Lighting Design...

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1793

1793

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Louisville, Kentucky
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Inspector
I have a job where the ceiling is 18'6", a painting is resting on the mantel, 6' AFF. I would like to know if anyone has a formula or link to help with positioning of the recess eyeball, how far away from the wall, to illuminate this painting.
 
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Vertical Surface Accenting

Vertical Surface Accenting

Looking at one website, they recommend lighting paintings at an angle of 30 degrees from the vertical. So, based on your numbers, a fixture mounted on a 18-1/2' ceiling would be at most about 7' from the wall surface aiming towards the painting. Obviously, you aim for the center of the painting, so it should be mounted less than 7' away from the wall surface, depending on the height of the painting.
 
1793 said:
I have a job where the ceiling is 18'6", a painting is resting on the mantel, 6' AFF. I would like to know if anyone has a formula or link to help with positioning of the recess eyeball, how far away from the wall, to illuminate this painting.
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I doubt that a standard recessed can will do much good up that high. IMO you would probably need low voltage can with narrow flood or spot. 7 feet of the wall sounds wrong to me plus it may look awarkward way out there. I would try 3 feet the most.
 
I've illuminated pictures with actual framing lenses on recessed cans. They are available, and when positioned correctly, can be focused to light just the picture. Other approaches will provide a big oval on the wall, which will light much more than the picture.

I've never found a framing lense to light from 18' high. Contact any of the major recessed lighting manufacturers, and see if they can help.

Jim T
 
My advice is to look for a projection type of fixture, some of which even have a lens that focuses the light into a narrower beam than a reflector alone can.
 
LarryFine said:
My advice is to look for a projection type of fixture, some of which even have a lens that focuses the light into a narrower beam than a reflector alone can.
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There are two recess on either side of the fire place about a foot away from the wall now. This added recess would just wash the wall a little more. I don't think they the intention is to "Spot" this artwork.




I do appreciate all of the replies and I look forward to more insight(s).
 
I would hot wire the fixture with an extension cord and hold it against the ceiling to find the best positon. This has worked well for me. I haven't had much luck with those formulas.
 
If you think you will be doing a lot of lighting design, get a copy of Lithonia's Visual software. This can help you with the placement of the eyeball fixture in relation to the picture. I use it to locate lighting that will be highlight feature on a stage, facade, and the like. Or do the hot wire method mentioned above.
 
boater bill said:
If you think you will be doing a lot of lighting design, get a copy of Lithonia's Visual software. This can help you with the placement of the eyeball fixture in relation to the picture. I use it to locate lighting that will be highlight feature on a stage, facade, and the like. Or do the hot wire method mentioned above.
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How do I go about getting a copy of "Lithonia's Visual software?" :cool:
 
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