Light Shapes Emotion.

“Shadows and highlights create more than contrast, they create emotion.”

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Since 2008, when I first painted “Still Life” using only a candle as my light source, I’ve been exploring how lighting transforms a painting and the emotions it evokes. Light is more than illumination; A crucial aspect of my approach to scene definition in painting is selecting the right lighting to evoke the intended mood and guide the viewer’s perception.

For Example:

Cool Strong Light – Energy & Tension
A crisp, strong light adds sharpness, urgency, or even unease. It heightens senses, like adrenaline in motion.

Warm Soft Light – Serenity & Comfort
A soft, golden glow invites calmness, warmth, and nostalgia. It slows time, making a moment feel safe and eternal.

Diffuse, Cold, and not Strong Light – Melancholy & Reflection
The soft, scattered light of a cloudy day invites introspection. It carries a quiet, almost cinematic sadness.

“How we see light changes how we feel.”