Latest Backdrop

This latest backdrop was painted and designed earlier this month for All Shook Up. A pattern was chose for this backdrop rather than a scene, so I researched 50's fabric patterns as the show takes place in the 50's.
Finding some elements that I liked and doing some redesigning, I ended with this rough sketch:

After projecting the image with chalk, I then refine the sketch and redraw it with thinned down paint. As I was doing this I had to make adjustments to the placement of the elements of the design. I also made some changes in the pattern. This particular backdrop is the "grand oleo" and is approximately 16ft tall by 18ft wide.Next painting began.

My friend and fellow artist Brandon assisted me on the 2nd day. This was my first time having an assistant, and he had never painted a backdrop before, but he did a great job.

I don't get too many opportunities to use metallic paints on backdrops, but I used metallic gold here on the detailing. (Again following the designs of many fabrics of the era that used gold detailing)
I specially liked how in certain spots the gold is darker and in other areas it really shines and sparks.
Backdrop finished:

One of the additional pieces...called a ground row, also painted for the show.