Winter Painting: "Pink Tulips Plus" Continued

"Pink Tulips Plus," oil, 36" x 36," ©Jill Banks 2015

The season of snow. This winter has plagued lots of our schedules and plans. It's disrupted many of my portrait and still life classes. There haven't been those sudden bursts of unexpected Spring like weather that offers the treat of days outside at my easel.

My subject material isn't waiting for me just outside. I have to shop for it or schedule visitors to my studio. In the winter, I plan vs. see what the day holds.

I wrote last of my favorite painter Sorolla and how he viewed the studio as a place to store paintings, but not to create them.  While I long for some warm sunshine and new adventures, there's enjoyment to be had indoors ... with an interior that contrasts the coziness of inside vs. out or a beautiful still life with fresh flowers from somewhere else. What other indoor visual treats do you think I should paint? Suggestions are welcome.

My protagonists in "Pink Tulips Plus" sputtered for their last day as subjects in today's still life class. Time to move on.

"Italian Vines," oil, 8"h x 10"w, ©Jill Banks 2014 was painted in the Piemonte wine region

Paint with Me in Italy Plein Air Workshop: July 27 to August 2, 2015
It's time to sign up for this year's Summer adventure in the Piemonte wine region of Italy.  Come join us for a trip to cherish and remember, with gorgeous vistas, painting in beautiful hill towns and vineyards, eating SO well.  Registration is now open.

Events and Exhibits

• February-March: "The Art of Romance," Atelier Group Exhibition, 1144 Walker Road, Suite G, Great Falls, VA.Open Wed. and Sat., noon to 4pm
• April 9 - May 1: Women Painters of the Southeast Annual Juried Exhibition, Blue Ridge, GA
• June 5-7: Rittenhouse Square: The Original Art Show, Philadelphia, PA. 
  June 29-July 5: Telluride Plein Air, Telluride, CO.  Juried as one of 32 artists who will spend the week painting this very cool town lined with Victorian houses, bustling street against a gorgeous mountainous backdrop.
  July 11-12: Wickford Art Festival, Wickford, RI.
   
• Paint with Me in Italy Plein Air Workshop: July 27 to August 2, 2015. Registration is now open. (This is where "Piemonte Lunch" was "born"!)
• See the Events page for more info/updates
• Ongoing: Visit the studio I share with 14 other artists at the Artists’ Atelier, Great Falls, VA open Wed. and Sat.,
  12- 4pm

Thanks for reading!

Jill

Phone: 703.403.7435
Email: jill@jillbanks.com
Web: www.JillBanks.com
Blog: jillbanks.blogspot.com

Subscribe to my Email Newsletter: News from the Easel

Grand Scale Tulips

I couldn't finish the week ... after visiting Joaquin Sorolla's magnificent, expansive murals "Vision of Spain" at the Hispanic Society of America in NYC ... painting anything too dainty. So set up in my studio (which Sorolla says should just be a garage for storing painting vs. a place to paint) is a large scale still life that is tough to ignore.

"Pink Tulips Plus" work in progress, oil, 36"h x 36"w, ©Jill Banks 2015

So here are the stages ... so far:

My favorite stage: scribbling!!! The darks are what I draw with, this time a mix of raw umber (new for me) and French ultramarine blue. I also didn't tone my canvas -- left it white for now mainly because those sunflowers and tulips will be goners in no time.

This isn't much different than what I finished the day with ... but did decide to add in a sense of light falling on a bookcase behind this scene. Once done, it will enhance the feeling of air and depth.

Since the last blog post I put up was about Wednesday's trip to the Hispanic Society of America to see the Sorolla's AND that post did not make it in full to your inboxes, here is a recap. Enjoy!

Sorolla's "Visions of Spain" at the Hispanic Society of America

Part of Joaquin Sorolla's "Vision of Spain" Mural Commission at the Hispanic Society of America in NYC

Yesterday was consumed merrily from pre-dawn to midnight with a visit to Joaquin Sorolla's (1863-1923) masterful mural commission "Visions of Spain" (a 14-mural project representing the Iberian Peninsula) at the Hispanic Society of America in New York City. The tour was led by Rob Liberace, coordinated through the Art League in Old Town Alexandria ... so Randy and I were with friends from previous art historical trips, Rob's drawing classes, and many new acquaintances.

The murals vary from 12 to 14 feet in height and total 227 feet in length (source: Wikipedia) and all but one of these immense paintings were created en plein air.  The physical, logistical, artistic challenges of composing and creating each of these masterpieces with the 1000s of unique characters dressed in local costumes ... is simply unimaginable.  Sorolla finished the first mural in 1913 and last in 1919 ... a commission contracted by his great patron, Archer Milton Huntington ... the founder of the Hispanic Society of America to be hung on permanent display in what is now the Sorolla room.

It's there for you to see, a well-kept secret, but free and open to the public.

Sorolla's grand room-filling mural that greets you on the far wall. He was the true painter of light.

The Hispanic Society of America holds amazing art treasures with a huge concentration of Joaquin Sorolla's work -- my favorite artist.

Sorolla's painting of his birth home of Valencia was my favorite ... although it isn't easy to choose

One of my thoughts on seeing Sorolla's 14 masterpieces circling the room was of all those instances that visitors, young and old would enter my tent at an art fair or studio or other exhibits and ask with amazement, "Are ALL of these yours?".

Imagine what they'd say standing in the midst of these works.

One of our additional treats was to witness the rehanging of Sorolla's portrait of Louis Comfort Tiffany in the upper gallery at the Hispanic Society. One in the crew who hung the work mentioned that the painting was created in Tiffany's garden in Cold Spring Harbor (the North Shore of Long Island).  I lived there and attended Cold Spring Harbor High Laurelton Hall, Tiffany's estate that had sweeping views of the harbor that I enjoyed from a different vantage point for many years.

Sorolla's portrait of Louis Comfort Tiffany being reinstalled at the Hispanic Society

School. A little research marked the spot as

What I love about Joaquin Sorolla's work is the sheer joy that emanates from his paintings. His heart and soul flowed through his paintbrush. He clearly loved to paint, loved the people around him, loved his homeland, adored his family.  He captured light, captured life, honestly and beautifully.

What a joy!!!!

The photos are my own ... and may be distorted since the paintings tower above me.  So, these will give you an idea of how gorgeous these works are, but not the perfect picture.

Thanks Rob and Margaret Cerutti ... and fellow travelers for one heck of a day!

Events and Exhibits

• February: "The Art of Romance," Atelier Group Exhibition, 1144 Walker Road, Suite G, Great Falls, VA.Open Wed. and Sat., noon to 4pm
• April 9 - May 1: Women Painters of the Southeast Annual Juried Exhibition, Blue Ridge, GA
• June 5-7: Rittenhouse Square: The Original Art Show, Philadelphia, PA. 
  June 29-July 5: Telluride Plein Air, Telluride, CO.  Juried as one of 32 artists who will spend the week painting this very cool town lined with Victorian houses, bustling street against a gorgeous mountainous backdrop.
  July 11-12: Wickford Art Festival, Wickford, RI.
   
• Paint with Me in Italy Plein Air Workshop: July 27 to August 2, 2015. Registration is now open. (This is where "Piemonte Lunch" was "born"!)
• See the Events page for more info/updates
• Ongoing: Visit the studio I share with 14 other artists at the Artists’ Atelier, Great Falls, VA open Wed. and Sat.,
  12- 4pm

Thanks for reading!

Jill

Phone: 703.403.7435
Email: jill@jillbanks.com
Web: www.JillBanks.com
Blog: jillbanks.blogspot.com

Subscribe to my Email Newsletter: News from the Easel

Sorolla's "Visions of Spain" at the Hispanic Society of America

Part of Joaquin Sorolla's "Vision of Spain" Mural Commission at the Hispanic Society of America in NYC

Yesterday was consumed merrily from pre-dawn to midnight with a visit to Joaquin Sorolla's (1863-1923) masterful mural commission "Visions of Spain" (a 14-mural project representing the Iberian Peninsula) at the Hispanic Society of America in New York City. The tour was led by Rob Liberace, coordinated through the Art League in Old Town Alexandria ... so Randy and I were with friends from previous art historical trips, Rob's drawing classes, and many new acquaintances.

The murals vary from 12 to 14 feet in height and total 227 feet in length (source: Wikipedia) and all but one of these immense paintings were created en plein air.  The physical, logistical, artistic challenges of composing and creating each of these masterpieces with the 1000s of unique characters dressed in local costumes ... is simply unimaginable.  Sorolla finished the first mural in 1913 and last in 1919 ... a commission contracted by his great patron, Archer Milton Huntington ... the founder of the Hispanic Society of America to be hung on permanent display in what is now the Sorolla room.

It's there for you to see, a well-kept secret, but free and open to the public.

Sorolla's grand room-filling mural that greets you on the far wall. He was the true painter of light.

The Hispanic Society of America holds amazing art treasures with a huge concentration of Joaquin Sorolla's work -- my favorite artist.

Sorolla's painting of his birth home of Valencia was my favorite ... although it isn't easy to choose

One of my thoughts on seeing Sorolla's 14 masterpieces circling the room was of all those instances that visitors, young and old would enter my tent at an art fair or studio or other exhibits and ask with amazement, "Are ALL of these yours?".

Imagine what they'd say standing in the midst of these works.

One of our additional treats was to witness the rehanging of Sorolla's portrait of Louis Comfort Tiffany in the upper gallery at the Hispanic Society. One in the crew who hung the work mentioned that the painting was created in Tiffany's garden in Cold Spring Harbor (the North Shore of Long Island).  I lived there and attended Cold Spring Harbor High Laurelton Hall, Tiffany's estate that had sweeping views of the harbor that I enjoyed from a different vantage point for many years.

Sorolla's portrait of Louis Comfort Tiffany being reinstalled at the Hispanic Society

School. A little research marked the spot as

What I love about Joaquin Sorolla's work is the sheer joy that emanates from his paintings. His heart and soul flowed through his paintbrush. He clearly loved to paint, loved the people around him, loved his homeland, adored his family.  He captured light, captured life, honestly and beautifully.

What a joy!!!!

The photos are my own ... and may be distorted since the paintings tower above me.  So, these will give you an idea of how gorgeous these works are, but not the perfect picture.

Thanks Rob and Margaret Cerutti ... and fellow travelers for one heck of a day!

Events and Exhibits

• February: "The Art of Romance," Atelier Group Exhibition, 1144 Walker Road, Suite G, Great Falls, VA.Open Wed. and Sat., noon to 4pm
• April 9 - May 1: Women Painters of the Southeast Annual Juried Exhibition, Blue Ridge, GA
• June 5-7: Rittenhouse Square: The Original Art Show, Philadelphia, PA. 
  June 29-July 5: Telluride Plein Air, Telluride, CO.  Juried as one of 32 artists who will spend the week painting this very cool town lined with Victorian houses, bustling street against a gorgeous mountainous backdrop.
  July 11-12: Wickford Art Festival, Wickford, RI.
   
• Paint with Me in Italy Plein Air Workshop: July 27 to August 2, 2015. Registration is now open. (This is where "Piemonte Lunch" was "born"!)
• See the Events page for more info/updates
• Ongoing: Visit the studio I share with 14 other artists at the Artists’ Atelier, Great Falls, VA open Wed. and Sat.,
  12- 4pm

Thanks for reading!

Jill

Phone: 703.403.7435
Email: jill@jillbanks.com
Web: www.JillBanks.com
Blog: jillbanks.blogspot.com

Subscribe to my Email Newsletter: News from the Easel

"Pairs of Parakeets" in Progress

"Pairs of Parakeets" in progress, oil, 24"h x 12"w, ©Jill Banks 2015

Say that 10x quickly.  (A tongue twister?)

Being pet-less, an outing to the pet store with daughter Sarah and daughter-in-law Michelle gave me time to watch the birds while they shopped the aisles.

They came out with toys for their cats ... and I exited with a plan for a painting.

My first bird painting started with "Blue" -- a bluebird that was awarded Best in Show in the Bird Show for Great Falls Studios. Also part of that exhibit was my painting of a turkey (which won "Best Turkey"). These  were followed by "Pretty Girl Hen" that was chosen as one of artworks for the Richeson75 Animal, Birds and Wildlife competition (75 pieces of art are chosen worldwide by some very fine wildlife artists).

And, plenty of other bird paintings have followed. Lots of chickens!

This is my first showing of parakeets.

Another bird painting "Chicken Chat" is being picked up at ArtSpace Herndon tomorrow as Randy and take down my "Warm Observations: People and Places" solo exhibition. "Chicken Chat" has yet to be adopted ... and "Pair of Parakeets" will join it in the Animals gallery in my web site. Take a look.

I indicated prices will be going up in February for my art.  February 27 is the last date at 2014 prices.

"Chicken Chat," oil, 16"h x 20"w,©Jill Banks 2014

Events and Exhibits

• February: "The Art of Romance," Atelier Group Exhibition, 1144 Walker Road, Suite G, Great Falls, VA.Open Wed. and Sat., noon to 4pm
• April 9 - May 1: Women Painters of the Southeast Annual Juried Exhibition, Blue Ridge, GA
• June 5-7: Rittenhouse Square: The Original Art Show, Philadelphia, PA. 
  June 29-July 5: Telluride Plein Air, Telluride, CO.  Juried as one of 32 artists who will spend the week painting this very cool town lined with Victorian houses, bustling street against a gorgeous mountainous backdrop.
  July 11-12: Wickford Art Festival, Wickford, RI.
   
• Paint with Me in Italy Plein Air Workshop: July 27 to August 2, 2015. Registration is now open. (This is where "Piemonte Lunch" was "born"!)
• See the Events page for more info/updates
• Ongoing: Visit the studio I share with 14 other artists at the Artists’ Atelier, Great Falls, VA open Wed. and Sat.,
  12- 4pm

Thanks for reading!

Jill

Phone: 703.403.7435
Email: jill@jillbanks.com
Web: www.JillBanks.com
Blog: jillbanks.blogspot.com

Subscribe to my Email Newsletter: News from the Easel

Now Only This Weekend Left to See "Warm Observations

"Ice Cold Lemonade," oil, 12"h x 16"w, ©Jill Banks 2014. Purchased Thursday.

First, if you were planning to make it to ArtSpace Herndon (750 Center Street, Herndon, VA 20170)  on Friday, February 20 for one of the final days of my solo exhibit "Warm Observations: People and Places," it is closed following Fairfax County Public School inclement weather policy. (Actually they were open for a few hours today -- but are closed for the rest of the afternoon.) Fingers crossed that the final TWO days -- Saturday, February 21 and Sunday, February 22 it will be open. Saturday's hours are 10am to 5pm. Sunday's are 1 to 5pm. The phone number for ArtSpace Herndon is: 703-956-6590. So, there's still time ... but not much.

"Ice Cold Lemonade" Purchased Thursday
Another painting was purchased at ArtSpace Herndon today -- this one "Ice Cold Lemonade."  I like this idea of painting away in my studio and having someone see and be able to select a piece on view in the exhibit elsewhere. That's hardly a new concept -- it's what the gallery system is all about, but most other purchases of my art have been direct -- from an art fair, online, through the blog, from my studio.  Maybe some combination of direct sales and representation of some sort is the way to go in the future. My whole experience with the exhibit at ArtSpace Herndon has been fantastic.  Sorry to see it come to an end ... for now.

"Piazza di Michelangelo," oil, 30"h x 24"w, ©Jill Banks 2014. Purchased today.

"Piazza di Michelangelo" Going to a New Home, Too
And there it will have a couple of friends -- other purchases of my work made over the years. Yay!

So when Randy and I go to un-hang the show, we'll be packaging up "Ice Cold Lemonade" and "Piazza di Michelangelo" for their travels to new locations.

Events and Exhibits

• JUST SATURDAY AND SUNDAY LEFT: January 13-February 22, 2015: "Warm Observations: People and Places" Solo Exhibit, ArtSpace Herndon, 750 Center Street, Herndon, VA. Hours: Closed Monday, Tue-Thur: 10am to 2pm, Fri&Sat: 10am to 5pm, Sundays: 1pm to 5pm. 48 original oils celebrating life on view.
• February: "The Art of Romance," Atelier Group Exhibition, 1144 Walker Road, Suite G, Great Falls, VA.Open Wed. and Sat., noon to 4pm
• April 9 - May 1: Women Painters of the Southeast Annual Juried Exhibition, Blue Ridge, GA
• June 5-7: Rittenhouse Square: The Original Art Show, Philadelphia, PA. 
  June 29-July 5: Telluride Plein Air, Telluride, CO.  Juried as one of 32 artists who will spend the week painting this very cool town lined with Victorian houses, bustling street against a gorgeous mountainous backdrop.
  July 11-12: Wickford Art Festival, Wickford, RI.
   
• Paint with Me in Italy Plein Air Workshop: July 27 to August 2, 2015. Registration is now open. (This is where "Piemonte Lunch" was "born"!)
• See the Events page for more info/updates
• Ongoing: Visit the studio I share with 14 other artists at the Artists’ Atelier, Great Falls, VA open Wed. and Sat.,
  12- 4pm

Thanks for reading!

Jill

Phone: 703.403.7435
Email: jill@jillbanks.com
Web: www.JillBanks.com
Blog: jillbanks.blogspot.com

Subscribe to my Email Newsletter: News from the Easel

"After the Party II" in Progress

"After the Party II" in progress, oil, 30"h x 24"w, ©Jill Banks 2015

I'd better hurry up. The plum in the blue bowl is part of tomorrow's breakfast. The pepper needs to depart, too.

Having fun though.

Time's running out to see my "Warm Observations: People and Places" exhibit. See below. (Follows Fairfax County Public Schools inclement weather closings... which means ArtSpace was closed yesterday and today. Hopefully, tomorrow it will be open.)

Events and Exhibits

• LESS THAN ONE WEEK LEFT: January 13-February 22, 2015: "Warm Observations: People and Places" Solo Exhibit, ArtSpace Herndon, 750 Center Street, Herndon, VA. Hours: Closed Monday, Tue-Thur: 10am to 2pm, Fri&Sat: 10am to 5pm, Sundays: 1pm to 5pm. 48 original oils celebrating life on view.
• February: "The Art of Romance," Atelier Group Exhibition, 1144 Walker Road, Suite G, Great Falls, VA.Open Wed. and Sat., noon to 4pm
• April 9 - May 1: Women Painters of the Southeast Annual Juried Exhibition, Blue Ridge, GA
• June 5-7: Rittenhouse Square: The Original Art Show, Philadelphia, PA. 
  June 29-July 5: Telluride Plein Air, Telluride, CO.  Juried as one of 32 artists who will spend the week painting this very cool town lined with Victorian houses, bustling street against a gorgeous mountainous backdrop.
  July 11-12: Wickford Art Festival, Wickford, RI.
   
• Paint with Me in Italy Plein Air Workshop: July 27 to August 2, 2015. Registration is now open. (This is where "Piemonte Lunch" was "born"!)
• See the Events page for more info/updates
• Ongoing: Visit the studio I share with 14 other artists at the Artists’ Atelier, Great Falls, VA open Wed. and Sat.,
  12- 4pm

Thanks for reading!

Jill

Phone: 703.403.7435
Email: jill@jillbanks.com
Web: www.JillBanks.com
Blog: jillbanks.blogspot.com

Subscribe to my Email Newsletter: News from the Easel

"Augusta Fountain"

"Augusta Fountain," oil, 12"h x 16"w, ©Jill Banks 2014-15

During a quick trip last year to Georgia for the third annual Women Painters of the Southeast exhibit, I ventured out to get in a little plein air painting. This fountain in Augusta, GA became the subject as rain clouds brewed beyond.  While there, a wedding party posed for photos ... but not long enough to be painted in. Good idea, though.

I've been wanting to return to this piece as the rain did come.  So, finally.

It was a snow day today. Down in the studio, a large still life is just starting to take shape on my easel. Hopefully, I'll be able to offer a glimpse of it tomorrow. The food in it is planned for meals just ahead ... so I'd better get to some serious work.

Time's running out to see my "Warm Observations: People and Places" exhibit. See below.

Events and Exhibits

• LESS THAN ONE WEEK LEFT: January 13-February 22, 2015: "Warm Observations: People and Places" Solo Exhibit, ArtSpace Herndon, 750 Center Street, Herndon, VA. Hours: Closed Monday, Tue-Thur: 10am to 2pm, Fri&Sat: 10am to 5pm, Sundays: 1pm to 5pm. 48 original oils celebrating life on view.
• February: "The Art of Romance," Atelier Group Exhibition, 1144 Walker Road, Suite G, Great Falls, VA.Open Wed. and Sat., noon to 4pm
• April 9 - May 1: Women Painters of the Southeast Annual Juried Exhibition, Blue Ridge, GA
• June 5-7: Rittenhouse Square: The Original Art Show, Philadelphia, PA. 
  June 29-July 5: Telluride Plein Air, Telluride, CO.  Juried as one of 32 artists who will spend the week painting this very cool town lined with Victorian houses, bustling street against a gorgeous mountainous backdrop.
  July 11-12: Wickford Art Festival, Wickford, RI.
   
• Paint with Me in Italy Plein Air Workshop: July 27 to August 2, 2015. Registration is now open. (This is where "Piemonte Lunch" was "born"!)
• See the Events page for more info/updates
• Ongoing: Visit the studio I share with 14 other artists at the Artists’ Atelier, Great Falls, VA open Wed. and Sat.,
  12- 4pm

Thanks for reading!

Jill

Phone: 703.403.7435
Email: jill@jillbanks.com
Web: www.JillBanks.com
Blog: jillbanks.blogspot.com

Subscribe to my Email Newsletter: News from the Easel

"Payton in Purple" Finished

"Payton in Purple," oil, 20"h x 16"w, ©Jill Banks 2015

I spent one more very full day at the studio on "Payton in Purple" -- the painting started during my January 31 demonstration at ArtSpace Herndon. 

Each moment at my easel brings me back to a place, or an experience. I relive all the fun. Decide where I'm "traveling" to for the day. Demo day at ArtSpace was fantastic -- with the treat of a wonderful model, happy audience, loads of fun.  That's what I thought about while making this painting just what I wanted it to be.

I'll be sending out a newsletter (subscribe here) today (Friday, February 13) -- one more urging to catch "Warm Observations: People and Places" before it closes on February 22.  But -- you can take the hint now.

Events and Exhibits

• January 13-February 22, 2015: "Warm Observations: People and Places" Solo Exhibit, ArtSpace Herndon, 750 Center Street, Herndon, VA. Hours: Closed Monday, Tue-Thur: 10am to 2pm, Fri&Sat: 10am to 5pm, Sundays: 1pm to 5pm. 48 original oils celebrating life on view.
• February: "The Art of Romance," Atelier Group Exhibition, 1144 Walker Road, Suite G, Great Falls, VA.Open Wed. and Sat., noon to 4pm
• April 9 - May 1: Women Painters of the Southeast Annual Juried Exhibition, Blue Ridge, GA
• June 5-7: Rittenhouse Square: The Original Art Show, Philadelphia, PA. 
  June 29-July 5: Telluride Plein Air, Telluride, CO.  Juried as one of 32 artists who will spend the week painting this very cool town lined with Victorian houses, bustling street against a gorgeous mountainous backdrop.
  July 11-12: Wickford Art Festival, Wickford, RI.
   
• Paint with Me in Italy Plein Air Workshop: July 27 to August 2, 2015. Registration is now open. (This is where "Piemonte Lunch" was "born"!)
• See the Events page for more info/updates
• Ongoing: Visit the studio I share with 14 other artists at the Artists’ Atelier, Great Falls, VA open Wed. and Sat.,
  12- 4pm

Thanks for reading!

Jill

Phone: 703.403.7435
Email: jill@jillbanks.com
Web: www.JillBanks.com
Blog: jillbanks.blogspot.com

Subscribe to my Email Newsletter: News from the Easel

"Sewing Room" Continued

"Sewing Room" work in progress (almost done), oil, 16"h x 20"w, ©Jill Banks 2015

Inspired by today's class full of hard-working Still Life students...  and some increasingly drooping tulips. Sometimes subject's dictate the day's work.

Lots of other paintings waiting to jump on the easel.

"Apple Singer," the predecessor of "Sewing Room."  Private collection.

This is a different model, but I've painted antique sewing machine before.  One inspiring model leads to another. My first painting of a sewing machine was "Apple Singer," a piece that now hangs along with a wonderful collection and many more of my works. Happy that it found it a good home!

Events and Exhibits

• January 13-February 22, 2015: "Warm Observations: People and Places" Solo Exhibit, ArtSpace Herndon, 750 Center Street, Herndon, VA. Hours: Closed Monday, Tue-Thur: 10am to 2pm, Fri&Sat: 10am to 5pm, Sundays: 1pm to 5pm.
• February: "The Art of Romance," Atelier Group Exhibition, 1144 Walker Road, Suite G, Great Falls, VA.Open Wed. and Sat., noon to 4pm
• Paint with Me in Italy Plein Air Workshop: July 27 to August 2, 2015. Registration is now open. (This is where "Piemonte Lunch" was "born"!)
• See the Events page for more info/updates
• Ongoing: Visit the studio I share with 14 other artists at the Artists’ Atelier, Great Falls, VA open Wed. and Sat.,
  12- 4pm

Thanks for reading!

Jill

Phone: 703.403.7435
Email: jill@jillbanks.com
Web: www.JillBanks.com
Blog: jillbanks.blogspot.com

Subscribe to my Email Newsletter: News from the Easel

Weekend Painting

"Al Fresco," oil, 12"h x 16"w, ©Jill Banks 2015

The last three days have been spent in Staunton, VA ... as a guest artist in Ron Boehmer's "Essentials I" workshop. I'll be wrapping my head around his philosophy and teachings ... as soon as it's had a little rest. Seems Ron is a believer in art bootcamp, as am I.

He's also an incredible landscape painter -- true as you get.

Today was spent painting a still life of a wild assortment of objects. See "Crayon Colors" below. Although I was treating my painting ... as a painting ... it was step one of an exercise to come.

From this painting ("Crayon Colors") should come ten more. Five up the value scale toward almost white on white, five down toward almost black on black. Almost is the key. The gist of the exercise is to  help deal with the landscape ... as air changes the saturation and contrast from close by to the mountain range. Or prepares the painter to pull out the scene in a nocturne.

"Crayon Colors," oil, 8"h x 10"w, ©Jill Banks 2015

Events and Exhibits

• January 13-February 22, 2015: "Warm Observations: People and Places" Solo Exhibit, ArtSpace Herndon, 750 Center Street, Herndon, VA. Hours: Closed Monday, Tue-Thur: 10am to 2pm, Fri&Sat: 10am to 5pm, Sundays: 1pm to 5pm.
• February: "The Art of Romance," Atelier Group Exhibition, 1144 Walker Road, Suite G, Great Falls, VA.Open Wed. and Sat., noon to 4pm
• Paint with Me in Italy Plein Air Workshop: July 27 to August 2, 2015. Registration is now open. (This is where "Piemonte Lunch" was "born"!)
• See the Events page for more info/updates
• Ongoing: Visit the studio I share with 14 other artists at the Artists’ Atelier, Great Falls, VA open Wed. and Sat.,
  12- 4pm

Thanks for reading!

Jill

Phone: 703.403.7435
Email: jill@jillbanks.com
Web: www.JillBanks.com
Blog: jillbanks.blogspot.com

Subscribe to my Email Newsletter: News from the Easel