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Billy Unveils New Art Collection

Fine art pen & ink drawings mark a new chapter for Billy Connolly

 

LONDON UK, WEDNESDAY 14 MARCH: BAFTA nominated actor, comedian, musician and presenter, Billy Connolly CBE, today unveiled the results of a five year foray into the world of contemporary art with the launch of “Born On A Rainy Day” - a collection of six limited edition pieces created and signed by the Glaswegian star of Mrs Brown and The Last Samurai.

The collection took Connolly two years to create and consists of a series of thought-provoking pen and ink drawings, based on characters from the comedian’s imagination.

Launched at London’s Halcyon Gallery by Washington Green Fine Art on Wednesday, the event marked the first time that Billy Connolly’s art has been seen in public since he began sketching for pleasure. According to Connolly, he first began to take an interest in sketching whilst on tour in Canada in 2007 and it was on a visit to an art shop in Montreal on a dull, cold and rainy day, that the urge to create took hold.

He began by sketching desert islands, one after the other, each island taking on its own characteristics and personality.

Connolly remarked “The fifth island, I noticed, was considerably better than the first one. This progression in such a short time really excited me.”

At every opportunity since, Connolly has sketched and drawn characters from his imagination. Taking it up with more gusto and passion in 2010, he began to create the ‘Born On A Rainy Day’ collection – the title inspired by the day he had visited the art shop in Montreal.

He added; “Art, for me, bears no relation to comedy or music. My art is pure and unjudged. I am creating it for myself - it is personal and private, whereas with a film, comedy show or music you expect people to be critiquing, watching, assessing. Art is different; it liberates you.”

Laura McBeth of Washington Green Fine Art said; “Connolly’s characters are faceless, completely anonymous; seemingly devoid of emotion or expression and yet, the emotional connection with the audience is quite prevalent.

“It is perhaps the simplicity of these characters that allows the viewer to connect with them so deeply; there is nothing contrived or intended about this work. It is creativity in its purest form. It has come from a place inside the artist that is not concerned with an audience or showmanship; it is not driven by a reaction or approval; it is simply being.

“Each drawing has taken its own path and begins to come alive as the viewer creates their own unique narrative. We feel honoured to be able to work alongside Billy to publish and exhibit this stunning and inspirational collection.”

From 17 March, limited edition prints from the collection will be available for purchase through high street art gallery chain, Castle Galleries, as well as through a small number of independent galleries.

Each piece in the collection will be a limited edition print of 95. Printed on 100% cotton watercolour paper and measuring 22” by 16”, individual prints will be priced at £395 unframed or £625 framed.

The collection will also be available in a suite of six, priced at £2,250 unframed or £3,500 framed.

The News

Billy Connolly to play second night at Beacon Theatre
Monday, 08 October 2012 09:30

SECOND NIGHT ADDED FOR BILLY CONNOLLY

AT THE BEACON THEATRE, NEW YORK

Due to popular demand, a second night has been added to Billy Connolly’s New York engagement at The Beacon Theatre.  

BILLY CONNOLLY: THE MAN LIVE will play on December 6th in addition to the previously announced performance on December 7th.

Tickets are now on sale at www.ticketmaster.com
 

BILLY CONNOLLY: THE MAN LIVE
Tuesday, 31 July 2012 09:16

AT THE BEACON THEATRE ONE NIGHT ONLY FRIDAY DECEMBER 7 2012

“Never trust a man, who when left alone with a tea cozy... doesn't try it on.” Billy Connolly

“Bladder-challenging tour de force” Evening Standard (London)

“PRICELESS! Nonstop laughter verging on tears” Hollywood Reporter

New York, NY -  Billy Connolly will bring his uncensored, uncut and unpredictable stand-up to New York this winter when he plays the legendary Beacon Theatre on Friday December 7 with his show, BILLY CONNOLLY: THE MAN LIVE.  Tickets are now on sale at www.ticketmaster.com.  Other cities will be announced in the future.
 
His tours in the UK, Ireland, Australia and New Zealand have sold out within hours, and he last played the US six years ago, enjoying a hit New York engagement in 2006.  Hailed as the UK’s most influential comedian of all time, voted best comedian of all time by the UK’s Channel 4, and included as one of the Huffington Post’s favorite UK comedians, he’ll next be seen in The Hobbit, and in Quartet directed by Dustin Hoffman.   

Billy Connolly is a standup comedian, actor, musician, TV presenter and artist.  Born and raised in Glasgow and after serving his apprenticeship as a welder, he became a professional performer in 1962, forming “The Humblebums” band with Gerry Rafferty, before pursuing a solo career as a comedian. Aside from starring in numerous films and TV series, Billy has toured worldwide continuously for the last 50 years, performing to an audience of over 10,000,000. Billy was awarded a CBE in 2003 and was given the Freedom of the City of Glasgow in 2010.
 
Perhaps best known for his moving performance as the loyal servant John Brown in the highly acclaimed Mrs. Brown opposite Judi Dench, Connolly’s other theatrical film credits include Gulliver’s Travels, The X-Files, I Want to Believe, Fido, Garfield2, Lemony Snicket: A Series of Unfortunate Events, The Last Samurai, and Timeline. His previous film credits include Peter Kosminsky’s White Oleander, Troy Duffy’s The Boondock Saints and the sequel  All Saint’s Day, Stephen Metcalfe’s Beautiful Joe and Barry Levinson’s An Everlasting Piece, Stanley Tucci’s The Impostors, Absolution with Richard Burton, Bullshot and Water with Michael Caine, Crossing the Line with Liam Neeson, the Muppet movie version of Treasure Island, Gabriel and Me, Gentlemen’s Relish and The Man Who Sued God, as well as the acclaimed BBC productions “Down Among the Big Bad Boys” and “The Life and Crimes of Deacon Brodie.” His voice is also featured on the animated films Pocahontas and Open Season and the recent Disney Pixar animation Brave. He will next be seen in Quartet, directed by Dustin Hoffman and co-starring Maggie Smith, Michael Gambon and Tom Courtenay, as well as the two-part adaptation of J.R.R. Tolkien’s The Hobbit directed by Peter Jackson.
 
Billy is most recognizable from his hit television series “Head of the Class,” which was later spun off into his own series “Billy.”  He also hosted “Billy Connolly’s World Tour of Scotland,” a six-part TV series documenting a tour of his beloved homeland, a theme continued later in his world tours of New Zealand, Australia and England, Ireland and Wales. More recently, Billy has hosted television series “Journey to the Edge of the World” and “Route 66.” Other television specials include “Pale Blue Scottish Person,” “A Scot in the Arctic,” “The Bigger Picture” and “An Audience with Billy Connolly.” Connolly has also made a variety of television guest appearances, including “House M.D.,” “Third Rock from the Sun,” and “Veronica’s Closet.” In 2012, Billy added another facet to his eclectic career when an exhibition of 50 of his original drawings, along with several limited edition prints, was displayed at the Halcyon Gallery in London prior to being sold at art galleries throughout the UK.

For more information and to purchase tickets to BILLY CONNOLLY: THE MAN LIVE, please visit: www.Ticketmaster.com, call Ticketmaster 866-858-0008 or visit any Ticketmaster outlet, The Beacon Theatre or Radio City Music Hall box offices.  For more information on Billy Connolly, please visit www.billyconnolly.com.  
 
WESTBETH ENTERTAINMENT, Arnold Engelman—President, is a producing organization that has successfully and consistently produced critically acclaimed, financially successful, groundbreaking entertainment for 30 years. From Billy Connolly to Eddie Izzard, John Leguizamo to The Jim Henson Company, Lewis Black to The Family Guy, WestBeth has been the creative catalyst, partner and producer of some of the most innovative productions in North America. Currently WestBeth is producing British comedian Simon Amstell’s one man show NUMB in New York and other cities around the county. Most recently, WestBeth produced the live production of Eric Idle’s What About Dick? at the Orpheum Theatre in Los Angeles, the Stuffed and Unstrung national tour, and the international tour of John Leguizamo’s Ghetto Klown. Other recent productions include Ghetto Klown on Broadway, Eddie Izzard’s Stripped to the Bowl at the Hollywood Bowl and Stripped to the Shore at the Shoreline Amphitheatre, and the four month Off-Broadway run of Stuffed and Unstrung in New York City. Past productions include Eddie Izzard’s Dress To Kill, Circle, Sexie, and Stripped —a 35 city US Tour, and his 2010 US Arena tour, Billy Connolly’s Too Old To Die Young tour in America and Canada, Lewis Black’s Nothing Sacred show at New York’s Lincoln Center and Carnegie Hall, as well as Lewis’ Dual Citizenship Tour in Canada, Tommy Tiernan’s US dates, Christopher Titus’ NEVERLUTION, Shaun Majumder’s Canada Tour, Dylan Moran Live in Los Angeles and San Francisco and Billy Connolly Live in Seattle, Boston, Chicago and his 2010 tour The Man Live. www.westbethent.com

***
 

BILLY UNVEILS DEBUT ART COLLECTION
Wednesday, 14 March 2012 10:31

Fine art pen & ink drawings mark a new chapter for Billy Connolly

 

LONDON UK, WEDNESDAY 14 MARCH: BAFTA nominated actor, comedian, musician and presenter, Billy Connolly CBE, today unveiled the results of a five year foray into the world of contemporary art with the launch of “Born On A Rainy Day” - a collection of six limited edition pieces created and signed by the Glaswegian star of Mrs Brown and The Last Samurai.

The collection took Connolly two years to create and consists of a series of thought-provoking pen and ink drawings, based on characters from the comedian’s imagination.

Launched at London’s Halcyon Gallery by Washington Green Fine Art on Wednesday, the event marked the first time that Billy Connolly’s art has been seen in public since he began sketching for pleasure. According to Connolly, he first began to take an interest in sketching whilst on tour in Canada in 2007 and it was on a visit to an art shop in Montreal on a dull, cold and rainy day, that the urge to create took hold.

He began by sketching desert islands, one after the other, each island taking on its own characteristics and personality.

Connolly remarked “The fifth island, I noticed, was considerably better than the first one. This progression in such a short time really excited me.”

At every opportunity since, Connolly has sketched and drawn characters from his imagination. Taking it up with more gusto and passion in 2010, he began to create the ‘Born On A Rainy Day’ collection – the title inspired by the day he had visited the art shop in Montreal.

He added; “Art, for me, bears no relation to comedy or music. My art is pure and unjudged. I am creating it for myself - it is personal and private, whereas with a film, comedy show or music you expect people to be critiquing, watching, assessing. Art is different; it liberates you.”

Laura McBeth of Washington Green Fine Art said; “Connolly’s characters are faceless, completely anonymous; seemingly devoid of emotion or expression and yet, the emotional connection with the audience is quite prevalent.

“It is perhaps the simplicity of these characters that allows the viewer to connect with them so deeply; there is nothing contrived or intended about this work. It is creativity in its purest form. It has come from a place inside the artist that is not concerned with an audience or showmanship; it is not driven by a reaction or approval; it is simply being.

“Each drawing has taken its own path and begins to come alive as the viewer creates their own unique narrative. We feel honoured to be able to work alongside Billy to publish and exhibit this stunning and inspirational collection.”

From 17 March, limited edition prints from the collection will be available for purchase through high street art gallery chain, Castle Galleries, as well as through a small number of independent galleries.

Each piece in the collection will be a limited edition print of 95. Printed on 100% cotton watercolour paper and measuring 22” by 16”, individual prints will be priced at £395 unframed or £625 framed.

The collection will also be available in a suite of six, priced at £2,250 unframed or £3,500 framed.

castlegalleries.com

washingtongreen.co.uk


 

Billy Connolly's Route 66
Sunday, 16 October 2011 12:55
 

Billy Connolly An Audience With... 6th November at the Criterion Theatre, London
Wednesday, 21 September 2011 15:53

Billy Connolly comedian, musician, presenter and actor, will share highlights from his life in a special 'Audience with' event on 6th November to support Leukaemia & Lymphoma Research, at London's Criterion Theatre.

 

Come and hear the man who says: “My securities far outweigh my insecurities. I am not nearly as afraid of myself and my imagination as I used to be.”

 

Billy will be interviewed by Alan Yentob in the intimate Criterion Theatre and the audience will be able to put their own questions directly to Billy during the evening.

 

Premium tickets
Limited number of tickets including an exclusive champagne reception hosted by Ed Victor and attended by Billy.
VIP Champagne reception & show: £120
Tickets for the show only
Front Stalls: £60
Rear Stalls: £50
Restricted view Stalls: £35
Dress Circle: £60
Restricted view Dress Circle: £35
Upper Circle: £30
Restricted view Upper Circle: £20

 

Tickets from: http://www.ticketmaster.co.uk/event/1F004733B4B28ABB?artistid=744104&majorcatid=10002&minorcatid=51

 

Box Office: 0844-8471778
 

Route 66 Press Reviews So Far
Thursday, 26 August 2010 12:38

‘Connolly’s warmth with the man on the street means he elicits powerful moments of human testimony.’  Nadine Sharma, Broadcast,

 

‘[Chicago] is beautifully shot, captures something new and ignites the wanderlust. The show has a carefully curated soundtrack of Americana classics, moves at a satisfying pace and captures Billy’s honest affinity with US counter-culture.  This show is not going to change the world, but who cares.  It leaves you comforted and satisfied like the warmest of TV blankets.’  Dan Cheesbrough, Broadcast,

·

‘He’s a grand travelling companion, being bright, opinionated, full of humanity and just the right person to make a road seem interesting.  // Of course it’s the not the road really, so much as the heady mix of strange encounters and even stranger trivia...In short, a fine way to get your kicks without leaving the comfort of your own living room.’ Matt Baylis, Daily Express,

 

‘a star-spangled triumph of a series.’ Radio Times, 

 

 ‘The Scots comedian looks like he’s having a blast...and his enthusiasm is infectious.’ Total TV Guide 

 

 ‘immensely enjoyable for Connolly and viewers alike,’ The Times (Saturday Review), 

 

‘”It’s better than everyone else’s!  It has got balls!”’ Billy Connolly cited in Leigh Holmwood, The Sun (TV Biz), 

 

‘Connolly’s irrepressible attitude makes him a more entertaining travelling companion,’ The Daily Telegraph (Review), 

 

 ‘Billy makes a delightful tour guide as he charms his way from Chicago to LA,’ TV Times Magazine, 

 

 ‘the Big Yin’s exploration of America’s most famous road definitely works for us.’ Inside Soap,

 

 ‘You’ll laugh and learn in Connolly’s company.’ Radio Times,

 

 ‘it’s an exciting journey right from the very first episode,’ The Mail on Sunday (Live),

 

 ‘the kind of jolly journey that proves to be infectious.  Not bad for a man who is nudging close to the landmark age of 70.’ The Scotsman, 

 

 ‘listen out for that glorious rock ‘n’ roll soundtrack as you take in the view,’ Sunday Express, 

 

 ‘Billy appears to be as tireless as ever.’ Nicole Lampert, Daily Mail, 
 

Billy Unveils New Art Collection
Tuesday, 17 August 2010 00:00

Fine art pen & ink drawings mark a new chapter for Billy Connolly

 

LONDON UK, WEDNESDAY 14 MARCH: BAFTA nominated actor, comedian, musician and presenter, Billy Connolly CBE, today unveiled the results of a five year foray into the world of contemporary art with the launch of “Born On A Rainy Day” - a collection of six limited edition pieces created and signed by the Glaswegian star of Mrs Brown and The Last Samurai.

The collection took Connolly two years to create and consists of a series of thought-provoking pen and ink drawings, based on characters from the comedian’s imagination.

Launched at London’s Halcyon Gallery by Washington Green Fine Art on Wednesday, the event marked the first time that Billy Connolly’s art has been seen in public since he began sketching for pleasure. According to Connolly, he first began to take an interest in sketching whilst on tour in Canada in 2007 and it was on a visit to an art shop in Montreal on a dull, cold and rainy day, that the urge to create took hold.

He began by sketching desert islands, one after the other, each island taking on its own characteristics and personality.

Connolly remarked “The fifth island, I noticed, was considerably better than the first one. This progression in such a short time really excited me.”

At every opportunity since, Connolly has sketched and drawn characters from his imagination. Taking it up with more gusto and passion in 2010, he began to create the ‘Born On A Rainy Day’ collection – the title inspired by the day he had visited the art shop in Montreal.

He added; “Art, for me, bears no relation to comedy or music. My art is pure and unjudged. I am creating it for myself - it is personal and private, whereas with a film, comedy show or music you expect people to be critiquing, watching, assessing. Art is different; it liberates you.”

Laura McBeth of Washington Green Fine Art said; “Connolly’s characters are faceless, completely anonymous; seemingly devoid of emotion or expression and yet, the emotional connection with the audience is quite prevalent.

“It is perhaps the simplicity of these characters that allows the viewer to connect with them so deeply; there is nothing contrived or intended about this work. It is creativity in its purest form. It has come from a place inside the artist that is not concerned with an audience or showmanship; it is not driven by a reaction or approval; it is simply being.

“Each drawing has taken its own path and begins to come alive as the viewer creates their own unique narrative. We feel honoured to be able to work alongside Billy to publish and exhibit this stunning and inspirational collection.”

From 17 March, limited edition prints from the collection will be available for purchase through high street art gallery chain, Castle Galleries, as well as through a small number of independent galleries.

Each piece in the collection will be a limited edition print of 95. Printed on 100% cotton watercolour paper and measuring 22” by 16”, individual prints will be priced at £395 unframed or £625 framed.

The collection will also be available in a suite of six, priced at £2,250 unframed or £3,500 framed.
 


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