PAINT

From William, Paints Intern

Paint. Paint. Paint. That is what I feel like I am covered in as I write this blog entry about my time thus far as the scenic arts intern at the Seattle Rep. A usual week for me is balanced between on set work and personal projects. For instance, right now I have been learning different painting techniques for marble. Past projects have included carving and sculpture work, recreation of another artist’s work, (I chose a Sargent piece), and a landscape. Before I leave I will also work on a still life painting. I do each project on a 3’x5’ canvas.

Nancy Knott, my scenic painting mentor has been extremely generous in sharing her wealth of knowledge as a scenic painter and visual artist. I have learned a variety of new techniques and am constantly inspired by the joy that she exhibits in what she does. I often observe that communication is one of the most important skills that a scenic painter needs to bestow. A scenic painter is pretty much the paint brush for the set. It is important that the paint team and the designer are all on the same page so that the desired goal is achieved.

One of the most exciting aspects about doing an internship at the Seattle Rep are the connections that you make. For example, Eugene Lee, scenic designer for Wicked and a variety of other Broadway shows, just designed the set for The Seafarer, which opened last night. As a scenic designer myself and long time admirer of his work, I was elated when I had the opportunity to sit down with him for lunch and have a conversation about his career. The entire time as I was eating my bacon, I couldn’t believe that Eugene Lee was right in front of me, sharing his story in such a down to earth way!! It is those experiences with incoming artists and the highly skilled staff at the Rep that have made my internship a very positive experience.