Phantom Lighting System

What makes art lighting fixtures different from other types of lighting?
Art lighting fixtures come in a variety of design types, each of which offers scores of individual models and lighting controls from which you can choose. Art lighting fixtures have to matched to both the type and genre of artwork they illuminate, and they have to aesthetically compliment the interior design of the home, office, or gallery surrounding the art. Some are made to be visible, yet attractive; others are made to minimize or conceal their appearance altogether so that you see the light and not the fixture.

What are the least expensive art lighting fixtures I can use?
Picture lights attach to the top of the frame and cast direct lighting downward across the surface of the image. These convenient art lighting fixtures evenly distribute illumination across the surface of the image, bringing out the details of texture, color, and subtle interplays of light and shadow. Due to their close proximity to the image, however, they can damage sensitive oils and canvases common in rare originals and extremely fine art. In such instances, it may be to choose a different fixture type altogether for your art, or to substitute over the picture lights fitted with LED lamps. These lamps use less electricity and emit wavelengths of light that are minimal in forward throw heat and completely free of ultraviolet radiation.

What lighting fixtures are good for illuminating multiple works of art?
Track lights are ideal for arenas where a large number of works in a collection are on display. A track lighting installation consists art lighting fixtures that hang suspended from a rail, or “track” as it is called, that runs near the ceiling parallel to the wall.

Track lights are often the preferred art lighting fixtures of high-end art gallery lighting. Most photography showings consist of a series of images displayed as a thematically representative group. A single track light can be pointed toward a single photograph, placing each piece in its own individual light. They also work very well in contemporary or ultra-modern interior lighting design.

Track lights sometimes lack the ability to pin spot exceptionally small canvases and sculptures, and even though they can be controlled with dimmer switches to create different levels of light, they are nonetheless limited in their capacity to achieve highly customized lighting effects.

Are their art lighting fixtures that you can conceal from normal viewing angles?
Yes. You can use recessed art lighting fixtures, accent lighting fixtures or framing projectors if you need a concealed source. This is also known as “sourceless” lighting and represents the most sophisticated form of illumination possible.

Recessed picture lights mount in the ceiling and direct light from an angle onto a piece. Recessed art light fixtures are commonly fitted with halogen bulbs renowned for their optimal color rendering capabilities and extremely bright light. For less sensitive works of art, such as black and white photography or lithographic prints, halogen recessed lights can be an ideal source of illumination. They work exceptionally well for lighting a small grouping of thematically connected photographs or prints.

For more sensitive oils and acrylics, recessed picture lighting fixtures must be fitted with special ultraviolet filters to prevent the light from degrading the materials and paints. This can be problematic even with the best of equipment, however, as some UV light may still reach the canvas and cause deterioration over time.

If you are in doubt and can afford to take no risks with the finest art you possess, consider the very wise investment in a framing projector. Give the artwork lighting experts at Phantom Lighting at call toll free at 800-863-1184 or click here to find a lighting agent in your part of the world.

Please visit our lighting blog to learn more about Phantom Contour Projectors and Phantom Linear Strip Lights.

I am trying to light an expensive oil painting that is installed above a fireplace in my study. I currently have an eyeball light that was installed by the builder that is horrible. The artist chose to seal the work with a varnish coat which reflects light. Since the art is installed above eye level, all I can see is glare when I view the art from my desk. Is there a light that won't reflect or some words of wisdom that you can share with me? The painting is very dark and must be lit to see the detail.

Unfortunately, glare is a very common problem when lighting art if the surface is reflective. There is a simple solution if you understand what is really happening. You have to understand that light travels in a straight line, as does the reflection. So it's not the light source, it the angle by which the light source is aimed. This is a phenomena called the angle of incidence, which is defined as the angle of incidence of a ray or beam is the angle measured from the ray to the surface normal. In other words, when light is pointed at a reflective surface the light or glare is reflected at the exact opposite angle.

By moving the light source forward or back, left or right you can redirect the glare out of your normal viewing angle. So if your viewing angle at your desk is left of the art, mount the projector to the left of your painting. Likewise, if your viewing angle at the desk is right of the art, mount the projector to the right of your painting. If you want proof or to test the theory, have someone hold up a flashlight from several angles while you are sitting at your desk. When the glare is squarely in your eyes, you are sitting in the angle of incidence.

One of the main advantages of the PHANTOM CONTOUR PROJECTOR is the ability to mount the light off center to deal with the angle of incidence. Since the Contour Projector produces a focused light source, it is still possible to mask the light to the exact contour of the object, even thought the light is off center. That means that you will not have unsitly shadows on the wall to contend with or reflective glare from the art.

For more information about dealing with glare or mounting postions for the PHANTOM CONTOUR PROJECTOR contact at Phantom Lighting System. We will respond to you in a timely manor and provide you the necessary information to illuminate your art. You can also contact us toll free at 800-863-1184 to discuss your project in detail.