Art Student Creates Conceptual Drawings for Larger-Than-Life Scenes in "The Nutcracker"

By -
Jessica Purkerson stands next to one of her conceptual
watercolor designs for "The Nutcracker."
Enormous candies and cupcakes. Giant snow-covered trees against a midnight sky. Life-sized fireplaces and chilly windows. These are just a few of the scenes created by LBCC art student Jessica Purkerson for Legacy Ballet’s upcoming performance of “The Nutcracker."


Purkerson created the scenes after a request from theater manager Leslie Hammond. She had also helped create the large paper cutout masks used in last spring's children's play. This time, the challenge for Purkerson was to create scenes that would transfer well to a large backdrop.

Purkerson was awestruck to see her conceptual 11-by-22 inch watercolors turned into 22-by-44 foot backdrops for the show.

“It was so cool to see my paintings hanging from the ceiling,” Purkerson said of her watercolors, which hang in waiting in the Russell Tripp Performance Center in Takena Hall.

Amy Larink, a scenic artist based in Chicago, spent the month of November transferring Purkerson’s conceptual designs into four large backdrops and two sets of nutcracker legs. The first backdrop for the ballet is Clara’s house, with a fireplace and large windows encrusted with snow.

Purkerson used a technique of sprinkling salt on the wet watercolor, which brings out the moisture and some of the color to leave a textured look.

“It was amazing to see that Amy was able to incorporate that look into the finished backdrops,” said Purkerson. “I’m really excited for the performance, to see how everything comes together.”

Performance dates for “The Nutcracker” are Dec. 13 and 14 at 7 p.m., and Dec. 15 at 2 p.m. and 7 p.m. at LBCC’s Russell Tripp Performance Center.  Tickets are $12 and can be purchased online at www.linnbenton.edu/go/tickets, at the theater Box Office, by phone at 541-917-4531, or one hour prior to the performance. Box Office hours are Monday through Friday, 8 to 10 a.m. and 2 to 4 p.m.

Read more about Purkerson and Larink’s work in the Democrat Herald story by Heather Crabtree:
http://democratherald.com/news/local/setting-the-scene/article_8fd1e508-3e93-11e2-b9e0-001a4bcf887a.html

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

LBCC Oregon Construction Contractors Board Education

By -
Oregon Construction Contractors Board Education (CCB) will be offered through the Small Business Development Center at Linn-Benton Community College. This five session course will meet on April 22, 29, May 6, 13, and 20 from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m., on the LBCC Albany campus, Calapooia Center room CC-213. The course is required for CCB licensing as part of the education requirement before taking the State of Oregon CCB exam. Participants are required to attend all five of the state-approved sessions to satisfy the educational requirement for Oregon contractor licensing. Topics include employer requirements and employee rights, Oregon lien and contract law, taxes/recordkeeping, best business practices, project and time management, estimating and scheduling, building codes, OR-OSHA requirements, job site safety, environmental laws, and test taking strategies in compliance with ORS 701-280.  Advance registration is required by April 18. Cost for five sessions is ...
Read more

Community Art classes in Albany, Corvallis, and Lebanon

By -
A variety of art classes, including a few new ones, are being offered through LBCC Community Education starting March 28. In the new class “Art & Etsy,” learn to polish your craft and sell your art. Bring your own product to polish up, or bring to life a new creation. Immerse yourself in product design and then create a catchy shop name and an inviting online presence. This one-day class meets Thursday, April 7 from 1 to 3:50 p.m. at the LBCC Lebanon Center, 44 Industrial Way, and Friday, April 15 from 1 to 3:50 p.m. at the LBCC Benton Center, 757 Polk Ave, Corvallis, and Saturday, April 16 from 10 to 12:50 p.m. at the LBCC Albany Campus, 6500 Pacific Blvd. SW. Cost is $39. The new class “Mosaic Mashup” helps you create a mosaic masterpiece from recycled materials. Incorporate paper, glass tiles, ceramic tiles, and a wide selection of other materials. Leave with your own unique piece of artwork. This one-day class meets Thursday, March 31 from 1 to 3:50 p.m. at the LBCC Lebanon Cen...
Read more

Foreign Language classes in Albany start April 4

By -
Learn a foreign language in classes offered through Community Education at Linn-Benton Community College starting April 4. Spanish for Seniors focuses on conversational Spanish with essential words, songs and phrases to help you get ready to travel more confidently in Spanish speaking countries. Learn past, present, and future verb tenses. Some previous Spanish experience recommended. This eight-week class meets Tuesdays from 2:30 to 3:50 p.m. starting April 4 at the Albany Senior Center, 44 Water Ave. Cost is $65. American Sign Language I provides basic sign language skills and information on deaf culture. This eight-week class meets Tuesdays from 6:30 to 8:20 p.m. starting April 4 at the LBCC Albany Campus, 6500 Pacific Blvd. SW. Cost is $99. American Sign Language II is for those ready for silent communication through games and group interaction. Two terms of ASL or instructor permission required. This eight-week class meets Tuesdays from 6:30 to 8:20 p.m. starting April 4...
Read more