The invention provides a low loss liquid crystal modulator for coloring and shaping a light beam wherein liquid crystal light modulators provide continuous variation in color and intensity output by controlled scattering; the liquid crystal light modulators comprise addressable sheets of light-wave-length size liquid crystal occlusious in a transparent matrix; the modulators employ nematic liquid crystal exhibiting positive dielectric anisotropy; the modulator is employed in varying and coloring output beams to allow for colored data or video transmission; images produced may vary in time as is required for, e.g., color television; the modulator is employed in color projectors for both data and video projection, for color printing, and for colored stage illumination. Low loss transmission of the modulators provides for bright images which can be viewed under high ambient illumination.