How to light art: experts on lighting original paintings
As a Nashville-based artist creating vibrant modern originals, I understand lighting's power to transform art. Proper planning highlights textures, evokes emotion, and integrates pieces into your space. Here are five key quotes from top designers to guide you.
- Embrace Focused Illumination
“Pin spotlights that direct light onto individual artworks is a great way of illuminating them... you can ensure that the light covers most of the artwork, not just a small part of it.” – [Richard Mishaan](https://www.architecturaldigest.com/story/how-to-light-art), AD100 Designer
Spotlights draw attention to details without overwhelming the room. - Perfect the Angle for Balance
“Ceiling-mounted lights should be placed so that the light beam hits the center of the artwork when the fixture is adjusted to a 30-degree angle. If you light a piece of art at ten degrees... you’re going to end up casting really long shadows below the frame. If you go back too far, to 45 degrees, then you’re pointing too directly, and you’ll get reflective glare.” – [Doug Russell](https://www.luminii.com/live-light/toolbox-8-tips-for-lighting-artwork-in-your-home/), Lighting Designer at Lighting Workshop
Precise angles prevent shadows and glare, revealing true colors.
3. Remember, Lighting Defines the Art
“Art doesn’t just decorate a room, it defines it — but without the right lighting, even the most exquisite piece can fall flat.” – [Luke Thomas](https://www.livingetc.com/advice/how-to-light-art), Design Director at John Cullen Lighting
Consider light's interaction to make art a focal point.
4. Balance Brightness in the Room
"Your artwork should be lit bright enough to see its colors and textures, but shouldn’t necessarily be the brightest thing in the room. Great lighting should enhance the natural beauty of a piece, without feeling obvious or intrusive." – [David Munson](https://canvas.saatchiart.com/lifestyle/5-tips-from-art-lighting-expert-david-munson), Art Lighting Expert
Harmonize with surroundings to avoid distracting effects.
5. Avoid Over-Illumination
“There is absolutely such a thing as too much light... Excessive uniform lighting across an entire space can lead to a ‘flat’ effect... Everything is evenly illuminated, and suddenly, none of the nuance comes through.” – [Luke Thomas](https://www.livingetc.com/advice/how-to-light-art), Design Director at John Cullen Lighting
Layer lights for contrast and nuance.
How Properly Lit Paintings Should Feel: 6 Designer Perspectives
These additional insights focus on the emotional and perceptual impact of well-lit art.
1. “Light creates the ambiance and feel of a place, as well as the expression of a structure.” – [Le Corbusier](https://www.re-thinkingthefuture.com/technology-architecture/a12527-a-kaleidoscopic-view-of-architectural-lighting-through-famous-quotes/)
The painting should enhance the overall ambiance and express its true essence.
2. “Design is defined by light and shade, and appropriate lighting is enormously important.” – [Albert Hadley](https://www.luxdeco.com/the-luxurist/ultimate-lighting-guide-luxury-interiors)
It should define the space, making the art feel integral and balanced.
3. “Good lighting can, and does, make or break the ambiance of a room.” – [Kelly Wearstler](https://www.re-thinkingthefuture.com/technology-architecture/a12527-a-kaleidoscopic-view-of-architectural-lighting-through-famous-quotes/)
A well-lit painting should elevate the room's ambiance, feeling harmonious and inviting.
4. “Lighting is everything. It can make a room feel warm, cozy, and inviting, or cold and unwelcoming.” – [Jonathan Adler](https://www.coohom.com/article/interior-design-light-quotes)
It should make the space feel warm, cozy, and inviting.
5. “Lighting is everything. It is one of the most dynamic and essential tools in interior design. It should never be an afterthought.” – [Kelly Hoppen](https://www.thelightreviewonline.com/light-creators-kelly-hoppen-and-wow/)
The painting should feel dynamic and essential to the design.
6. “Color and light have a profound effect on mood.” – [Nate Berkus](https://www.oprah.com/home/let-the-sun-shine-in/all)
It should profoundly influence the mood of the room.
These tips ensure your art shines. Browse my originals on Shopify for Nashville-inspired pieces!
Angela Simeone
Artist, Nashville
