Greta Scacchi and An Inspector Calls

06/05/2012

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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!!
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Modigliani

18/03/2012

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This week my classes have been focusing on the artist Modigliani.
A superb artist with his own unique style, I wanted the art class to stretch themselves, Literally, and by copying from his work and then applying the techniques to  their own pictures they could experiment with a totally different style.
I feel it is always good to look at other artists styles even if it is totally alien to your own. You can see through the artists eyes, a little bit by copying his or her style and then take the bits you like and make it your own.
This can help you build on your own style of work.
Even if you don't like the artist it is always good to push yourself and try new things!!
A Quick Biography
Amedeo Clemente Modigliani (Italian  pronunciation: [ameˈdɛo modiʎˈʎani]; July 12, 1884 –
January 24, 1920) was an Italianpainter and sculptor who worked mainly in France. Primarily a
figurative artist, he became known for paintings  and sculptures in a modern style characterized by mask-like faces and
elongation of form. He died in Paris of tubercular meningitis, exacerbated by poverty,
overwork and addiction to alcohol and narcotics.
For images of his work follow link below
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Amedeo_Modigliani

Below you will see work from students which are copies of Modigliani paintings and work that he inspired.
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More from Wed Art Class, Hockney, Freud and My Life in Books!!

28/02/2012

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Two more pictures from Wed Art class, Both lovely and interesting to note the different colour schemes which are used to great effect in both.
An interesting couple of weeks for art programmes including a documentary on Freud. (Can't find the link at the moment!! Sorry)
 Also Andrew Marr interviewed Hockney for his up and coming exhibition in the Royal Academy. Fascinating to hear from a usually very private artist.
http://www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/episode/b01c7wmr/The_Culture_Show_2011_2012_David_Hockney_The_Art_of_Seeing_A_Culture_Show_Special/

. Another interesting programme which I am enjoying is on BBC2  My Life in Books. Very charming and informative. A nice angle on which to base an interview.
http://www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/episode/b01czfb7/My_Life_in_Books_Series_2_Episode_2/
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Art Class, A Snow Scene in Watercolour

20/02/2012

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Here are some more finished watercolours from my art classes in Ostreme, Mumbles and The Grand Theatre, Swansea. As I said before it is always fascinating to me how many different ways the same picture can be painted.

Some students went for warmer tones on the cottage  with ochres, some opted for purples. Both worked very well, it just comes down to what you prefer. All have captured the beautiful snowy scene using the pathway to lead your eye up to the cottage framed by the trees. Also I think everyone added the red berries in the foreground and the red tractor near the cottages which act as visual signposts leading your eye around the picture.
 
Constable used to do this to great effect as do many other artists. Red and green being complimentary colours can add sparkle to a picture and although there is not a great deal of green here the red can still help the composition if placed carefully. A great excercise and I can't wait to see what everyone will be bringing in this week to work on as the next project is a subject of their own choice.
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Drawing, Colour and Art Class Feb 1st 2012

06/02/2012

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Art Class on Feb 1st we are following the theme of looking at colour through a watercolour paining of a snow scene by Andy Le Poidevin. Using warmer colours to the front and cooler colours for the trees to push them back. Also splashes of red to catch the eye .re Constable!!

  Many of the class also  so enjoyed the drawing of the Pieta they wanted to show the finished ones I had not put on the week before so here they are!!! Everyone did an excellent drawing and I am thrilled with the results.!!!
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Drawing Excercise in my Ostreme and Theatre Art Classes

18/01/2012

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I just wanted to show an example of the great drawing's some of my students had done in art class over the last 2 weeks. I gave them a photocopy of the head of the Pieta by MichelAngelo which they then squared up and drew out. As you can see they did a great job!! the drawings below show a selection, some finished, some still in progress. This excercise teaches you how not to be intimidated by subjects such as the face and draw it by simplifying the face into simple shapes and using negative spaces. They all thoroughly enjoyed drawing such a beautiful work of art and really captured the statue.
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Watercolour and Drawing Art Classes Starting 2012

04/01/2012

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My Watercolour and Drawing Art Classes start
Wed, January 11th, 2012
 in The Ostreme Centre, Mumbles
10am-12.30pm
 and in
 Swansea Grand Theatre 2-4.15pm.
All Levels Welcome.
For further info please email me on info@zoejameswilliams.com or tel 01792 642164

Zoë is a professional artist and currently Artist in Residence at Swansea Grand Theatre. She teach drawing and painting techniques through a range of subjects including still life , landscape and figurative.

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

19/09/2011

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Picture
With Kevin Johns MBE who opened my exhibition.
Picture
With West Glamorgan High Sheriff, Susan Waller Thomas
Picture
Guests
Picture
With Guests and some of my art students
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Beginning of Spring Term!!

21/01/2011

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Art classes started in Ostreme and at Swansea Grand Theatre.
Picture
I had a great time in Swansea Market picking a variety of wonderful fruit and vegetables for still life for the classes. Lots of differents shapes, colours and textures.
Picture
To get everyone back into the swing of things after a long holiday I picked a variety from which they could pick and choose. All about seeing as an artist.
Composition, what to select, what to leave out. What is your Focal Point!! A busy but satisfying day.
Next week looking at composition in more depth...............
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Christmas Lunch with Art Classes

09/12/2010

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A wonderful Christmas lunch was had by myself and all my art students from Ostreme and Swansea Grand Theatre at Bouchon De Rossi. I tucked in to a lovely Roast Beef lunch followed by crepes with strawberries and chocolate sauce. Everyone enjoyed the delicous food and we were very well looked after by the thoughtful staff.  It was lovely to have both art classses under one roof and for everyone to have a catch up and relax ready for the festive season.
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