PORTRAITS OF ACTORS AND OPERA SINGERS BY ZOE JAMES-WILLIAMS

PORTRAITS OF ACTORS AND OPERA SINGERS BY ZOE JAMES-WILLIAMS

WATERCOLOUR

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.

Drawing At the Welsh National Opera in Swansea Grand Theatre

One of my favourite times of the year in the theatre is when Welsh National Opera visits. It is a world class company, extraordinary gifted singers and amazing costumes and sets. First on Friday I took my sketch pad etc and drew my way through Tosca. Such dramatic sets and visuals, a real pleasure. I had tingles. The opera stars Claudio Otelli and Mary Elizabeth Williams were also very generous with their time for me as always. I can't wait to work on the drawings I have done from the production.

Next was Roberto Devereux, one of their Tudor opera's. I saw the trailer and the 2 leading ladies and thought I MUST have those to paint!! First in blue shot taffeta was Leah Marian Jones playing the Duchess of Nottingham. Very striking. Then I got to meet French CAnadian soprano Alexandra Deshorties in a swathe of red silk, black high leather boots, and a beautiful metal glove. An artists dream. I would have loved to have spent more time with both but there was something about them having to get on stage to sing.....