Position of recessed lights over kitchen countertop

I'm getting ready to install recessed task lighting above my kitchen counters. I'd like to make sure I'm positioning the lights in the best possible way to provide the right amount of illumination, minimize glare, and prevent shadows.

Here's a picture of my kitchen today:


I will remove the light fixture in the photo.

I purchased three 6" recessed fixtures in which I intend to use PAR30 CFL bulbs. I intend to space them 26" away from the back wall as recommended on another site. This would put them almost right above the edge of the counter.

My stove sits roughly in the center of the counters I want to illuminate. I had intended to install one directly above the center of the stove and the other two in the center of the counters adjacent to the stove. The lights will be spaced only about 3 feet apart (slightly less on the right side).

Is this arrangement spaced too close together?

Thanks,

 

For the best task lighting you need under cabinet lighting. No matter where you place overhead lighting your body will be casting a shadow on the counter surface.

 

Thanks for the suggestion but undercabinet lighting isn't an option. What I really want to do is validate or invalidate my ceiling lighting plan; am I putting too many fixtures too close together?

I just spoke to someone at Lowe's (where I bought the lights) and learned that putting too many lights in a small area will cause bright spots of light to show up. He recommended placing two lights 4-6' apart in an 8' tall room. The cones of light should overlap to provide even lighting. I'll probably do that instead of three lights spaced just under 3' apart.

If you have a comment or suggestion on this new plan I'd like to hear it. Thanks.