Scenic Art

This five-day course in scenic art led by Vanessa Cass, Head of Design Realisation at Guildhall School, will introduce you to scenic painting techniques used to create realistic backdrops and set pieces for theatre, events and TV.
What can I expect?
You will learn:

How to scale up from a designer’s model
Techniques for transferring an image
How to prepare a surface for painting
The correct way to mix colours
The appropriate choice of equipment and materials for your paint finish
How to achieve a range of paint effects like wood, stone, metal and marble
How to use textures to replicate bricks, plaster and concrete
You will work on a small backcloth on the paint frame and individual canvases of Trompe L’oeil painting (an art technique which means to 'deceive the eye' in French). Pieces of work can be taken home throughout the week.

Do I need anything for the course?
Please consider your choice of clothing and footwear, as you will be working with paint throughout the week. Old clothes, overalls and shoes are encouraged.

“The course was an incredibly hands-on experience, giving us the chance to explore a wide range of techniques in just five days. Vanessa, our tutor, provided amazing individual guidance, making the learning process engaging and supportive.”
– Irina, participant on Scenic Art, 2025