Scenic Art

This course is now full. Please join our waiting list and we will contact you if a place becomes available.

• Please note that accommodation in Sundial Court isn't available in 2024.
• For our Terms and Conditions, please click here.

Ages 16+

Course Dates & Times

Monday 8 – Friday 12 July 2024
10am–5pm

About 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.

Who is the course for?

• Anyone aged 16 and over, with an interest in learning new painting skills and more about the role of a scenic artist
• All levels of ability are welcome
• There is no upper age limit on this course. We encourage and welcome participants from all ages 16 and over.

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.

Course Fee

£565

Participation Bursaries are available for this course. Please note the application deadline for participation bursaries is 29 April 2024.

This course is now full. Please join our waiting list and we will contact you if a place becomes available.

• Please note that accommodation in Sundial Court isn't available in 2024.
• For our Terms and Conditions, please click here.

Eligibility

• For everyone aged 16+. There is no upper age limit on this course. We encourage and welcome participants from all ages 16 and over.
• No prior experience required.
• Participants must have sufficient English language skills to cope with course demands.

About the Course Tutor

The course is taught by Vanessa Cass, Head of Design Realisation / Scenic Art Lecturer at Guildhall School.

Vanessa originally studied for a Fine Art degree at Leeds University. For a number of years she combined working at the Royal Academy of Art with having a studio and producing her own artwork. In 1994 she studied Scenic Art and Prop Making at Central School of Speech and Drama and went on to work full-time as a Scenic Artist. 

She has painted scenery and backcloths primarily for theatre and has worked for The National Theatre, Royal Opera House, English National Opera and Regents Park Open Air Theatre. Other scenic work has included adverts, corporate parties, theme parks, murals and children’s television.

She has taught Scenic Art part- time at Central School of Speech and Drama, completed the Postgraduate Certificate in Teaching and Learning in Higher Education, and is a Fellow of the Higher Education Academy.