Dave-
I just saw your piece and I want to tell you I love the concept, design and construction of the painting. The marriage of your form into your surroundings brings to my mind the intimate relationship between the artist and his/her surroundings or studio.
I agree with the idea of removing the paper towels, they seem to distract at the present. However, when I imgine the composition with nothing I feel that the easel will fall off the left side. I believe you are correct in placing a stabilizing element here but maybe not so obvious. I hope to see it when you are done.
As for bulbs, if you can use fluorescent I recommend Lumichrome 1XX 6500k CRI 98 Full Spectrum Lamps. You can locate them at
www.lumiram.com/fluorescent.html. I use the 40 watt and they surpass anything else I have tried. (I like the multiple light source in your painting)
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