Sunday, April 15, 2018

Had To Fix the Fridge ... and Arlington Festival of the Arts Ahead

Rabbits and Ranunculus, oil on linen-lined panel, 20"h x 16"w, ©2018 Jill Banks
 www.JillBanks.com
Things have been getting a little smelly in the Banks' kitchen each time we've opened the refrigerator door.  It wasn't helping that Rabbits and Ranunculus has been on again, off again over the last two and a half weeks with past-their-prime parsley root, some odd looking bunch of perhaps broccolini, several cabbages and lettuces being stored inside the fridge waiting for their return to center stage. Today, the painting is finished ... and the produce has gone out where it belongs. (At least you can tell it looked pretty and was fresh at one point.)

Enjoying a surprisingly sunny day on the farm last Thursday. I'm behind the camera ... not in front of it.
Delaying Rabbits and Ranunculus's progress have been outings all over the DC/Northern Virginia area scouting out plein air painting locations for my landscape class, getting ready for classes that started this past week and taking advantage of all sunny days to get outside with my easel.

April 21-22 Arlington Festival of the Arts in Clarendon
Hidden under Rabbits and Ranunculus is another bunny painting.  I kept the white bunny, added another and changed pretty much everything else. The colors of the previous painting were understated (for me)... unlike this new layer.  It's like spring blossomed on the canvas.

It's extremely rare that I go back to an existing canvas and completely transform it.  Now there are a couple more paintings in my line-up to make more minor changes with others to finish.  Sort of like Spring cleaning.

Coming Up
Spring shows are straight ahead with  
Arlington Festival of the Arts on April 21-22 in Arlington VA
Great Falls Spring ArtFest on May 5 & 6 
Bethesda Fine Art Festival on May 12 & 13
Lots more on the schedule too ... check my Events page for more

Spring Full of Art
Also, lots of Events are coming up including an May 4 First Friday Art Walk in the Village (Great Falls, VA -- where you'll find me in my studio) and for the Women Artists of the West Spring Showcase at the RS Hanna Gallery in Fredericksburg TX (I won'd be there but many of my paintings are ... on exhibit until June 3).


 Events

February 1-June 3: Women Artists of the West Spring Showcase at RS Hanna Gallery  in Fredericksburg, TX (I'm one of 50 artists included in the showcase with up to five pieces at one time over this four month period.)  First Friday Art Walk at RS Hanna from 6-8pm -- February, March, April, May and June. 


April 21-22: Arlington Fine Art Festival, Arlington VA

May 4: First Friday Art Walk in the Village Centre, 6-8pm, Artists' Atelier, 756 Walker Road, Great Falls, VA 22033. (Studio is also open Wednesdays, noon to 4pm and Saturdays, 10am to 2pm)
May 5-6: Great Falls Spring ArtFest, 10am -5pm both days, you'll find me at the Artists' Atelier, 756 Walker Road, Great Falls, VA 22033 

June 1-3: Rittenhouse Square Fine Art Show, Philadelphia, PA  

June 4-9: Bucks County Plein Air, PA (one of thirty juried artists selected)

June 28-July 4: Telluride Plein Air, Telluride, CO

July 7-8: Wickford Fine Art Festival, Wickford, RI




Thank you for reading!
Jill Banks
Blog: For my latest news and works, visit or subscribe to my blog Life as an Artist at jillbanks.blogspot.com



Facebook Fan Page: https://www.facebook.com/Jill-Banks-Studio-278493468836508/ (Please like that page if you like it...)



Read the Article: Southwest Art Artist to Watch,  July 2017 Here's a link to the PDF of the wonderful Artist to Watch article written by Kim Agricola. 




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Friday, March 23, 2018

Human Inspiration

Strumming, oil, 24"h x 12"w, ©2018 Jill Banks
Instead of the longer, more thoughtful blog post I was in the process of writing ... you'll get something a bit shorter and sweeter.

Today in addition to a positive brainstorming meeting to help a local arts organization, hours were spent happily painting at my easel an inspiring sitter whose neck is probably not too comfortable this evening. (Strummer is the result.)

After that, I joined my parents for dinner to catch up a bit.

This past week's trip to Charleston offered warmer weather with people out and about, with connections at my easel happening all day long.

I apologize too to friends in Charleston for not letting them know of my visit. It was planned last minute and consisted of painting, eating and sleeping. I know when I'm not good company. 

Prior to heading to Charleston, I asked a favorite model to come pose for me in my studio... and she just filled the space with beauty.  The scene before me was almost overwhelming.  It will take me a good while to do it ... and her justice.  Somehow the canvas will have to transport you to the feeling I had all day.

There was an interview with Michelle Dunaway that I read recently ... and in it she talked about painting with Richard Schmid. How when they had a model come pose for the group (the Putney Painters), he is like a kid on Christmas morning.  He simply lights up.

I'm that way.

Paint with Me This Spring -- Register Now
Classes are filling for my Spring term ... so if you are interested in painting on location with me around the Washington DC area (Plein Air Landscape starts April 12) ... now's a good time to register.  Get more info about that class and others on my Classes page.

 Still Life Plus (Tuesdays starting April 10)
Evening Paint (Tuesdays starting April 10)
Plein Air Landscape (Thursdays starting April 12) -- taught on location around the Great Falls and DC area.

Spring Full of Art
Also, lots of Events are coming up including an April 6 First Friday Art Walk in the Village (Great Falls, VA -- where you'll find me in my studio) and for the Women Artists of the West Spring Showcase at the RS Hanna Gallery in Fredericksburg TX (I won'd be there but many of my paintings are ... on exhibit until June 3).

Back to Telluride
Yay!  I'll be participating in Telluride Plein Air for the third time this Summer.  Visions of that wonderful town are already dancing around in my head.  So glad to be invited back!

Events
February 1-June 3: Women Artists of the West Spring Showcase at RS Hanna Gallery  in Fredericksburg, TX (I'm one of 50 artists included in the showcase with up to five pieces at one time over this four month period.)  First Friday Art Walk at RS Hanna from 6-8pm -- February, March, April, May and June. 
April 6: First Friday Art Walk in the Village Centre, 6-8pm, Artists' Atelier, 756 Walker Road, Great Falls, VA 22033. (Studio is also open Wednesdays, noon to 4pm and Saturdays, 10am to 2pm)
April 21-22: Arlington Fine Art Festival, Arlington VA
June 1-3: Rittenhouse Square Fine Art Show, Philadelphia, PA  
June 4-9: Bucks County Plein Air, PA  (one of 30 juried artists)
June 28-July 4: Telluride Plein Air, Telluride, CO
July 7-8: Wickford Fine Art Festival, Wickford, RI

Press   
Check out the March/April issues of Fine Art Connoisseur and Art of the West Magazines. My work is published in both. Cool.
Thank you for reading!
Jill Banks
Blog: For my latest news and works, visit or subscribe to my blog Life as an Artist at jillbanks.blogspot.com
Facebook Fan Page: https://www.facebook.com/Jill-Banks-Studio-278493468836508/ (Please like that page if you like it...)
Read the Article: Southwest Art Artist to Watch,  July 2017
Here's a link to the PDF of the wonderful Artist to Watch article written by Kim Agricola. 
 


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Thursday, March 22, 2018

Spring Fever Took Me to Charleston

Wisteria Walk, oil, 16"h x 12"w, ©2018 Jill Banks -- painted today!

Spring fever drove me to make a quick trip to Charleston SC for weather warm enough to paint en plein air.  (Home in the Washington DC area got 4 inches of snow.) So while I'm now just back to the colder weather, this violet-laced walk is where I spent this gorgeous afternoon.

Everyone stopped to smell the wisteria and to take photos among the purple blossoms.  When people gravitate to someplace like that ... and I'm painting that same subject ... it's a sure sign it was a good choice.

 I can't tell you how nice it was to have its scent wafting through the air (vs. painting alongside a garbage can, for instance). 

Three more paintings filled out the last five days. You'll see those soon (in the next few days).

Wade Away, oil, 24"h x 24"w, ©2017 Jill Banks (from last year's Spring trip to Charleston)
Paint with Me This Spring -- Register Now
Classes are filling for my Spring term ... so if you are interested in painting on location with me around the Washington DC area (Plein Air Landscape starts April 12) ... now's a good time to register.  Get more info about that class and others on my Classes page.

Still Life Plus (Tuesdays starting April 10)
Evening Paint (Tuesdays starting April 10)
Plein Air Landscape (Thursdays starting April 12) -- taught on location around the Great Falls and DC area.


Spring Full of Art
Also, lots of Events are coming up including an April 6 First Friday Art Walk in the Village (Great Falls, VA -- where you'll find me in my studio) and for the Women Artists of the West Spring Showcase at the RS Hanna Gallery in Fredericksburg TX (I won'd be there but many of my paintings are ... on exhibit until June 3).

Back to Telluride
Yay!  I'll be participating in Telluride Plein Air for the third time this Summer.  Visions of that wonderful town are already dancing around in my head.  So glad to be invited back!

Events
February 1-June 3: Women Artists of the West Spring Showcase at RS Hanna Gallery  in Fredericksburg, TX (I'm one of 50 artists included in the showcase with up to five pieces at one time over this four month period.)  First Friday Art Walk at RS Hanna from 6-8pm -- February, March, April, May and June. 
April 6: First Friday Art Walk in the Village Centre, 6-8pm, Artists' Atelier, 756 Walker Road, Great Falls, VA 22033. (Studio is also open Wednesdays, noon to 4pm and Saturdays, 10am to 2pm)
April 21-22: Arlington Fine Art Festival, Arlington VA
June 1-3: Rittenhouse Square Fine Art Show, Philadelphia, PA  
June 28-July 4: Telluride Plein Air, Telluride, CO
July 7-8: Wickford Fine Art Festival, Wickford, RI
Press   
Check out the March/April issues of Fine Art Connoisseur and Art of the West Magazines. My work is published in both. Cool.


Thank you for reading!
Jill Banks
Blog: For my latest news and works, visit or subscribe to my blog Life as an Artist at jillbanks.blogspot.com
Facebook Fan Page: https://www.facebook.com/Jill-Banks-Studio-278493468836508/ (Please like that page if you like it...)
Read the Article: Southwest Art Artist to Watch,  July 2017
Here's a link to the PDF of the wonderful Artist to Watch article written by Kim Agricola. 
 


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Saturday, March 3, 2018

Inspired by Telluride

"Mountain Station," oil on linen-lined panel, 24"h x 18"w,  ©2017-2018 Jill Banks

Started on location last summer, I finished "Mountain Station" in my studio.  If we weren't leaving Telluride the following day, I would have returned to the same spot and completed it there.  Often, those second chances to take in the changing mood and colors of the place are such a treat. Most of the "work" is done ... leaving time to enjoy and anticipate. But those second days are real rarities. Instead, I took my thoughts and senses there ... many states and half a year away.

While "Mountain Station" has been hanging out in my studio waiting for attention for some time, it moved to the easel prompted by the episodes of Bravo's Top Chef (a favorite show) taking place in Telluride.  The chefs were shopping where we shopped. Padma was standing in front of one of the planters on Colorado Avenue where I'd stood and painted "Center of Attention." All those visual prompts did it.  How many hints did I need to return -- at least mentally -- to this magical place?

The station depicted is where you "hitch" a ride to Mountain Village and back.  The bikes at the light pole are just some of the hundreds of them dotting the town. During my first visit to Telluride, any young folks I met thought each painting was fine ... but asked when I was going to paint the gondola.  Indeed I did get around to it. ("Riding High" was the result.)

Spring Classes Start April 10 & 12
Get more info about my classes offered through the Arts of Great Falls through the links below. 
Still Life Plus (Tuesdays)
Evening Paint (Tuesdays)
Plein Air Landscape (Thursdays) -- taught on location around the Great Falls and DC area.
Registration is open for these classes but you'll need to use the links provided on my classes page to get to them ... for now.  This past term, classes were full. Be sure to secure your spot by registering now.  I really hope you join us!

Did you see my last blog post? Check out "City Sparkle" and "Out and About" in this City Sidewalks Post. 
"City Sparkle," oil, 30"h x 40"w, ©2018 Jill Banks


Events
  • February 2-June 3: Women Artists of the West Spring Showcase at RS Hanna Gallery  in Fredericksburg, TX (I'm one of 50 artists included in the showcase with five pieces at one time ("Old Market," "Day at the Ranch," "Cactus Corner," "Fiddlin' Around" and "Chicken Chat" are all heading to Texas) over this four month period.  First Friday Art Walk openings at RS Hanna from 6-8pm on February 2, March 2, April 6, May 4 and June 1.  Plus see the work any time until June 3.
  • April 6: First Friday Art Walk in the Village Centre, 6-8pm, Artists' Atelier, 756 Walker Road, Great Falls, VA 22033. (Studio is also open Wednesdays, noon to 4pm and Saturdays, 10am to 2pm)
  •  June 1-3: Rittenhouse Square Fine Art Show, Philadelphia, PA
  • July 7-8: Wickford Fine Art Festival, Wickford, RI
Press   
Check out the March/April issues of Fine Art Connoisseur and Art of the West Magazines. My work is published in both. Cool.

Thank you for reading!
Jill Banks
Blog: For my latest news and works, visit or subscribe to my blog Life as an Artist at jillbanks.blogspot.com
Facebook Fan Page: https://www.facebook.com/Jill-Banks-Studio-278493468836508/ (Please like that page if you like it...)
Read the Article: Southwest Art Artist to Watch,  July 2017
Here's a link to the PDF of the wonderful Artist to Watch article written by Kim Agricola. 
 
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Thursday, February 22, 2018

City Sidewalks

City Sparkle, oil on linen, 30x40 inches, ©2018 Jill Banks
I'm truly sorry for my extended absence from blogging and posting new work. Even with the best intentions, paintings don't always cooperate in and out of the studio.  Since my last post, we traveled to Fredericksburg Texas for the first of a series of First Friday Art Walks at RS Hanna for the Women Artists of the West Spring Showcase.  What a beautiful gallery ... filled with fine art, and warm, welcoming people.  You will see what I painted while there.  Just like me ... I had to attempt two paintings during the hours leading up to the Art Walk reception time.  That left at least one of them in rough shape but it's a good idea so it will survive in one form or another.

About City Sparkle
Randy and I were in NYC for two consecutive weekends this January, enjoying the extraordinary Michelangelo exhibit at the Metropolitan Museum of Art, the Frick Museum and taking in receptions at the National Arts Club where a painting I created of the two of us was on exhibit.  It was an inspiring and wonderful trip ... and City Sparkle was our view en route from one wonderful art venue to another.

While I've spent a whole lot of time studying color over the years, I'm really digging in and experimenting in this still relatively new year. Here are some new blues ... and yellows created from tubes of paint that I've rarely used in the past.  One of the amazing aspects of painting is that the potential discoveries are endless.

See more urban streetscapes, interiors and landscapes in the Places Gallery on my website. 

Out and About Finished ... Too
Out and About, oil on linen, 36x24 inches, ©2018 Jill Banks
I painted my way through parts of Italy last Summer ... but with many of the narrow streets prohibiting setting up right here. But the rhythms and magic of those days were clearly with me in the studio painting Out and About. The painting will be navigating its way to the Artists' Atelier after I enjoy having it in my house for a few days.  The Atelier (756 Walker Road, Great Falls VA 22066)is open on Wednesdays, noon to 4pm (I'll be there on February 28 for open hours), Saturdays, 10am to 2pm ... and anytime an artist is in working or by appointment.  I'd always be happy to meet you there! Email me at jill@jillbanks.com.

Right near this spot was the inspiration for the Old Market, a painting of the same size but different orientation that is currently available through RS Hanna Gallery in Fredericksburg TX for the Women Artists of the West Spring Showcase. Check it out here.

Both of these paintings took awhile to spring to life ... but both seem to have been worth the investment. Hope you enjoy them!

 Events
  • February 2-June 3: Women Artists of the West Spring Showcase at RS Hanna Gallery  in Fredericksburg, TX (I'm one of 50 artists included in the showcase with five pieces at one time ("Old Market," "Day at the Ranch," "Cactus Corner," "Fiddlin' Around" and "Chicken Chat" are all heading to Texas) over this four month period.  First Friday Art Walk openings at RS Hanna from 6-8pm on February 2, March 2, April 6, May 4 and June 1.  Plus see the work any time until June 3.
Press ... Coming Up
Keep an eye out for the March/April issues of Fine Art Connoisseur and Art of the West Magazines. My work will be published in both. Cool.
Thank you for reading!
Jill Banks
Blog: For my latest news and works, visit or subscribe to my blog Life as an Artist at jillbanks.blogspot.com
Facebook Fan Page: https://www.facebook.com/Jill-Banks-Studio-278493468836508/ (Please like that page if you like it...)
Read the Article: Southwest Art Artist to Watch,  July 2017
Here's a link to the PDF of the wonderful Artist to Watch article written by Kim Agricola. 
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Thursday, February 1, 2018

Texas Time -- Demo at RS Hanna February 2

Holding up Arched View at RS Hanna Gallery in Fredericksburg TX for the Women Artists of the West Spring Showcase. Come out for the First Friday Art Walk, 6-8pm and my demo, 4-6pm on February 2.  The showcase continues until June 2.  My painting Day at the Ranch shown above me on the left was recently purchased ... pre-show opening as it was featurede on the event postcard.  Yay!

Arched View, oil, 16" x 12", ©2017 Jill Banks. Painted plein air in Sedona
While I haven't yet figured out my subject for the painting demo tomorrow, I do know the time and place.  Please join me or pass the word that I'll be painting on location at the RS Hanna Gallery in Fredericksburg, TX from 4-6pm on Friday, February 2 for the opening reception and First Friday Art Walk to follow from 6 to 8pm. RS Hanna Gallery has two locations in Fredericksburg but visit me at their 208 Llano Street gallery.

Fredericksburg, Texas is a really neat town.  Randy and I have visited it a few times ... briefly ... but it's nice to be here for a little longer stay with a chance to explore.

I was on the hunt for a place to paint today but could have set up anywhere. Lunch was at Hondo's and there will be a painting from there ... it just didn't get started today. At least not on canvas.

Teresa from RS Hanna's Main Street location recommended both Hondo's and taking a look at the town of Luckenbach nearby -- where Hondo dreamed and built a cool musical venue that's drawn mega talent including Willie Nelson.  There we went.  Life resembles a scavenger hunt with lots of treasures around every turn.  A painting start did happen at Luckenbach. Plenty of inspiration did, too.

February 2: Join me at RS Hanna Gallery to watch my free painting demo from 4 to 6pm and stay for the First Friday Art Walk in Fredericksburg TX. Fiddlin' Around, oil, 12"h x 16"w, © Jill Banks is one of six of my paintings available through RS Hanna from February 1- June 3 for the Women Artists of the West Spring Showcase.

Not to Be Missed!
The two weekends before this were spent in NYC, with two receptions at the National Art Club for the Catharine Lorillard Wolfe Art Club National Exhibition plus inspiring trips to the Metropolitan Museum of Art for the Michelangelo Divine Draftsman and Designer once-in-a-lifetime exhibit (you have to see this ... and it ends February 12!) and the Frick. Wow.

From the Met's website:
This exhibition presents a stunning range and number of works by the artist: 133 of his drawings, three of his marble sculptures, his earliest painting, his wood architectural model for a chapel vault, as well as a substantial body of complementary works by other artists for comparison and context. Among the extraordinary international loans are the complete series of masterpiece drawings he created for his friend Tommaso de' Cavalieri and a monumental cartoon for his last fresco in the Vatican Palace. Selected from 50 public and private collections in the United States and Europe, the exhibition examines Michelangelo's rich legacy as a supreme draftsman and designer.
It was stunning to see room after room full of masterpieces. Just unbelievable.

Day at the Ranch was featured on the RS Hanna Gallery postcard ... and then spotted by the ranch owner who purchased the painting. Glad she saw it!

Events
  • February 2-June 3: Women Artists of the West Spring Showcase at RS Hanna Gallery  in Fredericksburg, TX (I'm one of 50 artists included in the showcase with five pieces at one time ("Old Market," "Day at the Ranch," "Cactus Corner," "Fiddlin' Around" and "Chicken Chat" are all heading to Texas) over this four month period.  I will be giving a painting demo there on Friday, February 2 and attending the First Friday Art Walk opening at RS Hanna from 6-8pm that day. Hope to see you there!
Thank you for reading!

Jill Banks

Blog: For my latest news and works, visit or subscribe to my blog Life as an Artist at jillbanks.blogspot.com
Facebook Fan Page: https://www.facebook.com/Jill-Banks-Studio-278493468836508/ (Please like that page if you like it...)
Read the Article: Southwest Art Artist to Watch,  July 2017
Here's a link to the PDF of the wonderful Artist to Watch article written by Kim Agricola. 
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Saturday, January 13, 2018

"Out and About" Italy Street Scene In Progress and There's a Winner!

"Out and About" work in progress (almost done), 36"h x 24"w, oil on linen, ©2018 Jill Banks
Well, I'm not quite there ... but getting close on "Out and About." Even the name is a work in progress so title suggestions are most welcome.

The Winning Ticket
Congratulations go to Pat Neuman who had the winning raffle ticket to my painting
"Village Centre Walk." Sales of raffle tickets benefited the Walker Road Streetscape Project led by Celebrate Great Falls. Next up, Pat and I are discussing how she, husband Reed and dog Timber will be subtlely painted into the scene though we may need to wait until
"Village Centre Walk," oil, 24" x 24" -- Won by Pat Neuman
Spring.  Thank you to all the raffle ticket purchasers and to Celebrate Great Falls for sponsoring the Project.

Winter Classes
Time to Sign Up for Winter Classes --They Start Soon!
Painting the Portrait in Oils -- Sundays, starting January 28 (NOTE:  The start date is different than I'd originally had on my website.)
Still Life Plus -- Tuesdays, 10:30am to 1:30pm starting January 23 (Class Full)
Evening Paint -- Tuesdays, 6:30 to 9:30pm (Almost Full)
Taught through the Arts of Great Falls School in Great Falls, VA.  Register now. 



Winter Events
  • January 9-26: Catharine Lorillard Wolfe Art Club Open Juried Exhibition at the National Arts Club in NYC.  ("Randy and Me" included in the exhibit. ) Benefit Reception supporting the Metropolitan Museum of Art: January 19, 5:30 to 8pm at the National Arts Club. 
  • February 2-June 3: Women Artists of the West Spring Showcase at RS Hanna Gallery  in Fredericksburg, TX (I'm one of 50 artists included in the showcase with five pieces at one time ("Old Market," "Day at the Ranch," "Cactus Corner," "Fiddlin' Around" and "Chicken Chat" are all heading to Texas) over this four month period.  I will be giving a painting demo there on Friday, February 2 and attending the First Friday Art Walk opening at RS Hanna from 6-8pm that day. Hope to see you there!
Thank you for reading!

Jill Banks

Blog: For my latest news and works, visit or subscribe to my blog Life as an Artist at jillbanks.blogspot.com
Facebook Fan Page: https://www.facebook.com/Jill-Banks-Studio-278493468836508/ (Please like that page if you like it...)
Read the Article: Southwest Art Artist to Watch,  July 2017
Here's a link to the PDF of the wonderful Artist to Watch article written by Kim Agricola. 






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Sunday, January 7, 2018

Getting the Ball "Rolling" in 2018

"Light Traffic," oil, 15"h x 8"w, ©2018 Jill Banks -- my first painting of 2018
At this writing, I've now erased this particular blog post three times. That's similar to what's going on in the studio at the moment.  For some reason, it is tough to get in gear for the New Year. (My first rhyme of 2018.)

This is a familiar pattern. Winter is a time that inspiration is unlikely to fall into my lap.  That means it's going to take WORK to find out what to work on.

So, what are some ways I approach finding inspiration?
  • Spending some time at the museum. Check out "Vermeer and the Masters of Genre Painting: Inspiration and Rivalry" at the National Gallery of Art (Washington DC) -- on exhibit through January 21. We took in that exhibit and then wandered around favorite other National Gallery spaces for even more inspiration.
  • Looking through books, magazines, Internet sites and searching -- partly purposefully, partly wandering. This has been fun! Particularly watching a few paintings come to life in short online video tutorials.  I added putting those together to my to do list for this year -- although it involves a steep learning curve in figuring out how to put those together and editing them. (Anyone who knows how to do this is very welcome to offer advice!)
  • Contemplating my own work -- what pulls on my heart in the strongest way, what did I love painting, what unfinished works call for finishing or a fresh approach?  (There's a painting I started in Lucca, Italy last summer of the Pollotteria -- the chicken shop. The light/shadows, subject, connections, experience all call for me to do something with it and follow up on aspects of that vision with future projects.)
  • Just Painting -- forgetting about creating a masterpiece and putting brush to canvas. One attempt is still a "dud" after much work.  So I set it aside -- spent more time selecting and planning a new piece in progress (that's showing a lot of promise).  Finished "Light Traffic" that was started en plein air in Bologna -- with help from the inspiration found in an online tutorial that sent me figuratively back to this spot. Keep building on what is joyful and the rhythms return.
And when painting isn't feeling right -- I'm spending my time on the computer or planning the Year's calendar or putting together my 2018 bucket list -- all those things I dislike doing when they are interrupting "being in the zone." Being out of "the zone" is the perfect time to tackle them!

There are a few events and the start of the Winter term on the horizon.
"Day at the Ranch," oil, 12"h x 24"w, ©2016 Jill Banks will be arriving at the RS Hanna Gallery in Fredericksburg TX for the WAOW Spring Showcase February 2 through June 3, 2018
  • January 9-26: Catharine Lorillard Wolfe Art Club Open Juried Exhibition at the National Arts Club in NYC.  ("Randy and Me" included in the exhibit. ) Benefit Reception supporting the Metropolitan Museum of Art: January 19, 5:30 to 8pm at the National Arts Club. 
  • February 2-June 3: Women Artists of the West Spring Showcase at RS Hanna Gallery  in Fredericksburg, TX (I'm one of 50 artists included in the showcase with five pieces at one time ("Old Market," "Day at the Ranch," "Cactus Corner," "Fiddlin' Around" and "Chicken Chat" are all heading to Texas) over this four month period.  I will be giving a painting demo there on Friday, February 2 and attending the First Friday Art Walk opening at RS Hanna from 6-8pm that day. Hope to see you there! 
  • It's Time to Sign Up for Winter Classes --They Start Soon!
    Painting the Portrait in Oils -- Sundays, starting January 28, six sessions (NOTE: start date is January 28)
    Still Life Plus     -- Tuesdays, 10:30am to 1:30pm starting January 23 (Class is Full with waitlist)
    Evening Paint     -- Tuesdays, 6:30 to 9:30pm (Almost Full - Register Now)
    Taught through the Arts of Great Falls School in Great Falls, VA.  Register now.

    Perhaps classes or a good dose of art will help you get out of your own Winter doldrums? Try something new, shake up normal, open your eyes...  I'd love to help!

    Happy New Year!  Thank you for reading!

    Jill Banks


    Blog: For my latest news and works, visit or subscribe to my blog Life as an Artist at jillbanks.blogspot.com
    Facebook Fan Page: https://www.facebook.com/Jill-Banks-Studio-278493468836508/ (Please like that page if you like it...)
    Read the Article: Southwest Art Artist to Watch,  July 2017
    Here's a link to the PDF of the wonderful Artist to Watch article written by Kim Agricola. 

     
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Wednesday, December 27, 2017

Delivering a Wall Full of Emmas

Oil portraits of granddaughter Emma by Jill Banks. The order shown above are top row (left to right): Months 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 and bottom row (right to left): Months 7, 8, 9, 10, 11 and one year.  Thus, month 1 is directly above her one year portrait.
 
There's nothing like a wall full of twelve portraits of Emma to light up a room ... well, except for that little girl herself. (She's awfully good at that.)

"Granddaughter Emma at Month One," oil, 10"h x 8"w,  ©Jill Banks
On Christmas Day, we delivered and hung twelve 8"x10" portraits celebrating each month of granddaughter Emma's first year at son Sam and daughter-in-law Michelle's family room.  Every aspect of creating, finishing, framing and hanging them was a labor of love. Not for the faint-hearted ... and I think husband Randy might just want a new painting hanging partner.

Starting this project, it was really tough to know whether I'd "captured her." Each month, Emma grew more into herself ... and luckily I had the chance to spend more time with her.  I fell out of sync with the portrait a month at month 8, with that portrait not going well at all. With two attempts at that original image, I finally gave up on it and eventually a new one took its place.  Month nine was fine and posted but after that, my portrait posting took a substantial hiatus while commissions, art events, competitions, teaching, traveling, etc. took over.

"Emma in Blue -- Ten Months, " oil, 10"h x 8"w, ©2017 Jill Banks
In the last couple of weeks, I painted the new month 8, month 10, month 11 and Emma at one year.  Then, I returned to months one and four with a fresh eye and finished the edges or bottoms or tops of the beginning portraits as originally they were going to be 8" x 8" squares and later we decided to keep them as 8"x 10"s.

Although these are twelve portraits of Emma, each one is so unique. Creating these portraits definitely reminded me of my 100 Faces in 100 Days Project. I was learning with each one.  And when someone sat for me during the 100 Faces Project, I saw so many potential ways to portray each person.  Different emotions, moods, parts of that person's character that could be displayed.

I do accept a limited number of portrait (and other) commissions a year.  (Read more about commissioning a portrait here.) Several are already in the wings for 2018.

See examples of work in the People and Portrait gallery here on my web site (which includes commissioned and non-commissioned work).
Read more about my 100 Faces in 100 Days Project here.

Once a year, I offer a Painting or Drawing the Portrait Class -- and that starts on Sunday, January 28 -- taught through the Arts of Great Falls School at 756 Walker Road, Great Falls, VA -- right across the hall from the Artists' Atelier, the studio I share with 10 other artists. The class is challenging and fun ... and I'd love to have you join us. Click on the link above for more info and to register.

Two other classes are offered on Tuesdays: Still Life Plus (CLASS FULL) and Evening Paint (ALMOST FULL) starting on January 23.  Get more info about all offerings on my Classes page.

"Emma at Eight Months" (in Santa's lap - 2016), oil, 10"h x 8"w,  ©2017 Jill Banks
To see each of the portraits of Emma, click the links below:
Granddaughter Emma - Month One
Month Two
Emma Thinks You're Funny: Grandbaby's Portrait Month Three
Granddaughter Emma at Four Months
Lunch with Emma at Five Months
Peek a Boo - Emma at Six Months
Granddaughter Emma at Seven Months
Emma at Eight Months (version 3)
Emma at Nine Months
Emma in Blue - Ten Months
Lucky Emma (at 11 Months) 
Emma at One (Year) 
(Feel free to tell me your favorites ... and why. I'd love to hear from you!)

Son Sam with granddaughter Emma on Christmas Day after the hanging crew (husband Randy and I) had redecorated the family room with lots of Emmas.
I hope you had a wonderful holiday and wish you a very Happy New Year!

Jill Banks

A Few Events
Women Artists of the West Annual Exhibition at McBride Gallery in Annapolis MD through December 31 ("Better Days" included in the exhibit)

January 9-26: Catharine Lorillard Wolfe Art Club Open Juried Exhibition at the National Arts Club in NYC.  ("Randy and Me" included in the exhibit. ) Benefit Reception supporting the Metropolitan Museum of Art: January 19, 5:30 to 8pm at the National Arts Club

February 1-June 3: Women Artists of the West Spring Showcase at RS Hanna Gallery in Fredericksburg, TX (I'm one of 50 artists included in the showcase with up to five pieces at one time over this four month period.  I plan to attend and demo at one of the First Friday openings while my work is there ... just haven't picked which one.

Classes
Painting the Portrait in Oils -- Sundays, starting January 28
Still Life Plus -- Tuesdays, 10:30am to 1:30pm starting January 23 (CLASS FULL)
Evening Paint -- Tuesdays, 6:30 to 9:30pm
Taught through the Arts of Great Falls School in Great Falls, VA.  Register now.


Blog: For my latest news and works, visit or subscribe to my blog Life as an Artist at jillbanks.blogspot.com
Facebook Fan Page: https://www.facebook.com/Jill-Banks-Studio-278493468836508/ (Please like that page if you like it...)
Read the Article: Southwest Art Artist to Watch,  July 2017
Here's a link to the PDF of the wonderful Artist to Watch article written by Kim Agricola. 
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