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Magnifier Lamps Essential
For Crystal Clear Details
Two magnifier lamps are in my studio. One magnifying lamp is clamped securely to my drawing table. This piece of artist material or artist equipment is a basic essential I use everyday in my work as a professional artist. You may have artwork ready to
get discovered here.
From a practical standpoint it helps the artist - me, you - see the tiniest details with crystal clarity because of its magnification and illumination.
If you are illustrating, painting or color matching, the sharpness of the detail is critical.
I've owned one illuminated magnifying lamp for at least ten years. And it takes quite some time for bulbs to burn out.
But in all that time the only piece of the lamp I've had to replace occasionally has been the bulb.
A good choice for any of the magnifier lamps is one you feel is comfortable for you to use.
If you plan to use it consistently, get a heavy duty magnifying lamp one with a secure clamp that can hold up to the constant use like in my studio.
A swing-arm with flexible joints on the lamp with a reach or span of about 45 inches allows you to work on different areas of the artwork without worrying about shifting, smudging or disturbing the piece. This hands-free illumination is just what the artist needs.
It's also a good idea for the lamp to have a glass lens about 5 to 6 inches across. This makes for a work area that's not too big or too small. An extra safety feature on some magnifying lamps is a removable lens protector.
And because you'll be working with the lamp lit for hours at a time, make sure that it throws off low heat.
As different art techniques require seeing different details I also like to suggest a lamp the offers a range of magnification powers. But if you can't find one, always go with the highest magnification power you can find and afford.
As far as the lightbulb is concerned, go for the daylight color match bulb. This gives you much better definition for detail work, makes you more efficient, cuts down on glare, and greatly reduces eyestrain. And you can find long-life daylight color match bulbs, too.
Last point about lightbulbs: Buy a spare replacement bulb with the magnifying lamp. There is nothing worse than being under deadline on an art project, having the bulb blow, and try to finish in the wrong light. The stress easily could be avoided with a back-up lightbulb.
Magnifying lamps and spare lightbulbs make great gifts for artists. They also are a terrific aid for anyone who is visually impaired and wants to draw, paint or illustrate.
Dick Blick Art Materials offers several magnifier lamps. I purchase from this art superstore and have found the company to be reliable. It runs sales on name brands, carries every imaginable kind of art equipment and supplies, and offers specials throughout the year.
Go to Opaque Projector
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