Scenic painting (theatre)

A scenic painter at work at the Semperoper in Dresden, Germany

Theatrical scenic painting is a discipline used within theatrical production that includes creating scenery or backdrops by adding textures and depth. It encompasses a range of techniques, including landscape painting, figurative painting, trompe-l'œil, and faux finishing. Scenic painters work with a range of media such as acrylic, oil, and tempera paint. In addition, Three-dimensional skills such as sculpting, plastering and gilding may be applied to achieve specific effects. Paint composition knowledge is often necessary when selecting appropriate materials during painting.

Preparation for painting the stage floor at Circa Theatre for the pantomime Puss In Boot

A scenic painter is responsible for replicating an image to a larger scale from a designer's maquette. This process uses reference materials such as photographs, printouts, and original research. Paint and style samples may also be provided to guide the work. While scenic painters usually execute the designs under the direction of a scenic or theatre designer, in some cases designers carry out their own scenic painting. Custom tools are often created to achieve specific visual effects.

History

The first written description of scenic painting as an art form is from the Italian Renaissance, when Leon Battista Alberti examined Greek stage painting and decoration in the time of Aeschylus. During and after the Renaissance, the ability to draw in perspective became core to painting for the stage.

In the late 19th century, it was not unusual for successful scenic artists to achieve celebrity status, as spectacular backdrops became fashionable. With the emergence of modern stage design in the early 20th century, painted scenery came to considered "quaint".

Since then, he practice of modern stage painting has evolved and continues to flourish today. Although the best scenic painters are rarely credited in theatre programs on the same level as scenic designers, they are highly respected in the theatre profession and critical to the creative process.

Scenic paint

Scenic paint has traditionally been mixed by the painter using pigment powder colour, a binder and a medium. The binder adheres the powder to itself and to the surface on which it is applied. The medium is a thinner which allows the paint to be worked more easily, disappearing as the paint dries. Today it is common to use brands of ready-made scenic paint, or pigment suspended in a medium to which a binder will be added.

Further reading

• Crabtree, Susan; Beudert, Peter (2011), Scenic Art for the Theatre, Focal Press, ISBN 0240812905