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"I met a young boy the other day and he said to me, 
"Herr Kapellmeister, I should like to compose something- how do I start?...I only meant could you recommend a book or such like that I may learn properly from?"...
"Look my fine fellow, none of that matters; Here, here and here," I said, pointing to my head, ears and heart, "that is your textbook. If it is in there, take up your pen and write it down. Then once you have your composition written down you can ask some learned person of their opinion. That is how you discover what works and what does not!"

Mozart goes on to write in that letter 'Well, enough of my twaddle' !! Such wise words though!!

Happy Birthday Mozart!

As many people know, Mozart has been an inspiration to me in music, emotions and creativity for many years. So here is my annual birthday celebration picture!

This is actually part of my 'opera' project, although its not an opera character. Mozart did many operas, of which two I really love and have seen live <3 since today is his birthday, I thought I'd do a Mozart illustration in commemoration of this inspirational composer instead of an opera character.

Here is the second image to my Opera Illustration series.

Introducing the sexiest and most powerful female I've ever seen in opera- Carmen!

Carmen is the feisty main character of same-titled opera, and an admirably strong female lead. A gypsy from Seville, she uses her beauty to get herself out of any situation, and answers to no one but herself. She famously sings: 

"The bird you hoped to catch beat its wings and flew away ...If you don't love me I love you, if I love you watch yourself!"

In the end, Carmen's independance comes with consequences. Perhaps back in Victorian times, this turn in events was seen as deserving to some of the audience, but as a modern viewer I always found the situation both impacting and sad.

I love Carmen (both the character and the opera itself). Its the most entertaining opera I've seen, definately one of my favourites. For anyone who has never seen an opera, I'd reccomend it as the first to go see- the story is anything but dated (in fact it was very controversial when it was first premiered in 1800's France). The characters, particulary Carmen, are all very complex and realistic, as is the story. And the music!! Even if you've never heard any opera, you WILL have heard Cramen somewhere, the music is very famous, played everywhere, and absolutely fantastic!

Check out my favourite song from Carmen, (just watch that beautiful flamenco dancing). One not as famous as many of the others, but I love how the flamenco dance, culture and music (an important part of Spanish history and culture) has been intergrated into the song. Beautiful!

Expect another opera character in two weeks or so!

I'd like to use this blog as a place to post some illustration projects- that is, every two weeks post up an image drawn based on a particular theme, and end up (hopefully) having nice collections of images based on set themes/ideas.

So, today I begin my fist illustation project- Opera Characters!

I'm a big fan of Opera for many reasons, one of the main reasons simply being there are some fantastic stories and characters embedded in the old art form. Its a shame that many people don't get to enjoy these stories and characters today, but understandable. I know plemty of people who just dont like the very stylistic singing, some who can't get to a place where opera is shown easily, and some who just don't really know where to start looking.

So, I'm going to be illustrating my favourite opera characters in this project, I hope I'll be able to bring out their personalities and charm. Opera tends to be stereotyped as being old, dull and pretentious, but all my favourite characters from opera are far from that!!