Week #6- My Backyard- Tasha Spear

This is a picture of part of my backyard in Arizona. Looking out the window, I never noticed how well lit the cactus was in the back. The cactus is in the center of the entire backyard, and I found that the “footlight” really gives the plant dimension. Atmospherically, I would say it looks almost spooky. While there are smaller lights throughout the yard, they don’t specifically illuminate any one piece of foliage, except for this one. This light clearly has a purpose. I think the landscapers were probably trying to make the backyard more dramatic with this lighting and because cacti are such a big deal in Arizona, they chose a very elaborate cactus to be the focal point. I think the landscapers achieved their goal of making the cactus the focal point because the light draws your eye directly to it due to its brightness level and yellow color. 

In addition, looking at the contrast between the other lights, the darkness, and the light on the cactus, the light on the cactus is very bright compared to the other lights and contrasts the black night very well. It’s hard to tell in the picture, but the light is actually very yellow, which helps to contrast the green of the cactus. The light also allows for the limbs of the cactus to cast shadows onto the wall behind it, making it look more looming and almost ominous. As far as function is concerned, this light is clearly here to enhance the visual appearance of the cactus, rather than to help with sight. The other lights that are directed at the stepping stones are more to help somebody be able to see where they are walking.