Painting From a Monitor (and Alternatives!)
As we all know - technology has entered our studios. Computer monitors, or something you project your image onto, have always been a topic in my classes. I generally encourage people to paint from life first to fill up their well of knowledge before painting from a monitor. If I am in a smaller area where a monitor is not available, I use an iPad or laptop to view the image. I always prefer Apple devices as it gives nice color and color value to the image. I have also used a TV set in the past. These days, you can use an HDMI cord to plug into the monitor and project the image. I am right-handed, so I usually has the monitor on my left-hand side. It is important to be conscious of your studio setup so you are comfortable and not switching your position too often.
Monitors used to only work with physical slides, but now Apple has a small device that you can hook up to other devices (like a projector) called a Mac Mini (shown above). If this is not an option, just put your laptop next to your monitor and hook it up to the monitor. The most important part is to get a larger picture so you can see the image a little better. The idea, in the studio, is to have a large enough monitor where you do not need to squint at it to see it. If you do have to squint, you need a smaller monitor closer to you (or a larger monitor further from you). An iPad of substantial size by itself is good enough if you are able to have it close enough to you. I have worked on various devices and my main goal has always been to not squint. There are many different brands of monitors, but for the most part, they have become much more advanced and you do not need to be too picky!
“The big thing is always fill up that well - knowledge- from life. You have to paint from life as much as you can. It is very important to have that well filled up”
A plus side to using an iPad or Laptop is that can zoom in on various parts of your image. I do this often if I have a particular painting where I am looking at a certain area that I need more information on. It always varies from person to person, but I personally like to project my image up on about a 27 -30 inch monitor, about 4-6 feet away from me. The larger the monitor, the further back you will have to move it from you. Do what makes you most comfortable and what is most effective for you.
If you would like to see how I use my iPad as a monitor, click below!
Again, before you get to the monitor phase of painting, please paint from life first! The well needs to be filled up before you can use the monitor to its best ability.
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Listen more on Painting from a Monitor on the Concept to Canvas podcast.