Springfield globe-republic. (Springfield, Ohio) 1884-1887, 1886-10-22
SCENIC ARTISTS.
WHAT MAY BE SEEN IN THE PAINT
ROOM OF A THEATRE.


Great Advance Made in Scene Painting
In the Past Ten Years-Not n Drop OF
OIL d-"Takiug Up n Scene "-Sew
Ideas to the Front.
"Can tell you anything new about scenic
artists and scene paintiugr echoed promi-
nent member Of that most important and
essential order Of persons whose work is so
necessary to the success of any theatrical pro-
duction, in response TO a question put to him
by a reporter. The scene, the paint room of
popular theatre The artist was busly en-
gagged in painting handsome stained glass
transom in a drawing room set to be used in
the play to lie presented shortly.
well. continued the artist as he deftly ap-
piled the necessary colors, you know there's
an old saying that there's nothing new under
the sun, but perhaps | may be able TO give
you something that hasn't become chest
nut A great advance has been made in the
art of scene painting in the past ten years.
Ten years ago the people took scenic artists
for ordinary house painters, and our work
was not looked upon as an art, but now it is
regarded in that light, and art critics are tax
ing an interest in our efforts. The young
artists Of the present time don't believe in the
conventional ideas Of the old artists of a dozen
years ago. All the young men who were
brought up by the old heads got their inspira-
ton from them, and then improved upon
their methods.
Some people think that scenic artists are
very ordinary individuals who know nothing
about artistic work. This is an erroneous
impression. as the majority Of us are as ac-
compliShed as the best class Of oil or water
color painters OF course there are all grades
OF scenic artists, ranging from the true artist
who takes pride in what he does down to
those who apply their brushes in a loose and
haphazard manner without regard TO finish
or attractiveneSs
DETAILS OF SCENE PAINTING.
"Ten years ago the scenic painters depended
upon pure colors for effect but now they
paint the scene and depend upon the value OF
the tintS, the same as landscape or marine
artist. II the newspapers, instead OF saying
that the management OF a theatre deserved
credit for tine manner in which a piece was
mounted, would Criticise the scenery, the art
ist would feel that there was something to
to work for and apply himself more earnestly
and carefully 10 his task Many people who
are not familiar with the details OF scene
painting imagine that the work is done In oil.
Not drop OF oil is used, as, in the first place,
il would be too expensive. Then, again, il
would be in greater danger from fire, and the
scenes would be so difficult TO handle. The
only materials used by the artist are glue,
water, alum, soap and the colors, the latter OF
which are of good quality.
The canvas TO be painted is suspended by
ropes, and can be raised or lowered 50 that
any portion of it will be handy for the artist
to apply the colors. The palette consists of a
solidly built table about six or eight feet long
Of ordinary height, and mounted on rollers,
so that it can he moved to any part of the
painters bridge most convenient to the
artist The top of the table is filled with
goodsized tin plates, which contain the
necessary cOlOrs. In the center is plate used
for mixing up the required tints. The artist
works rapidly, and produces striking and
handsome effects with few quick strokes OF
his brush. Close at hand. or in the daylight
| the scenes present coarse appearance, but
when in use on the stage the brilliant light
thrown upon them produces a softening and
smooth effect
"FAKING Up A SCENE"
"A great deal of what is known as taking
up a scene" is indulged in, especially where
no intricate or elaborate scenery is required
and when the manager does not wish to &C
TO any unnecessary expense. For instance
| the back scene Of parlOr set with folding
doors may be in use one week, ami the next
it will be turned around and painted on the
back to represent an archway or an entrance
| to prison. Nearly all the ordinary scenery
used in a theatre is painted on the front
and back, and is thus made TO do double ser.
| vice.
A week or two before the opening of play
the scenic artist Of theatre receives what i:
known as the scene miniature fac-sim
| lies Of the scenery required for thesplay-sc
that he may know just what is desired of him
and he at once goes ahead with his work, il
order to have everything in readiness for the
| first night of the production. In cases oi
| elaborate or spectacular productions be fire.
quently has several months given him il
which TO do himself and the production full
| justice. The single item Of scenery alone i
quite an expense to a theatre, and at first clas
houses playing combinations run up int
| Thousands of dollars in a year-ChicagC
| Journal