Catalog Description

Formerly known as DRMA 19B
Hours: 90 (18 lecture, 72 activity)
Description: Study of scenic painting practices and standards including mixing and matching paints, implementing various painting techniques, and utilizing specialized and experimental materials and tools for practical use in theatrical productions. (CSU, UC)

Course Student Learning Outcomes

  • CSLO #1: Discuss and describe the uses of various painting tools and techniques for scene construction including scumbling, spattering, dry and wet brush techniques for architectural materials.
  • CSLO #2: Read plays and describe the needs for scene construction and painting with consideration of oil and water base, acrylic, latex and powdered paints.
  • CSLO #3: Select appropriate materials, tools and techniques to meet the needs of a particular painted effect for the stage.
  • CSLO #4: Match and mix appropriate painting materials and colors.
  • CSLO #5: Paint a variety of projects exemplifying standard painting techniques and effects for the stage including dried wood, hard wood, brick, marble and shadowing.

Effective Term

Spring 2021

Course Type

Credit - Degree-applicable

Contact Hours

90

Outside of Class Hours

72

Total Student Learning Hours

162

Course Objectives

Students will through oral, written and practical application:
Lecture Objectives:
1. Discuss and describe the uses of various painting tools and techniques for scene construction including scumbling, spattering, dry and wet brush techniques and architectural effects;
2. read plays and describe the needs for scene painting with consideration of oil and water base, acrylic, latex and powdered paints;
3. discuss, describe and analyze the relationship between paint color and application techniques and mood creation for stage productions.
Activity/Laboratory Objectives:
1. Select and apply appropriate materials, tools and techniques to meet the needs of a particular painted effect for the stage;
2. mix and match appropriate painting materials and colors;
3. paint a variety of projects exemplifying standard painting techniques and effects for the stage including dried wood, hard wood, brick, marble and shadowing; and
4. paint required scenic elements for production as dictated by the play in production for the current semester.

General Education Information

  • Approved College Associate Degree GE Applicability
    • CSU GE Applicability (Recommended-requires CSU approval)
      • Cal-GETC Applicability (Recommended - Requires External Approval)
        • IGETC Applicability (Recommended-requires CSU/UC approval)

          Articulation Information

            Methods of Evaluation

            • Problem Solving Examinations
              • Example: Students will be graded according to industry standards on appropriateness of techniques and tools chosen to create a look such as a wet wood blend.
            • Projects
              • Example: Create a graded scale from black to white with seven equal steps. Grade based on industry standard.
            • Skill Demonstrations
              • Example: Instructor will assess student work on paint mixing and problem solving by the level of realism and how it reads on the stage with other technical elements such as costuming and lighting.

            Repeatable

            No

            Methods of Instruction

            • Activity
            • Lecture/Discussion
            • Distance Learning

            Activity:

            1. Instructor will demonstrate and guide the students in painting techniques for three types of scumbles.
            2. Instructor will guide students in painting a graded sample of color from high to low.

            Lecture:

            1. Instructor will lecture on the principles of color and will guide the students in mixing and matching colors using the color wheel and additive mixing techniques

            Distance Learning

            1. The Instructor will set-up all assignments and discussion in the LMS to provide a means for an interactive, engaging and organized learning environment. Tools and apps such as video conferencing, videos, and textbooks will be used as training, discussion platforms, analysis and models for students. On ground demonstrations and practical use of equipment will also demonstrate and support written study.

            Typical Out of Class Assignments

            Reading Assignments

            1. Read textbook chapters and apply painting techniques to create stage effects for scenes in production. 2. Read the assigned play and determine the appropriate painting techniques to use on the set.

            Writing, Problem Solving or Performance

            1. Students are required to attend two plays and write formal critiques with special focus on scene painting and implementation. 2. Students analyze an illusion and determine the technique appropriate to create that illusion.

            Other (Term projects, research papers, portfolios, etc.)

            1. Select and use the correct pure hues to paint a color wheel that includes the primary, secondary, and tertiary colors. 2. Mix to match five assigned colors. 3. Paint a sample of a high/low brush scumble on your 3'x 6' flat. 4. Paint a sample of a three color roller scumble on your 3'x 6' flat. 5. Paint a sample of a wet-blend oak or mahogany wood-grain. 6. Paint a sample of two-tone spattering over a brush scumble with: a) large, heavy coverage b) small, light coverage. 7. Paint a sample of a section of old fence using a dry brush wood-grain. 8. Paint a sample piece of molding using lining and shading techniques.

            Required Materials

            • Theatrical Scene Painting: A Lesson Guide
              • Author: William H. Pinnell
              • Publisher: Southern Illinois University Press
              • Publication Date: 2008
              • Text Edition: 2nd
              • Classic Textbook?: No
              • OER Link:
              • OER:
            • Designing and Painting for the Theatre
              • Author: Lynn Pecktal
              • Publisher: International Thomson Publishing
              • Publication Date: 1997
              • Text Edition:
              • Classic Textbook?: No
              • OER Link:
              • OER:
            • The Pictorial Encyclopedia of Historical Costumes
              • Author: Albert Kretschmer
              • Publisher: Dover Publications
              • Publication Date: 2007
              • Text Edition:
              • Classic Textbook?: No
              • OER Link:
              • OER:
            • Scenic Art for the Theatre
              • Author: Susan Crabtree and Peter Beudert
              • Publisher: Focal Press
              • Publication Date: 2011
              • Text Edition: 3rd
              • Classic Textbook?: No
              • OER Link:
              • OER:
            • The Art of the Hollywood Backdrop
              • Author: Richard Isackes and Karen Maness
              • Publisher: Regan Arts
              • Publication Date: 2016
              • Text Edition:
              • Classic Textbook?: No
              • OER Link:
              • OER:

            Other materials and-or supplies required of students that contribute to the cost of the course.

            3 paint brushes 1 sea sponge 1 stencil and 2-3 pounce sponges