Raking Light Project

What’s Raking Light?

As I understand it, raking light is art that involves a light source directed in a way that casts shadows. Wikipedia defines it as “the illumination of objects from a light source at an oblique angle or almost parallel to the surface, provides information on the surface topography and relief of the artefact thus lit. It is widely used in the examination of works of art.“

Raking Light Project

I thoroughly enjoyed this topic and broke a record of four paintings in one month, finding inspiration from the painter Sophie Treppendahl and photographer Igor Sheremet.

Unfortunately, I can’t share all of them with you because of copyright infringement but I was granted permission on this one. Credit to Igor Sheremet, a talented photographer who took this beautiful picture.

Madame Butterly

- Acrylic - 8” x 10”

She’s graceful and emotional. I feel her emotion and rhythm of her dance… In another life I’d want to be a dancer, but maybe not a ballerina. Her feet must be killing her.