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Sculptures in the Landscape
Outdoor Art Surprises, Delights, and Changes with the Seasons
Houzz Contributor. Hi There! I currently live in a 1920s cottage in Atlanta that I'll describe as "collected."
I got into design via Landscape Architecture, which I studied at the University of Virginia. I've been writing about design online for quite a few years over at Hatch: The Design Public Blog.
Houzz Contributor. Hi There! I currently live in a 1920s cottage in Atlanta... More »
Whether your tastes are for Andy Goldsworthy large-scale, site-specific works, or are geared toward pink flamingos, outdoor sculptures are always a surprising delight. Sculptures can make a very dramatic statement, and their placement is important. Some of these are site-specific, some are functional, some are welcoming, or transformed by the wind, season or time of day. Note how each piece relates to the plants, the landscape architecture, the design of any buildings nearby, views and other elements around them.
| I love this cone of stones tucked into a field. This site-specific piece is by Andy Goldsworthy, one of my favorite artists. There are a number of images of this piece taken from different angles, I highly recommend checking them out here. |
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Reflections of sculptures in pools change throughout the day.
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| Here the shadows cast upon the wall change throughout the day as well. |
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This outdoor sculpture was placed to be enjoyed from indoors.
| Artful lighting transforms a space at night. |
| A fence can be enlivened by adding metal panels like these. |
| Sculptures in the landscape can also engage the sense of sound. |
This oversized bust and the hedge behind it are perfectly scaled.
Do you know who this is? This face is similar to the one on the Lincoln Memorial, but I can't be sure. If you know, please tell me in the comments section!
Do you know who this is? This face is similar to the one on the Lincoln Memorial, but I can't be sure. If you know, please tell me in the comments section!
| This blackboard lets kids create their own outdoor artwork and change it up as often as they like. |
| Sometimes the wall itself can be a work of art — this woven perforated copper, for example. |
| This vertical garden is a living work of art that is constantly changing. |
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| Oh, I cannot write an ideabook about outdoor sculpture without including this statue, which I have named Bessie. I love her and the undulating grasses and columns of trees beyond her. |
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| Outdoor artwork can be functional. This effervescent fountain makes a bold design statement, provides water, and most important, creates a relaxing splashing sound. |
A statue can welcome visitors and give a hint as to what awaits inside. Also, I had to include these adorable people posing in front. I think the statue and the architecture are working for them!
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The gallery-like open floor plan of this house continues beyond the walls. From this point one can enjoy both indoor and outdoor works.
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This series provides a unique sense of entry, giving visitors a chance to experience each piece up close on the way toward the door.
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This owner is a very serious art collector, and he has worked with his architect to create pavilions for displaying sculptures outside. There's a great relationship between these carved wood works and the floor, stone wall and wooden beams.
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No yard or room for sculptures? I love to visit my local botanical garden to get inspiration. Obviously, not many of us can have a Henry Moore sculpture of this size in our yards, but I love to look at how they are placed according to scale and surroundings. I took this photograph at The Atlanta Botanical Gardens a few years back; they consistently have great exhibitions.
Next: Browse more photos of landscape design
Next: Browse more photos of landscape design
Ideabook updated on March 21, 2011.
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I just love seeing those giant orb landscape sculptures!