to shine on the ceiling and get bounced light. The two kinds of light--cool and hot are good for artists for getting true colors.

[PigRatAndGoat]

Thats odd, I love that glimmer that you get when the ink is still wet, and then watch it slowly fade away. I don't really see a way around this problem. Faster drying inks maybe?

[RayMan]

I use two desk lights when I write, but I don't seem able to set them up to avoid the light glinting off the wet ink on the page. Did a search on the forum but couldn't find anything on it.

 

This is probably a really stupid question, but is there a trick to fixing this problem? Thanks.

 

I prefer dry writing pens, so light reflecting off the ink is usually not a problem for me. In any case, at home I use the general type of light shown in ANM's post. I'm left-handed, and I've found that I get the best illumination and the least visual distraction when the light is positioned over my right shoulder.

 

[Paddler]

Problem? Whazzat "problem"? A few months ago there was a thread here where people were going absolutely rhapsodic about watching the silvery shimmer of wet ink as it flowed across the page from the nib. They wanted to know how to maximize the effect; wanted to know which ink was slowest to dry and which paper was the least porous. Now you come along and think this lustrous phenomenon - this nacreous wonder - is a problem and want to make it go away! If that ain't an entry for the chrome-plated logbook, then I'm a Democrat!

 

Paddler

 

[BearsPaw]

If you are interested in the "robot arm" lights mentioned in this thread, IKEA has some nice ones for $10. I have two.

 

EDIT: Just realized you are in London. No idea if IKEA sells them there, nor the price.

Edited November 21, 2008 by BearsPaw

[wednesday_mac]

Ugh! NO fluorescent lights! When you work with color inks, fluorescent lights don't tell the color true. It's sort of like your mom warning you to take the carpet samples outdoors to look at them, and don't buy a car at night.

 

Full spectrum light, yeah! The lamps and bulbs are expensive, but worth it.

 

As for the wet, you'll get use to it.

 

[blak000]

Thats odd, I love that glimmer that you get when the ink is still wet, and then watch it slowly fade away. I don't really see a way around this problem. Faster drying inks maybe?

 

I enjoy watching the ink dry, too.

[PigRatAndGoat]

Problem? Whazzat "problem"? A few months ago there was a thread here where people were going absolutely rhapsodic about watching the silvery shimmer of wet ink as it flowed across the page from the nib. They wanted to know how to maximize the effect; wanted to know which ink was slowest to dry and which paper was the least porous. Now you come along and think this lustrous phenomenon - this nacreous wonder - is a problem and want to make it go away! If that ain't an entry for the chrome-plated logbook, then I'm a Democrat!

 

Paddler

 

Where can I find this thread?

[Skallagrim]

Thanks for the replies.

 

I'm surprised to hear that some like watching ink dry, as I find glinting ink quite distracting while I'm writing. I think I'll see if I can find another type of lamp. The two I currently have use bulbs.

[biffybeans]

Perhaps it is not the light, or the pen, or the ink, but maybe you need a more absorbent paper. Shiny smooth paper (Like Clairefontaine or Rhodia) takes much longer to dry...

[Bismuth]

Personally I love the look of wet ink on a page, it's the biggest thing i miss changing from noodler's black to lex gray

[jmkeuning]

I am a baker and I work in an oven. My ink dries pretty much instantly, so I do not need to worry about glare.

 

However, when I am on vacation, I wear polarized glasses, and I suppose they serve a multitude of purposes, one of which is - no reflection/refraction on the wet ink.

[Paddler]

Where can I find this thread?

 

I think it was in the Inky Thoughts forum. If I can think of a successful search criterion, I will give it a bump.

 

Paddler

 

[PigRatAndGoat]

Where can I find this thread?

 

I think it was in the Inky Thoughts forum. If I can think of a successful search criterion, I will give it a bump.

 

Paddler

 

Sounds good! Thanks!

[Skallagrim]

I am a baker and I work in an oven. My ink dries pretty much instantly, so I do not need to worry about glare.

I'm not sure how my wife would respond if she came home to find me with my head in the oven, but there is a nice light in there.

 

[Ink Stained Wretch]

I use two desk lights when I write, but I don't seem able to set them up to avoid the light glinting off the wet ink on the page. Did a search on the forum but couldn't find anything on it.

I like to see the light glinting off the wet ink! But to each his/her own blasphemy.

 

Try lighting your work from the side. The angle of reflection is equal to the angle of incidence and since we're dealing with solid geometry here side lighting will largely relieve you of the pleasure of seeing the lovely sight of wet ink glistening in the light.

[Clydesdave]

Ohio Blue Tip.