Telluride Plein Air ... Incredible Week

"Back in Telluride," oil, 12"h x 24"w, ©2017 Jill Banks -- Available ($2000)

Of the 13 paintings created in the days leading up to July 4 in Telluride, eight have gone to new homes. Six found new owners while in Colorado. Two were selected this past weekend in the Wickford Art Festival in  Rhode Island.

"Back in Telluride" is still available ... and it's the piece I selected as my Artists' Choice for the collectors' party.  It sort of sums up me ... and the town.  I painted it over three afternoons at the first alleyway off of Colorado Avenue.  It captures the bike repair shop and the Free Box -- a Telluride special institution.  Straight ahead is the mountain to be climbed by foot or gondola. The ubiquitous dog leads the way.

Telluride is gorgeous at every turn. In addition, there I met new friends. Reconnected with a former studio mate in town for a wedding ... plus other folks from Great Falls VA there for the same event. Stayed with gracious hosts in Mountain Village. Painted in a saloon over two afternoons.  Painted people watching the 4th of July parade. Just loved our time there.

I love the around the corner view. "Back in Telluride" is that, this trip.

Painting "Center of Attention" while standing in the middle of Colorado Avenue in Telluride.  Crazy fun while receiving plenty of encouragement from each passing car.

"Center of Attention," oil, 12"h x 24"2, ©2017 Jill Banks -- Sold

More paintings from Telluride below.  There will be a follow-up post tomorrow with the rest.

"Lunch in Telluride," oil, 12"h x 12"w, ©2017 Jill Banks -- Available ($1050) -- my quick draw painting of the gyro stand and the Sheridan Hotel's restaurant. Two varied choices with Ingram Falls in the backdrop.

Lots of art news to share and I'll do it. This is my first chance to catch up at all in an month -- with three almost back-to-back plein air events followed by an art festival. Phew.

"Parade Day," oil, 8"h x 10"w, ©2017 Jill Banks -- Sold

I will be participating in the Gracie Square Art Show in NYC in September for the first time and received news that my piece "Sun and Sea" received a third place award in the Women Artists of the West online Summer exhibit. Interesting times!

Please make sure you check out the July issue of Southwest Art in which there's a wonderful one-page article about me as an Artist to Watch. So thrilled!!

See you around some town, I hope!!!! Thanks for reading!

Jill Banks

Upcoming Events

Long Beach Island Plein Air Plus, Long Beach Island NJ, July 1-August 31

Gracie Square Art Show, Carl Schurz Park, NYC, September 9-10

Alexandria King Street Art Festival, Alexandria VA, September 16-17

Armonk Outdoor Art Show, Armonk NY, September 23-24

MPA McLean Artfest, McLean VA, October 1

 Sedona Plein Air Festival, Sedona AZ, October 14-21

Great Falls Annual Studio Tour, Great Falls VA (Artists' Atelier, 756 Walker Road, Great Falls -- I'll be there Sunday only.) October 21-22

Chosen as one of the Top 9 Painting and Drawing Teachers in the Washington DC area by Expertise.com.
https://www.expertise.com/dc/washington/painting-and-drawing-classes

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

Website: www.jillbanks.com

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

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jillbanks1

Instagram (New): https://www.instagram.com/jillbanks1/

Plein Air Richmond ... It's a Wrap!

"Orange Umbrellas," oil, 12"h x 16"w, ©2017 Jill Banks -- my Quick Draw from Saturday of the newly opened The Pit and the Peel cafe in Carytown (Richmond VA)

 

Get more info about each painting on my website: www.JillBanks.com

How about I show you the week in pictures? Worth a thousand words, right?

"Night Cafe" (The Hill Cafe in Church Hill, Richmond VA), oil, 24"h x 18"w, ©2017 Jill Banks

"Twists and Turns," oil, 16"h x 12"w, ©2017 Jill Banks

"Night Cafe" was painted across the street from The Hill Cafe over many hours in the late evening on Wednesday -- and finished up, unusually, the next afternoon.  Okay, I'd say there were a LOT of things unusual about the course of this painting. In selecting a spot  for a nocturne, my first criteria is some semi-acceptable overhead light ... as in a street lamp. Nope. None. Husband Randy set up a battery lamp on a high chair to help ... but the glare was really strong and my palette remained in the total dark.  My position also put me way too close to a very pungent garbage can.  That's how much I wanted to paint "Night Cafe."  The following afternoon, I let my memory guide me as to the scene at night but fixed up all the color errors caused by my "mystery" palette.  "Night Cafe" may still be available through the Brazier Gallery until July 6. After that, check with me.

"Twists and Turns" is set in Libby Park overlooking the river.  What a great place to paint.  Over the course of the week, I witnessed a wedding, photo shoots, exercise classes, sunset watchers, dog walkers, vista viewers and plenty of my fellow painters soak in the beauty of this spot in Church Hill.

"Libby House," shown later in this post was the view across the street from "Twists and Turns."

"Better Days," oil, 16"h x 20"w, ©2017 Jill Banks

"Garden Bathers" (Lewis Ginter Botanical Gardens Conservatory), oil, 16"h x 12"w, ©2017 Jill Banks

"Libby House," oil, 24"h x 12"w, ©2017 Jill Banks. Private collection. (Sold)

 Mother Nature is not always fully cooperating and with practice and ingenuity, plein air painters figure out all sort of ways to make the most of the situation.  "Church Hill Morn" -- shown at the bottom of the post -- was created over three mornings and on the last day, clouds were refusing to break for many hours.  So, I took that time to get "Better Days" going at another easel a few yards away. Once the sun broke through and shadows appeared, I could finish both paintings.

After turning in most of my paintings at the Brazier Gallery on Thursday afternoon (and catching a quick meal), I headed to the Lewis Ginter Botanical Gardens to paint. There wasn't much time to fuss ... and I quickly found my spot in the conservatory to capture "Garden Bathers."  It was SOOOO hot.  Visitors were more reticent about talking to me while I painted than normal.  My guess ... that with sweat pouring down and a probably purple face ... I looked a little frightening. Despite the struggle with the temp, I love "Garden Bathers." Wonder if you do, too?

"Libby House," as mentioned is the view directly across from Libby Park's "Twists and Turns." This painting came to life through conversations with my easel guests who added a sense of history to the scene in front of me. Through them, I learned that a couple who lived there prior loved to eat their dinners  out on their deck porch, enjoying that fantastic view. So there they sit. 

"Church Hill Morn," oil, 16"h x 20"w, ©2017 Jill Banks. Private collection. (Sold)

"Church Hill Morn" was painted over three mornings just steps from my host family (Chris and his dog, Violet). I "camped out" shaded by the hatch of our SUV with all the tools of the trade within easy reach.  Painted this, because I kept watching Richmond wake up morning after morning ... reminded me of the movie "Groundhog Day." Heck, a lot of my life reminds me of that movie since days transpire in slow mo and characters (all of you) become a part of my routine for a bit. "Church Hill Morn" went home with a great couple I met at the opening night at Brazier Gallery. It went to a great home.

In any case, Plein Air Richmond offered a fantastic week spent in an inspiring place ... full of fun with fellow artists, high heat, and culminating in a beautiful show at the Brazier Gallery in the Fan District in Richmond, VA. I believe that some of the paintings will be available for purchase there for a limited time after the show.  It's always amazing to look around at the end of such an event and think that these works of art were just blank canvases days ago. What beautiful pieces were created ... and the blessing is that so many of them found appreciative collectors to snatch them up. If you can, go take a look.

This has been an incredibly long post -- Thanks for sticking with reading it! My blog posts are fewer and farther between but I'm guessing the paintings provide a sufficient excuse for the delay.

I just saw the July issue of Southwest Art Magazine with a really nice article about my work as one of the Editors' Choice: Artists to Watch. Really neat!  Please check it out.  Southwest Art is sold at Barnes and Noble ... and probably lots of other places as well.  Dad -- I talk about you and your very early influence on my art making.

In an hour or two, my next adventure begins.  Telluride Plein Air ... a week in this cool town in Colorado lays ahead.  YAY!!!! If you're in the neighborhood, please visit me, help name the painting in progress, find out why I picked that spot, show me another gem I should not miss.

See you around some town, I hope!!!! Thanks for reading!

Jill Banks

EVENTS
June 5-11: Bucks County Plein Air, Philadelphia PA

June 18-25: Plein Air Richmond, Richmond VA

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

July 7: First Friday Art Walk in the Village Centre, 6-8pm -- Start at the Artists'Atelier, 756 Walker Road, Great Falls, VA. See you there! (The Artists' Atelier is open Wednesdays, noon to 4pm and Saturdays, 10am to 2pm).

 

July 8-9: Wickford Fine Art Festival, Wickford RI

July 1-August 31: Long Beach Island Plein Air Plus, Long Beach Island NJ

September 16-17: Alexandria King Street Art Festival, Alexandria VA

September 23-24: Armonk Outdoor Art Show, Armonk NY

October 14-21: Sedona Plein Air Festival, Sedona AZ

October 20-22: Great Falls Annual Studio Tour, Great Falls VA (Artists' Atelier, 756 Walker Road, Great Falls -- I'll be there Sunday only.)

Chosen as one of the Top 9 Painting and Drawing Teachers in the Washington DC area by Expertise.com.
https://www.expertise.com/dc/washington/painting-and-drawing-classes

 

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

Website: www.jillbanks.com

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

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jillbanks1

Instagram (New): https://www.instagram.com/jillbanks1/

Bucks County Plein Air: Quick Draw and Sale

"Garden Subjects," oil, 16"h x 12"w, ©2017 Jill Banks

I've got to be quick ... Today I received an Honorable Mention for my one-and-a-half hour painting "Garden Subjects" at the Bucks County Plein Air Competition.  You can see it and at this point, five other paintings on Sunday, June 11 at the Bucks County Community College Newtown Campus at 275 Swamp Road in the Linksz Pavilion/Gym from 10am to 4pm.  Then, these beautiful paintings will head home with the 50 painters participating.  So, don't miss it.

We've all been painting like crazy. 

See some of my pieces from the past week on my website ... go to the Bucks County Plein Air events page.

So much news to share ... but it will all have to wait for a moment.

That's the news for now. Thanks for reading!

Jill Banks

UPCOMING EVENTS
June 5-11: Bucks County Plein Air, Philadelphia PA

June 18-25: Plein Air Richmond, Richmond VA

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

July 7: First Friday Art Walk in the Village Centre, 6-8pm -- Start at the Artists'Atelier, 756 Walker Road, Great Falls, VA. See you there! (The Artists' Atelier is open Wednesdays, noon to 4pm and Saturdays, 10am to 2pm).

 

July 8-9: Wickford Fine Art Festival, Wickford RI

July 1-August 31: Long Beach Island Plein Air Plus, Long Beach Island NJ

September 16-17: Alexandria King Street Art Festival, Alexandria VA

September 23-24: Armonk Outdoor Art Show, Armonk NY

October 14-21: Sedona Plein Air Festival, Sedona AZ

October 20-22: Great Falls Annual Studio Tour, Great Falls VA (Artists' Atelier, 756 Walker Road, Great Falls -- I'll be there Sunday only.)

Chosen as one of the Top 9 Painting and Drawing Teachers in the Washington DC area by Expertise.com.
https://www.expertise.com/dc/washington/painting-and-drawing-classes

 

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

Website: www.jillbanks.com

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

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jillbanks1

Instagram (New): https://www.instagram.com/jillbanks1/

Three in Almost a Row: Bucks County PA, Richmond VA and Telluride CO

I currently think my plein air brushes are a little rusty at the moment.  By mid-July, they'll be anything but.

"La Cote D'Or Cafe," oil, 12"h x 16"w, ©2017 Jill Banks

"La Cote D'Or Cafe" was painted plein air yesterday in, oops, Arlington. I had signed up last minute for the Falls Church Plein Air competition figuring that old kill two birds with one stone principle.  I needed the plein air practice before heading to Pennsylvania for Bucks County and the city of Falls Church was sponsoring a plein air competition.  So I headed off looking for a place to paint. Put on my brakes for this charming building. Spent a few hours across the street painting and battling some early evening mosquitoes. 

Then, realized just now as I checked the spelling that it borders Falls Church and Arlington ... but has an Arlington address. Thus, oops.  That won't work.  At least the piece created on Saturday, "Donut Heaven" at the Falls Church farmer's market will. We'll see if I can pull it together soon enough with some impending departures.

Three Plein Air Competitions Just Ahead

June 5-11: Bucks County Plein Air, Philadelphia PA

June 18-25: Plein Air Richmond, Richmond VA. Just found out that I've been accepted to this event for the first time. Looking forward to painting in Richmond!

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

And, Hope to See You at Rittenhouse Square!

June 2-4: Rittenhouse Square Fine Art Show, Philadelphia PA. I'll be giving one of the official artist demonstration's on Friday, June 2, noon-1pm at her booth. Would love a volunteer to sit for a quick portrait sketch.

That's the news for now. Thanks for reading!

Jill Banks

Other Events

June 2: First Friday Art Walk in the Village Centre, 6-8pm -- Start at the Artists'Atelier, 756 Walker Road, Great Falls, VA. See you there! (The Artists' Atelier is open Wednesdays, noon to 4pm and Saturdays, 10am to 2pm). TD Bank Petite Gallery is showing five of Jill's original oils and is open for the First Friday Art Walk, 6-7pm only.

 

June 2-4: Rittenhouse Square Fine Art Show, Philadelphia PA

 

June 5-11: Bucks County Plein Air, Philadelphia PA

 

June 18-25: Plein Air Richmond, Richmond VA

 

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

 

July 8-9: Wickford Fine Art Festival, Wickford RI

 

September 16-17: 15th Annual Alexandria King Street Art Festival,, Alexandria, VA

 

September 23-24: Armonk Outdoor Art Show, Armonk, NY

 

Chosen as one of the Top 9 Painting and Drawing Teachers in the Washington DC area by Expertise.com.
https://www.expertise.com/dc/washington/painting-and-drawing-classes

 

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

Website: www.jillbanks.com

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

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jillbanks1

Instagram (New): https://www.instagram.com/jillbanks1/

 

The Garden Angel

"Angel Wings," oil, 10"h x 8"w, ©2017 Jill Banks

Last week's plein air class was held in one of my student's garden. Tom's wife spends countless hours tending the garden (her canvas) and she wanted to make sure it was in even better than normal shape to welcome the class.  (The garden is beautiful.)

Tom told her that I tend to like some messy parts -- that show signs of life. Left out for us were a wheelbarrow and yellow watering can ... plus a garden spade on the outdoor dining table. All appreciated touches.

The garden angel has a broken wing but that was well propped up and she was given the gift of a hydrangea bouquet with pink ribbons. She was calling to me even before the bouquet.

Peaceful day.

Coming up next: Rittenhouse Square Art Show in Philadelphia -- June 2-4 and Bucks County Plein Air right after that.

Time to panic? Or to think about both painting supplies and what will be in my booth in Philly?

Thanks very much for reading and your interest in my art. I hope to see you soon!

Jill Banks

EVENTS

June 2: First Friday Art Walk in the Village Centre, 6-8pm -- Start at the Artists'Atelier, 756 Walker Road, Great Falls, VA. See you there! (The Artists' Atelier is open Wednesdays, noon to 4pm and Saturdays, 10am to 2pm). TD Bank Petite Gallery is showing five of Jill's original oils and is open for the First Friday Art Walk, 6-7pm only.

June 2-4: Rittenhouse Square Fine Art Show, Philadelphia PA

June 5-11: Bucks County Plein Air, Philadelphia PA

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

July 8-9: Wickford Fine Art Festival, Wickford RI

September 16-17: 15th Annual Alexandria King Street Art Festival,, Alexandria, VA

September 23-24: Armonk Outdoor Art Show, Armonk, NY

Chosen as one of the Top 9 Painting and Drawing Teachers in the Washington DC area by Expertise.com.
https://www.expertise.com/dc/washington/painting-and-drawing-classes

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

Website: www.jillbanks.com

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

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jillbanks1

Instagram (New): https://www.instagram.com/jillbanks1/

Last Day of Class -- Painting at Lake Anne

"Lake View," (with Marisol and Margaret) oil, 12"h x 16"w, ©2017 Jill Banks

While I need the painting time, I'm sorry to see this session's plein air class come to an end.  It was an unusually small class ... full of wonderful personalities and easy rapport. Now students scatter ... one to Spain, one to a year's adventure in Alaska, another to multiple trips ... and me to the many adventures that lay ahead.

The photo is pretty dismal but the day was grand.  I'll try again soon to get the image okay and then put it up on my website.

In just a week, I head to Philadelphia to set up for the Rittenhouse show (June 2-4) and Bucks County Plein Air (June 5-12).  I'm looking for someone to paint for my Friday afternoon demo at Rittenhouse (noon to 1pm). Have a solution for me? Please email me.

There are events ahead in the DC area ... like the First Friday Art Walk in the Village Centre in Great Falls, 6-8pm at 756 Walker Road, Great Falls, VA. I'll miss it because of Rittenhouse ... but if you are in the area, please attend.  In addition to work at the Atelier, there are five pieces at the TD Bank petite gallery -- open on First Friday from 6-7pm only. Hope you'll stop by!

Thank you to all who visited my booth at the Northern Virginia Fine Arts Festival at the Reston Town Center this past weekend. It was a wonderful show ... and our conversations were touching. Thanks to my new collectors, too!

Thanks very much for reading and your interest in my art. I hope to see you soon!

 

Jill Banks

 

EVENTS

June 2: First Friday Art Walk in the Village Centre, 6-8pm -- Start at the Artists'Atelier, 756 Walker Road, Great Falls, VA. See you there! (The Artists' Atelier is open Wednesdays, noon to 4pm and Saturdays, 10am to 2pm). TD Bank Petite Gallery is showing five of Jill's original oils and is open for the First Friday Art Walk, 6-7pm only.

June 2-4: Rittenhouse Square Fine Art Show, Philadelphia PA

June 5-11: Bucks County Plein Air, Philadelphia PA

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

September 16-17: 15th Annual Alexandria King Street Art Festival, Alexandria, VA

September 23-24: Armonk Outdoor Art Show, Armonk, NY

 

 

Chosen as one of the Top 9 Painting and Drawing Teachers in the Washington DC area by Expertise.com.
https://www.expertise.com/dc/washington/painting-and-drawing-classes

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

Website: www.jillbanks.com

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

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jillbanks1

Instagram (New): https://www.instagram.com/jillbanks1/

Last Full Day Painting in Charleston

"Meeting and Queen," oil, 16"h x 20"w, ©2017 Jill Banks

The week ended on a high note, with a painting that cooperated with my vision for it, friendly and complimentary folks stopping by all afternoon ... culminating with a really wonderful reunion over a casual dinner with my former studiomate (the founder and visionary of the Artists' Atelier) Mollie Vardell and her husband Michael.  They relocated to Charleston a few years ago and it was easy to see why they chose this place.  But, still, it was great to see how happy they are with their decision.

True fun.

The photo of "Meeting and Queen" will be improved and this plein air piece may become a larger work that focuses more on the action and people that came together this afternoon.  The name might also change. Suggestions welcome.

A Wonderful Life

I've been writing this blog since 2008. It is titled "Life as an Artist: Jill Banks" and meant to give you an insight into the trials and tribulations of life as an emerging artist. At this moment, I just want to say ... while rejections still come my way (regularly ... since there are so many great artists out there), joy is ridiculously abundant.

A fellow student when I was first began this journey dreamed of fame.  That was not an aspiration of mine because who controls the keys to that kingdom? Not me.

Today, standing on Meeting Street, by the time my painting no longer looked like an abstract -- it seemed everyone who passed told me how beautiful it was. Many inquired about where they could purchase my work. No one fainted over the finished work price.  One already knew of me and my work. That's pretty astounding. How'd that happen?

I think I know the answer.  While there have been some incredible opportunities and exposure in the past few years, the power of someone else telling their story of a connection with my  work goes way beyond a mention, an award or passing notice.  YOU are the reason why someone might know my work on the streets of Charleston. Your support and enthusiasm gave me the confidence to stand there and hope for the best. Seriously, THANK YOU!!!!


Paintings In Different Places

• See "Got Your Goat" at the Great Falls Library, 9830 Georgetown Pike, Great Falls, VA through May 31
• See "Hudson River Morn" -- the view from my hotel room shower window in NYC -- at the Art League Gallery, 105 N. Union Street, Alexandria, VA through June 4, 2017. Open exhibit juried by Dana Shearin. 
• See five paintings of Great Falls including "Village Centre Walk" -- a painting to be raffled off by Celebrate Great Falls to raise funds for the Walker Road Streetscape Project at the mini Gallery at TD Bank on the corner of Walker Road and Georgetown Pike in Great Falls, VA. ($50 per raffle ticket. 100 tickets - maximum sold.)

 Work is spread around elsewhere as well (like the American Women Artists Online Showcase)...

Events

May 20-21: Northern Virginia Fine Art Festival, Reston, VA

June 2-4: Rittenhouse Square Fine Art Show, Philadelphia PA

June 5-11: Bucks County Plein Air, Philadelphia PA

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

September 16-17: 15th Annual Alexandria King Street Art Festival, Alexandria, VA

September 23-24: Armonk Outdoor Art Show, Armonk, NY

Thanks very much for reading and your interest in my art. I hope to see you soon!

Jill Banks

Chosen as one of the Top 9 Painting and Drawing Teachers in the Washington DC area by Expertise.com.
https://www.expertise.com/dc/washington/painting-and-drawing-classes

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

Website: www.jillbanks.com

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

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jillbanks1

Instagram (New): https://www.instagram.com/jillbanks1/

"Wade Away" In Progress -- Fountain at Waterfront Park

"Wade Away" in Progress, oil, 24"h x 24"w, ©2017 Jill Banks

I'm finishing this one from Waterfront Park in Charleston, SC at home ... so more paintings can get started (and perhaps finished) plein air here. Wading is allowed ... with some reasonable stipulations.  Nice!

While I was painting at the fountain, a young man got down on one knee and proposed. An onlooker asked me if I caught that. No.  I definitely don't paint THAT quickly!

Another post will probably come tonight ... about today's adventure. Too many paintable spots to make choosing easy.   With "Wade Away" I'd set up in the wrong spot ... too distant to the fountain to get a sense of the fun of it.  Fixed that problem by working in my air-conditioned hotel room from memories and photos of the day before.  A lesson ... hopefully learned.

Paintings In Different Places

• See "Got Your Goat" at the Great Falls Library, 9830 Georgetown Pike, Great Falls, VA through May 31
• See "Hudson River Morn" -- the view from my hotel room shower window in NYC -- at the Art League Gallery, 105 N. Union Street, Alexandria, VA through June 4, 2017. Open exhibit juried by Dana Shearin. 
• See five paintings of Great Falls including "Village Centre Walk" -- a painting to be raffled off by Celebrate Great Falls to raise funds for the Walker Road Streetscape Project at the mini Gallery at TD Bank on the corner of Walker Road and Georgetown Pike in Great Falls, VA. ($50 per raffle ticket. 100 tickets - maximum sold.)

 Work is spread around elsewhere as well (like the American Women Artists Online Showcase)...

Events

May 20-21: Northern Virginia Fine Art Festival, Reston, VA

June 2-4: Rittenhouse Square Fine Art Show, Philadelphia PA

June 5-11: Bucks County Plein Air, Philadelphia PA

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

September 16-17: 15th Annual Alexandria King Street Art Festival, Alexandria, VA

September 23-24: Armonk Outdoor Art Show, Armonk, NY

 

Thanks very much for reading and your interest in my art. I hope to see you soon!

 

Jill Banks

 

Chosen as one of the Top 9 Painting and Drawing Teachers in the Washington DC area by Expertise.com.
https://www.expertise.com/dc/washington/painting-and-drawing-classes

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

Website: www.jillbanks.com

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

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jillbanks1

Instagram (New): https://www.instagram.com/jillbanks1/

"Hitched" in Charleston SC

 www.JillBanks.com

Okay, that's perhaps a little misleading ... since husband Randy an I got hitched (married)  a whole lot of moons ago in Bryn Mawr, PA.

"Hitched," oil, 16"h x 20"w, ©2017 Jill Banks

I'm on a short, personal painting trip to Charleston, South Carolina and this is my second piece of the trip -- created plein air at the spot the horse and carriages line up waiting for their passengers.  Many a horse came and went ... but there was always a stand-in to inform my painting. What a wonderful day!

I added "Hitched" to the Animals, Birds and Wildlife gallery on my web site although it could also go in the Places section. Hopefully, you feel free to explore all.

More donkeys, horses, fountains, tree-lined vistas to come this week.  I think one of the fountains at Waterfront Park is up next.

We're planning to eat at Sorghum and Salt tonight. The menu looks incredibly innovative ... another artist feeding an artist.  My review of dinner will come tomorrow.  (Just in case you want to know.)

Prior to this trip, I've only spent one afternoon in Charleston. It's an enchanting city and I'm looking forward to every moment spent here.  Love the hospitality. Wading is allowed in the fountain I'm planning to paint. Right near it are rows of wooden swings and casually arranged outdoor seating areas for chatting. Hospitality is in full force.

Paintings In Different Places

• See "Got Your Goat" at the Great Falls Library, 9830 Georgetown Pike, Great Falls, VA through May 31
• See "Hudson River Morn" -- the view from my hotel room shower window in NYC -- at the Art League Gallery, 105 N. Union Street, Alexandria, VA through June 4, 2017. Open exhibit juried by Dana Shearin. 
• See five paintings of Great Falls including "Village Centre Walk" -- a painting to be raffled off by Celebrate Great Falls to raise funds for the Walker Road Streetscape Project at the mini Gallery at TD Bank on the corner of Walker Road and Georgetown Pike in Great Falls, VA. ($50 per raffle ticket. 100 tickets - maximum sold.)

 Work is spread around elsewhere as well (like the American Women Artists Online Showcase)...

Events

May 20-21: Northern Virginia Fine Art Festival, Reston, VA

June 2-4: Rittenhouse Square Fine Art Show, Philadelphia PA

June 5-11: Bucks County Plein Air, Philadelphia PA

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

September 23-24: Armonk Outdoor Art Show, Armonk, NY

 

Thanks very much for reading and your interest in my art. I hope to see you soon!

 

Jill Banks

 

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

Website: www.jillbanks.com

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

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jillbanks1

Instagram (New): https://www.instagram.com/jillbanks1/

"Daily Special," the Best in Show winner in the September 2016 BoldBrush Painting Competition (out of 1440 entries) found a new owner.

Recently Purchased:
"Daily Special"
"On the Rocks"
"Evening By the Lake"
"Pink Pond"

"Like Apple and Oranges" (With an Owl) and First Friday Art Walk

"Like Apple and Oranges" (with and owl), oil, 20"h x 16"w, ©2017 Jill Banks

"Like Apple and Oranges" has  already had a rough ride to fruition.  I worked on a very different version of this yesterday between my two classes. Cleaned up after my Evening Paint class. Loaded a lot of stuff into my car. Put this wet painting on the roof while taking care of odds and ends. Started my drive home.  Oops. After back-tracking,  I did see it laying face down on the road.  Interesting new texture.

Then today, I added the owl, changed the background and forefront colors and did just about every other imaginable alteration.   But ... it was fun.

There is a TON of paint on this canvas.  Might have to charge by the pound. (Just kidding about that part.)  It might make it the first First Friday Art Walk in the Village (Great Falls, VA) of the year that happens on May 5, 6-8pm.  Even if you visited my studio for this past weekend's ArtFest ... what will be on the walls at the Atelier in my space will be new.  So, come for a visit and to say "hi."  Location: Artists' Atelier, 756 Walker Road, Great Falls, VA.

Donna Barnako will be showcasing her jewelry in the Arts of Great Falls Gallery during the First Friday Art Walk only.  Three joint studios will be open. Two galleries.  Many artists.  Make a night of it! See below for a link with more info.

"Village Centre Walk" at TD Bank for First Friday

"Table on the Green," oil, 16"h x 12"w, ©2016 Jill Banks

Five of my pieces will also be on view in the TD Bank Petite Gallery a few short steps away.  Work there will include "Village Centre Walk" -- my painting that will be auctioned off to help the Walker Road Streetscape Project.  Raffle tickets will cost $50 each. A maximum of 100 tickets will be sold.  You might be the winner.

Events

May 5: First Friday Art Walk in the Village Centre, 6-8pm -- Start at the Artists'Atelier, 756 Walker Road, Great Falls, VA. See you there! (The Artists' Atelier is open Wednesdays, noon to 4pm and Saturdays, 10am to 2pm)

May 20-21: Northern Virginia Fine Art Festival, Reston, VA

June 2-4: Rittenhouse Square Fine Art Show, Philadelphia PA

June 5-11: Bucks County Plein Air, Philadelphia PA

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

September 23-24: Armonk Outdoor Art Show, Armonk, NY

Thanks very much for reading and your interest in my art. I hope to see you soon! And thanks to all who visited Fairfax Corner or the Great Falls Artfest this past weekend.  And, huge thanks to my parents to greeting each guest to the Atelier in Great Falls.

Jill Banks

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

Website: www.jillbanks.com

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

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jillbanks1

Instagram (New): https://www.instagram.com/jillbanks1/