Creating sculptures designed to withstand extreme weather presents unique challenges that test both artistic vision and engineering prowess. The primary obstacle lies in material selection – artists must balance aesthetic appeal with durability, choosing between metals like bronze or stainless steel that resist corrosion, or stone varieties less prone to cracking under temperature fluctuations.

Structural integrity becomes paramount as sculptures face high winds, heavy snow loads, or seismic activity. This requires hidden reinforcements and careful weight distribution often unseen in indoor pieces. Surface treatments also prove critical, with protective coatings needing periodic renewal while maintaining the artwork's visual qualities.

Environmental factors introduce unexpected complications. Coastal salt air accelerates metal fatigue, while desert temperature swings cause materials to expand and contract dramatically. Even placement decisions matter – a sculpture under tree cover faces different moisture challenges than one in direct sunlight.

Perhaps most challenging is predicting long-term effects. Artists must envision how their work will weather not just seasons but decades, requiring collaborations with materials scientists and structural engineers rarely needed for gallery pieces. The successful outdoor sculpture ultimately becomes a dialogue between artistic expression and nature's relentless forces.