What is good light for Painting? Explaining why proper Light will make your Art better

[@michaelstrange2285]

At this point, should we be surprised that Alex can produce such a thoughtful, informative and entertaining video? No, we cannot.

[@52Miniatures]

Thanks Michael 🙏

[@SpecialPaintingHelmet]

Highest production value of any hobbyist I have run across so far. Your photography background shows constantly. Nice work man.

[@52Miniatures]

Thanks 👍

[@VASM160689]

AAAAaaahhhh what an amazing sponsored video. :) I really hope they reward you properly because this is a masterclass in many ways! ;) Thank you master! I love the subtle color changes in the mini. I'm so impressed on how people can paint that way!

[@52Miniatures]

Thanks! We’ll see, a few more views would be a good reward :)

[@alexsims2376]

time to get a new lamp! I'm sick of taking my minis out into the daylight and being discouraged with the colours. I'll know what to look out for now! thanks

[@artofadamlumb952]

Loved this. I’ve worked professionally in national galleries, photography and reproduction for 25 years, and painted miniatures and 2D art for 40 years and this is one of the best explanations of colour and light I’ve seen. Bravo Alex and beautiful video. All your videos are like thoughtful short films. 👏 👏

[@52Miniatures]

Thank you humbly Art

[@MiniatureMentor]

Those shots are stunning! Will definitely be taking notes to help my hobby. Keep up the awesome work Alex!

[@52Miniatures]

Awesome, thank you!

[@zramirez5471]

I know technical vids aren't always top performers but MAN I eat these up!

[@sovietbear1917]

It's always a battle between Alex and Dave from MSPaints on who can make the most gorgeous, well-lit, cinematic shots in the hobby. This was a beautiful video.

It should come with a "pool noodle" to put the main lamp into, and a small bag to put it into. I hold a warhammer club, and bringing the R9 is a paint, but im also scared that this will break during transport over time. Hope Redgrass reads this and adds this!

[@christophrendeavor]

Great video that explained a very technical concept in a meaningful way with contextual examples. Well done Alex!

[@52Miniatures]

Much appreciated!

[@martynjones3978]

Having watched your original video on lighting quite a while back!! Taking the advice from it and putting it to good use the results were a huge difference and improvement!! So thank you Alex this new information will allow me to check a few more things on my light!! The red thing is a real concern for me as I’m partially colour blind to “Red and Browns” 🤦‍♂️ So i need all the help i can get on those colours 😂😂

[@52Miniatures]

Glad it was helpful!

[@abbazabba58]

That’s a lot of really helpful information from a person with a proper photography background. Thanks, Alex!

[@52Miniatures]

Glad it was helpful!

[@alvarodrum22]

Amazing video as always. You are the equivalent of light for my long hour working days 😂. Thanks a lot !!!!

[@52Miniatures]

I appreciate it Al

[@darbizzlebacon]

This is really cool, and helps me understand why I will take something I’m painting into different rooms to see how it looks under different light. It’s a bit like when I used to make music, I would listen to it through different speakers to see how things sound on different systems, then go back and adjust things accordingly.

[@OutworldAtelier]

Love this second video of yours on light. As someone who works in film, like you, I'm very sensitive to good lighting. It's why I don't even bother with hobby lights. Even though some are really really good, I just use some my film lights to light my hobby mat. It's a win-win for me because I can use the same lights for everything. (But I did have to rig some things up to make it easy to set up / work with.)

[@agosto310]

Hearing you explain things is a blessing for the ears. And seeing you paint is a blessing for the eyes. Are we genetically evolved to just enjoy seeing your content about painting? I'd say: yes

[@52Miniatures]

I appreciat it A!

[@sum0san]

One of your best videos to date. Particularly like how beautifully everything is shot, love it 🔆

[@zhdirjfnfb]

This kind of content is such a breath of fresh air in the whirl of generic click bait content out there. Thank you and keep it up 🤟

[@52Miniatures]

Thank you!

[@Danger1972]

This was so informative and you always make everything easy to comprehend. The huge plus is that I could listen to your voice all day long. Thank you ❤

[@52Miniatures]

Glad it was helpful!

[@FelixZwirn]

Thank you very much. This video spoke to me. I never looked for good light. Playing PC games in dim background light was enough. But when I started painting, I soon realized, that my light might be too dim. So now I paint with the desk lamp and the room lamp.

[@visuellegedanken]

What a fantastic video. I'll give this to everyone I can when it comes to talking about light. Thank you!

[@visuellegedanken]

Wonderful paint job as well, by the way!

[@52Miniatures]

Thank you! I would appreciate that

[@victorrivera022]

Very informative video with gorgeous shots and production value. Alex, you keep increasing your quality with every video. Awesome job, Its spectacular!

[@MonkeyNinja99]

Super cool to see some of the science behind painting light setup!

[@Grabacr]

Love the video! Informative and beautiful. Also a great mini!

[@gnuzob]

Excellent video! Loved the more technical information

[@batjutsu]

Thanks for another great overview video, bonus with the beauty of it. A new light was on my list for next purchase, so this was wonderfully helpful. Squeak-squeak! 🤩🐀🌠

[@lucxlucky3598]

Thanks for that beautiful video of yours. I really enjoyed the efford put into it.

[@52Miniatures]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@davidwest1989]

A very informative and interesting video...again. Thanks Alex.

[@52Miniatures]

Thanks David!

[@mikebalis9963]

Excellent video with a lot of useful information on light. Btw, you are a talented miniature painter.

[@52Miniatures]

Thank you very much!

[@mikebalis9963]

@52Miniatures I found out the hard way when painting a face in poor light. Looked more like something from the walking dead than a typical human.

[@RealKilli]

Love this video! You are one of the creators that takes time and speak calm. I really like that, thank you! By the way: Die Fledermaus means The Bat 🦇

[@wurgat]

I have watched other videos trying to teach me how this work. And this is the fort time I think I understand it good enough to make a informed desertion when I'm going ti buy a better lamp setup. Thank a lot Alex! Keep up the great work.

[@52Miniatures]

Great to hear. Thank you!

[@redrooster7371]

Many thanks for all the good explanations! I have a really good light setup at my hobby desk. But I still need a good lamp for traveling and I can't wait for the kickstarter to go live.

[@redgrass]

Thank you for this video, packed with valuable information about lighting and its importance for painting. As always, excellent work with precision and quality! 👍

[@52Miniatures]

Thank you humbly guys.

[@JimCrimmins]

What a wonderful piece. Thank you. Thoroughly enjoyed this.. Quite informative

[@52Miniatures]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@Ainar86]

I got myself an R9 after watching your previous video on the topic and even my wife, who normally scoffs at my hobby purchases, has been quietly taking over more and more of the lamp's "schedule". :D Needless to say I immediately bought into the latest campaign. Comparing the readings from both videos it's clear the smaller version is less powerful and has a more noticeable spike in blues but for the purpose of being a "regular" high quality desk light (and occasional hobby time on the go) it seems perfect.

[@52Miniatures]

It’s a great combo. The Solo travels well, if so just around the house for any crafting or whatever

[@robertoumpierrez1565]

This was reeeeeally beautiful to watch. I'm usually stuck in the literature part of things so I don't get to see these kinds of explanations, I appreciate it a lot. Btw those shots of you painting at the beach are gold

[@garyjenson1326]

Another banger Alex: both entertaining and informative. The focus on eye strain was quite smart.

[@TheAkeris]

Such a great video, thank you very much for this.

[@52Miniatures]

You're very welcome!

[@robyounce644]

Really great info in this one, thanks much!!!!

[@52Miniatures]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@davidnandrin8825]

What a gorgeous paint job ! And a very educational video ! I feel quite en-light-ened if I may say so... Thanks !

[@JakobEkman-bf6ez]

This was great! Thank you!

[@52Miniatures]

Thanks Jacob!

[@dukecoull9016]

This will be featured in my presentation for why I need a new lamp 😂

[@diyfireking]

Outstanding work 👍👍

[@52Miniatures]

Thank you 👍

[@SgtMaj22]

Fantastic video, very useful and entertaining as always.

[@MrFl0bo]

Great video! ❤

[@52Miniatures]

Thank you

[@gryphon3241]

As a photographer's son (just his son, not a photographer myself) who was used as the guinea pig for manymanymanymany light setups for events, and a naturally fairly curious person i Deeply appreciate these slightly more technical videos on the subject of lighting. I may be in the minority, but you'll always have at least the one view on these vids 😅

[@E1drad_]

Great video as always! You've convinced me I need to do something about my lighting situation. I just have a bunch of cheap LED desk lamps and have never been happy with them. They've always just felt wrong and I haven't been able to explain it. Like things just don't look or feel right under them. And I think I now know why.

[@GiverThought]

Thanks Alex! I need to upgrade my light situation and this will definitely help me know what to look for. The overhead lighting I paint under is not bright enough and casts shadows on my workpiece. And I take photos of my minis just by the window/daylight - but I think the window might even be designed to filter out some of that spectrum, to prevent sun-bleaching of the floors/furniture/etc. I have no proper light setup. But I will! I'm adding this to my 2025 resolutions.

[@MrMagicchrisi]

Thank you for this informative video - I learned a lot!

[@domjack8545]

I took a look at the new lamp from rgg for a while now as I really need a good solution for hobbying on vaccation or workshops. The video was nice and very informative and confirms my decision. 😁

[@D13Hobbies]

I'll definitely be checking out the new light.

[@chadhowland2734]

Outstanding video. Thank you

[@52Miniatures]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@Starstrykerx]

Somehow I have fallen behind on your videos....this was a great one. Very informative and helpful Good stuff!

[@52Miniatures]

Welcome back!

[@TheEnd]

This video was lit.. I’ll see myself out

[@leesweeney8879]

I have their dual light, it has been amazing.

[@JohnCharlesBetts]

A splendid, beautifully shot video, this - looks like you enjoyed Crete, I've only been there for work, but the little I saw was grand.

[@markfrommontana]

I'd probably be exaggerating to claim that I understood a quarter (a tenth?) of the technical side of this video.. something to do with CRI, Kelvin, etc. But that's okay because I loved the the stunning videography, beautiful scenery, watching Alex play in the sea, and an amazing painting of Kati von Oterdorf... I'd have already purchased one of those figures if only it came in 55mm. Ah well. Alex, thanks as always for your superb content--most appreciated.

[@52Miniatures]

Thanks as always Mark!

[@Geistermoor]

I really enjoyed this video. Aside from the gorgeous mini - I envy your capability to paint in such an artistic way - the leather looks awesome, really organic and believable... and the powerful, sometimes jawdropping visuals from crete (and a quite handsome guy), I also liked the more technical part. A lot of it is not new to me, since I learned about it in school when I trained to become a media designer. But you presented the topic really accessable. Thank you!

[@52Miniatures]

Thanks Bea!

[@jamienm42]

Gorgeous - both the video and the mini paintjob itself. I'd try and use such interesting atmospheric lights on a paint job myself but only get into a horrible mess - though the painting looks sometimes informal as a process there's years of experience using and observing light and colour behind your paint choices which shows in the final object

[@karimwitte]

Really informative! thank you

[@christophergibson110]

I'd like to see you paint underneath the glittering C-beams near the Tannhäuser Gate

[@fuyuelultimodragon268]

Hi from Spain! I love your job

[@Cody_the_Photon]

Thank you so much for the education on lights. I learned so much information! Also, now I want to check out the company that makes that model.

[@52Miniatures]

Glad it was helpful!

[@sisucoro8271]

learned a lot with it and even more now watching your older ones about light, one question, do you have any video about mini photograpy? if not, at this level of light control and viewing the quality of your videos it will be a great one. thanks for the top notch content, as always.

[@52Miniatures]

I have not done a vid on mini photography. I fear I might make things to daunting as I realise how much I automatically adjust and take into account when taking pictures. Its difficult to condense it all and so I've put it off.

[@kerel995]

Asom new video from 52 guy!

[@TheKesslerFoundation]

I feel that painting your figures in the same type of light where you will be playing with them is a good idea. That said, generally more light is better.

[@TheRonHockman]

I did buy the R9 based on your previous video on it. Should I find myself needing a portable lamp I'll pick up a Solo.

[@RyMar87]

I really need to upgrade my light

[@WasiKaBooM]

Greetings from germany, cheers Alex

[@52Miniatures]

Hello there!

[@Carbide-1]

Very informative indeed Alex, I'll definitely be keeping an eye on the Kickstarter! Thanks for taking the time to make this excellent content for us too! Great fun mate! I'm now wondering if using a few different types of lamps will have the net effect of providing a broader spectrum for us, whilst we wait for the KS? Maybe a short video sometime on how to create a broader spectrum with lamps that are currently available would be super useful too, especially as the handheld spectrometers are several hundred buckeroos, but appreciate that might need to wait until after the KS is completed 😉

[@52Miniatures]

Good thought C but by the look of things not many are interested in lights. The video is one of the worst performing to date… so I don’t feel mighty inspired to do many videos on the subject

[@Carbide-1]

@52Miniatures Really! Wow! Maybe it's a slow burner, mate!?

[@52Miniatures]

@@Carbide-1 No. That does not exist anymore I'm afraid. Not unless it takes off more that this to start with. This is labelled dead I believe.

[@Carbide-1]

@52Miniatures The algorithm is super harsh, I thought 'Evergreen' was a still thing, but I think you're suggesting it was "Nevergreen" from the start! P.S. I wonder if we've just coined a new YT term there?

[@simonm8221]

Wow Alex, maybe you should rename the video to a light tutorial to purchase a desk lamp. It was greatly informative and refreshing even after having watched your previous video about light.. he should also help you reach out to more viewers

[@52Miniatures]

Thanks! Titles are difficult. As I also explain light to those who are not buying lamps.... it's limiting to say that the video is only for those looking to purchase a lamp.

[@simonm8221]

@ I agree with you. I should have been more precise. My Point was that you gave such an engaging narration on our relationship with light and managed to express so much technical content without it being too heavy to follow.. that it helps even though I am not into painting! I will save this to my favs as a go-to refresher !on how to think about light! You put so much effort in this video I wish it would gain a good reach, it can be so helpful to the general audience! :-) a very good way to help us appreciate a product such as the sponsoring lamp. 🪔

[@micklangan7544]

Thank you Alex, great video as always. I am very luck that my paint set up is in front of my big window looking out into the garden, I also use 2 smaller painting lamps to offer focused desk light. However I am interested to know your thoughts on 'Daylight Bulbs' (little extra Vit D) as the room light in a painting area?

[@52Miniatures]

No idea Mick. There's so many different producers of lamps and light. Are the ones you talk about actually emitting UV rays and such? Like actually being out in the sun? I don't know anything about that kind of lamps really.

[@saltfreegamer]

Great video, thanks for sharing your lighting knowledge. Have you noticed if the colour has shifted over time with your other RG lamp? If it wears out, is the light element replaceable? Definitely interested in getting one of these when the hobby budget allows.

[@52Miniatures]

I've not noticed any change with the R9

[@primarchprojects]

Superbra video, tack!

[@wickbom86]

Årsta represents!

[@JC02102]

Your other lighting video was honestly one of the best videos in the hobby, glad it's getting a bit of a revisit. I've been pretty sold on the R9 for a while but the price it shows me, based on where I live I'm guessing, is a lot more expensive. It seems to be available at a discount as part of the Solo campaign. How compelling really is the "Duo" over the Solo, especially for someone who just sticks to minis?

[@52Miniatures]

The R9 gives more light over a larger area. The solo is easier to transport. 👍

[@BadgerLovingFluffster]

Wise words. I know it is a sponsored video (and other brands are available...) but getting decent lighting is a game changer. So, where is the next paintcation going to be shot? :D

[@TheEase1]

alex please do movie! i would watch. show hollywood how its done!

[@NarcolepticLTD]

@4:20 BUNNY RABBIT!

[@piercecosmo]

Does anyone have a good recommendation for a high CRI lamp with a magnifying glass for miniature painting?

[@52Miniatures]

I have no tips sorry

[@piercecosmo]

@ thanks for your reply. Maybe I should pursue lighting and magnification separately. Do you use any magnification when painting miniatures?

[@52Miniatures]

@@piercecosmo Not yet at least. I think I would get to stuck in detail and never get finished.

[@rexfranciswords]

Without being too critical... LED is an initialism. It stands for Light Emiting Diode. So it's meant to be pronounced as three letters, like FBI or CIA.

[@52Miniatures]

Not in Swedish and that is my native tongue.

[@52Miniatures]

No that’s not true, same in Swedish. It’s just sounds like led and not LED

[@andycowell608]

@@52Miniatures The original commenter is correct, though. In English, you say the letters.

[@LostaraYil666]

That might be why my brain feels like mush after a few hours of painting

[@Not-a-fancy-name]

Lead/led lights? Oh L.E.D. lights. No judgement here, but a genuine question, is pronouncing L.E.D. as "Lead/Led" a Swedish/Scandi/European thing, in the Anglo-sphere its straight up "L" "E" "D". Great work on the video, thanks for educating and entertaining us!

[@52Miniatures]

Yes. L.E.D is Swedish is pronounced "lead". These things happen. Everyone knows what I mean anyway.

[@Not-a-fancy-name]

@@52Miniatures Many thanks for the knowledge!

[@isisnmagic1812]

Great video, i hope one day you and Brent firm goobertown get to do a collaboration video.

[@52Miniatures]

Maybe one day!

[@GirlPainting]

KZbin, where you watch a 20 min commertial and evan click like

[@derricksroom]

Well... colour me informed.

[@highlordalcadizakyr1479]

why do we assume that natural/unnatural things are good or bad for us? venoms and poisons are natural and they are mostly not good for us. on the other hand vitamins are mostly synthesized and they are. just have caution and dont automaticly assume, thats all i want to say 😄

[@52Miniatures]

A weird comment after a video where I present quite the big difference between natural light and led light? And where using a pretty decent measuring tool show the vast “better” in natural light.

[@Notfritenite]

Nice. I have Natalie luft3207 to paint. This gave me some ideas.