COURSE DESCRIPTIONS
STUDIO CLASSES
S1.1 Lining and the Donut Theory of Light
Since Joseph Urban introduces to America the method of stretching backdrops on the floor for painting, the
ability to paint standing up using a bamboo as a handle extension for the brush, is the most important physical
skill a scenic artist must develop. In this class, you will learn the classical method of lining with the bamboo.
The most important artistic skill is understanding how light falls on an object. The Donut Theory of Light as
taught by Lester Pollack, provides a clear, easily duplicated method of understanding painted light in the
scenic process. It is effectively used when working ensemble to produce a piece painted "as if by one hand".
In this first Studio class, you will begin developing your brush control and understanding the scenic method
of rendering light and dark in paint.
S1.2 Panel Molding and Painting Ornament - Opaque Priming
Students practice the Donut Theory of Light by developing a painted wall with trompe l'oeil molding and
central ornament using the ornament pounce developed in the Forum Class F1.1. This class will introduce
priming and the proper consistency of paint for opaque work. Four sessions
S1.3 The Opaque Landscape: Corot
Color theory and gray scale will be reviewed as it applies to building a color palette for backdrop painting.
Students reproduce a Corot landscape painting of their own choosing for our picture collection using the
"Draw Direct" techniques of drawing the image in charcoal directly onto the muslin. Corot's work lends itself
readily to the scenic process of priming, base coating, lay-in, and detail work. It is recommended that students
develop gray scale and color intermixing charts on their own, in conjunction with work done in Forum Class F1.3
Glazing methods that unify the painting will be discussed. Four sessions.
S1.4 Trompe L'oeil Metal Ornament on Marble Panel
Using the painted marble panel development in Forum Class F1.6, students will revisit the first Studio project
by producing a panel molding and painted ornament. This time the line work will be done transparently to create
the effect of molding. The work done in Forum Class F1.7 will help students to develop this
new ornament in gold or silver, creating their reflective qualities in paint. Four sessions.
S1.5 Painters of the 16th and 17th Century, Opaque
This semester is entirely devoted to the interpretation of master paintings. This is not done to learn to copy the
designer's sketch, but to acquire interpretive sensibilities that will aid in future projects. Developing stylistic
versatility is the goal of these classes. Artwork from the 16th the 17th century will be chosen from our picture
files to develop as an opaque backdrop. Painters may include Vermeer, Claude, Rembrandt, Velazquez, Rubens,
Van Ruisdel, Zurbaran, Poussin and others. Four Sessions.
S1.6 Painters of the 18th Century, Opaque, B & W with Color Research
This project is twofold. First, a black and white reproduction is chosen of the image to be duplicated. Next,
a color reproduction is chosen of another painting. By studying the color and values from both reproductions,
students will paint the black and white image by reproducing the palette from the color reproduction. This is a
valuable tool for developing sensitivity to value and color. Students will also be adding to their stylistic
repertoire from the paintings of Watteau, Fragonard, Boucher, Robert, and Chardin, etc. Four sessions.
S1.7 19th Century Movements: Neoclassicism, Romanticism, Impressionism, Realism
In this project, students will approach a new century with wildly new ideas about art reflected in a variety of
styles and the freedom of technique. Artists to choose from include Ingres, Goya, Deacroix, Turner, Costable,
Fuseli, Friedrich, David, Manet, Monet, Courbet, Renoir, Degas, Whistler, Rousseau, Homer, and others.
Four Sessions.
S1.8 Year End Portfolio Review
In each semester, a list of projects will be given that must be completed to receive certification. Progress will be
assessed and discussed at the portfolio review.
FORUM CLASSES
F1.1 Theatrical Drawing Preparation
In tandem with the study of the Donut Theory of Light, a pounce and a value study of an architectural ornament
will be developed to be used in S1.2. This class will teach the procedures of enlarging a drawing by the grid
method; the use of the hand pounce wheel; the safe use of the electric pounce; and the development of the drawing
in chalk and charcoal on craft paper. Two sessions.
F1.2 Tool and Materials for the Theater
This class is an over view of the things that are encountered in a scene shop: brushes, paints and primers, fabrics,
glues and glue guns, tack hammers, air compressors, projectors, drafting supplies, etc. Good note taking is
recommended.
F1.3 Color Theory and the Gray Scale, Paint Mixing and Estimating Volume
This class deals with the fundamental properties of color and value; how colors are arranged on the spectrum
according to hue; the complementary and split complementary colors; the interaction between colors; the effective
use of the gray scale in determining the value and hue the of color being matched in paint. This class provides
the foundation on which to build color mixing ability, an ability crucial to the scenic artist. Techniques
for approaching paint mixing and color matching will be practiced. Methods for estimating the amount of paint
mixed for a particular job will be given. The difference between color in pigment and color in light, and how
light effects pigmented color will be explained. Two sessions.
F1.4 Drawing Layouts for Backdrops
Always start at the centerline. But where do you go from there? This class investigates the thought processes
to be followed as one begins to layout the drawing for a backdrop. Landscape and architectural examples will
be explored and later utilized in Studio projects.
F1.5 Painted Marble Techniques (screen)
In this class of faux finished marbleizing techniques, students will produce sample boards of various marbles
with the realism necessary for the television and film.
F1.6 Painted Marble Techniques (stage)
Continuing the study of marble techniques, a broader styled marble appropriate for the stage will be painted on
muslin. This marble panel will be used in Studio Class S1.4.
F1.7 Painted Metal Techniques
Methods for painting gold, copper, brass, pewter, brushed aluminum and cast iron will be explored in this class.
The students will manipulate color and value to successfully render these metals, as well as explore optic
principles of reflection. Sample boards will be created in class.
F1.8 A Short History of Architectural Style
This class will examine the fundamental styles of world architecture, providing students with the key elements
which identify them. everything has a name in the architectural world. In this class, basic terms are taught that
define various architectural details and construction. Special emphasis will be placed on Greek and Roman
architecture and the Gothic, Renaissance and Baroque styles of the 20th Century. These are are most widely used in
the daily work of the scenic artist. Two sessions
F1.9 Health and Safety
Most of the products that are used in our industry can be harmful. An intolerance can be developed to even the
least toxic chemicals that we use everyday. Fortunately, this is the age of health and safety awareness. Learn
the safe handling of materials; when to wear protective equipment and what to wear; how to properly ventilate
the working area; and what OSHA requires in the workplace. Know the warning signs of different occupational
illnesses and conditions.
F1.10 Semester One Portfolio Review
F1.11 A Short History of Set Design and Scene Painting
This class is designed to familiarize students with the great names and design movements in set design and scene
painting, both contemporary and historical. Students will gain an understanding and appreciation of the long
tradition of the craft they are studying, and the professional to which they aspire. Two sessions.
F1.12 Perspective for the Scenic Artist
A good drawing is the foundation for a well painted backdrop. In this class, students learn or review the
fundamentals of one, two, and three point perspective and discuss the atmospheric perspective and the principles
of reflection on water. This class addresses common perspective challenges faced as a scenic artist.(i.e. laying
out the horizontals of a checkerboard floor as it diminishes in perspective).
F1.13 Geometry for the Scenic Artist
Partnered with Forum Class F1.12, this class continues mathematical studies. Basic constructions and geometric
principles will be reviewed as it relates to the layout work as a scenic artist.
F1.14 Introduction to Hand Lettering
A primer in the fundamental rules of lettering. Points of discussion are; equipment with which to do good layout
and which brushes will best serve for which jobs. An overview of the basic styles; seri ph, sans seri ph, italic,
block letters, one stroke lettering, etc. Two sessions
F1.15 Sculpting and Carving in Foam
Hands on study of the tools and methods most commonly used in foam carving. Students will develop a simple
three dimensional piece that will be used for multiple casting in the following Forum class. Three sessions.
F1.16 Casting Techniques
The continuation of the sculpting and carving block, students learn the process of multiple casting using the three
dimensional piece created in the previous Forum class. Two sessions.
F1.17 Understanding the Designer's Presentations: Blueprints, Models, Sketches and Research
First, one must be able to read the designer's drawings. Working extensively with all different scales, this class
takes a look at all the materials provided by the designer and focuses on interpreting them.
F1.18 An Afternoon with the Designer
In this Forum session, students will meet a working designer. Discussed will be what the designer expects the
scenic artist to contribute. Many designers have worked as scenic artists as well, and have an interesting
perspective on both jobs. This class provides an informative and pleasant way to end the first year of study.
back to year one