These took the form of one-time performances in which an artist flashed laser beams in various ways to create visually striking patterns. The beams might be bounced off mirrors placed in preplanned positions or attached to the artist, who would move about, reflecting the rays against walls, glass objects, or into tanks filled with liquid. Another variation involved bouncing the beams against clouds of machine-made fog. Usually the performance was done to music. The effects of these displays could often be exciting to watch, especially at night when the beams glowed brightly against the dark sky.

Unfortunately, not many artists could afford the equipment necessary for light paintings. So it became more common for organizations to stage and charge admission fees to see such displays in public performances, which came to be called light shows. The first recorded public laser show took place at...