Portrait Delivery and "On the Bright Side" Reception

This past Friday, the couple captured in this portrait saw it for the first time -- with an official unveiling in my studio. I've worked on it on and off in my studio for months, and I get the distinct feeling that they are my most famous sitters to date. Everyone who has seen it instantly recognizes them and were excited to see this work in progress. The few who don't know them, love this painting anyway.

The portrait commission was a gift to them from another client of mine. (A pretty wonderful gift!) Edited out by the artist (me) was Victor's plaid shirt. This is what I love about this portrait: the sense of relaxation and ease, the striking composition, and the light airiness of the environment. My famous couple were thrilled with it, too. Yea!

I made minor changes to it and framed it for them to pick up during my "On the Bright Side" reception this Saturday at the Great Falls Library. The exhibit is up until August 31 at 9830 Georgetown Pike, Great Falls, VA. Regular hours are Monday-Wednesday, 10am-8pm; Thursday & Friday, 10am-6pm; Saturdays, 10am-5pm; closed Sundays. If you haven't seen the show yet, I hope you'll stop in and consider purchasing a piece or two. I would be glad to give you a personal tour if you'd like. Contact me at jillbanks1@aol.com or 703.403.7435 if that's of interest. Sold so far are "Limoni", "L'Auberge Chez Francois", "The Duomo" and "The Gondolier." That means there's still a chance to purchase "Rainy Day Market", "Sunflowers II", and "Rooster and Geraniums," to name a few.

Last night and today I'm working on one of my two Michelle paintings. I guess that makes it no longer "alla prima" ... maybe "alla two time-a". Now, both son Sam and his girlfriend, Michelle are excited about it. Sam was smiling ear to ear.

I'll show you later my progress on "Michelle I". I'm really enjoying painting her. Part of it is the opportunity to spend time with her and part is painting the portrait from life.

The portrait shown is oil on linen, 20"h x 24"w, copyright Jill Banks 2009. Find out more information about commissioning a portrait on my web site: www.jillbanks.com. See portraits on my gallery page and info on the commissions page. Portraits take time, plus I have a very full schedule of already commissioned portraits I'm working on ... so if you're interested, meet with me and book now for 2010 delivery.

Web: www.jillbanks.com
Blog: jillbanks.blogspot.com
Email: jillbanks1@aol.com
Phone: 703.403.7435

"Sunflowers and Gladioli" Painting Day Four

More progress after two more days of work. I'll be moving on to a different painting today. "Sunflowers and Gladioli" will be tied ... in my head anyway ... to the great experiences related to my "On the Bright Side" exhibit at the Great Falls Library. The reception is tomorrow, Saturday, July 18, 3-6pm at 9830 Georgetown Pike, Great Falls, VA 22066. That's more to celebrate. I'll bring this painting there along with my demo painting of Michelle.

I added a quarter to the top of the sculpture stand in my painting. That's homage to a Richard Schmid painting I saw and loved at the Salmagundi Club last month. While the subject appears to be the "Sunflowers and Gladioli" -- its really about my career at this point in time. Lots of "hidden" messages in this one.

There was a nice write-up in this week's Great Falls Connection about last week's demo on page 4. You can download a pdf of the print version at www.connectionnewspapers.com, click on print version, click on Great Falls.

Maybe I'll see you tomorrow!

Jill

"Sunflowers and Gladioli" work in progress, oil on linen, 30"h x 24"h, copyright Jill Banks 2009.

Web: www.jillbanks.com
Blog: jillbanks.blogspot.com
Email: jillbanks1@aol.com
Phone: 703.403.7435

"Sunflowers and Gladioli" Painting Day Two

After Still Life Class today (I teach through the Great Falls Foundation of the Arts), I continued to work on my "Sunflowers and Gladioli" painting. This is a large painting so it's keeping me busy just to address all of the canvas surface. Lots of paint, too.

So, here's your view of painting day 2. You'll see it again soon.

I set it up on the easel in the downstairs studio/gallery window. It looks great!

"Sunflowers and Gladioli" work in progress, oil on linen, 30"h x 24"h, copyright Jill Banks 2009.

Web: www.jillbanks.com
Blog: jillbanks.blogspot.com
Email: jillbanks1@aol.com
Phone: 703.403.7435

"Sunflowers and Gladioli" Painting in Progress

My Dad created two beautiful flower arrangements for my painting demo day this past Saturday (as part of my "On the Bright Side" show) ... and this one of sunflowers and gladioli might just be my all-time favorite. I hated to see its beauty go to waste, i.e., remain unpainted. So, I went to work today getting as far as I could while there still was daylight. I have it set up in my downstairs studio at the Atelier, and will work on it again after my Still Life class tomorrow.

My plan for this week is to finish this and work a bit more on the two Michelles from my demo. Saturday's my reception, July 18, 3-6pm at the Great Falls Library, 9830 Georgetown Pike, Great Falls. I hope to see you there.

I didn't really tell you that much about my demo. I felt so good about that day that I don't think I've come down from the clouds since. What I loved about it is how wonderfully people react to my art. The room was overflowing with enthusiasm and good cheer. The "On the Bright Side" exhibit seems aptly named. I'm thankful to have so many enthusiastic supporters -- my parents, students, collectors, fellow artists, family and friends. I love creating art, and my enjoyment increases exponentially through the joy it brings to others, too.

"Sunflowers and Gladioli" work in progress, oil on linen, 30"h x 24"h, copyright Jill Banks 2009.

Web: www.jillbanks.com
Blog: jillbanks.blogspot.com
Email: jillbanks1@aol.com
Phone: 703.403.7435

Two Alla Prima Portraits: Lots of Michelles

Thanks to all who came out for my Portrait Painting Demonstration and to see my exhibit at the Great Falls Library (9830 Georgetown Pike, Great Falls, VA). While the exhibit runs through August 31, today's demo and next Saturday's (July 18, 3-6pm) reception are the two main events. If you couldn't make it today, I hope you can stop in next week.

My model is Michelle Anonick, my son Sam's beautiful and very nice girlfriend. She did great.


Last night, she sat for me for an hour and a half so I could practice ... thus, "Michelle I". Today, I created "Michelle II" in my library public demo in a three-hour painting session. The light was different, and angle slightly changed. I'm not sure which one is more "her" but I suspect that today's version is.

Today was definitely a party. I turned my camera over to fellow artist friend Francie Vechhi to catch shots of the action ... and there are so many fun and interesting moments. Since my back was to the "audience" for the majority of the time, it was great to see the behind-the-scenes goings-on. I didn't include a bunch here ... maybe later. Many of the attendees were students, who have a blast together (and I with them). Actually, I've found that artists just know how to enjoy each others' company.

Thanks Dad for all your hard work. (Mom, too!) My Dad catered the snacks, and designed two beautiful flower arrangements. Definitely a very classy exhibit.

Above left: "Michelle I", 24"h x 18"w, oil on Senso linen, copyright Jill Banks 2009
Lower right: "Michelle II", 20"h x 16"w, oil on Senso linen, copyright Jill Banks 2009

Web: www.jillbanks.com
Blog: jillbanks.blogspot.com
Email: jillbanks1@aol.com
Phone: 703.403.7435

Drawings and Figures Added to My Web Site

Last night, I played webmaster and added a page of Drawings and Figures to my website: www.jillbanks.com, plus continued to adjust the show preview page to get it to appear in AOL's old desktop browser. (It does now.) Take a look. Currently, the Still Life part of the gallery is the only page that's not showing up. I'm definitely dealing with some not-so-logical technology quirks.

I've been wanting to add a Drawings and Figures category for some time ... just couldn't find the time. I limited how complicated that page is to program ... so no closeups are offered, just because if I spend too much time programming, I can't keep my price for those offerings down. Prices start as low as $195 for a framed original. Later, I'll add more info about some of the media I use: red chalk, ink washes/pen & ink, watercolor washes and charcoal.

My recent acceptance into the Salmagundi Art Club's Annual Exhibition was the last bit of prompting I needed. Only 16 drawings total were accepted into the show and two of them were mine. That seemed like quite an honor. The Salmagundi Club is an esteemed art club housed in a New York City brownstone. It was established in the 1870s and Randy and I ate dinner in the dining room after the Awards ceremony and closing reception. We were surrounded by drop-dead gorgeous paintings by past and present members of the club. It reminded me (not that I needed reminding) just how wonderful it is to live life surrounded by inspiring art.

My portrait painting demo in the Great Falls Library is tomorrow, 1-4pm. 9830 Georgetown Pike, Great Falls, VA 22066. I'll be creating an oil sketch of Michelle, my son Sam's girlfriend. Please rsvp via email to me: jillbanks1@aol.com if you'd like to join the party.

"Oscar", charcoal, copyright Jill Banks 2008. "Oscar" was one of my two drawings juried into Salmagundi's Annual Exhibition.

Web: www.jillbanks.com
Blog: jillbanks.blogspot.com
Email: jillbanks1@aol.com
Phone: 703.403.7435

Still Life Class Demo: Daisies and Geranium Painting

Today was the first day of my Summer Still Life class (that I teach through the Great Falls Foundation for the Arts), and my demo was this painting of daisies and a geranium on a red cloth. I set up two still lifes so that some of my continuing students could paint if they wanted. It was tough to decide which one to paint. This one will be appropriately named "Seeing Red". I've shown it in two stages: Stage 1 was three hours into it ... Stage 2 is with about 3.5 more hours. I do have more to do -- so hopefully I can work on it a little tomorrow in addition to my portrait work. Now, it's quitting time for the day.

You're also welcome to come to a demo I'm giving this coming Saturday, July 11, 1-4pm at the Great Falls Library (9830 Georgetown Pike, Great Falls, VA 22066) in conjunction with my "On the Bright Side" exhibit. Please rsvp (by email) to me for that event at jillbanks1@aol.com.

"Seeing Red" Work in Progress, Stages 1 and 2, oil on Senso linen, 20"h x 20"w, copyright Jill Banks 2009.

Web: www.jillbanks.com
Blog: jillbanks.blogspot.com
Email: jillbanks1@aol.com
Phone: 703.403.7435

"Daisies" Painting Today ... And Happy 4th!

I "sort of" started this painting of daisies last night during the First Friday Open House at the Artists' Atelier (a regular event, the First Friday of every month, 7-9pm). It's not possible to paint much and talk to guests, but I had fun trying. I worked on it for a couple hours today and will do more tomorrow. I've made fun of Michela Mansuino, my next door studiomate for complaining about her still life plants and flowers "moving" -- but now I've noticed it for myself. Lots of changes, then shadows change and petals curl up.

This painting is an unusual and fun size, 12"h x 4"w. I'd put together the vase of flowers at home, cutting them from the garden. It was intended to decorate the house, but then I thought of this canvas and the two seemed perfect for each other.

"Daisies" almost done, oil on canvas, 12"h x 4"w, copyright Jill Banks 2009.

Web: www.jillbanks.com
Blog: jillbanks.blogspot.com
Email: jillbanks1@aol.com
Phone: 703.403.7435

"On the Bright Side" is Up! First Friday, Too!

Husband Randy and I hung my "On the Bright Side" show at the Great Falls Library yesterday. Before I forget ... after mailing out hundreds of postcards and sending out press releases with the library's hours ... I arrived there to see that they just changed them. Well, oops. Seems budget-cutting affects when you can see my exhibit as well. I'll post the new shorter hours in an upcoming blog, and hopefully get it right. I know they close on Monday to Wednesdays at 8pm and on Thursdays at 6pm. In any case, it's now closed for the holiday weekend -- so your first opportunity will be next Monday. See earlier post for address, demo and reception details.

What I hope is that you'll go take a look at the show and return for either the demo or reception or both ... so that I get a chance to talk to you about the art and guide you through the exhibit. I'd be glad to give private tours, too.

I hung 24 pieces. I included two drawings out of a very special sketchbook I'd created for an art historical workshop I took to Florence, Italy in 2006. One is "The Duomo" sketched while sitting on the cobblestones in front of this beautiful structure. The second is "Rodin's Lady Sackville-West" sketched this past month while sitting on a bench with Shanaz Asasi and Loretta Cassidy during a trip to the National Gallery of Art. I hadn't taken any drawings out of my sketchbook until this show. This is about as personal as it gets.

A warning. The library is not exactly the world's finest venue for viewing art. The room's huge, not particularly well-lit (that's harsh too) ... and it's set up for meetings -- so lots of tables, a chair, a flag, a rocking chair, a bench are scattered throughout. Definitely not glamorous. My art's hung in glamorous, finest venue spots. It makes a difference. So, you're going to have to work a little harder to appreciate just what I'm offering.

In a way, the show is eclectic (different sizes, different frames, different subject matter) so I want you to see each painting separately. Every time I paint, I want to transport you somewhere ... to see what I see. It's a little funny when you're standing in a room with 24 different places to be transported.

After having painted for a year in preparation for my "Place Settings" show at the Art League in January 2008 within a very narrow theme ... I think I revolted and went off in some different directions. I've also noted that as your career "heats up", your artwork gets called off to different venues, despite your trying to get ready for a show at the library. Last month I took new paintings to Chasen Galleries in Richmond that would have fit right in with this show ... but, hey. Buy "Rialto Market" from Chasen. Or "Dining Al Fresco." I had to agree (to husband Randy) before signing up for this exhibit that I would work around my other commitments. What you're seeing is what I've wanted to paint and been painting lately. Almost all of the work has been created in 2009. All is original. I loved creating each and every one. I hope you enjoy the show.

I thought of listing favorites of mine that are in the show, but thought better of it. It sort of feels like betrayal to the ones you didn't pick. I have two kids -- a son and a daughter, and that makes it easier. I have a favorite son and I have a favorite daughter. You get what I mean. But, there are some really special pieces in this show.

I've included all sorts of photographs of the exhibit in this post. What's cropped out are the meetingish furniture and such. A favorite photo is one of Randy laying on the table while I continued to ponder placements of paintings. I have a feeling that this photo reveals exactly what it's like to be the spouse of a painter. Enjoy! I love you Randy.


And, First Friday at the Artists' Atelier is now today, July 3, 7-9pm. Come join us for the new "Beaches" show and lots of great art and conversation. 1144 Walker Road, Suites D&G, Great Falls, VA 22066. No photos posted this time. I've been busy.

One more note. A nice article on the show was published in the McLean and Great Falls Connection Newspapers. Thanks!

Web: www.jillbanks.com
Blog: jillbanks.blogspot.com
Email: jillbanks1@aol.com
Phone: 703.403.7435

"On the Bright Side" Show Prep and Back to New York

I've been buried the last few days in getting ready to hang my "On the Bright Side" Show on Wednesday. What that means for me is ... sending out press releases (time-consuming), working on my preview page on my web site (get to it from my home page), and writing a bunch of "to do" lists. Left to do: some artwork gets photographed Monday (by Greg Staley), work gets pulled out of/into frames, rounded up from various locations, probably another trip to my framer's (Framemasters), making a poster, making wall tags, mailing postcards ... we'll see.

"On the Bright Side"
July 2-August 31

Painting Demonstration: Saturday, July 11, 1-4pm. (RSVP to jillbanks1@aol.com for this event)
Reception: Saturday, July 18, 3-6pm
Both events are free and open to the public.

(These are the two days I'm scheduled to be there ... but I'd be glad to give a tour of the exhibit at another time.)

Great Falls Library Meeting Room
9830 Georgetown Pike, Great Falls, VA 22066

You can also view the exhibit during regular library hours: Monday through Wednesday, 10am-8pm; Thursday & Friday, 10am-6pm; Saturday, 10am-5pm; closed Sundays. Note: The library changed its hours after I printed postcards. These are the new hours.

Randy and I are heading back up to New York City tomorrow to see the exhibit and attend the awards reception at the Salmagundi Club where two of my drawings are on exhibit in the annual show at this esteemed Arts Club. I'm looking forward to it!!

Also, coming up: First Friday at the Artists' Atelier -- Friday, July 3, 7-9pm. 1144 Walker Road, Suites D&G, Great Falls, VA. Opening: "Beaches", a new exhibit in the Great Falls Foundation for the Arts (GFFFTA) Gallery. I don't know what I'll have hanging on the walls in my studio...

Above: "Limoni", oil on linen, 20"h x 16"w, copyright Jill Banks 2009. "Limoni" is one of over 20 drawings and paintings that are part of my "On the Bright Side" exhibit.

Web: www.jillbanks.com
Blog: jillbanks.blogspot.com
Email: jillbanks1@aol.com
Phone: 703.403.7435

"Food and Wine" Painting of Burano Market: More Tweaks

I still have more to do on this before hanging it in my upcoming exhibit (see my web site or earlier posts for details for "On the Bright Side" solo exhibit, July/August) ... but it's come a long, long ways. I just had three hours to put in today ... since it's Father's Day and the fathers I know needed a proper celebration. I glazed some today for the reflections on the windows, allowing me to add multiple transparent effects. I add glazes in the colors I want for the topmost layer (mixed oils) with Gamblin's Neomegilp medium. I'm not a medium junky. Most of the painting I do is "straight" paint and I'll only use medium on the topmost layer if the underlayer is dry to the touch and there's something I want to accomplish using a glaze.

I've gotten plenty of positive comments about the blue and orange combination employed here. See earlier posts about this painting as a work in progress, about Burano, about this rarely found blue color.
Earliest "Food and Wine" post
Second "Food and Wine" post: jillbanks.blogspot.com/2009/05/burano-market-fruit-and-wine-painting.html
Third "Food and Wine" post

"Food and Wine" pretty much done, oil on linen, 24"h x 36"w, copyright Jill Banks 2009.

Web: www.jillbanks.com
Blog: jillbanks.blogspot.com
Email: jillbanks1@aol.com
Phone: 703.403.7435

"Venezia Market" Painting -- So Close

This one's really close to done. I'll tweak some of my edges, do a little clean-up and sign it. I love the yellow apples in the middle front. The colors in the shadows hold all sorts of surprises. My goal is to finish this one and put the finishing touches on "Food and Wine" and then work on photographing work, framing, signing, getting postcards out, etc. for my solo show "On the Bright Side" by the end of the month.

This past week, I've been MIA from my blog -- working on portrait commissions including one of a couple that's 99.999% done and two other major projects that are in the drawing stages. At the supermarket today, I ran into my client for the 99.999% done portrait. Since I work in the Atelier where we get plenty of visitors ... lots of friends and acquaintances of the couple I've been painting have seen it ... and passed on how terrific it is. (It is.) The client hasn't seen it however. I take it as a sign that I've captured them ... since everyone recognizes them. Still, I better get the .001% left done so I can reveal it properly.

My "On the Bright Side" exhibit is being held at the Great Falls Library, July 2-August 31. I'm giving a painting demonstration on Saturday, July 11, 1-4pm (rsvp at jillbanks1@aol.com for that event) and will have a reception, Saturday, July 18, 3-6pm. See my web site (www.jillbanks.com) for more details and a preview of that exhibit. (I'm still adding to the preview -- so check back.) Mark your calendars! I hope to see you there.

Randy and I are also going up to New York City this coming Friday for the Awards Reception (and closing reception) for the Salmagundi's Club Annual Graphics and Photography Exhibition where two of my works are hanging. See my post about that acceptance and the drawings that are on exhibit. The Salmagundi Club is a beautiful, esteemed Art Institution ... and I'm ecstatic to have my work exhibited there. Pretty great.

"Venezia Market" with close-up, oil on linen, 18"h x 24"w, copyright Jill Banks 2009.

Web: www.jillbanks.com
Blog: jillbanks.blogspot.com
Email: jillbanks1@aol.com
Phone: 703.403.7435

Field Trip to the National Gallery of Art

Today I joined Loretta Cassidy and Shanaz Asasi from my Great Falls School of Art Still Life class at the National Gallery of Art to spend a fun day viewing the Luis Meléndez exhibit (phenomenal still lifes of food -- right up my alley) and drawing some of the sculptures. The drawing shown above is done with General's Multi-Pastel Chalks in Scarlet Red on Gutenberg Laid paper. I drew it in a sketchbook that I had made myself for a 2006 art historical trip to Florence, Italy led by Robert Liberace. The second drawing is an earlier page in the sketchbook ... done in Florence of the Duomo. It's done in a brown ink wash and pen & ink.

"Drawing from Auguste Rodin's Sculpture: "Victoria Sackville-West, Lady Sackville" 1913-14", multi-pastel chalks, 8"h x 10"w (page dimension), copyright Jill Banks 2009.

"Duomo", ink wash and pen&ink, 10"h x 8"w (page dimension), copyright Jill Banks 2006.

Web: www.jillbanks.com
Blog: jillbanks.blogspot.com
Email: jillbanks1@aol.com
Phone: 703.403.7435

"Venezia Market" Painting in Progress

I spent Friday and Sunday working on this painting of a Venetian produce market. That's husband Randy silhouetted in the left corner. What do I love about this one? Everything! It has some of the qualities of "Rainy Day Market" -- the reflections in the stainless steel counter and ground, mystery and mood, plus the juxtaposition of cool and warm colors.

It will become part of my "On the Bright Side" solo exhibition that I'll be hanging on July 1. The exhibit runs July 2-August 31 at the Great Falls Library in Great Falls, VA. I'm returning to the venue where I made my first real debut with my "Feast For the Eyes" solo show in November 2005. I hope you can join me! Email me (jillbanks1@aol.com) your mailing address and I'll send you a postcard for the show. Who knows? It may be a collector's item some day!

On the Bright Side
Jill Banks oil paintings

Opening Reception
Saturday, July 18, 3-6pm

Painting Demonstration
Saturday, July 11, 1-4pm (Please rsvp for this event by email)

Great Falls Library Meeting Room
9830 Georgetown Pike, Great Falls, VA 22066
Hours: Monday-Thursday, 10am-9pm; Fridays, 10am-6pm; Saturdays, 10am-5pm. Closed Sundays.

"Venezia Market" work in progress, oil on linen, 18"h x 24"w, copyright Jill Banks 2009. See more scenes from Venice, Murano and Burano on my Thursday, June 11 post "Pizza and Pesce".

Web: www.jillbanks.com
Blog: jillbanks.blogspot.com
Email: jillbanks1@aol.com
Phone: 703.403.7435

"Pizza and Pesce" Painting of the Day

Painting this scene of a Burano snack shop today made we wish I was there. I got a kick out of their pizza and fish signs. Even though this shop was right near where the ferry dropped us off, it was full of locals the day we visited.

"Pizza and Pesce", oil on linen, 8"h x 10"w, copyright Jill Banks 2009.

More Venice and Burano scenes available include:
"Ferrari Boat", oil on linen, 24"h x 36"w, copyright Jill Banks 2009. Contact me at jillbanks1@aol.com or 703.403.7435 for purchase.


and "Rialto Market", oil on linen, 24"h x 36"w, copyright Jill Banks 2009. Available through Chasen Galleries in Richmond, VA.


and "Bridge in Venice", oil on linen, 11"h x 14"w, copyright Jill Banks 2008. Contact me.



Plus, as promised, you'll see my new "Food and Wine" of a Burano Market soon.

Web: www.jillbanks.com
Blog: jillbanks.blogspot.com
Email: jillbanks1@aol.com
Phone: 703.403.7435