Westport, Connecticut "Heroes"

"Heroes," oil, 12"h x 16"w, Westport CT veterans memorial, ©Jill Banks 2014

If you receive my posts via email (as a subscriber), this message is one day delayed. This Saturday and Sunday, July 19 & 20, I'll be in Booth #85 in the Westport Fine Arts Festival in Westport, Connecticut.

Pre-setting up my tent, it was painting time on the  lawn of the Westport Historical Society, a park to honor World War Veterans. Heroes. So here's at least one of the paintings that will hanging under a tent this weekend. Wet paint warning.

I did need to pack up as a wedding rehearsal dinner would soon be taking place right behind this view.  Didn't want to crash the party.

Looks like gorgeous weather is ahead. The tent's ready for art.  Let's see.

Coming Up

• July 19 & 20: the 41st Annual Westport Fine Art Festival, Westport, CT.
• Aug. 16-Oct. 12: Paint the Shenandoah Exhibition, River District Arts, Sperryville, VA
• Aug. 23-24: Shadyside: The Art Festival on Walnut Street, Pittsburgh, PA
• September 13 & 14: Alexandria (King Street) Art Festival, Alexandria, VA
• September 20 & 21: Armonk Outdoor Art Show, Armonk, New York
• October 5: McLean MPA Artfest, Sunday, October 5, McLean, VA. 52 artists in McLean Central Park
• Oct. 17-19: Great Falls Annual Studio Tour, Artists’ Atelier, 1144 Walker Road, Suite G, Great Falls, VA
• Ongoing: Visit the studio I share with 14 other artists at the Artists’ Atelier, Great Falls, VA open Wed. and Sat., 12- 4pm
• Jan.-Feb. 2015: Solo Exhibit, ArtSpace Herndon, Herndon, VA
• See the Events page for more info/updates

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 (This link takes you to the subscription page.)
Paint with Me in Italy: August 3 to 10, 2014. For more info, itinerary and links to register, see the classes page on my web site. Great folks are signing up to join me on this wonderful adventure. I hope you can, too! 

Time in Wickford, Rhode Island

"Wickford Harbor (Logan's View)," oil, 12"h x 16"h, ©Jill Banks 2014, private collection

Since I'm a bit zonked from a full, exciting weekend (and life), here's again a quick post. My debut at the Wickford Fine Art Festival (its 52nd year) was a thrilling success. I LOVE it here!! Four folks have officially become new collectors of my work and I'd bet many, many more will at least be great enthusiasts. What an amazing weekend.

Wonderful visitors.

As a tradition to continue, on Friday, pre-tent setup I painted in Wickford Harbor. Painting, discovery, meeting you is what this is all about.

Among stiff competition, those hours were my favorites. "Wickford Harbor (Logan's View)" was one of the four paintings that headed to new homes with happy owners.  Pretty darn cool.

What an amazing place. Wonderful  people. Wonderful memories.  Great fellow artists. Thank you!

Westport Fine Arts Festival is next weekend. Can it hold a candle to this?

Coming Up

• July 19 & 20: the 41st Annual Westport Fine Art Festival, Westport, CT.
• Aug. 16-Oct. 12: Paint the Shenandoah Exhibition, River District Arts, Sperryville, VA
• Aug. 23-24: Shadyside: The Art Festival on Walnut Street, Pittsburgh, PA
• September 13 & 14: Alexandria (King Street) Art Festival, Alexandria, VA
• September 20 & 21: Armonk Outdoor Art Show, Armonk, New York
• October 5: McLean MPA Artfest, Sunday, October 5, McLean, VA. 52 artists in McLean Central Park
• Oct. 17-19: Great Falls Annual Studio Tour, Artists’ Atelier, 1144 Walker Road, Suite G, Great Falls, VA
• Ongoing: Visit the studio I share with 14 other artists at the Artists’ Atelier, Great Falls, VA open Wed. and Sat., 12- 4pm
• Jan.-Feb. 2015: Solo Exhibit, ArtSpace Herndon, Herndon, VA
• See the Events page for more info/updates

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 (This link takes you to the subscription page.)
Paint with Me in Italy: August 3 to 10, 2014. For more info, itinerary and links to register, see the classes page on my web site. Great folks are signing up to join me on this wonderful adventure. I hope you can, too!

"Il Gatto II" and Wickford Bound

"Il Gatto II," cat from Venice, oil, 16"h x 20"w, ©Jill Banks 2014

This is the cat that greeted me as Randy and I wandered around searching for our hotel this April in Venice. (iPhone GPS does not work on those canalside paths.)

He/she was hunting and putting on quite a show.

"Tavern Shops," oil, 16"h x 20"w, ©Jill Banks 2014 painted during Paint the Shenandoah in Washington, VA

Speaking of shows, I'm heading off to Wickford, Rhode Island for the Wickford Arts Festival being held this weekend, Saturday and Sunday, July 12 (10am to 6pm) and July 13 (10am to 5pm).  In my previous travels, I've heard great things about this event and town.  Have any friends near? Tell them about it. My work and I can be found in Booth #85.

Time to finish packing and hit the road.

Coming Up

• July 12 & 13: the 52nd Wickford Art Festival, Wickford, RI. Over 200 artists from New England, US and beyond.
• July 19 & 20: the 41st Annual Westport Fine Art Festival, Westport, CT.
• Aug. 16-Oct. 12: Paint the Shenandoah Exhibition, River District Arts, Sperryville, VA
• Aug. 23-24: Shadyside: The Art Festival on Walnut Street, Pittsburgh, PA
• September 13 & 14: Alexandria (King Street) Art Festival, Alexandria, VA
• September 20 & 21: Armonk Outdoor Art Show, Armonk, New York
• October 5: McLean MPA Artfest, Sunday, October 5, McLean, VA. 52 artists in McLean Central Park
• Oct. 17-19: Great Falls Annual Studio Tour, Artists’ Atelier, 1144 Walker Road, Suite G, Great Falls, VA
• Ongoing: Visit the studio I share with 14 other artists at the Artists’ Atelier, Great Falls, VA open Wed. and Sat., 12- 4pm
• Jan.-Feb. 2015: Solo Exhibit, ArtSpace Herndon, Herndon, VA
• See the Events page for more info/updates

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 (This link takes you to the subscription page.)


Paint with Me in Italy: August 3 to 10, 2014. For more info, itinerary and links to register, see the classes page on my web site. Great folks are signing up to join me on this wonderful adventure. I hope you can, too!

Day in Alexandria

"Shoreline," oil, 10"h x 8"w, ©Jill Banks 2014

Quick post. No time ... but I will be putting up a more substantial entry tomorrow. Check back at jillbanks.blogspot.com ... okay?

Two paintings.

Today's was painted in a park sort of near the Art League in Alexandria, VA. It was good for my soul as passersbys ... loved it. Commented. Loved my being there.

The photo is pretty awful ... but I hope you get the gist.

The Hamptons
I created two but one is framed and buried in the van that is still packed to head up to Wickford, Rhode Island for this weekend's upcoming show. The photo for this is worse than that for "Shoreline." Apologies. I am either painting or in the dark.

I met and talked to the folks who are ... sort of ... in my painting. They were enjoying ice cream before gaining more company ... before chatting with me. If I'm painting, I'm happy.

"Night in East Hampton," oil, 12"h x 16"w, ©Jill Banks 2014

That's it.

Coming Up

• July 12 & 13: the 52nd Wickford Art Festival, Wickford, RI. Over 200 artists from New England, US and beyond.
• July 19 & 20: the 41st Annual Westport Fine Art Festival, Westport, CT.
• Aug. 16-Oct. 12: Paint the Shenandoah Exhibition, River District Arts, Sperryville, VA
• Aug. 23-24: Shadyside: The Art Festival on Walnut Street, Pittsburgh, PA
• September 13 & 14: Alexandria (King Street) Art Festival, Alexandria, VA
• September 20 & 21: Armonk Outdoor Art Show, Armonk, New York
• October 5: McLean MPA Artfest, Sunday, October 5, McLean, VA. 52 artists in McLean Central Park
• Oct. 17-19: Great Falls Annual Studio Tour, Artists’ Atelier, 1144 Walker Road, Suite G, Great Falls, VA
• Ongoing: Visit the studio I share with 14 other artists at the Artists’ Atelier, Great Falls, VA open Wed. and Sat., 12- 4pm
• Jan.-Feb. 2015: Solo Exhibit, ArtSpace Herndon, Herndon, VA
• See the Events page for more info/updates

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 (This link takes you to the subscription page.)


Paint with Me in Italy: August 3 to 10, 2014. For more info, itinerary and links to register, see the classes page on my web site. Great folks are signing up to join me on this wonderful adventure. I hope you can, too!

Saturday and Sunday: Sunny in Amagansett

The back wall of my booth at Amagansett -- temporarily before packing it back up again

But today (Friday, July 4) was rained ... (and winded) out. We set up a good portion of the tent bright and early, deciding on a much scaled back display, but packed it all back up again when it looked like the next opportunity to do so would be the late pm.

One of my neighbors taking a brief nap ... hoping for better weather

I'm assuming that no one came today -- but hope like heck lots of folks eager to enjoy this holiday weekend looking at some fantastic art.

I only got little glimpses of the work around me as most of us seal up the tents as they are being assembled to protect the art. There are only 30 artists in the show ... quality vs. quantity ... waiting to greet visitors:

Saturday, July 5, 10am to 6pm
Sunday, July 6, 10am to 5pm

15 Montauk Highway (at the American Legion), Amagansett, NY in the Hamptons. Free to the public. Free parking.
 
Despite an inauspicious start, we've been thoroughly enjoying this gorgeous spot. The nurseries are competing feverishly for the prettiest display. Houses are definitely New England beach, high contrast, white trim. Windmills. Fantastic seafood. Tons to do and see.

Looking forward to the rest of the weekend.

Alexandria King Street Art Festival

I'm extremely excited to be participating in the Alexandria King Street Art Festival this September. This is one of the top art festivals in the country -- rated by many artists as the favorite they do all year -- extremely competitive to be juried into AND in my home area.   Yea!!!! I hope you'll join me September 13 & 14 in Alexandria, VA for what promises to be an outstanding show.

Funny Life

As shown in the rained out pictures above and probably as an idea floating around in your head, taking one's art on the road has its unglamorous, bumps in the road side -- for sure. Still, as I look around me here in the Hamptons (if it hadn't poured, I wouldn't have had the chance to explore as much) -- there is confidence that those visiting this weekend will embrace my art as they have this spot. Just as I passed a house whose woodworking adorning its front porch made me say "Wow. Wow. Wow" -- those same words may also be uttered by someone stepping into my mini gallery under a tent. Then, I'll forget about the rain and when parts of the tent wouldn't come together ... and how I couldn't include any of my extra paintings in packing the van that is still filled to the gills.

Coming Up

• July 4, 5, 6: Amagansett Fine Art Festival, Amagansett, New York (just east of East Hampton)
• July 12 & 13: the 52nd Wickford Art Festival, Wickford, RI. Over 200 artists from New England, US and beyond.
• July 19 & 20: the 41st Annual Westport Fine Art Festival, Westport, CT.
• Aug. 16-Oct. 12: Paint the Shenandoah Exhibition, River District Arts, Sperryville, VA
• Aug. 23-24: Shadyside: The Art Festival on Walnut Street, Pittsburgh, PA
• September 13 & 14: Alexandria (King Street) Art Festival, Alexandria, VA
• September 20 & 21: Armonk Outdoor Art Show, Armonk, New York
• October 5: McLean MPA Artfest, Sunday, October 5, McLean, VA. 52 artists in McLean Central Park
• Oct. 17-19: Great Falls Annual Studio Tour, Artists’ Atelier, 1144 Walker Road, Suite G, Great Falls, VA
• Ongoing: Visit the studio I share with 14 other artists at the Artists’ Atelier, Great Falls, VA open Wed. and Sat., 12- 4pm
• Jan.-Feb. 2015: Solo Exhibit, ArtSpace Herndon, Herndon, VA
• See the Events page for more info/updates

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 (This link takes you to the subscription page.)


Paint with Me in Italy: August 3 to 10, 2014. For more info, itinerary and links to register, see the classes page on my web site. Great folks are signing up to join me on this wonderful adventure. I hope you can, too!

Kickin' and Screamin'

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"The Inn," oil on linen-lined panel, 18"h x 24"w, ©Jill Banks 2014: painted on Friday, June 27 as part of the Paint the Shenandoah Plein Air Invitational sponsored by River City Arts in Sperryville, VA

Well, I wasn’t really (kickin' and screamin') – but husband Randy did have his hands full getting me to see the wisdom in putting our house on the market and embracing a move to a turnkey  (as in say bye, turn the key, and worry not) homestead.

My New Neighbor ... Photo taken through the window

I also wouldn’t have called that move full of wisdom if I wasn’t typing this in our ready to be inhabited, really terrific townhouse – just 20+ minutes away from our current gorgeous home. I’m thrilled about this new chapter. My new studio is unbelievably terrific, easy on the feet, huge and waiting for me to paint in it. Randy’s office-to-be is wonderful. Such a pretty room. Best of all, to me – is the townhouse feels just like all the other homes we've owned and loved before. All I have are great views of woods, long expanses of grass, beautiful light, plenty of parking. Privacy.

A house that feels like a home, already. There was even a rabbit welcoming me from our patio in the first few hours in the space.

So, that’s way cool. And, I'm as happy as can be.

Fantastic Home Studio Open House

Perhaps I should have started with that.  On Sunday, June 29 – we held a Home Studio Open House, Summer edition for the 45+ folks – collectors, current students, Paint with Me in Italy workshoppers, art enthusiasts – who were invited for one last look (and art-shopping opportunity) at my work hanging in the gorgeous Reston home not many people want me to leave.

Nine pieces were purchased (plus two more purchased and picked up) at the Open House. Everyone had a fantastic time. Workshoppers met their fellow adventurers.

I have plenty more to say ... lots of great news ... but will save some of it for this month's email newsletter which will hopefully be sent on its way to your mailboxes tomorrow. If you're not a subscriber (to the newsletter vs. my blog) -- I hope you sign up now at www.jillbanks.com. (I bet you'll love it.)

Tomorrow we're off to the Hamptons! At least part way ... to put up a tent full of art at the Amagansett Fine Art Festival open July 4, 5 & 6.  Can't wait!!!!! 

Coming Up

• June 26-29: Paint the Shenandoah Plein Air Paintout, Sperryville, VA and vicinity
• July 4, 5, 6: Amagansett Fine Art Festival, Amagansett, New York (just east of East Hampton)
• July 12 & 13: the 52nd Wickford Art Festival, Wickford, RI. Over 200 artists from New England, US and beyond.
• July 19 & 20: the 41st Annual Westport Fine Art Festival, Westport, CT.
• Aug. 16-Oct. 12: Paint the Shenandoah Exhibition, River District Arts, Sperryville, VA
• Aug. 23-24: Shadyside: The Art Festival on Walnut Street, Pittsburgh, PA
• September 13 & 14: Alexandria (King Street) Art Festival, Alexandria, VA
• September 20 & 21: Armonk Outdoor Art Show, Armonk, New York
• October 5: McLean MPA Artfest, Sunday, October 5, McLean, VA. 52 artists in McLean Central Park
• Oct. 17-19: Great Falls Annual Studio Tour, Artists’ Atelier, 1144 Walker Road, Suite G, Great Falls, VA
• Ongoing: Visit the studio I share with 14 other artists at the Artists’ Atelier, Great Falls, VA open Wed. and Sat., 12- 4pm
• Jan.-Feb. 2015: Solo Exhibit, ArtSpace Herndon, Herndon, VA
• See the Events page for more info/updates

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 (This link takes you to the subscription page.)


Paint with Me in Italy: August 3 to 10, 2014. For more info, itinerary and links to register, see the classes page on my web site. Great folks are signing up to join me on this wonderful adventure. I hope you can, too!

Painting the Shenandoah, Day One in (Little) Washington, Virginia

"Antiques on Middle Street," oil, 16"h x 12"w, ©Jill Banks 2014

Not sure what I'm going to do tomorrow as the artists participating in Paint the Shenandoah are heading off to the Shenandoah National Park. That sounds great as long as I can paint from inside my car. Too many dreaded critters and creatures might be keeping me company.

Pretty likely I'll head in the Sperryville/Flint Hill/Washington VA vicinity but stick to pavement, bugs, humans, architecture for companions and inspiration.

Plein Air in Washington VA
Today was a terrific, although long one painting in Washington, VA ... about an hour and a half's drive from the DC area. It's home to the famous Inn at Little Washington and my painting spot was right next door -- in the parking lot of Antiques on Middle Street.

Two pieces I'm happy with emerged. (That's pretty amazing!) One in the morning of the Ballroom Shops (associated with the Inn, I think) and beyond. Plus, this one in the afternoon of the Antique shop. I loved the statue of the golfer (shown lower right) with well-worn paint. He's why I chose this scene in the first place.

Both pieces landed face down in the gravel once finished. So there's some scraping to do.

The Wow House
Randy and my house is on the market ... and I know it's beautiful ... and evidently the Patch Editor agrees. It was chosen as the Wow House for Reston, VA. But, since I've been busy recently, that article is buried in my email somewhere. So instead, check out the listing on Redfin ... see what you think. Lots of artwork (my own) is shown in those photos. A nice view in situ. No, they don't convey.

Events
Full days ahead this Summer. Pretty exciting, though.

• June 26-29: Paint the Shenandoah Plein Air Paintout, Sperryville, VA and vicinity
• July 4, 5, 6: Amagansett Fine Art Festival, Amagansett, New York (just east of East Hampton)
• July 12 & 13: the 52nd Wickford Art Festival, Wickford, RI. Over 200 artists from New England, US and beyond.
• July 19 & 20: the 41st Annual Westport Fine Art Festival, Westport, CT.
• Aug. 16-Oct. 12: Paint the Shenandoah Exhibition, River District Arts, Sperryville, VA
• Aug. 23-24: Shadyside: The Art Festival on Walnut Street, Pittsburgh, PA
• September 20 & 21: Armonk Outdoor Art Show, Armonk, New York
• October 5: McLean MPA Artfest, Sunday, October 5, McLean, VA. 52 artists in McLean Central Park
• Oct. 17-19: Great Falls Annual Studio Tour, Artists’ Atelier, 1144 Walker Road, Suite G, Great Falls, VA
• Ongoing: Visit the studio I share with 14 other artists at the Artists’ Atelier, Great Falls, VA open Wed. and Sat., 12- 4pm
• Jan.-Feb. 2015: Solo Exhibit, ArtSpace Herndon, Herndon, VA
• See the Events page for more info/updates

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 (This link takes you to the subscription page.)


Paint with Me in Italy: August 3 to 10, 2014. For more info, itinerary and links to register, see the classes page on my web site. Great folks are signing up to join me on this wonderful adventure. I hope you can, too!

"Summer Bounty" Market Basket

"Summer Bounty," oil, 20"h x 16"w, ©Jill Banks 2014

My shopping basket always looks great. Perhaps that's because I plan on painting, not eating the contents. The sunflowers are ridiculously gorgeous. No way to resist. Plus, white carrots. Promise that I wasn't just missing some orange paint.

The photo isn't true. I'll try to fix that tomorrow during daylight hours.

Lots ...

Coming Up

• June 26-29: Paint the Shenandoah Plein Air Paintout, Sperryville, VA and vicinity
• July 4, 5, 6: Amagansett Fine Art Festival, Amagansett, New York (just east of East Hampton)
• July 12 & 13: the 52nd Wickford Art Festival, Wickford, RI. Over 200 artists from New England, US and beyond.
• July 19 & 20: the 41st Annual Westport Fine Art Festival, Westport, CT.
• Aug. 16-Oct. 12: Paint the Shenandoah Exhibition, River District Arts, Sperryville, VA
• Aug. 23-24: Shadyside: The Art Festival on Walnut Street, Pittsburgh, PA
• September 20 & 21: Armonk Outdoor Art Show, Armonk, New York
• October 5: McLean MPA Artfest, Sunday, October 5, McLean, VA. 52 artists in McLean Central Park
• Oct. 17-19: Great Falls Annual Studio Tour, Artists’ Atelier, 1144 Walker Road, Suite G, Great Falls, VA
• Ongoing: Visit the studio I share with 14 other artists at the Artists’ Atelier, Great Falls, VA open Wed. and Sat., 12- 4pm
• Jan.-Feb. 2015: Solo Exhibit, ArtSpace Herndon, Herndon, VA
• See the Events page for more info/updates

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 (This link takes you to the subscription page.)


Paint with Me in Italy: August 3 to 10, 2014. For more info, itinerary and links to register, see the classes page on my web site. Great folks are signing up to join me on this wonderful adventure. I hope you can, too!

"Sitting with Statues" Inside the Loggia, Piazza della Signoria, Florence ... Finished

"Sitting with Statues," Florence, Italy, oil, 30"h x 40"w, ©Jill Banks 2014

Finally.  I've been wanting to finish this painting ... based on a plein air piece created at this spot in April. Read about "Sitting with Statues' in progress and its inspiration on my earlier post here.

Today was spent working away in the Artists' Atelier, the studio I share with 14 other artists. With a full schedule recently it's been awhile since painting there, enjoying the company of many of my studiomates. We caught up some, and then settled in to work at our own easels. It was a pretty wonderful day.

If you read my last post, you know that Randy and I have put our home on the market, ready to move into a townhouse condo (still local, with a fantastic home studio space) to make it easy to take my art on the road -- with workshops, painting trips, juried art festivals. Getting ready has slimmed down my painting escapades and made me cranky. Two full days of painting exactly what I wanted have provided the cure.

Later this week I'll be participating in the Paint the Shenandoah invitational paint-out. That means painting the town of Washington, VA (where the Inn of Little Washington stands), and vineyards, mountains ...

Sooner or later I'll put up the posts from those days.

Check out my website's events page for more info on what else is ahead... like the Amagansett Fine Art Festival with a fantastic roster of artists in the Hamptons July 4, 5 & 6.

Coming Up

• June 26-29: Paint the Shenandoah Plein Air Paintout, Sperryville, VA and vicinity
• July 4, 5, 6: Amagansett Fine Art Festival, Amagansett, New York (just east of East Hampton)
• July 12 & 13: the 52nd Wickford Art Festival, Wickford, RI. Over 200 artists from New England, US and beyond.
• July 19 & 20: the 41st Annual Westport Fine Art Festival, Westport, CT.
• Aug. 16-Oct. 12: Paint the Shenandoah Exhibition, River District Arts, Sperryville, VA
• Aug. 23-24: Shadyside: The Art Festival on Walnut Street, Pittsburgh, PA
• September 20 & 21: Armonk Outdoor Art Show, Armonk, New York
• October 5: McLean MPA Artfest, Sunday, October 5, McLean, VA. 52 artists in McLean Central Park
• Oct. 17-19: Great Falls Annual Studio Tour, Artists’ Atelier, 1144 Walker Road, Suite G, Great Falls, VA
• Ongoing: Visit the studio I share with 14 other artists at the Artists’ Atelier, Great Falls, VA open Wed. and Sat., 12- 4pm
• Jan.-Feb. 2015: Solo Exhibit, ArtSpace Herndon, Herndon, VA
• See the Events page for more info/updates

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 (This link takes you to the subscription page.)


Paint with Me in Italy: August 3 to 10, 2014. For more info, itinerary and links to register, see the classes page on my web site. Great folks are signing up to join me on this wonderful adventure. I hope you can, too!

"Swan Lake" Painting from Columbia

"Swan Lake," oil, 8"h x 10"w, ©Jill Banks 2014

There's much to write but no time to do so. I promise to get back into the swing of things shortly. Just not yet.

The Columbia Festival of Arts weekend was stressful, grueling. Yet, the people I met were great, appreciative of my art... and me, the music was wonderful and I had the prettiest spot in the place to perch my tent. "Swan Lake" was my view. Paddleboats. Swans and pirate ships. Nice restaurants. About as idyllic a place as you can imagine.

Best news, I did have a chance to paint.

Our beautiful home is being readied for sale as we move onto write a different chapter. I'm slightly reluctant. I cannot imagine any place as gorgeous as this home, this neighborhood and its surrounds. Home base will stay local -- keeping near to so many of my neat collectors, friends, fellow artists ... but free to do lots of traveling, discovering, exploring.

Although I love this home, I'm looking forward to what is ahead, too. In case you know someone in the market for a remarkable house in Virginia, please pass it on. (A link to the listing will come tomorrow.) I know just what art would be perfect for it. (Really.)

I'm in charge of open hours at the Artists' Atelier this Saturday, June 21, noon to 4pm at 1144 Walker Road, Suite G, Great Falls, VA. Stop by and say hi!

Coming Up

• June 26-29: Paint the Shenandoah Plein Air Paintout, Sperryville, VA and vicinity
• July 4, 5, 6: Amagansett Fine Art Festival, Amagansett, New York (just east of East Hampton)
• July 12 & 13: the 52nd Wickford Art Festival, Wickford, RI. Over 200 artists from New England, US and beyond.
• July 19 & 20: the 41st Annual Westport Fine Art Festival, Westport, CT.
• Aug. 16-Oct. 12: Paint the Shenandoah Exhibition, River District Arts, Sperryville, VA
• Aug. 23-24: Shadyside: The Art Festival on Walnut Street, Pittsburgh, PA
• September 20 & 21: Armonk Outdoor Art Show, Armonk, New York
• October 5: McLean MPA Artfest, Sunday, October 5, McLean, VA. 52 artists in McLean Central Park
• Oct. 17-19: Great Falls Annual Studio Tour, Artists’ Atelier, 1144 Walker Road, Suite G, Great Falls, VA
• Ongoing: Visit the studio I share with 14 other artists at the Artists’ Atelier, Great Falls, VA open Wed. and Sat., 12- 4pm
• Jan.-Feb. 2015: Solo Exhibit, ArtSpace Herndon, Herndon, VA
• See the Events page for more info/updates

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 (This link takes you to the subscription page.)


Paint with Me in Italy: August 3 to 10, 2014. For more info, itinerary and links to register, see the classes page on my web site. Great folks are signing up to join me on this wonderful adventure. I hope you can, too!