Secrets of scene painting and stage effects

Chapter 9: TO ENLARGE A SKETCH

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About This Book

The book surveys the history and principles of theatrical scenery and provides practical instruction for creating stage backgrounds and effects. It explains perspective and painting techniques, paint mixing and application suited to distant audience viewing, and offers designs for typical scenes and appropriate furniture. It addresses stage construction from portable platforms to permanent sets, and details the mechanics of moving scenery, curtains, borders, and the use of power and safety measures. Illustrated, step‑by‑step guidance aims to equip amateurs and professionals with methods for producing convincing, durable scenic effects.

TO ENLARGE A SKETCH

Portion of Canvas Showing how to enlarge Sketch to scale.

The best method is to sketch on to the canvas, then rule up the design into a number of equal squares or rectangles, then using a chalk line divide the canvas into precisely the same number of spaces.

The rest is easy; it is only necessary to follow the original design, square by square, and map it out on the canvas.

The sketch should, of course, be in absolute proportion to the cloth. If it is square, any square is right. If, for instance, the cloth were 30 feet by 20 feet, the sketch should be 30 inches by 20 inches, or 15 inches by 10 inches, as most convenient.