Copyright © 2024 by Wendy Waszut-Barrett
David Wilmore and I began discussing new ground rows for the Tyne Theatre & Opera House last fall. It was during a stage machinery demonstration that Wilmore mentioned my name; they were ready for new scenery. Before my departure, the following plan was hatched over a pint of beer.
Our plan: I would design and paint eight ground rows with historic pigments in the US and fly them over, packed in my suitcase.
From the beginning, we planned that I would use traditional materials and techniques; painting the ground rows on a vertical frame with distemper paint (pigment paste and diluted hide glue). This is also what made it possible to fold all of the ground rows into a compact little bundle and not worry about creasing.
Initially, I planned to paint eight water rows, each measuring 3’-0”h x 24’-0”w. However, size, construction, and composition were bantered about, and in the end there were four water rows and four ground rows; the new width measuring 26’-6” wide, with heights ranging from 30” to 60″. Furthermore, each ground row would breakdown into three pieces (for easier handling and storage). The design anticipated that certain sections would be removed with additions constructed at a later date.
Once the sizes were finalized, I began to design each row. Using pastels, I completed a few quick sketches to indicate color palette and layout. I really like using pastels to quickly convey an idea, especially when the final scene is paint in distemper.
A detailed rendering was my next step, and now we were off to the races!
Using 126”-wide lightweight muslin, I tacked two 27’-6” long swaths of fabric. I have taken to using this particular width as it perfectly fits on the paint frame. This saves me a ton of time in the long run.
I budgeted five days to set-up, paint, tear-down, and pack-up the eight ground rows.
I started with the water rows: three rows on the top panel and one row on the bottom panel. As pictured below, the top fabric would contain the 30”, 40” and 50” high water rows. The bottom panel would contain two 60” ground rows (water and foliage).
When the water rows were finished, I replaced the top fabric panel (water rows) with a fresh piece of muslin for the foliage rows. I masked the completed water row on the bottom fabric panel with plastic. Sometimes I throw paint a little too freely!
Each set of ground rows took approximately two days, leaving me a little extra time to pre-hang the panels in the nearby theatre and make sure that everything lined up. This also allowed me to double- check that the painted illusion read well from a distance.
I was also able to document the viscosity of the painting. Over the years, I have learned to use less, and less, paint. THAT is the key to distemper painting!
It was while documenting historic scenery collections that I began to realize how little paint was applied to the surface of historic drops; and it wasn’t because it had all dusted off. Applying thin coats of paint not only means that every drop can function as a translucency, but also facilities packing for a tour. This was also not the first time that I have packed painted scenery in a standard suitcase, so I knew how much wiggle room that I had to work with!
When packing the ground rows, I simply layered them from widest to narrowest before folding. All eight ground rows easily fit in a suitcase, with room to spare.
Distemper scenes traveled very well, without any horrific wrinkles or creasing. I sometimes think we forget how hearty this type of scenery can be. Only water poses a threat to newly-painted distemper scenes.
After spending five days in a suitcase, as I journeyed from Minneapolis to London, and then Newcastle-upon-Tyne, they were unfolded at the Tyne on Monday, July 29.
Over the next few days, three of the eight ground rows frames were constructed, so they could be used in the demonstration on Friday, August 2. Only the edges of the fabric were glued to the prototypes (less than an inch). It will be removed and attached to the final version. The final version will have more detailed edges to accentuate the individual leaves.
On Thursday evening, August 1, the ground rows were installed and operated for the first time.
Watching this all come together was one of the more exciting moments of my career.
There is nothing quite like seeing your paintings tucked amongst stage machinery. It was a remarkable experience!
To be continued…
