Using a Mirror in Your Studio

This is an interesting topic I talk about with my students in the workshops. The easy answer is: Yes! Mirrors are one of my favorite tools to be used, generally in the studio. I sometimes have had a mirror near my hand for easy access, if the studio wall is too far back. In the past, I have used mirrors outside, but you need to secure them or they will break. I highly advise you to have a mirror in your studio maybe on a wall behind you, behind your easel, or have one accessible to hold up. It is good to put it on a steady surface, like the wall, to look at your painting.

The reason the mirror can be so important is that it reverses everything, so our minds and eyes see our painting in reverse. Anything that might be off will show itself instantly. It is the easiest tool to use to get a different perspective. The larger the mirror, the better, because it can stand aside as you are painting and you are able to peek at it as your painting progresses. It is especially helpful in the beginning stages of a painting, the first 20-30%. It is highly advisable to look in the mirror a lot and step back as you are advancing. If you are drawing a figure or animal, you will see if the proportions are off. If you are painting a landscape, a mirror will show you if the values, color, and/or design just aren’t working. Give it a try!

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