Indoor stage lighting should be designed to complement the performance as well as engage the audience. The objective of stage lighting is to draw the audience's attention to a specific area of the stage. Back-lighting is used to illuminate the band, with bright front lights on the lead singer and solo performances. Pink-flesh or light blue lights work well to illuminate a front singer. Back-lighting varies with the mood of the song. Bright lights work for fast songs. Use bluish or soft pink lights for slower numbers.
Lighting techniques for the outdoor concert stage depend on the size of the venue and time of day. Small daytime crowds require a simple spotlight and bright overhead lights. Strobes and bright white lights work better for large daytime crowds. Night outdoor lighting is more effective because the stage lighting does not compete with sunlight. Events that start prior to sunset require bright lighting. The intensity of the lighting should be decreased as the sun sets and ambient light fades.
Natural light enhances the features of a sculpture and is preferred. When natural light is not available, spotlights and washes of light can be used. Sculptures with sharp angles and abstract shapes are best illuminated using angled beams of contrasting colors. Tall sculptures are best illuminated from below to accentuate the height of the piece. A good rule is to illuminate the sculpture with a light source that is three times the brightness of the general room lighting.
Lighting is especially important for paintings. Museums often illuminate paintings from above with a soft light to reduce glare and shadows. Neutral colors such as amber, pink and soft white are among the most common choices. Strong mood paintings can be illuminated with darker colors of light, such as blue. Lighting for paintings should be placed above the work at a 30 degree angle to the art. Increase the angle of the light position by five degrees to increase lighting on paintings where texture is of primary importance.