Can I Get a Little Light?

For my drawings, I work a lot with light.  I'm a super messy artist (sidebar: I feel weird calling myself an artist, but the alternative is "pencil-holder-smudger", so there you go).  I work exceedingly sketchily, and my initial drawings are a huge mess with the end drawing embedded somewhere within the chicken scratches.  After I work out my map or whatever drawing I'm working on, I "ink" it by tracing over my messy work on a new sheet with my [sorta] fancy pen.  This requires the use of my light box.  See the evidence below...

Now, using a $30 light box has a few limitations, most notably that the surface area is smaller than I'd like.  I also work from my bed - I sit hunched over on my bed with a drawing board to draw and ink, which results in Supercrick Neck.  I could balance the drawing board/light board on my pulled up knees for a more relaxed neck... but then I wouldn't be able to watch my television shows at the same time.  A dilemma.  I choose the crick and the TV. 

I live in a city apartment with two [lovely] roommates, and I do not have room for what I really need, which is this:

 Dick Blick Art - $800-$1200

Or even better - something like this:

Various Retailers, $2,999-$5,999

You can use a separate light box and then just sit it on top of your drawing table, but... I really prefer simple and clean - and no lugging and stashing 3'x4' light boxes.

This kooky-looking option is much more affordable in a range between $179.99 to $279.99.  The table is designed so you can clamp a light source underneath for tracing, but... I'm skeptical.  Wouldn't the light would be much brighter if the light source was enclosed?  I need bright light because sista is going blind in old age.  If the whole light-clamping idea works, I'm sold.  The storage options are good - the only thing this table lacks is a cupholder!

Right now, I don't have space for a drawing/light table, so at the moment I own an invisible sunroom for my invisible table!  Can you believe how expensive some of these things are?  Crazytown.  Which is what Bossyboots said when I showed him.  "Um, we'll just build you a light table." 

Well, ok then.  :)

Comments

[Charlene @ Sweetchic]

Looking at your ART (yes, you are an artist!) makes me so happy! And you totally deserve a light table, can't wait to see what Bossyboots comes up with :)