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

At the The Russian State Ballet and Opera House performing Swan Lake in Swansea Grand Theatre Dec 5th

I was very excited to be invited to capture The Russian State Ballet and Opera House performing to a Large Live 30 piece Orchestra last night as Swansea Grand Theatre.

A beautiful production with superb dancers, Swan Lake was a real pleasure to capture and can't wait to paint. Surrounded by white tutus I particularly liked these costumes as the skirts were a little longer and reminded me of Degas paintings. Very pretty and inspiring.

Take from Interview with South Wales Evening Post
Former Bolshoi Theatre Ballet dancer Konstantin Uralsky was directing The Russian State Ballet and Opera House in a spellbinding new production of Tchaikovsky’s perennial favourite Swan Lake at Swansea Grand Theatre.
This timeless fairytale of good versus evil will be played out by some of the most talented Russian dancers on tour, backed up by a gigantic orchestra of over 30 musicians.
“The Russian State Ballet and Opera House was founded to represent quality and passion for ballet and opera at the highest level,” says producer Alexej Ignatow.
“Every year we aim to bring a different artist to the UK, which means that although you may have seen a Swan Lake ballet before — next time the set, costumes, artists and even choreography will be different. It will feel like a different show altogether, but still with the same high level of quality.”


A Definate Must Please check out the website below for up and coming productions in ballet and opera, you won't be disappointed!

Amande Concerts Website

MAKING A MARK: Favourite quotes about drawing and sketching

Some fascinating quotes from famous artists.  A real insight and good advice for any artist


MAKING A MARK: Favourite quotes about drawing and sketching

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.

My 'Grand' Art Class Christmas Lunch 2013

My 'Grand' Art Class at Swansea Grand Theatre celebrated the end of term with a lovely Christmas Lunch at Bouchon De Rossi. Everyone thoroughly enjoyed even though we were missing Brian, Sue (Happy Birthday!!), Joanne and Lindsay who unfortunately were away. We toasted you all!!

Merry Christmas to Everyone!!

Baileys Christmas Advert

Loving the brilliant new Bailey's Christmas Advert featuring  starring Guest Artist at the Royal Ballet Prima Ballerina Iana Salenko, and Royal Ballet Principals Steven McRae and Thiago Soares

Books for Ballet Lovers Part 2 Fiction for Adults and Children

Alina Cojocaru and Sergei Polunin by Zoe James-Williams, pastel

 

My list of ballet books was getting so long I thought I had better put it into two parts.

Books for Ballet Lovers Part 2 focuses on ballet in fiction for adults and children.

Ballet In Fiction

Prima Donna by Karen Swan

Pia Soto is the sexy and glamorous prima ballerina, the Brazilian bombshell who’s shaking up the ballet world with her outrageous behaviour. She’s determined that no man will ever control her destiny. But ruthless financier Will Silk has Pia in his sights, When a devastating accident threatens to cut short Pia’s illustrious career, Sophie has to step out of the shadows and face up to the demons in her own life. A really fun holiday read by an author who has clearly done her research. Very enjoyable with larger than life characters and lots of glamour!

 Pan ISBN 978-1447223740

Check out  Karen Swan's Website 

Dancer by Colin McCann

Fictional life of Rudolf Nureyev as a child and how he became a dancer.

Phoenix ISBN: 978-0753817049

 

First Love by Adrienne Sharp

Gripping story of two ballet dancers in love making their way through the ranks. Quite dark in places so have put it in Fiction but could be given to older teenager. NB this seems to be out of print but if you can get it worth the read. An easy holiday read.

Arrow ISBN-13: 978-0099491026

 

Two books using Degas and the ballet world so must read

Painted girls by Cathy Buchanan

Set in the Paris it tells the story of three sisters, one of whom becomes the model for Degas' Little Dancer Aged Fourteen. I can't wait to read this but going to wait for the Paperback.

US Imports ISBN-13: 978-1594486241

 

Ballet in Children's Fiction 9+

Company of Swans by Eva Ibbotson

A historical romance in which one Harriet Morton comes to life only when she attends her weekly ballet class in 1912. She finds her fortune as a dancer, but all the time she is followed by her father and by the man intent on becoming her husband. A great read for Ibbotson fans and a modern day classic!
Picador ISBN- 978-0230014848

 

Ballet Shoes Noel Streatfield

The story of three sisters going to stage school, the youngest being an inspiring dancer. A Classic.

Puffin ISBN- 978-0141334424

 

 

 

Dancing Shoes by Noel Streatfield

When their mother dies, leaving them orphaned, Rachel and Hilary are sent to live with their aunt, who runs a troupe of dancing girls -'Mrs Wintle's Little Wonders'. Hilary, a talented dancer, settles there immediately and loves the chance to dance every day. Rachel finds it more difficult to fit in. She's also got another worry on her mind. Her mother's dying wish was for Hilary to attend the Royal Ballet School. But Hilary seems to have other ideas! Another classic

Hodder ISBN- 978-0340626634

Magic Ballerina Series by Darcey Bussell

 A delightful series of stories about different little ballerina's on various adventures. The first one is called Delphie and the Magic Ballet Slippers.

Harper Collins ISBN- 978-0007286072

 

Ballet in Picture and Activity Books

 

 

Ella Bella Series by James Mayhew-

 
Stories of a little student ballerina being whisked away into the words of Swan Lake, Sleeping Beauty, Cinderella  and the Nutcracker (isbn below). Beautiful illustrations and a real delight.

Orchard ISBN-: 978-1408314081

Ps. James has a great blog to check out
James Mayhew Blog

 

 

 

 

Dogs Don't Do Ballet by Anna Kemp

Funny and heart warming story of a Dog who Dreams of Being a Ballerina

Simon and Schuster ISBN: 978-1847384744

Tutu Tilly Series by Adele Geras-

Tilly's adventures as a ballerina including My Ballet Dream and Little Ballet Star and The Ballet Class(isbn below)

Orchard ISBN: 978-1843624134

Angelina Ballerina Series by Katherine Holabird

 A Series of adventures of a little mouse who is a ballerina. Picture Books

 Puffin ISBN- 978-0723271666

Fairy Pop-Up Ballet Tree

A beautiful 3D pop-up tree with movable pieces, press-out fairies and decorations, fun fairy facts and a novelty pocket

 Macmillan ISBN 978-0230760301

How to Draw Princesses and Ballerinas by Fiona Watt 5+

Aspiring artists can choose from gorgeous projects including a Sugar Plum Fairy, a Fairytale castle and a Princess Sleepover. With simple step-by-step instructions, children will be able to produce satisfying results time and time again.

Usborne ISBN 978-1409566366

Ballerinas, Usborne Sticker Fashion by Leonie Pratt 5+

Dress the ballerinas up in different costumes with 400 stickers provided

Usborne ISBN 978-0746076583