Sweet Afternoon Painting Prince Street

"Afternoon on Prince Street," oil, 20"h x 16"w, copyright Jill Banks 2013

It was a gorgeous afternoon today. Sun shining. Not too hot. Just right.

With a few pit stops on the way, I made my way down to Old Town Alexandria (Virginia) to see the May Show at the Art League Gallery, pick up my painting that didn't get juried in ("Beach Journal" did -- and only one can) and paint somewhere around those pretty streets.

When figuring out what to paint and getting out my gear, first I tried setting up on the sidewalk right next to the car -- but my subjects -- two men chatting, decided to leave.  Then, I picked this spot, right under the liftgate of my Honda pilot -- giving me a fairly unobstructed view down the street. I could use the back bed of the car as a table, with some of my gear, water, stuff.

Such a great day.

Some very nice, and complimentary visitors stopped by to check out the work. My most enthusiastic visitor stopped by, then went into the Gem Store behind me -- telling me the guy in there was most impressed as well.

It was time to leave when the car depicted in the left front of the painting needed to leave for home.  My easel was in danger, the light had faded ... time to go.

See more of my urban street scenes in the Places collection of my web site: www.JillBanks.com (click on Works).

In case you're around the DC area tomorrow (Saturday, May 18), I'll be holding the Artists' Atelier -- the studio and gallery space I share with 12 other other artists at 1144 Walker Road, Suite G, Great Falls, VA) open from noon to 4pm.  Stop by if you can.

Web: www.jillbanks.com
Blog: jillbanks.blogspot.com
100 Faces in 100 Days Project
Email
Phone: 703.403.7435

Events

Women Painters of the Southeast Juried Members Exhibit and Sale
Imagine Gallery, 230 Franklin Road, Franklin, TN 37064
"Sunflowers in the Studio II" juried into the exhibit that runs April 19 to May 20.

"New Works" Exhibit: the Artists' Atelier Gallery, 1144 Walker Road, Suite G, Great Falls, VA. Open Wednesdays and Saturdays, noon to 4pm through May 31. On view in the gallery: "Ballerinas I," "Ballerinas II" and "Red Pillow." 

Solo Show at Greenberry's Coffee & Tea
6839 Redmond Drive, McLean, VA 22101
(703) 821-9501
Exhibit of six paintings including "Two Kittens," "Traffic Patterns," "Primary Colors," "Spanish Steps," "Second & Pine Streets," and "Sunlight, Sunflowers and Orange." Through June 30.

"Chameleon" Alla Prima Portrait

"Chameleon," oil, 16"h x 12"w, copyright Jill Banks 2013

Well, it took awhile to get back to posting.  "Chameleon" had two inspiration sources this past week, plus a deadline that made one portrait morph into another (hence the name).

I'd attended last Saturday's open life session at the McLean Community Center -- but 25 minutes late -- which meant that the spot for my easel seemed like a mile away from the model. Okay, that's an exaggeration.  My place would have been okay if I was painting the whole figure, but the distance made capturing a portrait much more difficult. Still, I was going to try.  So, last Saturday's model was inspiration #1.

Then, one day this week I read Nancy Boren's review of a workshop taken with Milt Kobayashi. The upshot of the post was that Milt takes his inspiration from the model -- but then lets his imagination and interest take it from there.  That's what happened last night -- just in time to take this painting, along with five more to be photographed professionally to this morning's shoot. Inspiration #2 and the deadline that made it happen.

"Nigerian Beauty," 24"h x 18"w, by Jill Banks, private collection

"Chameleon" reminds me of a favorite painting of mine that is now hanging in a collector's home. "Nigerian Beauty" is one of those paintings I'll miss forever -- and could just be Inspiration #3.  

Web: www.jillbanks.com
Blog: jillbanks.blogspot.com
100 Faces in 100 Days Project
Email
Phone: 703.403.7435

Events

Women Painters of the Southeast Juried Members Exhibit and Sale
Imagine Gallery, 230 Franklin Road, Franklin, TN 37064
"Sunflowers in the Studio II" juried into the exhibit that runs April 19 to May 20.

"New Works" Exhibit: the Artists' Atelier Gallery, 1144 Walker Road, Suite G, Great Falls, VA. Open Wednesdays and Saturdays, noon to 4pm through May 31. On view in the gallery: "Ballerinas I," "Ballerinas II" and "Red Pillow." 

Solo Show at Greenberry's Coffee & Tea
6839 Redmond Drive, McLean, VA 22101
(703) 821-9501
Exhibit of six paintings including "Two Kittens," "Traffic Patterns," "Primary Colors," "Spanish Steps," "Second & Pine Streets," and "Sunlight, Sunflowers and Orange." Through June 30.

Cow Painting Continued

"Grass Lunch" painting of cows work in progress, oil, 18"h x 24"w, copyright Jill Banks 2013

Tomorrow might be a "take-it-easy" day -- as yesterday and today were chockful.  At open hours at the Artists' Atelier, I worked on Cow #2 of the painting "Grass Lunch" that had been started at Kidwell Farm in Herndon, VA.  Now I'm on session #3 -- but with some substantial improvements made in the studio.  One, Cow #2 looks like a cow. Two, she's facing you -- much more interesting than two grazing cows. Three, I like the addition of the pink blooming tree on the far right. (It is Spring after all.) Four, I brought in the diagonal of the fence on the left.

For a long time today, I kept lowering the cow's belly -- making her stockier and stockier -- in small increments. Cow anatomy is new to me -- but it looks a-ok at the moment.

Almost done.

Tonight I went to Open Life at the McLean Community Center (McLean, VA).  The model was someone I painted (and drew) ten years ago at the Art League.  This week's session did produce a portrait that's pretty striking. You'll see it soon.

Happy Mother's Day to All the Moms Out There!

Web: www.jillbanks.com
Blog: jillbanks.blogspot.com
100 Faces in 100 Days Project
Email
Phone: 703.403.7435

Events

Women Painters of the Southeast Juried Members Exhibit and Sale
Imagine Gallery, 230 Franklin Road, Franklin, TN 37064
"Sunflowers in the Studio II" juried into the exhibit that runs April 19 to May 20.

"New Works" Exhibit: the Artists' Atelier Gallery, 1144 Walker Road, Suite G, Great Falls, VA. Open Wednesdays and Saturdays, noon to 4pm through May 31. On view in the gallery: "Ballerinas I," "Ballerinas II" and "Red Pillow." 

Solo Show at Greenberry's Coffee & Tea
6839 Redmond Drive, McLean, VA 22101
(703) 821-9501
Exhibit of six paintings including "Two Kittens," "Traffic Patterns," "Primary Colors," "Spanish Steps," "Second & Pine Streets," and "Sunlight, Sunflowers and Orange." Through June 30.

Plein Air Painting at the Reston Town Center

"Early Evening at the Reston Town Center" work in progress, oil on linen, 22"h x 28"w, copyright Jill Banks 2013

The whole afternoon into early evening was spent on two different scenes around the Reston Town Center -- with my easel set up at least close to the thick of things. While both pieces need more work (I'll return there next week and maybe beyond), "Early Evening at the Reston Town Center" is the most promising. (Translation: I really like it.)

Paint. Visit. Paint.

I started it about 3pm today -- after already having painted for awhile ... and then worked, waiting for sunset to play out its magic or the lamp posts to come on. The challenge is ... they come on when the canvas in front of me is getting tougher to see.

All day long I was covered in paint, too.  I managed to keep it just on me, though.  Scary looking Pthalo Blue and then, Pthalo Green hands ... with some red, yellow, white thrown in for good measure.

Tomorrow -- Saturday, May 11, from noon to 4pm we're having a reception at the Artists' Atelier, the studio I share with 14 other studiomates at 1144 Walker Road, Suite G, Great Falls, VA. Come out and see the new show.  I'm hoping some of today's easel visitors come by for a visit.

You can take a look at more of my street/urban paintings on my web site: www.JillBanks.com, click on Works and go to the Places Collection.

Web: www.jillbanks.com
Blog: jillbanks.blogspot.com
100 Faces in 100 Days Project
Email
Phone: 703.403.7435

Events

Women Painters of the Southeast Juried Members Exhibit and Sale
Imagine Gallery, 230 Franklin Road, Franklin, TN 37064
"Sunflowers in the Studio II" juried into the exhibit that runs April 19 to May 20.

"New Works" Exhibit: the Artists' Atelier Gallery, 1144 Walker Road, Suite G, Great Falls, VA. Open Wednesdays and Saturdays, noon to 4pm through May 31. On view in the gallery: "Ballerinas I," "Ballerinas II" and "Red Pillow." 

Solo Show at Greenberry's Coffee & Tea
6839 Redmond Drive, McLean, VA 22101
(703) 821-9501
Exhibit of six paintings including "Two Kittens," "Traffic Patterns," "Primary Colors," "Spanish Steps," "Second & Pine Streets," and "Sunlight, Sunflowers and Orange." Through June 30.

Home Visit

Painting #1: "Toad and Tulips," 36"h x 30"w

One of the regular parts of my day is to read some sage art marketing and "life as an artist" advice on the daily (free) email column from Fine Art Views. There was an article in the last week that talked about the best acceptances being collectors purchasing our work and supporting our passion.  (As an artist, life is rife with a teeter-totter of acceptances and rejections.)

Today, Randy and I loaded the car with many paintings to take to a collector's home. I'd gotten a phone call from her last week that it was time to purchase another Jill Banks' original -- that I knew her walls/home -- and to bring what would be best.   I do know those walls. I know the other work she's collected and loved. I know what her husband loves.

Turns out that the choices of what to load into that car were spot on.  I took a bit of time to look around the main level, trying not to bring in the whole carload at once.  Pretty sure of the prime spots, Randy held up the

Painting #2: "London Times"

artwork one by one.  They looked amazing and five really terrific pieces will be hanging there -- in the spots we chose.

The five pieces that are being added to their collection are:

• "Toad and Tulips"
• "London Times"
• "Reflections"
• "Rope of Garlic"
• "Tony"

Did I say they looked amazing?

It's a heck of a collection ... and looks a lot like my house used to look.

Painting #3: "Reflections"

What's really wonderful for them and us -- is how personal this connection is. While I'm not painting pieces for their home (and lives), I know what part of my body of work will appeal the most to them. We choose together those pieces spot within their home.  Work is spoken for (they don't lose out on something they love) and paid for in installments.  In the meantime, I enjoy that artwork while planning how to fill that next empty hook on the wall. And, they get a house full of artwork that inspires and greets them every day.

There have been an awful lot of incredible days for which to be thankful.  Time to be pinched or something.

Painting #4: "Rope of Garlic"

Web: www.jillbanks.com
Blog: jillbanks.blogspot.com
100 Faces in 100 Days Project
Email
Phone: 703.403.7435

Events

Women Painters of the Southeast Juried Members Exhibit and Sale
Imagine Gallery, 230 Franklin Road, Franklin, TN 37064
"Sunflowers in the Studio II" juried into the exhibit that runs April 19 to May 20.

Painting #5: "Tony"

"New Works" Exhibit: the Artists' Atelier Gallery, 1144 Walker Road, Suite G, Great Falls, VA. Open Wednesdays and Saturdays, noon to 4pm through May 31. On view in the gallery: "Ballerinas I," "Ballerinas II" and "Red Pillow." 

"Seat By the Window: Montmartre" Painting Continued

"Seat By the Window: Montmartre" in progress, oil, 24"h x 36"w, copyright Jill Banks 2013

It's not quite done yet ... but it is getting there. Every minute working on "Seat By the Window: Montmartre" has been enjoyable as it sends me (at least my thoughts) traveling back to a favorite day in Paris.

Late afternoon was spent at open life at the McLean Community Center painting first a figure and then a portrait during the last hour.  I'll have to take a look at the two tomorrow to see if they improved while I slept. You never know.

Web: www.jillbanks.com
Blog: jillbanks.blogspot.com
100 Faces in 100 Days Project
Email
Phone: 703.403.7435


Events

"Primary Colors," a plein air painting of McLean Central Park in on view at Greenberry's

Women Painters of the Southeast Juried Members Exhibit and Sale
Imagine Gallery, 230 Franklin Road, Franklin, TN 37064
"Sunflowers in the Studio II" juried into the exhibit that runs April 19 to May 20.

"New Works" Exhibit: the Artists' Atelier Gallery, 1144 Walker Road, Suite G, Great Falls, VA. Open Wednesdays and Saturdays, noon to 4pm through May 31. On view in the gallery: "Ballerinas I," "Ballerinas II" and "Red Pillow."


Solo Show at Greenberry's Coffee & Tea
6839 Redmond Drive, McLean, VA 22101
(703) 821-9501
Exhibit of six paintings including "Two Kittens," "Traffic Patterns," "Primary Colors," "Spanish Steps," "Second & Pine Streets," and "Sunlight, Sunflowers and Orange." Through June 30.

Paintings at Greenberry's Coffee and Tea

"Two Kittens" through the window of Greenberry's Coffee & Tea

This morning, Randy and I hung six paintings at Greenberry's Coffee and Tea, a ridiculously popular gathering spot in McLean, VA. Loads of alternates for those six hanging spots were loaded into the car yesterday -- and I left some of the decisions (choosing what went up) on the shoulders of one of the coffeehouse owners, Adrianne Pedlikin -- who also happens to to be a friend.

Only two paintings are in obvious spots -- in the main area of the coffeehouse with the remaining four in the back hallway. So, if you go to see the exhibit, I hope you drink enough coffee or tea to require a restroom. Some of my favorite pieces are back there (including "Primary Colors" -- a painting done plein air at the McLean Central Park).

While we were hanging the paintings, a table of women were deeply interested -- all attempt to be painters (their language, not mine) and know a former studiomate. They were inspecting and discussing every part -- suggesting I move to the side so they could get a better look at the work still to be hung.

"Traffic Patterns" keeps the coffee drinkers company

My favorite places to hang artwork are those spots where people can really enjoy them. Top spot for that is in their homes. A strong second place goes to those regular spots they love to be. Greenberry's fills that bill.

I didn't get outside today.

The six paintings on view there: "Two Kittens," "Traffic Patterns," "Spanish Steps," "Primary Colors," "Second & Pine Streets," (Philadelphia) and "Sunlight, Sunflowers and Orange." Considering that it's only a six-painting show ... it's a heck of a show.  I'll be painting at Greenberry's. Maybe a week from today will be my first "attempt" there. Check back here for  schedule.

Web: www.jillbanks.com
Blog: jillbanks.blogspot.com
100 Faces in 100 Days Project
Email
Phone: 703.403.7435

Events

"Primary Colors," a plein air painting of McLean Central Park in on view at Greenberry's

Women Painters of the Southeast Juried Members Exhibit and Sale
Imagine Gallery, 230 Franklin Road, Franklin, TN 37064
"Sunflowers in the Studio II" juried into the exhibit that runs April 19 to May 20.

"New Works" Exhibit: the Artists' Atelier Gallery, 1144 Walker Road, Suite G, Great Falls, VA. Open Wednesdays and Saturdays, noon to 4pm through May 31. On view in the gallery: "Ballerinas I," "Ballerinas II" and "Red Pillow." 

Plein Air Cows Continued

"Grass Lunch" continued, 18"h x 24"w, oil, copyright Jill Banks 2013

Quick post -- but I did get back out to Kidwell Farm (in Herndon, VA) to paint today. Another uncooperative cow modeling day.  They must get rotated around the fields each day because today's pair was different than yesterday's -- but I wanted to capture the same light.

So, I didn't get very far.

I'm trying to get a little bit of plein air painting done every day this month. Right now it's two for two.

Packing Up From the Plein Air Landscape Class

And, to remain nameless but by popular demand ... here are two of my plein air painters from yesterday's landscape class heading home.  We are going to have to have a packing light lesson -- although I've been guilty of the same tendency to want to bring everything, just in case.

Web: www.jillbanks.com
Blog: jillbanks.blogspot.com
100 Faces in 100 Days Project
Email
Phone: 703.403.7435

Events
Women Painters of the Southeast Juried Members Exhibit and Sale
Imagine Gallery, 230 Franklin Road, Franklin, TN 37064
"Sunflowers in the Studio II" juried into the exhibit that runs April 19 to May 20.

"New Works" Exhibit: the Artists' Atelier Gallery, 1144 Walker Road, Suite G, Great Falls, VA. Open Wednesdays and Saturdays, noon to 4pm through May 31. On view in the gallery: "Ballerinas I," "Ballerinas II" and "Red Pillow." 

A Little Time at Kidwell Farm

"Grass Lunch"painting start, oil, 18"h x 24"w, copyright Jill Banks 2013

Today's Landscape class was spent at the Great Falls Village Centre ... a familiar spot made all the better with nine easels set up on the green. I know that these classes are challenging (for me, too) as students tackle painting outside with changing light, gnats, passersby. They are troopers.  The Village Centre is so generally quiet these days -- a function of high rents and very limited traffic.  But, today it seemed a little different.

Class Day at the Great Falls Village Centre

One of the questions I heard in passing is what was interesting to paint there? I know many scenes that would draw my attention. One was the smoker outside Cannon's Seafood. Another was the cell tower down the lane of the pretty quaint, not so modern main square. All of the buildings in the center cast beautiful shadows. I like peeking around one, seeing another.

 The point is that there is always something interesting, even in the very familiar.

Teaching made me want to paint ... plein air ... somewhere. Hunger and a purse left at home made me leave the Village Centre.

My end destination was Kidwell Farm, where almost all the animals were in hiding. I found them in the barn -- lots of moms with lots of kids  -- but I chose (out of necessity) to paint the few cows that roamed the fields.

This is about an hour of painting two very non-posing cows. Good thing they didn't charge model fees.

"Ballerinas I" on view at the Atelier Gallery in May

Web: www.jillbanks.com
Blog: jillbanks.blogspot.com
100 Faces in 100 Days Project
Email
Phone: 703.403.7435

Events
Women Painters of the Southeast Juried Members Exhibit and Sale
Imagine Gallery, 230 Franklin Road, Franklin, TN 37064
"Sunflowers in the Studio II" juried into the exhibit that runs April 19 to May 20.

"New Works" Exhibit: the Artists' Atelier Gallery, 1144 Walker Road, Suite G, Great Falls, VA. Open Wednesdays and Saturdays, noon to 4pm through May 31. On view in the gallery: "Ballerinas I," "Ballerinas II" and "Red Pillow." 

Good Business, Great People, Portrait Unveiling

The Brown Portrait: Unveiled

35 years ago, at the age of 50, Lou Brown broached the subject of opening up a new business with his wife, Carolyn. Taking on this new venture included his taking early retirement, negotiating to convert those funds to a lump sum, cashing in their life insurance policy, selling the cars, selling their house and putting all that on the line for this dream.  Oh, and at that point they had two kids in college and two more to go.  Home would be a small, sounds like not too nice, apartment.  And, Carolyn said yes. Talk about a leap of faith and an American dream.

Nothing good comes easily. API Plastics -- Lou and Carolyn's venture would require countless sacrifices, lots of work, lots and lots of perseverence, lots of talented and committed employees, suppliers, and loyal customers to survive, and even more of all of those to succeed.

Lou Brown, Dad (Ken Johnson), Oscar Haynes next to the portrait after the unveiling at API Plastics

I've founded a company myself. Actually at this point, I should say two -- since art is my second career, second business. Both of my businesses have been difficult (is there one that isn't?) and it makes me appreciate even more what these two have achieved -- humbly, honestly, fairly, thankfully. Survival in business is an almost insurmountable goal.  API Plastics has succeeded in providing opportunities for the Brown family, employees, suppliers while helping clients, community and giving back in so many ways. 

This past Saturday, April 27, the company celebrated its 35th anniversary, honored Lou and Carolyn Brown and all the people who have helped shape its success with a great party on the plant floor in Huntsville, Alabama.  We also pulled the white sheet off my portrait of Lou and Carolyn to unveil it to a very friendly crowd.  Sometime soon, that painting will be hanging in the lobby of the business they envisioned so many years ago.

Getting to know Lou and Carolyn -- and now the rest of their family and many friends -- has been such an honor. To know them truly is to love (and admire) them.  Somehow, too, they manage to make you feel like you're kin.

Oscar Haynes -- wife of my parents' pastor Joan Bell-Haynes, model for my portrait class, family friend and one of my 100 Faces -- is who introduced this pair to me.  He was part of the Virginia contingent (including me, Randy, my parents) that flew to Huntsville for the weekend.  That same group -- plus Joan -- enjoyed lots of fun together last summer when Lou and Carolyn came up to spend eight days sitting on my living room couch while their portrait was painted.

Today the company is led by Lou and Carolyn's son, Steve Brown.  He (Steve) mentioned that his dad and he are tremendously alike. I could tell. He's thankful for all that he's been given. Works to pay it forward. Appreciates and acknowledges the work of good people.

In one of Lou's conversations with me, he talked about speaking with Steve on setting up a foundation. Again, the two were on the same page. They wanted to provide well for the family, employees, customers, suppliers, and charities they believed in. Enough was enough for themselves.

It was funny to be singled out -- to stand up and speak at the unveiling.  Lou introduced me, Randy, my parents and Oscar as special guests. Everyone there was special.

Thank you, all!

Web: www.jillbanks.com
Blog: jillbanks.blogspot.com
100 Faces in 100 Days Project
Email
Phone: 703.403.7435

Events
Women Painters of the Southeast Juried Members Exhibit and Sale
Imagine Gallery, 230 Franklin Road, Franklin, TN 37064
"Sunflowers in the Studio II" juried into the exhibit that runs April 19 to May 20.

"Windows and Doors" Exhibit: the Artists' Atelier Gallery, 1144 Walker Road, Suite G, Great Falls, VA. Open Wednesdays and Saturdays, noon to 4pm through April 30. On view in the gallery: "Red Church Doors," "Spanish Steps" and "Pie in the Sky Pizzeria."

Web: www.jillbanks.com
Blog: jillbanks.blogspot.com
100 Faces in 100 Days Project
Email
Phone: 703.403.7435

Events
Women Painters of the Southeast Juried Members Exhibit and Sale
Imagine Gallery, 230 Franklin Road, Franklin, TN 37064
"Sunflowers in the Studio II" juried into the exhibit that runs April 19 to May 20.

"Windows and Doors" Exhibit: the Artists' Atelier Gallery, 1144 Walker Road, Suite G, Great Falls, VA. Open Wednesdays and Saturdays, noon to 4pm through April 30. On view in the gallery: "Red Church Doors," "Spanish Steps" and "Pie in the Sky Pizzeria."