If you live in the Midwest, there’s a chance you’ve seen his artwork at the Chicago Museum of Science and Industry, Argonne National Laboratories, or at The Cantigny Museum in Wheaton, Illinois.  Meet the understated genius behind the backdrops of Production Plus: John Archer.

SBD
What role do you play at Production Plus?

ARCHER
I’m a scenic painter and artist.  From structures, figures, flat backgrounds, cut outs, to faux finishes, I paint specialty scenic backgrounds for all exhibit types.

SBD
When did you receive your calling as a scenic artist?

ARCHER
I started in high school.  I apprenticed under journeymen. That’s where I learned the tricks of the trade.  Then I went on to study in college.  I started out painting scenes for summer theatre and the St. Louis Municipal Opera House.

SBD
How do you conceptualize your scenic backgrounds?

ARCHER
I create from concept to production.  Usually, I first do a site survey, then meet with the client for a creative meeting, during which I draw the client’s ideas through a series of rough renderings. So by the time the meeting is over the client knows what he/she is getting right away and we are close to the final concept.

SBD
How long does the average piece of work take?

ARCHER
Each piece varies substantially.  Some are expedient, but on average they take two to three days, sometimes longer depending on complexity and scale.

SBD
How many renderings have you drawn?

ARCHER
More than a thousand in my time as a scenic artist.

SBD
What is the most challenging aspect of your craft?

ARCHER
The hardest part is interpreting the final product that the client envisions.  Once I ask the client to fine-tune their vision, I have an innate knack for making decisions about the piece that they are always happy with.

SBD
Where are some of your famous scenic paintings?

ARCHER
I have painted 60 percent of the scenes at Chicago’s Museum of Science and Industry.  For example: The AIDS exhibit, heart, coalmine, train, the old classic cars exhibit and others.  At Cantigny Museum in Wheaton, IL. I painted the mural that is part of the World War I exhibit. Across the country I have customized scenic paintings and sculptures at various franchises of McDonalds.  One of my favorites projects was for the owner of a chain of McDonalds on the East coast, where I painted seven Austin Healey Racing cars vying for the finish line in each of his restaurants.

SBD
Has your work ever been featured in a movie or on television shows?

ARCHER
Years ago, I was the original designer of the dance television show, “Soul Train.”  Also, some of my work was featured on “The Untouchables.”

SBD
What do you want spectators to recognize the most about your work?

ARCHER
Diversity. I have about ten different techniques I use to make the same thing look different.  I can make things look shiny like metal to 3-D painted renderings right down to sculptures.

SBD
Describe your most magnificent work.

ARCHER
My grandest piece of work is at the Aerospace Museum in Hong Kong.  The piece is a gargantuan depiction of Galileo, Copernicus and Newton, to name a few.

SBD
What’s your favorite innovation?

ARCHER
I invented a series of markers, ranging from four-inches wide down to a quarter of an inch wide.  Although I never got around to marketing them, they were designed for art students and other artists. They can be dipped into different color inks for outlining and finishing.

SBD
If you weren’t a scenic artist, what would you do?

ARCHER
Most likely, I would be a fighter pilot, but my mother talked me into art. Instead of making a six-year commitment to the Air Force Academy or ‘Nam, I opted for art school.

SBD
What do you like the best about your job?

ARCHER
It’s the variety.  Every show is different.  Even the shows that come around every year change concept.  Each scene is challenging because it requires a certain level of ingenuity to achieve a special effect.