Friday, August 10, 2018

Painting in Paris at Luxembourg Garden ... Wow!

The Regatta, oil, 12 x 24 inches, ©2018 Jill Banks
This is the third plein air painting of my Paris adventure, but the first photographed and ready to show.

After landing in Paris and checking into our home away from home, it was rest time and then we headed out for an 8-mile trek to various locations where I might want to paint.  Luxembourg Garden is ridiculously gorgeous ... and a spot I could paint for a year.  When I did head back there two days later it was even more spectacular with the addition of all these wonderful sailboats.  They go where they want and all their "sailors" can do is head them in another direction when they near the edges of the basin.

Lots more to come.  Follow the adventure through my Facebook page or website or here. 

And, I have a new smock from the Paris Charvin store.  That will show up in some future posts. Given that it's August, lots of shops are on vacation so it was very nice to find an art supply store that was open AND on the way back home.

Thanks for visiting! 

Jill

P.S. My Fall classes are up on my website and open for registration - See Classes

I'm also the judge for the ArtSpace Herndon Portrait Expressions Competition and Exhibition -- Learn more and register here by September 1 by 5pm.

Blog: For my latest news and works, visit or subscribe to my blog Life as an Artist at jillbanks.blogspot.com
 
Email: jill@jillbanks.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. 


ART EVENTS
First Friday Art Walk in the Village Centre 6-8pm, (from April to December 2018) Artists' Atelier, 756 Walker Road, Great Falls, VA 22033. (Studio is also open Wednesdays, noon to 4pm and Saturdays, 10am to 2pm)
  
June 22-September 1: Oil Painters of America Salon Show, Traverse City MI
August 25-26: Shadyside: The Art Festival on Walnut Street, Pittsburgh PA
September 15 & 16: Alexandria King Street Art Festival, Alexandria VA
September 20 to November 4: WAOW National Exhibition, Bartlesville OK (two pieces juried into this show)
September 29 & 30: Armonk Outdoor Art Show, Armonk NY
October 7: MPA McLean ArtFest, McLean VA

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Thursday, August 2, 2018

Are You Ready for a Night Out on the Town?

"Memory Lane," oil, 36"h x 24"w, ©2018 Jill Banks
It's time for the First Friday Art Walk in the Village Centre -- Great Falls VA that is!

Sure hope you'll be there!
Start at the Artists' Atelier at 756 Walker Road, Great Falls VA 22066.

Friday, August 3, 6-8pm
Visit 3 joint studios.
1 Gallery
1 Petite Gallery
Eat at one of our Village Centre restaurants
Music at the Old Brogue starting at 9pm.

Refreshments while they last.

This is version three of "Memory Lane." I've been going nuts with this one.  Really think I have it.

But more importantly, what do YOU think?

See it in person -- version 3 -- tomorrow night.


"Memory Lane" isn't the only painting that's gone through a renovation... 
 
"Cat House" will be there, too. A favorite from Telluride. Find out how it got its name.
Come see "City Sparkle" at the studio.  This week I changed this favorite painting for a reason. That was daunting and a bit crazy but I now do love it more than ever.  Think you will too.

Check out most of the paintings from Telluride -- sold and available here.

My Fall classes are up on my website and open for registration - See Classes

I'm also the judge for the ArtSpace Herndon Portrait Expressions Competition and Exhibition -- Learn more and register here by September 1 by 5pm.

Jill


 
Blog: For my latest news and works, visit or subscribe to my blog Life as an Artist at jillbanks.blogspot.com
 
Email: jill@jillbanks.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. 


ART EVENTS
First Friday Art Walk in the Village Centre 6-8pm, (from April to December 2018) Artists' Atelier, 756 Walker Road, Great Falls, VA 22033. (Studio is also open Wednesdays, noon to 4pm and Saturdays, 10am to 2pm)
  
June 22-September 1: Oil Painters of America Salon Show, Traverse City MI
August 25-26: Shadyside: The Art Festival on Walnut Street, Pittsburgh PA
September 15 & 16: Alexandria King Street Art Festival, Alexandria VA
September 20 to November 4: WAOW National Exhibition, Bartlesville OK (two pieces juried into this show)
September 29 & 30: Armonk Outdoor Art Show, Armonk NY
October 7: MPA McLean ArtFest, McLean VA
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Saturday, July 28, 2018

Days at the Atelier

"Geraniums," oil, 16"h x 20"w, ©2018 Jill Banks -- has plenty of company in my studio at the Artists' Atelier in Great Falls VA. Come see Sunday evening (7/29), Wednesday (8/1) or for the First Friday Art Walk (8/3)
My studio space at the Artists' Atelier at 756 Walker Road, Great Falls VA 22066 is overflowing with art ... and I hope you'll come check it out for yourself on one of the three days this week that I'll be there.

Sunday, July 29, 5 to 8:30pm.  Now there is supposed to be a Concert on the Green from 6-8pm each Sunday if the weather cooperates.  You can visit regardless as I will be at the Atelier but hopefully, there will be some musical entertainment that night, too.  Bring chairs and a picnic and check out the Celebrate Great Falls website for the concert schedule and for last minute info.

Wednesday, August 1, noon to 4pm

Friday, August 3, 6-8pm: First Friday Art Walk in the Village. Come enjoy a night out on the town.  More info here.

"Friday Night Lights," oil, 12"h x 24"w, ©2018 Jill Banks - won the President's Award in the Falls Church "Scenes of the City" Plein Air Competition

Come see "City Sparkle" at the studio.  This week I changed this favorite painting for a reason. That was daunting and a bit crazy but I now love it more than ever.  Think you will too.

Check out most of the paintings from Telluride -- sold and available here.



My Fall classes are up on my website and open for registration - See Classes

I'm also the judge for the ArtSpace Herndon Portrait Expressions Competition and Exhibition -- Learn more and register here by September 1 by 5pm.


Short post ... but hope to see you!





Jill


 
Blog: For my latest news and works, visit or subscribe to my blog Life as an Artist at jillbanks.blogspot.com
 
Email: jill@jillbanks.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. 


ART EVENTS
First Friday Art Walk in the Village Centre 6-8pm, (from April to December 2018) Artists' Atelier, 756 Walker Road, Great Falls, VA 22033. (Studio is also open Wednesdays, noon to 4pm and Saturdays, 10am to 2pm)
  
June 22-September 1: Oil Painters of America Salon Show, Traverse City MI
August 25-26: Shadyside: The Art Festival on Walnut Street, Pittsburgh PA
September 15 & 16: Alexandria King Street Art Festival, Alexandria VA
September 20 to November 4: WAOW National Exhibition, Bartlesville OK (two pieces juried into this show)
September 29 & 30: Armonk Outdoor Art Show, Armonk NY
October 7: MPA McLean ArtFest, McLean VA
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Saturday, July 14, 2018

More From Telluride - Open Studio on Sunday July 15, 5-8pm

"Ride 'Em," oil, 12"h x 16"w, ©2018 Jill Banks -- the last painting I created in Telluride
Top Seller Honors

"Lone Tree Cemetery," oil, 24"h x 12"w, ©2018 Jill Banks - private collection
Remarkably, in addition to winning the Quick Draw, I also was the top seller in this year's Telluride Plein Air with eight paintings purchased by eight different sets of collectors. That means I'm automatically invited back for Telluride Plein Air 2019 and I significantly helped the Sheridan Opera House in its fundraising efforts.  Connecting with all those neat people throughout the event was simply thrilling. (And fun.)

Husband Randy was a huge part of that success -- I'll talk about how in the next email newsletter sent out to subscribers of my website (you are receiving this in your email as a subscriber to my blog) so also subscribe at www.JillBanks.com.

Join Me on Sunday at the Artists' Atelier - 756 Walker Road, Great Falls VA 22066. Open Studio: 5-8:30pm

The Summer Concert Series is on from 6-8pm each Sunday and Randy and I will be at the Atelier with plenty of paintings from all these recent adventures for an hour before, through the concert and a little beyond.  I may even be tempted to paint at the concert ... so you could be "in a painting." Especially if you say ... hey ... paint me.

Thanks for reading!


Check out most of the paintings from Telluride -- sold and available here.

Jill

 
Blog: For my latest news and works, visit or subscribe to my blog Life as an Artist at jillbanks.blogspot.com
 
Email: jill@jillbanks.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. 


EVENTS
July 6:
First Friday Art Walk in the Village Centre 6-8pm, (from April to December 2018) Artists' Atelier, 756 Walker Road, Great Falls, VA 22033. (Studio is also open Wednesdays, noon to 4pm and Saturdays, 10am to 2pm)
June 22-September 1: Oil Painters of America Salon Show, Traverse City MI
September 15 & 16: Alexandria King Street Art Festival, Alexandria VA
September 20 to November 4: WAOW National Exhibition, Bartlesville OK (two pieces juried into this show)
September 29 & 30: Armonk Outdoor Art Show, Armonk NY
October 7: MPA McLean ArtFest, McLean VA
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Monday, July 2, 2018

Quick Draw Winner at Telluride Plein Air

"Ghost Town," oil, 12"h x 12"w, ©2018 Jill Banks -- winner Telluride Plein Air Quick Draw
I'm thrilled that the panel of judges selected "Ghost Town" as the winner of the Telluride Plein Air Quick Draw.  All 23 of these outstanding artists suffered through having just one-and-a-half hours of panic pulling together these pieces.  At that pace, it's hard to know exactly what the painting looks like.

"Market Day Telluride," oil, 24"h x 12"w, ©2018 Jill Banks
This time in Telluride has been the best ever.  My fellow artists are amazing, fun, funny and cool.  There is a neat group of fans and friends all around town. The weather is gorgeous. Views even more stupendous. Restaurants great.  So wonderful!

I'm about to hand in my Artist's Choice selection for the reception tonight (Monday, July 2) at the Sheridan Opera House in Telluride Colorado.  Then, for the next three days we'll be set up in Elk's Park with our paintings from this week -- all for sale with 40% of the proceeds benefiting the Sheridan Opera House.  There's lots of excitement in the air!

"Market Day Telluride" is the piece I picked as my Artist's Choice.  That wasn't an easy decision -- and I've been driving husband Randy a little nuts for the last few days.  We are able to sell our paintings right off the easel ... except for the one we pick as our Artist's Choice.  "Market Day Telluride" has plenty of people wanting to own it.  So has "Parked on Colorado" -- the other piece I was seriously considering as my pick.  For the reception tonight (Monday), patrons of the Sheridan arrive earlier -- before opening to the public -- so they get the first chance at purchasing.  Patrons -- 5-6pm. Open to the public -- 6-7pm.

I have set up a temporary collection "Telluride Plein Air" on my website where you can view some of what will be on view in the park on July 3, 4 and 5.  Take a look ... and you can purchase and have a piece shipped to you even without being here.  Just contact me via the website or at jill@jillbanks.com.

There has been lots of nice news relative to awards -- with an honorable mention at Bucks County Plein Air's quick draw plus second place and the President's Award at the Falls Church (VA) "Scenes in the City" Plein Air Festival as well. Quite a month!  Perhaps that explains my regular absences from blogging.  Be sure to also subscribe to my email newsletter through my website at www.jillbanks.com.  I seem to be sharing the big news a little better there.

Thanks for reading!  I'll fill you in on more with lots more painting images to come ... whenever I get a little breathing room. For now, I'm off to paint.

Jill
Blog: For my latest news and works, visit or subscribe to my blog Life as an Artist at jillbanks.blogspot.com
Email: jill@jillbanks.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. 


EVENTS
July 6:
First Friday Art Walk in the Village Centre 6-8pm, (from April to December 2018) Artists' Atelier, 756 Walker Road, Great Falls, VA 22033. (Studio is also open Wednesdays, noon to 4pm and Saturdays, 10am to 2pm)
June 22-September 1: Oil Painters of America Salon Show, Traverse City MI
June 28-July 5: Telluride Plein Air, Telluride, CO (one of 23 lucky artists selected)
"Parked on Colorado," oil on linen-lined panel, 24"h x 12"w, ©2018 Jill Banks - my other top contender

July 7&8: Wickford Fine Art Festival, Wickford, RI
September 15 & 16: Alexandria King Street Art Festival, Alexandria VA
September 20 to November 4: WAOW National Exhibition, Bartlesville OK (two pieces juried into this show)
September 29 & 30: Armonk Outdoor Art Show, Armonk NY
October 7: MPA McLean ArtFest, McLean VA

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Friday, June 8, 2018

Bucks County Plein Air Wrapping Up ... Show and Sale Time plus Quick Draw to Come

"Sky Drama" - 24"h x 24"w, oil on linen, ©2018 Jill Banks - this one took me a LONG time, two afternoons to finish
"Cloudy Water," oil, 24"h x 12"w, ©2018 Jill Banks
I know it's been forever since last posting ... but here's a quick one before heading off to the Tyler Tasting Party at Bucks County Community College's Newtown Campus (275 Swamp Road Newtown PA) for a reception.

Four fresh paintings made it off my easel since Monday for this morning's installation. One that I thought I finished last night a bit past midnight still needs work before seeing the light of day.  Nocturne's are risky business.  Anyway, here are those four...  Photos are really rough. I'll try again when the paintings aren't so sopping wet.

"Baa Baa Baa" -- three sheep found at Washington Crossing Park -- oil on linen-lined panel, 12"h x 16"w, ©2018 Jill Banks



"I See the Moon..." oil, 16"h x 20"w, ©2018 Jill Banks

See these and more in the "Now Showing" collection of my website and hopefully in person in the Bucks County Plein Air events.

Hope to see you often!

Thanks for reading!
Jill Banks
 
EVENTS
June 4-9: Bucks County Plein Air, PA (one of thirty juried artists selected)
June 4-15: Catharine Lorillard Wolfe Art Club Member Exhibition, Salmagundi Club, NYC
June 22-September 1: Oil Painters of America Salon Show, Traverse City MI
June 28-July 5: Telluride Plein Air, Telluride, CO (one of 23 lucky artists selected)
July 7&8: Wickford Fine Art Festival, Wickford, RI
September 15 & 16: Alexandria King Street Art Festival, Alexandria VA
September 29 & 30: Armonk Outdoor Art Show, Armonk NY
 
 
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, May 10, 2018

Coolest Grandkid Photo... and Bethesda Fine Art Festival Ahead

How's This for Determination?
Granddaughter Emma (at two) trying to open her closet doors
I have never seen a photo quite as funny as this one ... so it had to be shared.  I'm pretty sure the apple did not fall far from the tree. Same hang on, figure it out, I'm gonna do it attitude.

Visits

Donna and Ed with "Around Town."  Happy delivery!!!!
Visit 1: I offer home visits whenever possible to make sure that collectors can see the art and help make sure it's the right piece, in the right place.  Right after our First Friday Art Walk, Randy and I took over two of my NYC street scenes to see which worked best for their first major art investment.  "Around Town" found its new home ... and I knew it would be the one after making my first step into their entryway.  It seemed like Donna and Ed's home was waiting for "Around Town" to arrive. A fun night for all four of us ...

The cityscape wall in the collectors' home -- rearranged and hung today
Visit 2: Then today, we re-hung artwork in collectors' home who needed help after remodeling/changing the furniture in a number of rooms.  Even though the artwork seemed perfect in the previous spots, the new arrangements are even better.  And, maybe a round three will be an improvement on this. 

I move paintings around constantly in the studio and all around my house ... but it's unusual  for me to do too much reshuffling in someone else's.

In addition to what's shown here, there are three in the kitchen ...

One of my still lifes in the dining room got a new companion
and many more in other rooms. There aren't many houses around with more Jill Banks originals ... other than mine, my Mom and Dad's ... and a rare few others. Pretty neat!

The photos would be brighter ... but we were at day's end with our hanging efforts following my plein air landscape class (a good one that escaped the rain).

Visit 3: Last week, Randy and I had the great treat of having dinner with my high school math teacher, Chuck Kirst, and his daughter Kelly.  What a wonderful reunion! He was my teacher from 8th grade through 12th at Cold Spring Harbor High School on Long Island, NY and we'd last seen each other at my graduation.  (That wasn't yesterday.) It was interesting to figure out how we would recognize each other when meeting at the restaurant. He said that's easy ... I'll be the old guy. The evening was so much fun. How lucky I am that my mom went on a search to reconnect us ... and my dad gave him a call.


Bethesda Fine Art Festival THIS WEEKEND -- May 12 & 13 -- Sure Hope to See You!

This is my first time exhibiting at the Bethesda Fine Art Festival and my booth will be full of favorite pieces ... and hopefully full of cool people like YOU! I'll be on Auburn Avenue, so a little off the main path so you are going to need to try to find me. (Please.) Get more of the scoop here. The artwork looks to be spectacular ... with many of my favorite fellow artists from the top shows in the country.

"Out and About," oil, 36"h x 24"w, ©2018 Jill Banks
EVENTS
First Friday Art Walk in the Village Centre 6-8pm, (from April to December 2018) Artists' Atelier, 756 Walker Road, Great Falls, VA 22033. (Studio is also open Wednesdays, noon to 4pm and Saturdays, 10am to 2pm)
Women Artists of the West Spring Showcase at RS Hanna Gallery  Fredericksburg, TX. Exhibit though June 3
May 12&13: Bethesda Fine Arts Festival, Bethesda MD
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 5: Telluride Plein Air, Telluride, CO (one of 23 lucky artists selected)
July 7&8: Wickford Fine Art Festival, Wickford, RI
September 15 & 16: Alexandria King Street Art Festival, Alexandria VA
September 29 & 30: Armonk Outdoor Art Show, Armonk NY


Hope to see you often this Spring!
There are a couple of action videos on my Facebook Fan page ... should you want to take a peek.
Thanks 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, May 4, 2018

A Bit of Great Falls to Head to Michigan ... and Full Weekend of Art Ahead


"Light Spill," oil, 12"h x 24"w, ©2017 Jill Banks -- Heading to the OPA Salon Show in June
Oil Painters of America shows are way up there on the difficulty scale to wrangle an acceptance, but lo and behold, "Light Spill" -- a piece started plein air right behind the Artists' Atelier -- has been accepted and will be heading to Traverse City, Michigan for the OPA Annual Juried Salon Show being held there from June 22 to September 1. Yay!!!!

Coming Up Way Sooner Than That
"Rabbits and Ranunculus," oil, 20"h x 16"w, ©2018 Jill Banks
First Friday Art Walk in the Village, May 4, 6-8pm -- Artists' Atelier at 756 Walker Road, Great Falls, VA (First Fridays -- April to December -- enjoy a night on the town.)

Great Falls Spring ArtFest, May 5 & 6, 10am to 5pm  -- the festival is in two locations in the heart of Great Falls -- the Grange/Schoolhouse at 9818 Georgetown Pike -- and the Studios in the Village Centre at 756, 766 and 776 Walker Road.  (I'll be at the Artists' Atelier at 756 Walker Road)

Bethesda Fine Art Festival, May 12 & 13, Saturday - 10am to 6pm and Sunday - 10am to 5pm.  This is my first time participating in the Bethesda Festival and I'm thrilled to be exhibiting at booth #92 on Auburn Avenue.  Please come for a visit -- and invite a friend or two.  It's challenging to set up these mini galleries for the outdoor festivals but your attendance and enthusiasm makes it all well worth it.

 

Hope to see you often this Spring!

There are a couple of action videos on my Facebook Fan page ... should you want to take a peek.

Thanks 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. 


 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. 

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 4: First Friday Art Walk, 6-8pm Women Artists of the West Spring Showcase at RS Hanna Gallery  Fredericksburg, TX. Exhibit though June 3
 
May 5 & 6: Great Falls Spring ArtFest, Great Falls VA

May 12&13: Bethesda Fine Arts Festival, Bethesda MD
 
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


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