Happy New Year!

Wishing Everyone a Magical 2015! 

Love Zoe xx

Art Class Christmas Lunch at SA3 Bistro, Mumbles

Both art classes from Ostreme Centre, Mumbles and Swansea Grand Theatre got together for our Christmas lunch at SA3 Bistro in Mumbles today. They really spoiled us with a beautiful festive table and an absolutely delicious meal accompanied, of course with lots of laughter and fun. Christmas Holidays have arrived!!

New Open Edition Prints of Ballet and Figurative Paintings.

One of  three new open edition prints available exclusively on my website in Shop Page

www.zoejameswilliams.com

£32 unframed and unmounted inc P&P

Perfect for a  Christmas present

 In Rehearsal

In Rehearsal

Film Review The Imitation Game A MUST SEE

Synopsis

English mathematician and logician, Alan Turing, helps crack the Enigma code during World War II.

My Musings

Synopsis

English mathematician and logician, Alan Turing, helps crack the Enigma code during World War II.

My Musings

"Sometimes it is the people no one imagines anything of who do the things that no one can imagine." 

Secrets within secrets. The story of how one man's genius and foresight helped win the war with what Churchill called the single biggest contribution to Allied victory in the war against Nazi Germany. What is extraordinary about this film is that no one knew of Alan Turing's role until recently when the official secrets act released his files 50 years on. Even though it is a travesty that he was not recognised until now i am not surprised it was kept secret. This is the true story of a man who broke an unbreakable code with a machine he built paving the way to many modern day inventions including the computer. The events that come after I found even more shocking, humbling and chilling. Through this man's amazing story you see how war is won and lost with ruthlessness, calculation, sacrifice and secrecy. Many a battle is lost it seems to win a war. In this case also, like many others forgotten heroes , the establishment use their finest minds and then discard when no longer needed. There seems to be no loyalty or thanks or reward although for the people of Bletchley park loyalty to their country was I believe enough.

The reason I have not mentioned the actual film yet is because the story for me made a bigger impact than the film if that makes sense. However there is an exceptionally strong cast with Benedict Cumberbatch underplaying Turin brilliantly with a quiet offbeat intensity. Kiera Knightly, Charles Dance and  Matthew Goode amongst others who add their weight to the cast. The story flows from Turing being bullied at school and his first crush to being recruited by MI6 to help break the Enigma code and then back to him being arrested for indecent behavior due to his homosexuality which was illegal in the UK up until 1967. 

Turing was a brilliant mathematician amongst other talents, a real Renaissance Man of his age. However he was also antisocial and very difficult to get on with which added to his terrible loneliness and feeling of isolation. This leads to some great pivotal scenes of him and his team clashing before succeeding in solving the enigma codes. The most chilling part comes after they crack the code and the next faze called Ultra. A logical system whereby they chose what information to pass on and what not to so the Germans would not realise they had cracked the code. The enormity of what they had to do, the sacrifice of so many people, the weight of responsibility of who lives and who dies for the greater good i found difficult to digest. It is why we are not told how exactly wars and battles are won. The normal person in the street would find it unpalatable. It is naive to think anyone can win a war without bloody decisions being made on both sides but the decisions over life and death were shown to be uncomfortably clinical. 

The other side of the story was of the man himself. He wanted to have company but his talent and brilliant mind stopped him from connecting with people on a social level. His arrest for indecency in the 1950's because he was a homosexual was shameful on so many levels but primarily because the government would have known and surely could have stepped in and swept it under the carpet. But no, he was chemically castrated and his reputation in tatters.That was the thanks this nation gave him for his service.

This story speaks of how those of us who are different, unique or special can be isolated and rejected because of how society finds it difficult to understand or accept  difference. 

A story of two halves. A man who fulfilled his intellectual promise but who was unable to connect with the world at large. Unique and misunderstood I hope this film helps put Alan Turing back into the history books where he truly belongs alongside other renaissance men who have enriched our lives while sacrificing their own. History will be his judge and  thankfully kinder to him than his contemporaries.

This is a must watch film that is enlightening and humbling. I am sure this will get loads of awards but the biggest award for this film is that it brought such an extraordinary man to the public's attention so we could honor him the way he should have been in his lifetime. 

Postcript

The Queen gave Alan Turing a long overdue pardon in 2013 for which his family must gain some comfort.

Backround Story

 Interesting article on who were the real code breakers of Bletchley Park

Christmas Shows in Swansea and Cardiff

Mark , The Ceri Richards Art Gallery Manager with some of my paintings at the Christmas Show on until Dec 23rd

One of my paintings at The Christmas Show in The Albany Gallery , Cardiff on until Dec 31st 

Ballet 422 Official Trailer 1 (2014) - Documentary HD

Pure Gold, a painting of Johan Kobborg,

Painting of Johan Kobborg titled

Pure Gold

. Watercolour with 23 carat gold applied. Part of my Kings of Dance series. The gold was added because of Johan's love for all things gold! Gold has a universal and symbolic nature and I loved having the excuse to use it in this picture.

Drawing on Dylan at Dylathon. Part of The Big Draw

I have been drawing at The Dylathon all day yesterday and am about to go for the second day today. Here are some of the drawings from backstage so far.

DRAWING ON DYLAN, PART OF DYLATHON AND BIG DRAW EVENTS. JOIN IN!

From Oct 26-27th Zoe James-Williams will create a visual diary of the Dylathon in Swansea Grand Theatre by taking people on a drawing journal though the event with her drawings, words and photos that she will put on social media in real time.
People are invited to join and follow Zoe through social media at the event celebrating Dylan as she Instagrams her visual commentary. All are welcome to join in a celebration of Dylan Thomas in his centenary by adding their own Dylan inspires words and drawings to Zoe's journal. 'Our world' the theme of The Big Draw is an unique opportunity for Zoe to share a glimse behind the scenes through her drawing and inspire others to share the inspiring words of Dylan Thomas. Performed by a cast of hundreds of participants drawn from the worlds of theatre and film including Sir Ian Mckellan, Jonathon Pryce, Sian Phillips and Katherine Jenkins, it is a drawing event not to be missed!
Zoe will be putting her drawings on into her
Facebook Page
https://www.facebook.com/pages/Zoe-James-Williams/162461306404
Instagram http://instagram.com/zoejameswilliams
Twitter https://twitter.com/ZoeArtist
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Please join in my Drawing on Dylan Event.
This is part of TheBigDraw. Be Inspired!
www.zoejameswilliams.com
www.bigdraw.org

Carmen-Yuanyuan Tan

Fabulous performance of Carmen, not so sure about the singer!!

Rembrandt, His Late Works at The National Gallery, London until January

One of my favourite all time works of art is surprisingly a simple brown ink drawing of a sleeping woman by Rembrandt. Imagine my delight that it is one of the pieces to be shown in the latest must see exhibition in The National Gallery. Rembrandt, The Late Works spotlight a delightful mix of his paintings, drawings and prints. 
Only a master of his craft can make something look this effortlessly beautiful. The drawing flows like a symphony and satisfies like a lullaby. If you go please don't miss this simple of sketches. Sometimes its the simplest things that can give the most satisfaction.



Rembrandt’s later years were turbulent and marked with controversy, but they also produced some of his most soulful, deeply moving and strikingly modern works.Having already suffered the early loss of his wife and three of their children, Rembrandt’s later years were burdened with bankruptcy, acrimonious legal proceedings with a former lover, and the loss of his common-law wife and only remaining son. However, far from diminishing as he aged, Rembrandt’s creativity gathered new energy.

From the 1650s until his death in 1669, Rembrandt pursued an artistic style that was expressive and radical. His bold manipulation of printing and painting techniques and progressive interpretations of traditional subjects inspired generations of artists, earning him a reputation as the greatest master of the Dutch Golden Age.

Through famous masterpieces and rare drawings and prints, ‘The Late Works’ examines the themes that preoccupied Rembrandt as he grew older: self-scrutiny, experimentation, light, observation of everyday life and even other artists’ works; as well as expressions of intimacy, contemplation, conflict and reconciliation. 

“Even three-and-a-half centuries after his death, Rembrandt continues to astonish and amaze. His technical inventions, and his profound insight into human emotions, are as fresh and relevant today as they were in the 17th century.”

‘Rembrandt: The Late Works’, organised by the National Gallery, London and the Rijksmuseum, Amsterdam, offers you an opportunity to experience the passion, emotion and innovation of the great master.

If you want to see an interesting documentary go to iplayer for a passionate interpretation of his late works. Schama On Rembrandt

Tonal Lesson on brown paperwith Winslow Homer

For this weeks lesson the students painted a tonal exercise on brown paper using one of Winslow Homer's tonal sketches. Normal brown paper was used which was taped onto a board. Of course it wrinkles so they had to be careful not to use too much water but as an excercise worked very well.

Great contrasts and simplification of form. Also lots of artistic license with the original which looked great!! If you look at some of the classes work below and then look at an actual boat scene it doesn't seem so complicated to paint does it?

One of the students paintings with the original print of the Winslow Homer above. Some as you can see were using artistic license adding a moon, clouds and dashes of colour to great effect.

Iana Salenko, Prima Ballerina, Rehearsing for Le Corsaire

Rehearsing for Le Corsaire with Iana Salenko.

 Iana is a guest Prima Ballerina for Royal Ballet and Principal Ballerina with The Berlin State Ballet. She also starred in The Baileys ballet advert and is married to Principal ballet dancer Marion Walter.

Their  official website is Iana Salenko and Marion Walter or follow Iana on twitter on@ianasalenko

World Ballet Day: The Bolshoi, Royal Ballet, Australian, San Francisco and Canada

 October 1st was the first official World Ballet Day. 24 hours of ballet behind the scenes from five of the leading ballet companies, Australian, Bolshoi, Royal Ballet, Canada and San Francisco. Below is a link to the full four hours of the Bolshoi segment. Absolutely fascinating and a real privilege to have this sort of access. A huge success and wonderful to make ballet so much more accessible to everyone. Bravo!

Full class from Royal Ballet. A pity they didn't allow the full four hours to be repeated but still fascinating.

San Francisco , the full 4 hours. This was fascinating I especially enjoyed the rehearsal of Raku, which I have never seen before and thought was beautiful.

Highlights from Australia Ballet

Australian Ballet Link to World Ballet Day

Sorry I couldn't find Canada but will add if they upload highlights. Enjoy!!

Xander Parish, Starlit Lovers Series 1

 Xander Parish performing in Romeo and Juliet in The Royal Opera House
This is first of a series and I wanted to capture Xander and Viktoria's beautiful chemisty as they first fall in love as Romeo and Juliet. I used a limited palette to create the twilight effect with a blush for the skin tones.

#Starcrossedlovers series no.1 #romeoandjuliet #ballet #xanderparish #ViktoriaTereshkina #Mariinsky #Watercolor #pastels #charcoal #drawing #thebigdraw
Copyright Zoe James-Williams
Check out Xander Parish Website for up to date information on his dancing schedule. Also you can read a great interview in The Telegraph  Xander gave about becoming the the first British Dancer to be invited to enjoy The Mariinsky Ballet Company in St Petersburg.  
You can also follow him on twitter @xanderparish

Big Draw Starts

Don't forget to check out events near you for The Big Draw.
The Big Draw

World Ballet Day LIVE, 1 October 2014

Don't miss this on youtube if your a ballet fan. Looks Amazing!

Marilyn Monroe and The Little Dancer by Degas

Never seen this photo before and had to share. 

Marilyn Monroe and The Little Fourteen-Year-Old Dancer by Edgar Degas. Taken in 1956 by director John Huston at the home of producer Bill Goetz.

A Beautiful Summers Evening on the Beach, Caswell, Gower,

Couldn't resist filming this beautiful evening on Caswell Beach when we went of a lovely late summer walk

Presentation of raffle money to Charity

The Ostreme and Grand Theatre Art Group presenting The Hill Community Development Trust and Stepping Stones Charity with a£150 each we all raised from our art exhibition raffle in Swansea Grand Theatre. Thanks to the very generous support of local businesses for their amazing prizes and everyone that bought and sold raffles! 
Thanks to Leanne Dower, Shankari Sivakumaran and Paul Thorburn for coming to accept our donation.

Art Exhibition Late Turner at Tate Britain on until Jan 25th 2015

Must see exhibition

Late Turner on at Tate Britain until Jan 25th.

The EY Exhibition: Late Turner – Painting Set Free is the first exhibition devoted to the extraordinary work J.M.W. Turner created between 1835 and his death in 1851. Bringing together spectacular works from the UK and abroad, this exhibition celebrates Turner’s astonishing creative flowering in these later years when he produced many of his finest pictures but was also controversial and unjustly misunderstood.

Highlights of the exhibition include such important pictures as Ancient Rome; Agrippina Landing with the Ashes of Germanicus and Modern Rome – Campo Vaccino, rarely reunited since first exhibited together in 1839; The Wreck Buoy1849; and magnificent watercolours like Heidelberg: Sunset c.1840 and the seldom-seen Bamburgh Castle, Northumberland c.1837. 

The show also brings together major series of works including a group of unusual square pictures, casting a light on Turner’s innovative techniques. Newly identified watercolours of a fire at the Tower of London in 1841 are shown with the spectacular painting Burning of the Houses of Lords and Commons 1835 and the exhibition concludes with Turner’s last exhibited pictures from 1850, depicting the classical lovers Dido and Aeneas. It is a panoramic survey of a bountiful and significant period of exceptional energy and vigour, maintained despite failing health.By taking a fresh look at Turner’s late works, the exhibition sheds new light on his life and art. Challenging the myths, assumptions and interpretations that have grown around his later work, it reveals a painter as distinguished by the broad scope of his knowledge and imagination as he was by his radical and exploratory techniques, processes and use of materials. As much as he brought renewed energy to the exploration of the social, technological and scientific developments of modern life, in such icons of the machine age as Rain, Steam, and Speed – The Great Western Railway 1844, he remained as deeply engaged with the religious, historical or mythological themes that linked him to the cultural traditions of his era.

John Ruskin’s description of Turner as ‘the greatest of the age’ is brought to life amongst the many large-scale oil paintings, drawings, prints and watercolours on display at The EY Exhibition: Late Turner – Painting Set Free, an unmissable exhibition that will redefine ideas of one of Britain’s greatest and best-loved painters.

Curated by Sam Smiles, Professor of Art History and Visual Culture, Exeter University, with David Blayney Brown, Manton Curator of British Art 1790–1850, Tate Britain and Amy Concannon, Assistant Curator 1790–1850, Tate Britain.

Video about the Turner Exhibition

Last Day of The Ostreme and Grand Theatre Art Group Exhibition

Last Chance to see  The Ostreme and Grand Theatre Art Group Exhibition in The Arts Wing, Swansea Grand Theatre. 

White Room dedicated to Dylan Thomas

Level 2 dedicated to All Subjects

Last Day Today Sept 6th