Scenic Art
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Overview
A scenic artist is responsible for creating the painted elements of stage sets (such as plays, operas, musical theatre, ballets, etc.), film sets, and themed environments, transforming a space with visually compelling sets. Their tasks include painting backdrops, floors and other set pieces, often using techniques to simulate textures like brick, wood, or stone, and sometimes creating special effects such as aging surfaces, adding depth (trompe l'oeil) , or making objects look like different materials (faux finishes). Scenic artists collaborate closely with scenic designers, production managers, and carpenters to ensure their work aligns with the overall vision of the production. In addition to painting, they may also be involved in sculpting, mold-making, and prop-making to craft three-dimensional elements like faux rocks, statues, or other objects. Working with a variety of non paint materials—such as glues, foam, polystyrene, plaster, and fabrics—and tools like brushes, sponges, and spray guns, scenic artists must have a deep understanding of different techniques and materials as well as a good knowledge of the history of art and architecture and periods and styles.
Wallace Studios
The paint shop at the Wallace Studios (located at 210 Garscube Rd. Glasgow G4 9RR) is a large purpose built painting studio which has a static paint frame [12m x 8m drop], accessed by a state-of-the-art fully automated bridge. This is used for painting backdrops and gauzes. Additionally, there is 9 x 6m of uninterrupted floor space, with a head height of 5.5m.
It is used for painting all of the sets and backdrops for the Conservatoire’s many in-house productions including Drama, Musicals and Operas. It is also utilised extensively in the training of all Scenic Art /Production Arts students in drawing, painting, texturing, faux finishing and all other aspects of both traditional and contemporary scenic art techniques.
Two industrial sinks, with sump, allow for the safe use and cleaning of equipment when using water-based paints. Spray painting is facilitated by a silent compressor.
Day to Day
On most days that you are in the scenic department, you will be working on production work under the supervision of a third year head scenic artist and scenic art tutor.
Management Process
Projects
There are a number of projects that the students may work on when they are not on production work.
Past Productions
| Academic Year | Shows | Student Leads | School/Location | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 - 11 | TBD | TBD | TBD | |
| 2024/2025 | TBD | Eilidh Hammond | Acting, Chandler Theatre | |
| Spring Awakening 2025 | Rebecca Gage | Musical Theatre, New Athenaeum | ||
| The Magic Flute 2025 | Holly Aitchison | Opera, New Athenaeum | ||
| She Loves Me | Tricia Brown | Musical Theatre, New Athenaeum | ||
| 2023/2025 | Sweet Charity | Alastair Murray | Musical Theatre, New Athenaeum | |
| Ballet Showcase 2024 | H.Aitchison; T.Brown; R.Gage; E.Hammond | |||
| Earthquakes In London 2024 | Ned Mundy | Acting, Chandler Theatre |
Health and Safety
The following are links to useful health and safety information
Resources for Scenic Artists: A-Z
Colour Theory and Paint Mixing
Instructional Videos - Hanging a Cloth, Making a Pounce, Gridding Up
RCS Scenic Art Production Handbook
Scenic Artwork from RCS Productions / Personal projects FaceBook Page
Scenic Resources: Links
Scenic Textures ...more coming
Social Media Accounts Worth Following
Top 10 Skills Scenic Artist - Skills and Qualities