Saturday, November 3, 2012

Easiest, Lightest and Cheapest Light Box Ever

12 X 18 Batik on Rice Paper
Painted from a photo taken
in Collioure, France.

Collioure is a lovely
little harbor town
in France, visited by many
artists over the years.
When you step foot
inside the city
limits, you know why! 

Every artist should have a LIGHT BOX. They just plain come in handy.
Here’s the ONE, TWO , THREE of how to do the Easiest, Lightest and Cheapest light box ever.....by request....here you go everyone.

STEP ONE:
Buy one of those aluminum pans that are used on a buffet table. I found mine at GFS Foods, but  I’m sure other groceries have them.

If you find one of those, you’ve already completed step one!






STEP TWO: 
Cut a hole in one end of the aluminum pan. I used a knife to poke the initial hole, then scissors to cut it. Make it large enough for a plug to fit through.

Purchase a flourescent light at any local hardware, such as Lowe’s, Home Depot, etc.

Place the light inside the aluminum pan and stick the cord out of the hole you just cut.

(keep going, you’re doing great)!
Have a piece of Plexi-glass but just a bit larger than the size of the aluminum pan.

Put it on top. Be sure that the light switch is in the “on” position.
Then plug in the light and....
You’re ready. That’s it!
These light boxes are so light, they are great for classes, too. I simply stack all of the aluminum pans inside each other, stick all of the lights inside and I’m ready to roll.

Here we are using them in Columbia last week.
THANKS SO MUCH for reading my Blog. If you like it, please SHARE with your friends.
Leave your comment with any ideas of things you’d like to learn in the future. 

Don't forget that my Blog needs a NAME!

To be entered in the 'name my blog and get something cool if your name wins' contest, you only have to leave your suggestion in the comments. Click in the comment box below!

10 comments:

  1. Hmmmm...maybe anonymous will work?

    ReplyDelete
  2. Success! Thanks for hanging in there. Now send those name suggestions!

    ReplyDelete
  3. 1. Gossamer Ways with Color

    2. Along the "Water-ways"

    3. Waxing or Watering

    Submitted by: Susan M.

    ReplyDelete
  4. Kathie's Kalidescope (need to check spelling)sub by susan m.

    ReplyDelete
  5. Waxen Waterways. Sub by susan m

    ReplyDelete
  6. You are one smart cookie. Thanks for the tip. I'm going to trash that big heavy, clunky, homemade thing I have.

    ReplyDelete
  7. Wax on Wax Off
    (that is mine idea of a blog name for you)

    Kathie I took a seminar class from you when SDP had their last convention in Tampa. The subject was an orchid near an arm chair. I would love to frame mine but I made the pictue frame on the wall (in the background WAY too dark, its there anyway to lighten it up? I tried using chalk and it didn't work). Love your work, wish I had know you were in Nashville, I am about 90 min from downtown Nashville. I live on the Cumberland Plateau, halfway between Nashville and Knoxville. so happy that I will be getting a blog from you!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Wow, that was quite a while ago.....in Tampa. But I remember the batik that you are talking about. The trick to using the pastel pencils is to use a color that is very close to the background (area around the object you want to lighten). Wish I had it here, or could see it to help you!
      Thanks for your nice comments. Perhaps I'll do a short demo for the blog that shows how to lighten an area. Good idea....if you have any others, send them on.

      Delete
    2. "Exploring The Magic by George"

      You will give information in watercolor working techniques, collage, copper stamping, style, materials, textures batik and tools. You would be hard to pin down to one area...lol

      I want so much to do your sheep. Just love that piece. Marilyne

      Delete
  8. Waxing on Watercolor Without Waning
    Waxing Eloquently on Watercolor/Batik

    ReplyDelete