The scenic artist is another talented individual. Again years of training go into this unique skill. Usually they work from photographic references and reproduce settings in remarkably quick time on painted scenic canvas. Precise planning is an essential element here, as mistakes must first dry before being rectified. A scenic artist generally trains on the job as an assistant before progressing on to individual jobs. They carry their own specialised kit together with an assortment of paint stainers and a compressor. This work is highly pressurised and often involves long unsociable hours. Steve Mitchel painted this 16x5 metre backing shown here in just three days.