Sunday, 29 January 2012
In recent times I've enjoying the great privilege of working with World Argentine Tango Show Champions, Vincent Simone and Flavia Cacace, involving a fine art encounter related particularly to their hugely successful sell-out Midnight Tango UK Tour.
The final performances of the UK Tour were in late July when Flavia and Vincent went straight into rehearsals for series 9 of BBC's Strictly Come Dancing television spectacular.
Due to the success of the UK Tour, a ten week London West End run of Midnight Tango has just started at the Aldwych Theatre WC2 and concludes on 31st March 2012 before the show continues to tour in the UK.
My collection of work includes original graphite studies, original oil on paper works and original oil on canvas paintings featuring Flavia and Vincent re-enacting some of their stunning routines from Midnight Tango.
Naturally I was keen to show the work around this time and I'm delighted to announce that Art Gallery.co.uk (the UK's leading on-line art gallery) will combine their internet resources with a more conventional exhibition format for the London launch.
Artgallery have whole heartedly embraced the plans and as official fine art curators for the Knapp Gallery within Regents College Conference Centre (situated in Regents Park in Central London) they have agreed to provide the gallery space and their resources including private view facilities.The work is being hung today, the 29th January and a Private View is planned to follow shortly. We will post dates and further information very soon - for more information please contact Art Gallery.co.uk
Midnight Tango (1) | 
Charles Willmott at work
Photo © Jens Marott |
Friday, 04 February 2011
 A short while ago I was invited to show some my work within Gloss Gallery, a new an exciting Exeter based gallery, comprising a series of neo-classical spaces within an elegant Georgian crescent. Although Gloss exhibit an eclectic combination of fine and applied arts, the work they represent appears to lean towards representational and figurative art and the exhibition I was invited to join was entitled 'The Figure'.
Not surprisingly, I was delighted to participate and following discussions, in addition to showing my original work, I have prepared a pair of limited editions from my studio exclusively for Gloss Gallery. These show two images from a recent body of work featuring the ballet 'Quantum Leaps'.
 
Powder (3) and Powder (5)
Exclusive worldwide limited edition of only 50,
stamped, titled, numbered and signed by the artist.
Friday, 28 January 2011
It's really time I got round to placing some stuff on Studio News, but I guess many of us have experienced uncertainties of one sort or another and our frustrations have created the need to bang-on about how our politicians have single handedly wrecked the structure of our Country or how successful our Banks and Financial Institutions have been in destroying our economy or how a little snow and ice can grid-lock the UK's regional and national travel and communication systems!
Nevertheless, I believe there have been green shoots of encouragement. For instance, a new breed of gallery seem to have emerged with, in addition to a capacity for plain old fashioned hard work, the energy and aspiration to harness today's technologies with traditional gallery methods and values. The following particularly come to mind and represent establishments with whom I have recently enjoyed working:
 Go-Figurative
A leading UK based on-line gallery specifically dedicated to promoting and marketing figurative art. Run by young and professional people who have a skill and competence in staging and promoting regular 'Real Exhibitions' of art at various venues, mainly in London.
 Mooch Art
Young energetic gallery professionals based in Manchester's City Centre.
  Art Gallery.co.uk
As their name suggests, one of the leading UK based showcase web sites offering a broad breadth of art. The management is in the hands of the owners who are great guys and are accessible to the artist they represent and the collectors to whom they sell. Recently they opened their actual gallery The Art Gallery at Spencer House, a splendid Georgian property in the Cotswold town of Tetbury, Gloucestershire.
 Life - The Gallery
A splendid rural gallery with interchangeable space, enabling a variety of exhibition formats to be achieved. Owned and managed by husband and wife team who are always enthusiastically innovating activities from Artists Residencies to Life Drawing within the gallery space.
Sunday, 07 February 2010
STOP PRESS...
When I attended the technical rehearsals of David Bintley’s E=mc² I was consciously aware that something very special was being staged and it is perhaps no surprise that the performance scooped the prestigious South Bank Show award! I feel privileged to have had the opportunity to create my work in homage to this important ballet…the work can be seen now at the Medici Gallery in Cork Street London.
For more details of the award click here
Monday, 11 January 2010
LONDON WEST END SHOW...
...For the last two years my artistic direction and endeavours have been concentrated on very little, other than `the Ballet` and therefore I really wanted the first showing of the work to be in London, preferably the West End!
 So, not surprisingly, following an interesting and rewarding dialogue over recent months with the Medici Gallery I`m delighted to announce that I`ve been invited to do a one-man show next month within their prestigious Cork Street Gallery. I`m especially pleased this is to take place as I have, for some time, regarded the Medici Gallery with much respect, and in particular the figurative work they represent.
A selection of around 30 original works will be on show featuring both classical and contemporary ballet.
Quantum Leaps : A triple bill celebrating Birmingham Royal Ballet`s 2009 - 2010 seasons commemoration of 20 years in the city. The work includes three strongly contrasting ballets `Powder`, `E=mc²` and the very contemporary and dramatic `The Centre and its Opposite`. Original studies and oil on canvas work not previously exhibited will be available. (link to gallery/dance Quantum Leaps)
Mozartiana : Georges Balanchine`s sparkling piece of classical dance, created towards the end of his career, celebrates the work of a master of his art and the accolade of `Father of the Modern Ballet. Again new original works not previously exhibited.
The Kirov Ballet : One of the greatest ballet companies in the world...the work here is of a selected few originals, not previously exhibited, celebrating the Kirov`s tour of Great Britain in 2008.
Stravinsky – a Celebration : Part of a collaboration between Birmingham Royal Ballet, the City of Birmingham Symphony and Birmingham Arts companies performing all the works of Igor Stravinsky in a series of ballet and concerts from 2005 to 2009. Original oil paintings will be shown from one of the ballets.
The Private View will be held on Thursday, February 4th 2010 and the exhibition will run through `til the 26th so please do try and drop in and if you`d like to attend the Private View do contact:
Léonie Irving - Gallery Manager,
Medici Gallery,
5 Cork Street, London W1S 3LQ
Tel : +44(0)20 7495 2565
Email : leonie.irvine@medicigallery.co.uk
Friday, 22 August 2008
 It`s over twelve months now since Darcey Bussell announced her retirement from the ballet stage. I was fortunate enough to be invited to the dress rehearsals of her final performances at Sadlers Wells, enabling me to create a body of work in sympathy with this moment of ballet history.
This is not the first time I`ve had the privilege of working with Darcey, this took place at London`s Royal Opera House Covent Garden within the magnificent rehearsal studios during September 2000.
The work is now complete and I have, perhaps not surprisingly, immensely enjoyed making this collection. ...I don`t believe Darcey is capable of making an ugly move, she is always supremely elegant and perfectly poised for the roles, whether performing with her long time partner Jonathan Cope in Christopher Wheeldon`s semi abstract, post-apocalyptic themed ballet Tryst, or Kenneth MacMillan`s classic tale of Winter Dreams.
The collection simply entitled Darcey Bussell Farewell includes studies in graphite and oil, oil on paper works and oil on canvas paintings. It numbers some thirty pieces in total, covering the above final performances and just a few works from Darcey`s swansong from the Royal Opera House featuring MacMillan`s Song of the Earth.
Darcey has now emigrated to Australia, amongst other things, to become an `eco-mum` and although she will be commuting back to the UK for more Viva la Diva shows with Katherine Jenkins it is unlikely that many paintings of her will be available in her former ballet roles.
 I`m delighted to announce the first public exhibition will be of selected original work from the collection at the prestigious Fairfax Gallery in Royal Tunbridge Wells from 18th October 2008 onwards.
If you`d like a private on-line view of the Darcey Bussell Farewell Collection or any other information please contact Andrew Fairfax on +44 (0)1892 525525, email him at andrew@fairfaxgallery.com or do contact the Studio.
The new magazine Art in London whose innovative and dedicated approach to promoting many important art related subjects gave us some great coverage within their Autumn issue...
Many thanks Peter and your team.
Friday, 29 February 2008
 I first met artist Paul Karslake at a gig we shared in London, there`s something very honest and unpretentious about the man and his work... we got on immediately and he invited me to the preview party of his one-man show at Scream London.
The exhibition Ideas And Idols is an impressively crafted collection of legendary iconic personalities staring back at you from the gallery wall, creating a nostalgic heady trip. Of course it`s been done before but Paul`s work is immaculate, every image seems to have a touch of hidden magic... an almost unnoticed miniature reflection in an eye... an unsettling minuscule flash of crimson, and so on.
 In my opinion Scream London is without exception the hottest gallery in the West End of London right now. Inspired by Rolling Stone Ronnie Wood`s own career as an international artist there`s a freshness and energy that`s not just rock `n` roll but of the moment!
So why not get down there, the exhibition runs until 20th March, full details on the Scream London website.
I don`t believe you`ll be disappointed!
Wednesday, 06 February 2008
 It`s six months since I updated Studio News, as you might imagine I have been far too busy in the studio of late to give it much thought, however, we`ve taken some time out since Christmas to re-think the portraiture Gallery.
Portraiture is one of the most important disciplines and particularly suits my style as a figurative realist.
We`ve created with the excellent help of our expert `webmaster` Andy a far more interesting series of pages. We`ve included more examples of portraits and more importantly to each we`ve added the graphite studies, which are such a major part of the overall commission. Not only do you have the original oil painting as a unique and permanent memento but at least four very collectable original graphite drawings to keep or give to parents, grandparents, godparents et al.
Do have a look... what better way to commemorate a significant birthday or anniversary or celebrate someone special in your life.
 At last, I`m able to release on my website a body of work I completed last year called `Burlesque, the Art of Tease`, it seems to be the Performance Art of the moment, on television, theatre and film with Dita Von Teese, the undisputed Queen of Burlesque and my muse for this collection of work. As the name suggests it naturally fits in with my female form genre.
Finally, an update on Darcey Bussell. The work is going well, with oils and studies completed of all her final performances in Winter Dreams, Tryst and Song of the Earth... ..hope to put some images on the website soon.
Friday, 06 July 2007
The work with Darcey Bussell is going well, as you can imagine, it`s not too difficult to be inspired by her. If all goes to plan I intend to stage an exhibition in London in the near future dedicated to her final performances.
We have also been busy curating an exhibition of retrospective and new work at the New Gallery at RWA (The Royal West of England Academy) in Bristol. The exhibition opens on 6th July 2007 and runs through until 31st. Private view on Sunday 8th between 2pm and 5pm. Do drop in. Further information can be found on the RWA website (on the home page just click on New Gallery).
Monday, 21 May 2007
Prima Ballerina Darcey Bussell recently announced her retirement and I had a wonderful opportunity to visit Sadlers Wells last week to capture her farewell performance with the George Piper Dancers in `Winter Dreams` and `Tryst` with her long time partner, Jonathan Cope.
I hope to capture some of the incredible technique and magic that made her a star.
Thursday, 26 April 2007
The work for the Burlesque Show is going well and we`ll be able to announce things very soon... in the meantime we`ve just launched 4 new studio editions featuring the two main stars Dita Von Teese and Vienna le Rouge. Do have a look!
Friday, 26 January 2007
Thought it about time I updated my news!!
THE ROYAL ACADEMY
From the 1st to the 4th of Feb I`ve been invited by The Art Movement to exhibit a few pieces in The Modern Works on Paper and Watercolours & Drawings Fair at The Royal Academy of Arts, 6 Burlington Gardens.
More details can be found at www.worksonpaperfair.com
The studio has been humming of late due to my new project and the prospect of a London Exhibition, sometime at the end of March or April.
The subject... `BURLESQUE` ...need I say more. This has taken me to some fascinating places and to meet fascinating people with names to stir the imagination...
- Kittie Klaw, Immodesty Blaise and Amber Topaz at `The Ministry of Burlesque` at Lost Society London
- `Vienna Le Rouge`
- Missy Malone of Candy Box and Club Noir London`s Cafe de Paris
The now famous Erotica event at Olympia was where I met the girls from ADORA and had the privilege of working with the undisputed and world famous Queen of Burlesque herself, Dita Von Teese. For details of the venue, dates and times of my forthcoming exhibition... watch this space!
Sunday, 21 May 2006
Having just completed an inventory of the studio backroom we`re delighted to be able to offer a choice selection of the few remaining originals from years gone by (at greatly reduced prices) on our new ten years on page...
Tuesday, 28 February 2006
 Last week I had an invitation to attend the technical rehearsals of `Carmina Burana` at BRB. This is actually the second time I`ve covered this impressive ballet but as it`s one of my favourites of David Bintley`s work, I just couldn`t resist.
The Seasons was on the same bill and that gave me an opportunity to view the complete antithesis to Carmina. Again choreographed by Bintley but focused specifically on the classical, technically very difficult and very virtuoso.
I`m looking forward to creating some new and contrasting images of these ballets…… So keep an eye out for them in the dance gallery.
Monday, 20 February 2006
It`s nearly 4 months since I last posted anything on studio news! Christmas has come and gone it`s 2006 and time for `Spring Clean`.
Frankly I was bored with the old website so with our new IT guys at ajw.net, who are doing a great job, we`ve decided on a subtle `refurb`.
Rather than typical examples of my work that in many cases are long gone. My thoughts are to show new, current and available paintings in all dimensions, adding to them on a regular basis and keeping the website dynamic.
This will mainly affect the gallery pages. We have already updated the galleries of dance, female form, and studio editions with many new pieces and in the case of Dance and Female Form we`ve added some dialogue that might be of interest regarding their creation.
We`ve kept it quite simple but if you would like more info. on the dancers, choreographers and the dance that inspired the work don`t hesitate to get in touch
Same goes for female form and the motivation behind the choice of subject matter and model.
You may have also noticed we are now www.charleswillmott.com but we have also retained www.charleswillmott.co.uk which means you will be directed to the site either way.
Sunday, 30 October 2005
 Well, I`ve thoroughly enjoyed working with Tasha and the journey we shared in hopefully creating some interesting pieces. The exhibition is simply entitled NATASHA and starts with a Private View between 6.30pm til 8.30pm on Wednesday 9th November at Number Nine The Gallery in Birmingham`s Brindley Place, so if you`re in the area and would like to drop in give the gallery a call 0121 6439099 and do visit their website at Number Nine The Gallery - they should have a virtual catalogue on-line very soon.
To coincide with the exhibition we`ve prepared 3 new limited editions and these can be seen on this website under Studio Editions, and of course, they can be ordered from Number Nine The Gallery during the exhibition.
Tuesday, 11 October 2005
 I`m in a collective exhibition this month called `Contemplating People` at the Clifton Gallery in Bristol. My work in particular features ballet and dance. The preview night is on Friday October 14th and the exhibition runs for three weeks.
Why not visit their website at Clifton Gallery and send them an email if you are interested!
Tuesday, 30 August 2005
Can`t believe it`s over 4 months since I posted anything on here!
As I mentioned previously I was in the middle of an important commission. That has been finished, delivered and I am happy to say accepted with delight.
I was then lucky enough to be offered another commission and have been working on the initial studies for that prior to the oil.
However, Great News! I have been offered a `one-man show` for early November 2005 so have been working manicly in the studio creating new work.The show will be at Number 9 The Gallery in Brindley Place Birmingham.I have had a great relationship with the gallery since its inception and have known Lee Benson, the owner, for many years.
His daughter Natasha (or Tasha) as she prefers to be called has been my muse and model for this new series of work.
I did a study of Tasha many years ago when she was a little girl and I have been amazed and entranced as to how she has become the epitome of a young woman of the new century.
To see the initial work go to Lee`s website at Number Nine The Gallery.
Still working with Tash so there will be more.
Monday, 18 April 2005
Sorry I haven`t posted any news lately but have been busy in the studio with a new commission. Will get back to you very shortly!
Thursday, 10 February 2005
I`ve got a show starting in London next week at ABOVE ART GALLERY... It`s a new gallery, not too big, but like its owner Inga, perfectly formed!
The Private View is next Thursday, the 17th February between 7.00 - 10.00 pm, so if you`re about and would like to come along give Inga a call on 020 7371 7574 or email info@above-art.com - and do visit their website www.above-art.com. Oh yes! The address is 15 Fulham High Street SW6
Hope to see you on the 17th
Monday, 25 October 2004
I am pleased to say I am near completion of a series of oil paintings of `Voces y Ecos`, the flamenco dance production from Paco Pena. I am also in the process of producing a new series of exclusive low numbered (25) limited studio editions of the work which will be available from my website very shortly.
In addition to these, I am developing another giclee studio edition entitled `Tango` from the collaboration with the Birmingham Royal Ballet and their production of Sir Fredrick Ashton`s ballet `Facade` performed at the Gala earlier this year. The dancers interpreting the `Tango` scene were BRB`s principal David Justin as the dago and Monica Zamora as the debutante. This will also be available from my website in the next week or so.
Thursday, 13 May 2004
Have been hard at work in the studio and too busy to think about news updates. However, the time has been quite productive and I am pleased with results
ballet paintings
I have been developing a series of graphite studies and oil paintings from my collaboration with BRB for their Gala, celebrating the works of Sir Frederick Ashton and George Balanchine. I have been particularly inspired by the "retro" aspect of some of the ballets. There seems to be a great feeling for the nostalgia of the 20`s, 30`s & 40`s in the art world at the moment, or perhaps it`s the art buying public. Just think of the meteoric rise in popularity of Jack Vettriano`s paintings and the resurgence of interest in the canvases of Edward Hopper, let alone the revival of "Come Dancing"!!
Last week I was fortunate enough to visit the Birmingham Hippodrome to work on another fascination of mine, Flamenco. The Paco Pena Dance Company were performing their `Voces y Ecos` It was thanks to Elvira Pena, Paco`s daughter that I was able to view the whole dazzling performance from the wings. The company of five dancers and nine piece flamenco band led by Pena produced a show of skill, passion and authenticity. The whole experience satisfied all three of my disciplines, dance, female form and portraiture and I am currently working on a drawing of `El Maestro` with his guitar that I might develop to oils.
Thursday, 11 March 2004
Hi everyone, thought it was about time you had some news from the studio. Had a few technical problems in this area but now able to update
ballet
Had a brilliant day at BRB. Was invited to attend rehearsals of Gala performance of Sir Fred & Mr B. Stars from British and International ballet companies celebrating the work of two of the greatest figures in the world of dance Sir Frederick Ashton and George Balanchine. It was great to see old friends Miyako Yoshida and Monica Zamora and the legendary Irek Mukhamedov. Hope to start working on this very shortly.
Lots of work completed and in progress, including `Arthur` `Carmina Burana` and `Romeo and Juliet` studies. All work developed from recent attendance at BRB rehearsals, also recent collaboration with Rambert Dance covering `21` and `Visions Fugitives` is developing in the studio now. Would love to hear from some of you ballet buffs.
studio editions
New editions are quietly gaining interest to both galleries and collectors. Although they are expensive in comparison to commercial editions I must emphasize that they are very small runs (25) and exclusively available through my studio
female form
New projects in the pipeline but a few studies still remain from recent `Cabaret` series
portraiture
Not much going on in this area at the moment but have recently completed a major piece for a prominent Midlands property developer. A portrait of his wife for her birthday present.
other news
Must just mention a visit I had from a charming young woman in her first year of Theatre Design at Trent University.She is using me in one of her projects and wanted to visit the studio and film me at work!!. Would just like to wish her every success with her future endeavours.
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