“Beyond The Brush”
a 3-Part VOS Scenic Paint Workshop Series

Saturday, February 15, 22 & March 8, 2025
1:30-4:30pm

Open to all experience levels and ages (16+).

The VOS “Beyond the Brush” three-part workshop series in scenic painting techniques is designed to build technical skills and enhance the theatrical painting capabilities within the Victoria theatre community. The series accommodates both beginners and those with some painting experience, offering flexible enrollment options for individual sessions or the complete series. The workshops are structured to offer an accessible entry point for new community members to engage with VOS in a low-pressure, skill-building environment, and offer “professional development” for existing VOS members. For more information contact training@victoriaonstage.ca

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Barbara Clerihue
Workshop Instructor

Barbara is an accomplished set designer and scenic painter who has contributed to numerous VOS productions including RENT, 9 to 5, Mamma Mia!, The Rocky Horror Show, The Wizard of Oz, and Sweeney Todd, as well as to many other theatre companies in Victoria including, The Giver, The Remarkable Journey of Edward Tulane, When the Sun Crosses the Line, Pinocchio, Peter Pan, The Secret Garden, The Little Prince, Charlotte’s Web, and House at Pooh Corner (Kaleidoscope); The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee, Company, and I and You (Langham Court), Born Yesterday (Blue Bridge); and Les Liaisons Dangereuses (Phoenix). Certified in Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI), she actively works to create inclusive spaces in all her endeavours. Barbara is currently a PhD Candidate in Theatre Studies at the University of Victoria.

SCENIC PAINTING WORKSHOP
a 3-Part Series

Unlike the significant time commitment of a full production, these 3.5-hour workshops allow participants to experience our community, learn valuable theatrical skills, and become familiar with our space. By keeping group sizes small, with 8-12 participants per session, each person receives individual attention and guidance with an opportunity to feel welcomed into our community. The first session requires no previous experience – a comfortable entry point for complete beginners – while the collaborative nature of the workshops naturally fosters interaction and support among participants. Participants will gain valuable technical skills that directly translate to future show participation, while naturally building connections with current VOS members through shared learning experiences.

SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 15 – 1:30-4:30PM
SESSION 1 – THE ARTIST’S EYE: OBSERVATION SKILLS AND COLOR FOUNDATION

Discover the secrets of seeing like a scenic artist as you learn to break down colors and textures in the world around you. This foundational workshop unlocks the essential skills of color mixing and surface observation that will transform your approach to theatrical painting.

  • Understand the Fundamentals of Scenic Painting: Participants will gain an introductory knowledge of the materials, tools, and role of scenic painting in theatre.
  • Apply Basic Color Theory: Participants will learn how to mix colors effectively, create harmonious color palettes, and match colors from natural scenes.
  • Develop Texture Observation Skills: Participants will practice observing and noting the textures and colors found in various surfaces, enhancing their ability to replicate these in scenic designs.

SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 22 – 1:30-4:30PM
SESSION 2 – THE MAGIC OF WOOD GRAINING

Learn to create wood effects that can transform plain surfaces into rich, convincing timber from the audience’s perspective. From rustic barn boards to elegant mahogany, master the techniques that will let you replicate any wood grain with just paint and simple tools.

  • Master Advanced Texturing Techniques: Participants will learn specific techniques to create realistic wood grain textures using a variety of painting tools.
  • Replicate Wood Grain: Participants will be able to paint wood grain for theatrical sets, focusing on creating the illusion of various wood through grain patterns, knots, and aging effects.
  • Engage in Constructive Critique: Participants will present their work, engage in peer critiques, and provide feedback, fostering a collaborative learning environment.

SATURDAY, MARCH 8 – 1:30-4:30PM
SESSION 3 – THE ART OF FAUX: MARBLE AND STONE TECHNIQUES

Transform plywood into elegant marble, rich stone textures, and decorative finishes that elevate theatrical spaces. Master the techniques of creating convincing marble veining, stone textures, and faux finishing that add sophistication to your scenic elements.

  • Master Advanced Texturing Techniques: Participants will learn specific techniques to create marble and stone textures for theatrical sets using a variety of painting tools and techniques.
  • Create Decorative Finishes: Participants will explore and apply methods to achieve marble veining, and stone and wall variations using specialized tools and layering methods.
  • Engage in Constructive Critique: Participants will present their work, engage in peer critiques, and provide feedback, fostering a collaborative learning environment.

WORKSHOP REGISTRATION

Open to all ages 16+.