Studio Lab Theatre Foundation is a charity that aims to help graduates from Theatre Arts programs build the confidence to find work in the live theatre industry.
Their Scenic Art Workshop is a 2 week apprenticeship where 4 apprentices, including myself, paint a backdrop as well as a number of other props such as signage, under the mentorship of head scenic artist, Richard Mongiat.
The highly detailed 11ft x 8.5ft backdrop with a Gotham City/Batman theme was used for a photo booth at a corporate event at the JW Marriott resort in Muskoka. The other props were part of the decor for the various themed nights at the event.
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The rendering on which the backdrop will be based.
The floor of the studio space was protected with heavy paper, then a floor of plywood was laid. The gaps were covered with tape, then heavy gauge plastic laid over the plywood.
Lines were squared on the prepared floor, then the pre-sewn canvas drop was laid out.
Carpet tacks were used to secure the canvas to the floor.
The prepared drop, ready for priming with diluted scenic paint.
After priming, a grid was laid out on the drop and the outlines of the buildings drawn in with charcoal.
The building outlines were inked in with black water-based marker.
The bridge was drawn in, then the windows of the buildings added with charcoal.
The windows were inked using green water-based marker.
The sky was painted with a couple of passes with diluted paint in a number of tones.
Additional washes were added to the sky, then the buildings were painted in with a dark grey-green. A base of ripples was added to the water.
Additional sky details, such as the lightning being added.
Additional dark washes being added to the buildings.
The bridge was painted in and the buildings darkened further with grey washes.
The base coat for the windows was added using bright green.
Multiple black and grey washes were added to the windows.
The antennae were added as well as the suspension wires for the bridge. Reflections were added to the water and some highlights to the windows of the buildings.
Some lights were added to the bridge along with some additional reflections in the water.
After being given a coat of Saman dead flat varnish, the drop is complete.
The completed drop, hanging in place at the JW Marriott hotel in Muskoka as the photobooth backdrop for a corporate event.