How to paint clouds and sunsets in watercolour

How to paint clouds and sunsets in watercolour

I am teaching how to paint clouds in watercolour by splitting the lesson into two parts. This week we looked taking out clouds with tissue paper and working into them. Also we looked at sunsets which are notoriously difficult by simplifying them and using a layering technique. 

Llywchwr Art Goup

I was invited last night by batik artist 

Rhona Tooze to give a talk on being the

first official Artist in Residence at 

Swansea Grand Theatre for the 

Llwchwr 

Art Group. I had a great time, meeting 

blasts from the past and new faces as 

well. A lovely group of artists. Very 

passionate about their art and 

interested in other artists

 It was a real pleasure and will 

look out for their exhibition in Swansea 

Grand Theatre later this year.

I was thrilled that even on a dreadful 

rainy and windy night that I had a 

great turn out for my talk. 

Bugle Boy at Swansea Grand Theatre

One of my posts from 2013

I was really looking forward to seeing Bugle Boy in Swansea Grand Theatre as I love the music of Glenn Millar and the show has had rave review, well, it certainly didn't dissapoint. It was hard not to move to the music and concentrate on work and capturing the show ready for my solo show in August!!

With a full 16-piece swing band onstage throughout, Bugle Boy traces the life of Glenn Miller from leaving college to achieving world-wide fame. It follows his search for the sound that would give his band its distinctive sound, a sound that would make it recognisable to people all over the world and give it over 30 hit singles. Then, when the 2nd World War came, of how he joined the American army, first trying to modernise the army's attitude to military music, then
taking the army version of his band around the world to entertain the troops.
Until his plane went missing on a flight from England to France.

Beatrice and Benedict, Burlesque and Birthdays!!!

This summary is not available. Please click here to view the post.

Frank Vickery

 

post from 2012

Went to the theatre to capture Frank Vickery's hilarious new comedy Granny Annie. Frank and the cast were very warm and welcoming allowing me backstage as they prepared to go on. As I got to work during their performance I was giggling all the way through the play. If you want to laugh out loud catch Frank and the rest of the cast on tour at the following link.

http://www.frankvickery.co.uk/

Panto at Swansea Grand Theatre with Kev Johns

More Panto pics, This time with the Great and Fabulous Kev Johns, Catch him again this year!

Sadly last week of panto! Have thoroughly enjoyed capturing the show backstage, whilst dodging set changes and trying not to get in the way!

The brilliant Kev Johns very kindly let me into his dressing room inbetween his many changes of costume to capture him in situ. One of my favourite parts of the panto was Kev performing Single Ladies. I wish I had put it on video, it would be a You Tube sensation. All the cast and crew have been great, and hopefully will catch up with them next year!

Snow White Panto from 2011

Panto is around the corner and I remembered all the great Panto's Swansea Grand Theatre has put on including Snow White

Back stage at the Panto in Swansea, here am I with Snow White played by Sarah Lark (I'll Do Anything).

Sarah and the rest of the cast including Melanie Walters (Gavin and Stacey) and Kevin Johns where absolutely lovely to me and it was great to be backstage capturing their performance which is family entertainment at it's best. Everything went smoothly backstage until I felt something on my head, looked up and it was a giant black spider!!!! (I really loathe spiders!) I just stopped myself from screaming mid performance, until I noticed it was attached to a piece of string. The crew and cast having fun during their stay down here. Apparently they had all met the giant spider! Much more to do so back to work for 2011, what a great start!!

Greta Scacchi and An Inspector Calls

Its been an exciting week with two great productions coming to the Grand
Greta Scacchi and Anita Dobson starred in Bette and Joan, an hilarious backstage story of the making of Whatever Happened To Baby Jane? With Greta Scacchi playing Bette Davis and Anita Dobson playing Joan Crawford.
I am a huge fan of both actresses and Greta Scacchi very kindly allowed my to capture her before going on stage. Greta has got Bette Davis's voice and mannerisms to a tee and it was amazing to see her transformation. I have to admit I am not usually nervous before meeting people but I was before meeting Greta having seen her in such iconic films like White Mischief but she is not only very beautiful (as expected!) but also extremely charming and friendly and totally put me at me ease. It was however a little disconcerting to see Greta later in full Baby Jane costume in her dressing room as I have always found the film very scary!!
A BIG thrill for me and I can't wait to paint her final portrait.
Further tour dates are on the link below
http://www.bettejoantheshow.co.uk/

Next in was The National Theatre touring show of An Inspector Calls.
First I have to comment on the amazing set with cobblestones leading up to an elevated house that opens up half way through and at the end....... well I won't spoil it for you but if you haven't seen it yet cover your ears...

Again the cast were very friendly and helpful and it was fantastic to sit in the wings and draw. A very atmospheric play that really keeps you on the edge of your seat with a cracking cast.

For all other tour dates click the link below.
http://www.aninspectorcalls.com/

Also should say Summer Term has started and we are looking at portraiture so watch this space!!

post from 2012

Dennis O Neill Welsh National Opera

Post from 2012

Meeting Dennis O Neill in Swansea was a great thrill for me. I am a huge fan of the internationally renown tenor. He was performing in Fidelio with the WNO and very kindly sat for me for this portrait. This is in watercolour. He was very kind and charming and the performance was superb. As I sat in the wings drawing later on I will never forget being surrounded by quite a few of the cast as they had to sing from off stage. I was surrounded by this rousing chorus and the music literally absorbed into me. An unforgettable moment.

The whole cast were extremely kind, supportive and interested.
The Welsh National Opera is indeed one of this country's treasures.

Opening Night for Showtime! Exhibition at The Arts WIng in Swansea Grand Theatre Sept 5th 2011

Some photos from my opening night of my solo exhibition Showtime! in 2011

 

With Kevin Johns MBE who opened my exhibition.

With West Glamorgan High Sheriff, Susan Waller Thomas

Guests

I Haven't A Clue

With the fantastic members of I Haven't A Clue , BBC Radio on tour. What an amazing line up, I was quite star
struck!! From left to right Graeme Garden, Tim Brooke-Taylor,Rob Brydon,
Barry Cryer, Colin Sell (pianist) and Jack Dee.

 

post taken from 2012

Interview in Whats On Magazine

Interview in Swansea Whats On Magazine Sept/Oct 2012

Blake at Swansea Grand Theatre

With Blake backstage at Swansea Grand Theatre just before they went on stage as part of their UK tour

Mixing eclectic classical and pop songs with rich harmony vocals, classical ‘boyband’ Blake wowed the Swansea audience on their first visit here. Ollie, Stephen, Humphrey and Jules were all extremely charming and helpful backstage and through their sound check.

I must mention that they had a superb local choir Côr Casnewydd from Port Talbot performing with them, who the boys said they were the best they had had on . Well you would expect nothing less from Wales!! If you want to visit their website its http://www.corcasnewydd.co.uk/

At the concert the boys have a lot of fun with the audience as well as singing an eclectic mix of songs including my personal favouries Hallelujah and Bring Him Home. If you want to catch them before they jet off to China and Australia have a look at their website http://www.blakeofficial.com for further dates. Thanks to Blake for a great evening had by all!!


Post form 2011

Gyles Brandreth

Gyles Brandreth arrived at Swansea Grand Theatre on Feb 2nd with his sold out one man show. An actor, author, broadcastor,One Show reporter, former MP and government whip turned raconteur his show spills the beans on his life in showbiz and politics.

I would thoroughly recommend you catching his hilarious and insightful show. The rest of his dates you can see on his website below.
http://www.gylesbrandreth.net/

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I am a huge fan and it was really thrilling to meet him. He was extremely charming and funny and I look forward to painting his portrait. Thankyou to Giles for taking the time to pose for me in his very busy schedule! It's much appreciated!

post from 2011

Anne Widdicombe, Al Murray and Ballet Theatre UK 2012

Its been a very busy week at the Grand , my feet have not touched the ground!! First I went to see Snow Queen with Ballet Theatre UK, a new production and their first visit to Swansea. The Snow Queen looks beautiful with exquisite costumes and sublime dancing. A must see if you can go!!
http://ballettheatre-uk.com/TourDates.aspx

The fabulous Al Murray very kindly posed for me. Very charming and Very tall!! Can't wait to paint his portrait!
http://www.thepublandlord.com/
And last but certainly not least, Ann Widdecombe. I have been a fan from her iconic dancing in Strictly and it was a pleasure to meet her. A very gracious lady!
http://www.annwiddecombe.com/text.aspx?id=1

With Ann Widdecombe

 

original post 2012

Irenie's Ballet Class at Swansea Grand Theatre

One of a series of quick pen and wash sketches from life in a ballet class at Swansea Grand Theatre. Taught by Irenie, formerly of Ballet Russe the classes go from the very young to adult. First up were tiny ballerinas in a flurry of pink tutus!! Too cute for words!
The sketch here is of the second class of older children working hard at the barre, warming up. All the children were fascinated by my drawings and I thoroughly enjoyed capturing them. A real pleasure as they were all so charming!!

Midsummer Nights Dream Shakespeare 4 Kidz

Original post 2011

This is a montage I painted in pastel of Midsummer Nights Dream when the amazing Shakespeare 4 Kidz company was visiting Swansea Grand Theatre. I wanted to capture the essence of the play so put all the main characters from different scenes together. S4K liked it so much they posted it on their website, which I am really thrilled about.
http://www.shakespeare4kidz.com/
They are an inspiring company and do an amazing job making Shakespeare accessible to old and young alike.

Front Cover of Magazine Paint

News Flash!! Zoe was delighted that one of her Ballet paintings has been selected by The SAA, The Society for All Artists, for the cover of their September magazine, Paint, plus a full interview and more of her paintings inside. It is the largest art society in the world and she is thrilled to be picked. Zoe was thrilled it also came out at the same time as her solo exhibition from Sept 5th-23rd, in The Arts Wing, Swansea Grand Theatre marking her second year as Artist in Residence of the Theatre.

My painting on the front cover of Paint magazine

 

Origina post 2012

Dancing in Lughnasa at Swansea Grand Theatre

Dancing in Lughnasa, a play by Brian Friel put on by the Original Theatre Company was at the Grand this week to much acclaim. A superb production with a stellar cast, this play paints a vivid and life affirming portrait of brave sisters following their loss of love and opportunity played out against the echoes of the twentieth century with a dark humour, raw energy and tenderness.

They are touring extensively and tour dates are on the link below.
http://www.originaltheatre.com/productions.asp

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Post from 2011

The cast included Alistair Whatley and Paul Westwood, pictured above and Daragh O Malley (pictured left) It was especially thrilling to me to meet Daragh as I am a HUGE fan of the Sharpe series. He was extremely charming along with the rest of the cast and crew and I look forward to finishing paintings of the production. I should also mention the gorgeous stage set which is bathed in honeyed tones and gives a magical quality to the production.