Lighting a single, large painting is best accomplished by?

Lighting a single, large painting is best accomplished by focal light because this method directs light specifically to the artwork, creating emphasis and drawing the viewer's attention. Focal lighting utilizes spotlights or specialized fixtures that provide a concentrated beam of light on the painting, enhancing its details and colors while minimizing the illumination of surrounding areas. This approach ensures that the painting is highlighted effectively, showcasing its features without distraction.

In contrast, grazing light, which illuminates the surface at a shallow angle, is typically used to accentuate textures, making it less suitable for flat artworks like paintings. Washing light provides a broader spread of light that is often used to create an even wash across a surface, which may not provide the necessary focus required for a single large painting. Modeling with light and shadow focuses on creating depth and dimension, but when it comes to displaying artwork, it may not effectively highlight the painting as well as concentrated or focal light does.