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Ron Goodwin

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With the onset of autumn, there isn't as much natural light around for painting. I normally paint in my garden studio on a french easel but find that it starts to get very dim and I'm painting in shadow. Ideally I would like a light that I can attach to the easel. I was quite surprised by the cost of some solutions advertised by online art suppliers. I'm sure many people have been here before and come up with some novel (or cheaper) solutions. Does anyone have experience or tips regarding light fittings on easels (especially french easel)?
With Sarah, Phil, Ellen, Rose the dentist, and the granddaughter whose name I forget.

Robert Jones, Napa

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I think go to the Great Art, or Jackson's catalogue - there are several devices available, but I prefer to paint in natural light, even if it is a bit dim (and I'm as mean as tongs, so recoil from the prices of these things...). But make no decisions in a hurry - shop around; have a wander around art shops if there are any near you: you might even find a device that's been hanging around for years that the shop would be happy to be rid of (always ensure they still make the bulbs, though).  

Sylvia Evans

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Hi Ron no I don’t have any experience with clip on lights I have looked and they are pricey...but I bought one of these last year on Amazon sorry it wouldn’t let me copy the link. It’s ten quid cheaper this year so about £32 .00 . A builder was using one here I’m sure  builders merchants would have them.  Good strong white light if you position it correctly it’s great.  I have the same problem as you with Sylvs shed in the garden .  Might be worth a look...plus clip ons would fall off knowing me . Sorry if this isn’t uploading ☹️ Faithful power plus[img=144x144]https://encrypted-tbn0.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcS9vMz9u0wJ-ha79r78QLxMccf8l0JjPYIvm4EfMwgAmo6Z_MAzexFIAbx8bw[/img]

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by Sylvia Evans

Dylan F Jeskye

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Googling for simple daylight clip on light, lots come up that I think would be suitable from very low prices. Do they need to be special easle lamps, if so, what's different about them compared to normal clip on lamps with daylight bulbs? 
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Ron Goodwin

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Thanks for all the advice. I’m specifically looking for something that I can attach to my easel mainly because of the limitation of space. It doesn’t have to be specially made for easels as long as it provides the flexibility and sufficient light of the right temperature. 

Tessa Gwynne

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I’ve just had an email from Ken Bromley Art supplies saying that they are offering 15% off daylight lamps at present, including clip ons. I use a desktop lamp called Daylight UNO which is about £30, but the clip ons seem rather more expensive! Worth a look if you’re still interested. Their prices are very good generally, and they’re helpful with any queries.
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Ron Goodwin

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Thanks, Tessa. Yes, I just got the email too - deja vu. There is a Daylight Duo that I have been looking at, which is clip on and has a dual light that would illuminate my glass palette too. Currently I’ve been using a small anglepoise that I have ‘rigged up’ to my easel but it’s the kind of thing that I expect to come adrift when least want it to 😄

stephen weight

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In the past I have used a " lead-light" like the ones motor mechanics use to inspect your chassis , with a daylight bulb . They have a large "crocodile-type " clip big enough to fit over an easle frame . Halfords would have these .
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Ron Goodwin

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Thanks Stephen. Another good source to look at. I have so many things attached to the easel that I have visions of it becoming like a Christmas tree 😉