[TerryCurley]

I've heard Bob Ross say that it's easier for a right handed person to have the light direction going from right to left.

BUT, I've heard Stephan Bauman say that in western culture it is best to have light source in paintings going left to right because that is how we are use to reading.

So what is your opinion.....assuming you are not trying to match a photo or something.

 

[dickhutchings]

I've got my light pointing straight at me:biggrin: Sorry, now can we please have a serious response?

 

[Tunger93]

I believe the light direction should complement the overall theme of the painting. It should not depend on which side is easier to paint. I don't think the way we read is related to how we look or perceive a painting but I could be wrong. It just doesn't make sense to me. What ever direction makes the piece look the best is what should be used.

 

[Liz]

I didn't know there was even a debate on what side the light should be coming from in a painting. I totally agree with Tunger, whatever works best in the artwork

 

[just]

Sometimes background, forground, underneath, overhead and multiple lighting sorces are best used. Thinking in terms of left and right only is limiting.