Abstract: A light source and a liquid crystal display are separated by a transparent, color graphic to simulate a color liquid crystal display. The light source preferably produces a substantially white light, as is available by cascading materials, and includes discrete or diffuse sources. The liquid crystal display is preferably positive (black on white) rather than negative to reveal more of the graphic. With an EL light source, the graphic can be printed on the transparent substrate of the EL lamp. In liquid crystal displays having a transflective layer, the transflective layer can be located between the light source and the graphic layer.