Chapter 7

Preparing for Painting and Texturing Scenery

Illusion is what stage scenery is. Very little of what is seen on stage is actually made from a material anywhere close to its suggested appearance. Wood might appear to be steel and steel may masquerade as bamboo. A flat piece of canvas can be transformed into a vast panoramic vista. A humble and prosaic sheet of Masonite® can become glorious Italian marble. This ability to evoke is the heart of scenic painting. A scenic artist is expected to beautifully paint all types of materials, and the painting is expected to withstand stage use. To execute all this you must begin with a thorough knowledge of how to prepare these diverse materials for painting. This preparation is essential for successful ...

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