Catch lights in the eyes...

[Chris Saper]

I agree that the sense of alertness is greater with a higher highlight...however, if that is what I was after, I would take pains to either light or place my subject so that that is the highlight that exists; I would not arbitrarily move one, though. I think the catchlight is very important in placement, shape and color, and should be rendered as just a "dash".

I generally use a convention (Harley Brown, tried and true) of shifting the color of the highlight to the opposite temperature of the light source...for incandescent lights, a very light blue or violet, or pink; for cool light, a warm white. I think, though, that it's best to paint it as you see it, and most importantly as you see it from your position AT THE EASEL.

While it is essential to paint the catchlights, if they appear in both eyes, in the same relative position, I find many times when they are not of equal value, or when the color shifts a little.

I am also of the school that says if you do not see a catchlight, don't put one in.

Chris