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Friday, June 6, 2014

Music and Musicians, Butterfly and Another Story, Jez Eden

I know that I must be starting to get better because I was able to sketch a little more 'seriously' than the cartoony drawings I have been doing for the past couple of weeks or so.  This took a long time, but it has made me so happy to put down on paper the image that formed in my mind.  I have forgotten each time to say that I have been using this 4" x 6" sketchbook for these last two themes.

"Madame Butterfly"
Pitt Pens and Brush Pens - Jez
"Madame Butterfly" is our favourite opera, and as well as seeing it a few times we had introduced our two daughters to it, and they loved it.

When Carol was at University she met Martin, the young man she married shortly after graduation.  Martin had never been to an opera, and in 1981 we thought it was a good idea to take him to Butterfly as an introduction.  And, oh boy, unknown to us this was Butterfly with a bit of a difference.

OK, it does have a fairly slow start, and he sat back in his seat politely, but clearly not entranced.  It reached the passionate wedding night scene where Pinkerton is making it clear he can't wait to get to bed.  Butterfly slipped off her gown and wow, she was naked from the waist up.  Martin shot straight up in his seat, his eyes like saucers, as if he was thinking 'So this is opera!!'

Martin said "Yes - and never, never forgotten" when we talked and laughed about it yesterday.  Happy memories.

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9 comments:

  1. Joan TavolottJune 6, 2014 at 6:50 AM

    Great story and lovely sketch from the opera!! I am SO GLAD you are feeling a little better.

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  2. UnknownJune 6, 2014 at 8:33 AM

    Ooh, Jez, I love the composition of the drawing, with her big and Mt. Fuji little, and the red river echoing her red lips…very powerful. And what a story! I'm going to have to get myself a recording of Butterfly. I get a little hung up on La Bohème, maybe it's time to branch out :)

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    1. UnknownJune 6, 2014 at 8:35 AM

      PS happy you are feeling better!

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    2. JezJune 7, 2014 at 7:51 AM

      I love Bohème too, but I hope you do get Butterfly. I can get tearful at the first few notes, simply because they are the same as at the end. The red river was also intended as symbolism for blood, though I don't believe artists should explain - but I'm so glad you liked the drawing.

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  3. My name is Erika.June 6, 2014 at 10:29 AM

    She is not cartoony at all and you should be proud. In fact she is quite beautiful.

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    1. JezJune 7, 2014 at 7:53 AM

      Thank you Erika, I appreciate your comment.

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  4. SirkkaJune 6, 2014 at 10:29 PM

    Lovely story from your opera visit, Jez! Your sketch of Madam Butterfly is beautiful. You can! I hope you are continuously getting better! Nice week end!

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    Replies
    1. JezJune 7, 2014 at 7:53 AM

      Than you Sirkka. It was strange, but as I was posting this picture on PPP&P the Humming Chorus from Madame Butterfly came on the radio - what a coincidence.

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  5. Lynn CohenJune 7, 2014 at 12:26 PM

    What a funny story! I am so impressed that you can draw so beautifully from your imagination.

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