By Lisette Schumacher
50 x 40 x 6 cm, 2024
Mixed media

From the series Sunset at Woods Drive

During Fall 2023 (September - October), Lisette Schumacher returned to Los Angeles for a second residency. She revisited the Stahl House twice during sunset and witnessed an exciting transition in the appearance of the house. The Stahl House is located in the Hollywood Hills and was designed by Buck Stahl and Pierre Koenig in 1959-60. The residence has become the figurehead of modern architecture in Los Angeles.

During previous daytime visits, her experience of the Stahl House was dominated by reflections due to the affluent presence of glass and water. During the sunset, however, what stood out were the mesmerizing colour transformations. Lisette sat down on a sofa in the living room overlooking the pool, and watched the sunset at the house. By consciously observing the gradual disappearanceof daylight, Lisette witnessed the colour transition taking place in and around the house.

The colours in the sky displayed vibrant gradients of yellow, orange, pink and purple, especially during the short period of twilight. With the sun setting, the house turned dark and the sky shifted in different hues of blue, finally displaying a deep night blue. After sunset, the house was subtly lit with large round glass lamps suspended by invisible wires which provided a surrealistic sight of multiple full moons. The pool lit up brightly providing a stark contrast with the subdued colours of the exterior of the house.

The Sunset series consists of paintings that showcase the different stages of the sun setting., Various colour combinations, both bright and subdued, depict the transition from twilight to sunset.