On a Rooster Roll

"Rooster," oil, 12"h x 12"w, ©Jill Banks 2013. Private Collection

"Rooster" got a makeover this morning ...

Just in time to be the only wet painting early this afternoon among the houseful of dry and varnished ones for a special post-Open House guest.

Just in time to be seen from the main floor foyer peeking out the corner of an upstairs bedroom. This might be a first. Our guest went straight up the stairs to see and "Rooster" soon became hers. Well, sort of. It now has to dry before delivery.

More Recent Roosters: "The Kitchen Caper," oil, 24"h x 30"w, ©Jill Banks 2013

She also brought objects for a Christmas-themed still life commissioned painting that I can't wait to start. The set up has taken over a corner of my kitchen. 

It was a full day of painting. Hooray! Lots of good things happening in my spruced up (it's temporary, I'm sure) home studio.

Sign Up for Classes and Workshops that Start January

Mastering the Business of Art -- two-day workshop January 4 & 5
Still Life in Oils -- Tuesdays, 10am-1pm
Portrait Painting -- Sundays, 1:30pm-5:30pm
All taught through the Great Falls School of Art (1144 Walker Road, Suite D, Great Falls, VA).  See the Classes page on my Web site: www.JillBanks.com. Don't wait! (Please. I don't want you to miss out.)

Web: www.jillbanks.com
Blog: jillbanks.blogspot.com 
Email
Phone: 703.403.7435
Artists Atelier, Great Falls VA website: GreatFallsAtelier.com 

Events
See the events page on my website.  Thanks!

COMING UP Soon: Great Falls Studios Holiday Art Show and Sale Saturday and Sunday, December 14 & 15, 10am - 5pm both days. 35 artists exhibiting at a new location: Wolftrap's Education Hall, 1645 Trap Road, Vienna, VA 22182.  I'll be there! No refreshments this time ... but plenty of art and good cheer!  Please help spread the word!

Squares Show in the Gallery

See me at the Artists' Atelier, the studio I share with 14 other artists at 1144 Walker Road, Suite G, Great Falls, VA. Open Wednesdays and Saturdays, noon to 4pm and whenever an artist is in. Squares is up until the end of December -- with work in a variety of mediums from members of Great Falls Studios. We had a great turn-out. Come see!

Home Studio Open House ... Happy Folks!

Imagine my Mom in the chair...

One of my favorite, yet most exhausting days of the year was yesterday -- for my now annual Home Studio Open House for collectors and students. This is the day I pretty much tie up my art and "world" with a bow ... as a present for those who help me afford to do what I love best.

There were a lot of special people celebrated yesterday -- those who pretty much accept me when they love/buy/live with my work. There's no separation. I'm woven into the canvas. And I love them back. Like it or not.

I missed some special folks who were absent. A holiday open house competes with so much and each year my planning involves crossed fingers. Yet the day brought many of my long-time great supporters, newcomers, family members of guests, new friends. Still, amazingly, about 100 of a list not that much longer showed up ... school night and all.

While the day is a blur in the living, this morning brought memories of the neat gatherings and moments encountered throughout. I received wonderful notes. Saw new friendships formed. Got thank yous for lessons learned. Perceived (appreciated?) my work a bit differently through borrowed eyes. Realized that we (Randy, Mom, Dad and I) created something really super special.


Our home was filled with decorations, three floors of art, happy impromptu gatherings of many of my favorite people -- enjoying the day designed with them in mind. My mom was close by the door to welcome guests and get a name tag attached. Dad was everywhere, fixing drinks, cleaning up, bringing good cheer. Randy was a blur in what few photos I took in the lightest portion of the action ... handling purchases, packaging, food, whatever was needed.

There were many newcomers as this year added many first-time collectors and students.

Everyone there has some sort of connection. Like going to a wedding. How do you know the bride? Yesterday the connection was my art.
 

Family room with "Garden Girl" presiding

Eight pieces have found new owners -- with what I know as many more checked off on holiday wish lists. 

The purchases include:

• "Autumn at the Marina"
• "Neigh There Too"
• "Clouds in the Sky"
• "Daffodils"
• "Peony and Rose"
• "Orchids and Orange"
• "Rainbow"
• "Great Falls Farmer's Market"

All of these pieces are great choices. I'd be incredibly happy to own each myself. (I did ... for awhile at least.)

"Montmartre Shadows" with "The Kitchen Caper" in background

Photos are missing people. Post-party. As usual. I cannot be hostess, meatball maker, photographer ... at once. A lesson in reality, most needed.

Sign Up for Classes and Workshops that Start January

Mastering the Business of Art -- two-day workshop January 4 & 5
Still Life in Oils -- Tuesdays, 10am-1pm
Portrait Painting -- Sundays, 1:30pm-5:30pm
All taught through the Great Falls School of Art (1144 Walker Road, Suite D, Great Falls, VA).  See the Classes page on my Web site: www.JillBanks.com. Don't wait! (Please. I don't want you to miss out.)

"Autumn at the Marina" under new ownership

Web: www.jillbanks.com
Blog: jillbanks.blogspot.com 
Email
Phone: 703.403.7435
Artists Atelier, Great Falls VA website: GreatFallsAtelier.com 

Events
See the events page on my website.  Thanks!

Squares Show in the Gallery

See me at the Artists' Atelier, the studio I share with 14 other artists at 1144 Walker Road, Suite G, Great Falls, VA. Open Wednesdays and Saturdays, noon to 4pm and whenever an artist is in. Squares is up until the end of December -- with work in a variety of mediums from members of Great Falls Studios. We had a great turn-out. Come see!

Great Falls Studios Holiday Art Show and Sale

Saturday and Sunday, December 14 & 15, 10am - 5pm both days. 35 artists exhibiting at a new location: Wolftrap's Education Hall, 1645 Trap Road, Vienna, VA 22182.  I'll be there! No refreshments this time ... but plenty of art and good cheer!  Please help spread the word!

View into my studio

"Backyard BBQ" Post-Season and the Pull of Art

"Backyard BBQ," oil, 12"h x 16"w, ©Jill Banks 2013

"Backyard BBQ" received some finishing touches a couple days ago. It was a plein air piece done as a demo for my Plein Air Landscape class this past Fall. I let the detail and ideas established then lead the way for finishing up. I love the proud BBQ grill.

"Daffodils" under new ownership today.

This afternoon I was visited by one of my more recent collectors -- a couple who purchased two pieces from my "Serendipity" exhibit.  Of the two they'd collected before -- one was a gift and one was for their own home. She'd told me when (husband) Randy and I delivered those first packages that this was just the beginning of her collecting my work. She showed us that her interest was in collecting artists -- not individual pieces. That was evident in all the multiple pieces that hung from each artist on her walls.

Today, another was added. "Daffodils" was chosen -- a plein air piece created right outside our house, capturing the flowers my Dad planted as bulbs the Fall before. This is one for her.

Another purchase is planned for a future day. Many of my pieces are major investments -- as they were for me -- in my time, materials, energy, thought, training. She will buy it if it is available when she is ready. So I know it's being purchased. Just not when or by whom.

What I am happiest about is witnessing the connection that people have with my work.  That's an amazing feeling -- having someone want to see and enjoy what you've created every day. To invite it into their lives. To work to own it.

One other thing. She saw happiness, joy in my work. That seems perfectly fitting.


Sign Up for Classes and Workshops that Start January

Mastering the Business of Art -- two-day workshop January 4 & 5
Still Life in Oils -- Tuesdays, 10am-1pm
Portrait Painting -- Sundays, 1:30pm-5:30pm
All taught through the Great Falls School of Art (1144 Walker Road, Suite D, Great Falls, VA).  See the Classes page on my Web site: www.JillBanks.com. Don't wait! (Please. I don't want you to miss out.)

Web: www.jillbanks.com
Blog: jillbanks.blogspot.com 
Email
Phone: 703.403.7435
Artists Atelier, Great Falls VA website: GreatFallsAtelier.com 

Events
See the events page on my website.  Thanks!

"Garden Girl," oil, 42"h x 36"w, ©Jill Banks 2012

Squares Show in the Gallery

See me at the Artists' Atelier, the studio I share with 14 other artists at 1144 Walker Road, Suite G, Great Falls, VA. Open Wednesdays and Saturdays, noon to 4pm and whenever an artist is in. Squares is up until the end of December -- with work in a variety of mediums from members of Great Falls Studios. We had a great turn-out. Come see!

Great Falls Studios Holiday Art Show and Sale

Saturday and Sunday, December 14 & 15, 10am - 5pm both days. 35 artists exhibiting at a new location: Wolftrap's Education Hall, 1645 Trap Road, Vienna, VA 22182.  I'll be there! No refreshments this time ... but plenty of art and good cheer!  Please help spread the word!

"The Kitchen Caper"

"The Kitchen Caper," oil, 24"h x 30"w, ©Jill Banks 2013

So this is the painting of the scene on my kitchen island this past week. It needed to be finished before all the Thanksgiving prep could begin. Thus, this past Monday, I painted on it in the morning as the man tiling an upstairs bath squeezed by my easel with supplies (over and over again) and as Greg Staley headed over to the house to photograph the 32 pieces gathering downstairs. Now it's hanging in my kitchen, close to its origins.  "The Kitchen Caper" reminds me of this week -- certainly Thanksgiving with all its bounty, the variety and colors that autumn brings, and the remnants of a party. Sort of like our kitchen last night.

The rooster in the lower right ... a beanie baby ... is making his second appearance in one of my paintings.  Anyone know his first?

Family is still gathered ... in the next room. There is so much to be thankful for ... family, friends, home, good cheer, food lovingly prepared and shared. And I'm thankful for you, for your interest and welcoming my work (and me) into your lives.

I hope you enjoyed a wonderful Thanksgiving.

Sign Up for Classes and Workshops that Start January

Mastering the Business of Art -- two-day workshop January 4 & 5
Still Life in Oils -- Tuesdays, 10am-1pm
Portrait Painting -- Sundays, 1:30pm-5:30pm
All taught through the Great Falls School of Art (1144 Walker Road, Suite D, Great Falls, VA).  See the Classes page on my Web site: www.JillBanks.com. Don't wait! (Please. I don't want you to miss out.)

Web: www.jillbanks.com
Blog: jillbanks.blogspot.com 
Email
Phone: 703.403.7435
Artists Atelier, Great Falls VA website: GreatFallsAtelier.com 

Events
See the events page on my website.  Thanks!

"Garden Girl," oil, 42"h x 36"w, ©Jill Banks 2012

Squares Show in the Gallery

See me at the Artists' Atelier, the studio I share with 14 other artists at 1144 Walker Road, Suite G, Great Falls, VA. Open Wednesdays and Saturdays, noon to 4pm and whenever an artist is in. Squares is up until the end of December -- with work in a variety of mediums from members of Great Falls Studios. We had a great turn-out. Come see!

Great Falls Studios Holiday Art Show and Sale

Saturday and Sunday, December 14 & 15, 10am - 5pm both days. 35 artists exhibiting at a new location: Wolftrap's Education Hall, 1645 Trap Road, Vienna, VA 22182.  I'll be there! No refreshments this time ... but plenty of art and good cheer!  Please help spread the word!

Treasury of Art Show

"Ballerinas I," oil, 16"h x 12"w of two dancers from the Nashville Ballet

Three of my pieces ("Ballerinas I," "Cafe Break," and "Garden Girl") were accepted into the 44th Annual Treasury of Art Show taking place this weekend, November 22 to 24 at the Vienna Community Center, 120 Center Street, Vienna, VA.

Friday, November 22: the exhibit is open 10am-9pm with a special reception from 7-9pm.  See my events page for more details.

Hope to see you Friday night.

I've been painting away.  More pictures of finished/in progress/new work someday soon.

"Cafe Break," oil, 24"h x 30"w, ©Jill Banks 2013

Sign Up for Classes and Workshops that Start January

Mastering the Business of Art -- two-day workshop January 4 & 5
Still Life in Oils -- Tuesdays, 10am-1pm
Portrait Painting -- Sundays, 1:30pm-5:30pm
All taught through the Great Falls School of Art (1144 Walker Road, Suite D, Great Falls, VA).  See the Classes page on my Web site: www.JillBanks.com. Don't wait! (Please. I don't want you to miss out.)

Web: www.jillbanks.com
Blog: jillbanks.blogspot.com 
Email
Phone: 703.403.7435
Artists Atelier, Great Falls VA website: GreatFallsAtelier.com 

Events
See the events page on my website.  Thanks!

"Garden Girl," oil, 42"h x 36"w, ©Jill Banks 2012

Treasury of Art Show -- November 22 to 24

At the Vienna Community Center, 120 Center Street, Vienna. Sale hours: Friday and Saturday, 10am-9pm; Sunday, noon to 4pm.  Reception: Friday, November 22, 7-9pm. See the events page on my web site for more info.

Squares Show in the Gallery

See me at the Artists' Atelier, the studio I share with 14 other artists at 1144 Walker Road, Suite G, Great Falls, VA. Open Wednesdays and Saturdays, noon to 4pm and whenever an artist is in. Squares is up until the end of December -- with work in a variety of mediums from members of Great Falls Studios. We had a great turn-out. Come see!

Great Falls Studios Holiday Art Show and Sale

Saturday and Sunday, December 14 & 15, 10am - 5pm both days. 35 artists exhibiting at a new location: Wolftrap's Education Hall, 1645 Trap Road, Vienna, VA 22182.  I'll be there! No refreshments this time ... but plenty of art and good cheer!  Please help spread the word!

"Morning Rooftops in NYC"

"Morning Rooftops in NYC," oil, 18"h x 24"w, copyright Jill Banks 2013

"Morning Rooftops in NYC" was started at daybreak last month from my hotel room in Chelsea. Only one morning to work on it ... since a busy October meant no extended stays.

It did become part of that pile of paintings I've been working to finish these last two weeks.  I loved the idea of this one and really wanted to work on the water towers in the morning light.  Pretty stunning.

Just started in my kitchen: "Thanksgiving," oil, 24"h x 30"w

What's Cooking In My Kitchen Tonight
For some reason, the closer turkey dinner approaches, the greater the urge to set up my easel in the kitchen. Of course it's in the way.

Yet, I've got a really interesting still life perched on the kitchen island. I was playing with the setup all afternoon -- trying to find the right view and have room to step back from the easel and see.  I liked this from so many different angles. It could be painted from at least four different views ... creating strikingly unique works.  I chose this view ... but had to move all the objects multiple times to accommodate both the view and my working space.

Wish me luck ... progress ... so that the counters are cleared come Thanksgiving Day.

Sign Up for Classes and Workshops that Start January
Mastering the Business of Art -- two-day workshop January 4 & 5
Still Life in Oils -- Tuesdays, 10am-1pm
Portrait Painting -- Sundays, 1:30pm-5:30pm
All taught through the Great Falls School of Art (1144 Walker Road, Suite D, Great Falls, VA).  See the Classes page on my Web site: www.JillBanks.com. Don't wait! (Please. I don't want you to miss out.)

Web: www.jillbanks.com
Blog: jillbanks.blogspot.com 
Email
Phone: 703.403.7435
Artists Atelier, Great Falls VA website: GreatFallsAtelier.com 

Events
See the events page on my website.  Thanks!

The Artists' Atelier Group Show in the Gallery

See me at the Artists' Atelier, the studio I share with 14 other artists at 1144 Walker Road, Suite G, Great Falls, VA. Open Wednesdays and Saturdays, noon to 4pm and whenever an artist is in. Exhibit from Studio Tour up in the gallery through November 20.

 

Great Falls Studios Holiday Art Show and Sale

Saturday and Sunday, December 14 & 15, 10am - 5pm both days. 35 artists exhibiting at a new location: Wolftrap's Education Hall, 1645 Trap Road, Vienna, VA 22182.  I'll be there! No refreshments this time ... but plenty of art and good cheer!  Please help spread the word!

"Blue Cats:" The Porcelain Kittens Return

"Blue Cats," oil, 16"h x 12"w, ©Jill Banks 2013

That pile of unfinished paintings are gradually turning into a framed and hung collection of new works ... in time for a Thanksgiving full of family and a collectors home studio show to follow soon after.  All that painting plus infrequent blogging means that I had plenty to choose from for today's post. I picked the one that photographed the best.

Those blue cats appeared before in a much larger painting, "Two Kittens," 30"h x 40"w

Yet, you could have seen another NYC painting started from my hotel room window at sunrise (not in the shower this time -- just a window), or a successful return to the painting started in Paris on a super cold day of "Fountain at Place des Vosges." Or a new street scene started in Warrenton, VA.  Some of those will be appearing here soon. Others will wait to be Collectors Open House surprises.

"Blue Cats" was started as a demo for my Still Life class ... a good while ago. Nice to bring it to fruition.

Come visit me during open hours at the Artists' Atelier,  noon to 4pm, tomorrow (Saturday, November 16) at 1144 Walker Road, Suite G, Great Falls, VA.  Hope to see you then!

Web: www.jillbanks.com
Blog: jillbanks.blogspot.com 
Email
Phone: 703.403.7435
Artists Atelier, Great Falls VA website: GreatFallsAtelier.com 

Events
See the events page on my website.  Thanks!

The Artists' Atelier Group Show in the Gallery

See me at the Artists' Atelier, the studio I share with 14 other artists at 1144 Walker Road, Suite G, Great Falls, VA. Open Wednesdays and Saturdays, noon to 4pm and whenever an artist is in. Exhibit from Studio Tour up in the gallery through November 20.

 

Great Falls Studios Holiday Art Show and Sale

Saturday and Sunday, December 14 & 15, 10am - 5pm both days. 35 artists exhibiting at a new location: Wolftrap's Education Hall, 1645 Trap Road, Vienna, VA 22182.  I'll be there! No refreshments this time ... but plenty of art and good cheer!  Please help spread the word!

"Jardin de Montmartre" Finished

"Jardin de Montmartre," oil, 24"h x 36"w, ©Jill Banks 2013

I've had the sneaking suspicion that my pile of unfinished canvases has grown larger than ever. To check out the premise, I lined the walls of our downstairs foyer with pieces to complete.  I wasn't even doing any heavy digging -- just collecting those pieces relatively recently begun that held promise.  Guess how many lined the walls?

20.

Yikes.

"Jardin de Montmartre" wasn't in the hallway -- but it was the first piece to be finished (two days ago).  Many more await. Another was finished today.

Young Fan
Last week, I was in the classroom getting ready to teach my Portrait Painting Workshop. A young student walked in -- there for her class (taught by another instructor) that had been canceled that day.  While sorting out whether or not class really was canceled -- and contacting her parents for pick-up, we shared a fun conversation. She offered to help me set up.

We went upstairs to the Atelier to get a vase for the roses I brought in ... and while there, she picked up some brochures from the gallery. One of them was mine.

She asked my name. She LOVES my work!!! She's a huge fan. That was about as nice a surprise as possible. 

Sign Up Now
I'm offering two classes and a workshop come January. The holidays turn us into messes.  Before they take over all your energies, take a look at my classes page. Follow the links to sign up.

Choose from "Portrait Painting" taught on Sundays, 1:30 to 5:30pm (I'm looking for models, too), "Still Life Painting in Oils" taught on Tuesdays, 10am to 1pm and a special workshop "Mastering the Business of Art" on January 4 & 5 (Saturday and Sunday), 2 to 5pm both days.

Young Super Star
There's nothing like getting an email notification from Ben Gaiarin -- cool young guy (16) whose a culinary superstar -- to remind me that I got to my life's passion a bit later.  Ben (who sat for my 100 Faces in 100 Days project) just launched BenGusto Dining -- a catering company founded and run by the under 18 set. His blog is amazing. Incredible recipes, writing, photography. Food Network? Catch him NOW if you can.

Big congrats to Ben!

Web: www.jillbanks.com
Blog: jillbanks.blogspot.com 
Email
Phone: 703.403.7435
Artists Atelier, Great Falls VA website: GreatFallsAtelier.com 

Events
See the events page on my website.  Thanks!

The Artists' Atelier Group Show in the Gallery

See me at the Artists' Atelier, the studio I share with 14 other artists at 1144 Walker Road, Suite G, Great Falls, VA. Open Wednesdays and Saturdays, noon to 4pm and whenever an artist is in. Exhibit from Studio Tour up in the gallery through November 20.

 

Great Falls Studios Holiday Art Show and Sale

Saturday and Sunday, December 14 & 15, 10am - 5pm both days. 35 artists exhibiting at a new location: Wolftrap's Education Hall, 1645 Trap Road, Vienna, VA 22182.  I'll be there! No refreshments this time ... but plenty of art and good cheer!  Please help spread the word!

"Autumn at the Marina": Wet, Cold Paint

"Autumn at the Marina," oil, 16"h x 12"w, ©Jill Banks 2013

A search for water to paint brought me to the Washington Sailing Marina along the George Washington Parkway today ... to fight the breeze, cool weather, new location (for me).  I can't believe how calm this painting looks.

It belies the fact I was holding it in place on the easel. Juggling gloves. Watching the water ripple.

Sooner or later I did start enjoying the sounds of the marina. Gentle clacking? Can clacking be gentle.  Right after I picked my spot there was a sign that this was the right decision. My alternative view included a boat that went off for a ride ... as far as I could tell -- the only one to be taken out on this cool Thursday afternoon.

Tomorrow I plan to be at the Artists' Atelier for open hours (noon to 4pm at 1144 Walker Road, Suite G, Great Falls, VA). Randy and I unwrapped and rehung my studio area. (Work was under wraps to avoid drywall dust.) Please stop in!

Then it's off to catch two opening receptions: one for the Classical Realism Exhibit at the Great Falls Library and the other for the Artists of Montorno at ArtSpace Herndon.  I'm looking forward to both!

See www.GreatFallsAtelier.com for updated info for the Atelier and Library exhibits. Just updated!

Oh ... and yesterday Randy and I delivered "Seat by the Window: Montmartre" to its new owner in the Richmond, VA area.  While this is the third painting of mine purchased by this collector, I hadn't met him. It was nice to get the chance and to get a glimpse of an amazing collection.  Always interesting!!!

Web: www.jillbanks.com
Blog: jillbanks.blogspot.com 
Email
Phone: 703.403.7435
Artists Atelier, Great Falls VA website: GreatFallsAtelier.com 

Events
See the events page on my website.  Thanks!

The Artists' Atelier Group Show in the Gallery

See me at the Artists' Atelier, the studio I share with 14 other artists at 1144 Walker Road, Suite G, Great Falls, VA. Open Wednesdays and Saturdays, noon to 4pm and whenever an artist is in. Exhibit from Studio Tour up in the gallery through November 20.

 

Great Falls Studios Holiday Art Show and Sale

Saturday and Sunday, December 14 & 15, 10am - 5pm both days. 35 artists exhibiting at a new location: Wolftrap's Education Hall, 1645 Trap Road, Vienna, VA 22182.  I'll be there! No refreshments this time ... but plenty of art and good cheer!  Please help spread the word!

Woven Thoughts

"Camelias and Gourd," oil, 10"h x 8"w, ©Jill Banks 2013

But quick.

Today was the last day of still life class for the Winter term.  It was also my sixth day teaching in the last eight days. Tomorrow marks seven in nine. Not the norm. Phew.

For my Portrait Painting Workshop (which was REALLY great!), I purchased some Amazon coupons for G Street Fabrics -- $25 for $50 of fabrics. The result of that shopping trip -- lots of fabrics helped complement our fantastic models and made the scene in front of my hard-working class exciting indeed.

One of those fabrics was this pretty turquoise cloth that wove its way into one of the still life setups today.

Thus, a new painting was born.

"French Horseman" Accepted into the Art League's Small Works Exhibit
That was good news. And, unusually, Randy and I only took one piece down to the Art League for receiving. So -- no picking up the second piece. (Only one can get into the monthly show.) Yea!!!!

"French Horseman," oil, 8"h x 6"w, ©Jill Banks 2013

Web: www.jillbanks.com
Blog: jillbanks.blogspot.com 
Email
Phone: 703.403.7435
Artists Atelier, Great Falls VA website: GreatFallsAtelier.com