University of Michigan MPULSE Scenic Painting
Marble
This piece explores texture and movement through layered color and mixed media. I started by covering the board with shades of green, white, gray, and black, using a sea sponge to build soft, layered textures. Once it dried, I dipped a feather in white, gray, and black paint and gently dragged it across the surface, creating natural veins that resemble real marble.
When that layer was complete, I used a ruler to trace my last name and painted inside the letters. The clean, structured lines stand out against the marbled background, balancing precision with creativity. The technique gives the board a realistic stone effect that’s perfect for scenic painting and set design applications.
Brick
I created a realistic brick effect by layering vibrant shades of red, orange, and yellow paint across a board using a large flat brush to mimic the natural color variations found in real masonry. Once the base was completely dry, I carefully used a ruler to outline the individual bricks, ensuring uniform spacing and proportion. To complete the look, I painted the mortar lines between each brick with white paint and a medium-sized brush, bringing contrast and dimension. The finished piece closely resembles an authentic brick wall which is an ideal technique for scenic design and set painting.
