Please enlighten me...
 

Ok, I built a little work 'patio' connected to my shop, and I need ideas on how to add lighting. I thought about installing a couple of 8' flourescents about 2' away from the wall; I don't want them too far away from the wall or they might get hit.

I set this area up so I'd have a semi-protected place to do messy stuff, like shooting gelcoat or sanding. I could also get a car in here if I were to move my compressor about 2' to the right.

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If you're just using the work bench area - and at night - perhaps I'd install a fluorescent strip on the wall. Not pretty, but functional.

Flourescents would probably work fine, and cheap too. What about these...http://www.lowes.com/lowes/lkn?action=productDetail&productId=27277-290-HSL300

It gets cold enough up here that sometimes fourescents won't start.

Guess you don't have that problem though...

If it was me, considering its outside and subject to the elements, I would just buy 2 sets for standing shop lights. I just picked up a set at Lowe for like $35. This way you can drag them in if it starts pouring.

Fastening a couple to the wall seems like the quickest-easiest way to go. If you get a couple of the real simple fixtures that have no reflectors on them, you could mount the horiz., then make a couple reflectors for above out of thin plywood/white paint.
If the roof there doesn't shudder in the wind, and you aren't planning on hard-wiring them, you could hang them by chain from those pipes and use an extension cord.

Well I would hope that even if it starts pouring, this stuff would stay dry!

I was looking to hard-wire the lights. If you look closely you can see the weatherproof electrical box to the left of the workbench. I already have the switch installed, wired up and ready to go, just need to run some conduit.

At any given time, I could be using any part of the area, not just the bench.

Run some track'd spot lights along the wall where the roof connects - aim 'em where you need 'em

Why not just run a couple of outdoor floods or spotlights?

I'd use candles or something

I'm doing fiberglass layup, not trying to get laid.

Yes, but don't rule out the possibility..........