Two Paintings Accepted into the 7th Biennial National Exhibition!

Good news! Two of my paintings, "Italian Men" and "Livia" were accepted into the 7th Biennial National Exhibition being held at the Visual Arts Center in Punta Gorda, Florida February 8 through March 12, 2010. I always think the stats are interesting, and am happy when the exhibit organizers share them. Over 720 pieces were entered from 31 states and three countries. 138 were accepted. Each entrant could submit up to three pieces. I submitted two.

The juror who selected the accepted work, who I also believe will be the awarding juror (works will be judged on February 3 live) is Peter Trippi, president of Projects in 19th Century Art, Inc. and editor of Fine Art Connoisseur Magazine. Prior to that, he spent 3 years as Director of New York's Dahesh Museum of Art. That's the institution that just republished the Charles Bargue book of plates that I received as a Christmas present. Cool.

I'm really proud of both of these paintings ... yea!

There's still time to sign up for my Portrait and Figure Painting class, Still Life painting class, and "Mastering the Business of Art" workshop (next Wednesday and Thursday, 5-8pm). Classes are held through the Great Falls School of Art at 1144 Walker Road, Suite D, Great Falls, VA. Get more info on classes and how to register on my web site: www.jillbanks.com.

"Italian Men", 24"h x 18"w, oil on panel, copyright Jill Banks 2008.
"Livia", 36"h x 30"w, oil on linen, copyright Jill Banks 2008.

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

Thinking About "Tranquility" and Planning The Year Ahead

Today I'm reviewing the materials for my "Mastering the Business of Art" workshop that I'll be teaching next week (Wednesday and Thursday, January 6&7, 5pm-8pm both nights) through the Great Falls School of Art. You can still register. Get more information about it and my Winter classes on my web site: www.jillbanks.com, go to the Classes page.) Reviewing the materials has sent me off on all sorts of tangents ... good ones, but tangents nonetheless. One tangent it didn't take me on was painting (unfortunately) ... but taking time away from painting to take care of this "business stuff" is instrumental in keeping me painting and improving as an artist.

One of my goals for 2010 is to create paintings that are apt to win awards in competitive National shows. I've placed at a finalist in many National competitions (including Artist's Magazine's Annual Art Competition), been juried into these competitive exhibits regularly and did win the Casey Memorial Award at the Catharine Lorillard Wolfe Art Club's National Exhibition. I'm happy about all those achievements -- but I always work toward something better. I'm constantly assessing where I'm at today vis-a-vis the Best of Show winners and seeing how I can improve. I plan on taking one of those Best of Shows home. (More would be okay, too.) What I'm happiest about is that in this quest -- which is really all about becoming a better and better painter -- I know my work is getting better and better.

I love the works I have in progress and recently finished paintings. (I love older ones, too -- but see a positive progression made each year.) One of those apt-to-be award winners is "Tranquility", shown here. It is still a work in progress -- to be finished in the next week or so. This painting just glows. It's also a reminder for me about what I most want to paint in 2010. Portraits, figures, people ... painted from life ... of models I hire just for me or patient friends and family who have some time on their hands.

Now, I'm going back to work on my workshop.

"Tranquility" work in progress, 30"h x 24"w, oil on linen, copyright Jill Banks 2009.

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

Last Night's Drawings: Poinsettia and a Bargue Plate

One of my Christmas presents was a book "Drawing Course" by Charles Bargue (1826/7-1883) with the collaboration of Jean-Leon Gerome, a new printing sponsored by the Dahesh Museum of Art. The book consists of 197 lithographic plates that were copied or drawn on stone by Bargue. Robert Liberace, my teacher at the Art League, regularly recommended the book for drawing practice. When I took classes there, the book was out of print and incredibly expensive ... so it was exciting to have it available again... affordably.

Other presents for Christmas and my December birthday were also art-related. One was an easel -- to accommodate the portrait commission I'm working on. Another was a book by David Leffel "An Artist Teaches" which I'm currently reading and pondering. Even clothing gifts were geared to art -- so I look okay at art functions. It's a life obsessed.

My drawing of the hand is from Bargue's plate I, 16. I haven't done much reading yet ... but the plate made a ready model. Those are hard to come by around 11pm at night.

My second drawing was really my first for the evening. The white poinsettia was available to model at around 9:30pm. No complaints. Kept still.

Today I'm working on a portrait commission ... painting.

"Bargue's Plate I, 16, After Bargue", graphite and graphite wash, approximately 6"h x  4"w, Jill Banks 2009.

"White Poinsettia", sketch and wash graphite pencils with wash, approximtely 11"h x 8'w, copyright Jill Banks 2009.

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

Painting Lemons Today ... "Sunflowers, Lemons and the Blue Teakettle" Continues

Holiday celebrations continue ... but that didn't keep me from diving into paint today. I've worked on "Sunflowers, Lemons and the Blue Teakettle" for a few additional days since last peek.

A few ideas have been running through my head while I've been painting it. Such as, why haven't I been painting the snow that's been piled up outside? Instead, I enjoyed a few snow days -- a reprieve from any thoughts of mall-shopping to get large, focused blocks of time to paint on two ongoing projects -- "Sunflowers, Lemons and the Blue Teakettle" and a portrait commission.

My paintings have undergone a transformation lately. I see it in this, soon to be finished painting, and in "Tranquility" which I will also be finishing up shortly. There's a sense of calm, peacefulness, air about them. Funny how these canvases describe exactly my mindset while painting them. It affects the way I see what's right in front of me ... and all the choices that direct my brush.

Right in the midst of a bustling holiday season, I find some cherished quiet time. I hope you did, too.

Happy Holidays!

Jill

"Sunflowers, Lemons and the Blue Teakettle" work in progress, oil on linen, 30"h x 24"w, copyright Jill Banks 2009.

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

Sign Up For Winter 2010 Classes and Workshops

I keep getting these emails about great last-minute Christmas gift ideas. So, here's my idea for you and/or the artist in your life. Registration is going on now for Winter classes and workshop at the Great Falls School of Art -- where I teach. I'm offering three for this term. See my web site (www.jillbanks.com) for more information on those classes, supply lists and a registration form. Class size is limited. Registrations are rolling in. Any questions? Email me at jillbanks1@aol.com. There are also other great workshops and classes being offered by other instructors. You can download the whole bulletin and registration form at the Great Falls Foundation for the Arts (GFFFTA) web site.

School Address: 1144 Walker Road, Suite D, Great Falls, VA 22066 (physical, not mailing address -- see below for registration mailing address.)

To register, complete the registration form (you can download all the course listings and registration form at www.greatfallsfoundationforarts.org or print the registration form on my site and mail with full payment to : Great Falls Foundation for the Art, Inc., c/o Terri Parent, 325 Sinegar Place, Great Falls, VA 22066. Questions? Contact school registrar Terri Parent, 703-433-5358 or terrikate@aol.com


NEW CLASS! 

Portrait and Figure Painting in Oils – Jill Banks
This course covers the basic elements of painting the portrait and figure: composition, mood, gesture, form, structure and features. Emphasis is placed on creating sound and compelling paintings as well as achieving a likeness. Beginning students will work in grisaille – concentrating on accurate values and form. Intermediate and more advanced students will learn how to paint beautiful skin tones through color studies and to place the figure in space. For information on the instructor, see Jill’s blog at http://jillbanks.blogspot.com or www.jillbanks.com. Model fees are extra and are to be paid directly to the instructor the first day of class. Nude and clothed models. See my supply list. For real beginners (new to oil painting or with limited drawing experience), I suggest taking my still life painting class for a few sessions before taking this class.

Mondays, Jan. 11-Mar. 8, 10am-2pm  $400 plus model fee (model fee to be paid directly to the instructor)
Registration Form


Still Life Painting in Oils– Jill Banks
Still life provides a great tool to hone skills. Students of all levels welcome.  Beginners will learn the fundamentals including laying in lights/darks (grisaille), color, materials and form.  More advanced students will apply skills to increasingly complex subject matter, refine color and produce finished paintings, learn to see as artists, simplify forms into abstract shapes and how to construct compositions. Information on the instructor can be found at www.jillbanks.com and on her blog at http://jillbanks.blogspot.com. See my supply list.

Tuesdays, Jan. 12-Mar. 9, 11:00am-3:00pm
$400 plus materials fee (materials fee paid directly to instructor)
Registration Form


GREAT WORKSHOP -- OFFERED ONCE A YEAR!
Mastering the Business of Art - Jill Banks

Creating a successful art career requires more than just creating appealing art. This two-day workshop covers the fundamentals of planning, establishing and running a career as a professional artist. Topics include goal setting, studio setup, purchasing, pricing your work, exhibiting, selling, applying for grants, taxes, setting up merchant accounts, marketing, add-on products and branding, promotions, publicity, approaching galleries, establishing name recognition, handling commissions, inventory control and more. The instructor started taking classes in 2003 – and in a little over six years has successfully built a rewarding art career through sales, commissions, recognition, awards, a grant, gallery representation and teaching. The business of art is challenging and rewarding – and conquering it lets us do more of what we love to do! A workbook is included (for a $10 fee paid directly to me). Information on the instructor can be found at: www.jillbanks.com and on her blog at http://jillbanks.blogspot.com. This popular workshop is held once a year. Don’t miss it.

Wednesday and Thursday, January 6 and 7, 5pm-8pm
$95 per person + $10 booklet fee (booklet fee payable directly to instructor)
Registration Form

Shown above: "Livia", oil on linen, 36"h x 30"w, copyright Jill Banks 2008.

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

Home Studio Open House ... So Terrific

About two weeks ago, I had this perhaps not novel, yet "bright" idea. Why not take advantage of still being in my beautiful home (that husband Randy built) ... that's on the market ... and host an open house for collectors and students to show my artwork in a home setting (where most of my artwork ends up)? Previously, whenever a collector's seen my work, it's been in the studio space I happily share with 15 other artists at the Artists' Atelier (1144 Walker Road, Suites D&G, Great Falls, VA). Or they've seen it in group shows. Or maybe in solo shows but in settings that don't give them a feel for what it would be like to live with my art.

I've got a lot of art. I have a lot of great collectors and supporters. This seemed a prime opportunity to thank them, and use every wall in the house for a very special private solo show.

My invitation said that my house would be filled from top to bottom with my art and Christmas decorations to boot. That required quite a bit of imagination, maybe hallucination, at the time the invitations went out. My dad stopped in each of the last four or five days leading up to the event ... and truly questioned my sanity and progress. Husband Randy was toiling away for days framing ... something short of a gadzillion paintings. He was definitely grumpy. Yet, I watched painting after painting get transformed with new frames.

We took down all the other art throughout the house. This event was sort of "all about me." I hope that sounds okay. I did tell guests that this isn't how the house usually looks. I like sharing the walls with other artists' work. Just not for this party.

My mom and dad, Randy and I worked like crazy leading up to the first doorbell ringing at 3pm (the start of the Open House) through the 8pm end of the Open House. It was SO much fun! It was a great thank you for the students and collectors who have helped make this such a successful year for me. Nine of my pieces sold. Students signed up for classes on the spot. (See my web site, classes page if you're interested in signing up for January classes and workshops.) Guests seemed to thoroughly enjoy themselves. They saw a lot of the objects found in my paintings. Students saw where I collect all the objects they "get to" paint in my Still Life classes. The stuff I torture them with.

I had 126 original pieces of finished art on display... with almost all of it for sale. That quantity astonished me. That's a lot of pieces, especially considering I carefully edited what went on display. I had to be happy with each and every work. Included in the "exhibit" were two Best of Show winners, two Honorable Mention winners, a finalist in Artist's Magazine's annual competition, and works that had been juried into National competitions (Salmagundi Club's annual, American Artists Professional League's Grand National), etc. I definitely brought my A-game.

The house did look great. We were able to answer the 3pm doorbell. Just barely. My parents were absolutely unbelievable in every way imaginable ... helping decorate, loaning their elves for my chandeliers (see earlier post) for the evening, fixing food and drinks, socializing, welcoming ... everything! Thanks Mom and Dad!

I'll have to update my web site to reflect yesterday's sales but gone to new homes are "Family Ties" (tomatoes), "Peppermint Stick and Pencil", "Me O' My Donut", "Cock-a-Doodle", "Hershey's Kiss", "After Prud'hon", "Apple Day" and two giclees of my Inn at Little Washington paintings. Thank you collectors! Your support means the world to me.

I didn't take any photos during the party because, let's just say, I was distracted. So, these photos are of the day after. Not quite as party-like, but nice.

If you would like to be added to my list, should I decide to throw another party like this ... email me at jillbanks1@aol.com. If you're interested in being alerted to new posts on this blog, you can subscribe to the left.

Thank you to all!

"Family Ties", 10"h x 8"w, oil on linen (shown above) is one of the nine paintings that headed off to a new home. Copyright Jill Banks 2009.

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

"Lemons, Sunflowers and the Blue Teakettle" Painting and the Holiday Show

 Ho! Ho! Ho!

A Quick Post ... before I pack up paintings/drawings et al for this weekend's Great Falls Studios Annual Holiday Sale being held at the Colvin Run Historic Schoolhouse, 10201 Colvin Run Road, Great Falls, VA 22066, 10am-5pm both Saturday and Sunday, December 12 and 13. I'm joining 19 other artists in this quaint, time-capsule-like space for what has become a true Great Falls VA tradition. Come visit. It's where I do the majority of my Christmas shopping. I have clients, too, that have bought paintings, their major gifts for close family members from me... at this show.

I'm making some good progress on my "Lemons, Sunflowers and the Blue Teakettle" painting. I have five paintings I'd like to finish, put final touches on before a major art event next week. I do realize that's totally unrealistic. Priorities, priorities.

I'm in the Christmas spirit ... probably because I'm planning on doing my shopping this weekend at the schoolhouse. It's low-key, low-stress, merry, fun.

"Lemons, Sunflowers and the Blue Teakettle" work in progress, 30"h x 24"w, copyright Jill Banks 2009.

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

Elf Drawing: Christmas Spirit is in the Air

I just completed this drawing destined for the front of my parents' Christmas 2009 card. I've been in charge of their Christmas card cover since I was twelve. (That's quite awhile.) Do you think that this yearly ritual was part of a plot to steer me toward a career in fine arts? If so, I'm glad it worked. I like this life.

When I was first creating art for my mom and dad's card, the card would be readied for printing by the art director at the company my dad worked for. I forget what I drew for the first one ... but whatever it was, the art director placed it on top of a house (that I didn't draw) and added snowflakes (ditto). I was horrified. Each year from then on, I spent a lot of time worrying what special touches would be added to my artwork. I took ownership of what I did right from the get-go. I'm friendly, really nice actually, until you start messing with my art.

For this year's card, I drew one of the elves that my dad perched up on their dining room chandelier. My mom and dad's condo looks more like a winter wonderland than the North Pole in your wildest imagination. Every year, my dad constructs a whole village with a neighborhood of people of all ages playing in the snow beneath a beautifully decorated tree. Plus, there's a train. Of course.

Still, my favorite parts of this enchanted winter wonderland are the decorations on the dining room chandelier. I'm completely mesmerized by them. Maybe I think everyone should spend some time up on a chandelier. The height offers a fresh perspective. This elf appears to be giving a speech about how great it is up there.

The spirit of Christmas is in the air.

The drawing is done in graphite, red pastel and charcoal pencils on Bristol paper. See more of my drawings on my web site: www.jillbanks.com in the gallery section and throughout this blog.

"The Elf and the Chandelier", graphite, red pastel and charcoal pencils, 8.5"h x 5.5"w, copyright Jill Banks 2009.

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

Happy Portrait Delivery and First Friday at the Artists' Atelier Tonight

I've fallen behind in blogging land ... but hopefully will catch up. Quick Note: First Friday at the Artists' Atelier, the studio I share with 15 other artists, is tonight, December 4, 7-9pm at 1144 Walker Road, Suites D&G, Great Falls, VA 22066. There's a new show of Small Works by Great Falls Studios artists hanging in the GFFFTA (Great Falls Foundation for the Arts) gallery.

Now, onto the real news. Last Sunday, I received a great email and pictures from one of my commission clients. They had commissioned me to paint a portrait of John's parents ... to be presented as a (surprise) gift to his mom when the family gathered over Thanksgiving. A beautiful gift, to be sure!

Portrait deliveries are special days. I love to watch/experience the reactions of the recipients. Since this one was being presented at a family gathering in Florida (I live in McLean, VA), I wasn't there to witness it. But, my kind client was sure to take some pictures to help me share the moment. She captured a pretty wonderful reaction and happy presenters.

And here's the note that I received along with the pics:

She LOVES it. And so does everybody else. Just beautiful likenesses, beautiful painting. "How does she do it!" You have a family of new fans.

Painting portraits is hard, but rewarding work. I love the process of getting to know the subjects -- sometimes in person, sometimes through the words and emotions of the person who is introducing me to my subjects. John's dad had passed away, and I've never met his mom, but got to know them both through pictures and stories -- as told by John.

So, happily, this portrait was another success story. Yea!!! I know it's touched many lives and for that I am grateful.

I'm working on another portrait commission in my home studio ... to keep it under wraps until its official delivery. This one's going to keep me very busy for quite awhile. It's exciting, though!

For more information on commissioning a portrait, take a look at my web site's commission page and gallery pages for more examples of my portrait work. Or, give me a call at 703.403.7435.

Photos, top to bottom:
"Simms Portrait", oil on linen, approx. 39"h x 30"w, copyright Jill Banks 2009; John's Mom seeing the portrait for the first time; and Jack and John setting up the portrait for the surprise.

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

Another Face Painting Day: More Work on Tranquility

Quick post. I'm off to NYC tomorrow morning early to get to the reception for the Allied Artists of America show at the National Arts Club.

I spent another five hours today ... mainly working on the model's face. See the rest of the painting and its progression on yesterday's "Face Painting" post.

Closeup of "Tranquility" work in progress (day 7), 30"h x 24"w, oil on linen, copyright Jill Banks 2009.

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

Face Painting Today

Today, I decided to continue working on "Tranquility" -- a figure painting that I've been working on "live" up until today's session. I worked exclusively on the model's face ... well, almost exclusively ... since I had to rework the background a little to achieve better edges on her hair and cheek. I'm not completely satisfied yet, but I did make some good progress. The photo I took doesn't do it justice. It's tough to get a decent photo with sopping wet paint.

Check out my progress on this painting with these earlier posts:
 Sooo... Much Fun Painting Today (Day 1)
Painting a Model at the Artists' Atelier, Day 3
Day 4 for "Tranquility"
Day 5: Wet Paint and Model Day at the Atelier

Lots to do. Lots to do.

Close-up of "Tranquility" work in progress, 30"h x 24"w, oil on linen, copyright Jill Banks 2009.

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

My Latest Lemon Painting

 Happy Belated Thanksgiving!

Yesterday, the Thanksgiving feast was at our house but cooking the turkey and sweet potatoes  and anticipating guests didn't stop me from continuing work on the latest of paintings of lemons. My Dad stopped by earlier in the day to drop off flower arrangements and I think he was surprised to find the kitchen still a mess ... with an easel blocking the walkway ... and me happily painting away. Dinner was ready on time and the "hostess" (me) was much cheerier since the day wasn't all about cooking.

I did think about writing the blog yesterday with a photo of my kitchen setup and a title of "What's Cooking in My Kitchen" -- but I didn't really have time to spare.

This is a work in progress. It will be a challenge to tackle the granite countertops. Hmmm.

I'd like to do a series of interiors inside my house (first) and then other interesting places where I can setup and paint onsite. This still life was going to be my first interior but the flowers and lemons just didn't seem comfortable playing second fiddle to a room.

I've created plenty of paintings of lemons and sunflowers. (See my web site gallery pages: still life section for more examples.) Not sure they've ever appeared together before. Now the sunflower season has truly ended.

Registration for my January workshop (Mastering the Business of Art) and classes (Portrait and Figure Painting in Oils, Still Life Painting in Oils) at the Great Falls School of Art is going on now. See my earlier blog post about classes or go to my web site www.jillbanks.com and click on classes for more information.

Be sure to see my solo exhibit at Maison du Vin in Great Falls, VA and Market Cellars in Reston, VA. The Maison du Vin show comes down December 14.

"Lemons, Sunflowers and the Blue Teakettle" work in progress, 30"h x 24"w, copyright Jill Banks 2009.

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

New Exhibit: Art and Wine at Market Cellars in the Reston Town Center

"Black&White and Red All Over" -- my solo exhibit that runs through December 14 at Maison du Vin, a fantastic wine store in Great Falls, VA -- now has an annex. I just hung six pieces at Market Cellars, a Maison du Vin company,  at the Reston Town Center (near the Hyatt on Market Street). I may find a spot for one more -- just need to figure out what piece or maybe even paint a new one.

The pieces I put into Market Cellars include some appropriate holiday gifts ... just in time for Black Friday.  There you'll find "Standing By", "Nautilus", "Pear of Lovers", "Rodin's Lady Sackville-West" and two of my dwindling stock of restaurant series paintings -- "Like Husband, Like Wife" and "Friends in Florence".

Be sure to check out both locations. I have thirteen original paintings and drawings at Maison du Vin (756 Walker Road, Suite D, Great Falls, VA, 703-759-9880, Hours: Monday-Friday, 11am-8pm; Saturday, 10am-7pm; Sunday, noon-5pm). On Saturday, November 28, stop in from 1-5pm for complimentary World Tour Wine Tasting with Elite Wines (tell them I sent you). Or December 5, 1-5pm for Wines for Gifts and Holiday Celebrations (wine tasting).

Market Cellars is located at 11873 Market Street, Reston, VA 20190. 703-437-9463. I believe their hours are 11am-8pm, Monday through Saturday and Sundays from noon to 5pm.

"Standing By", oil on linen-lined board, 12"h x 9"w, copyright Jill Banks 2009. Other photos of Market Cellars and my exhibit there.

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

Art Night Out! A HUGE Success!

I get the distinct impression that Art Night Out!, the annual gala fundraising event of the Great Falls Foundation for the Arts is truly the "party of the year." Tons of chocolate, great wine, art supporters, artists and art enthusiasts, beautiful setting in the Artists' Atelier (the studio I share with 15 other artists at 1144 Walker Road, Suites D&G, Great Falls, VA), a silent auction, strawberries, cappucino, fun conversations -- were all part of the mix making this the place to be this past Friday night, November 20.

Anjanette Murphy was the event chairperson. Her committee team were like magic elves -- transforming our studio space, hanging the show for the silent auction, bringing in incredible food, catering, and drinks and inviting and bringing in a fantastic crowd. I don't know how many people were there -- but I don't think we could have fit in one more person. It was packed!

All three of the pieces I donated to the auction went to new homes. Yea! That means I sold my third (out of three) "Bellydancer" painting -- so it's time to start thinking about the fourth. I also sold my "Town Center Fountain" ink wash drawing. I love showing my drawings and paintings together ... they represent the two "sides" of me.  The drawings also offer people an opportunity to collect my work at an affordable price -- and they still get to own a beautiful original piece.

I can't wait 'til next year! Thanks to everyone who bought tickets, bought art, contributed work or food and drink, worked on the event or sponsored it. What a great success!

The photos from top to bottom: The buffet table pre-guests, my mom and dad (Ken and Shonnie Johnson) taking a chocolate tour around the world, signs of an animated evening, Randy and me in my downstairs studio/gallery space (I have space upstairs and downstairs) - photo taken by friend and fellow artist Adrienne Kralick, and a view of the party through the strawberries.

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

Visiting Some Sargents and the Curious Habits of Artists

If you're looking for course listings for the Great Falls School of Art, please see yesterday's post.

On Thursday, I visited the Corcoran's "Sargent and the Sea" exhibit with friends from the Art League. I got there a bit early (they open at 10am) and up the stairs comes Linda Lawler (another artist friend) with her student on an field trip. Lucky coincidence. Then, Linda Wharton (an artist friend who went with me to many workshops in Philadelphia, Easton, Florence (Italy) and Venice (Italy)) arrived. Linda' s the one who invited me there. We met up with Lena and Diane, fellow students from Rob Liberace's class. Once in the gallery, a woman who had come and visited my studio with the Great Falls Newcomers group said hello. She was there with the McLean Newcomers group. Later I'm sketching outside of the exhibit and in walks fellow studiomate, Heidi Mraz. Next in was Diane Falconer (former studiomate) and Joy Jacobsen (still life student). Funny day that definitely reminded me what great friends I've made through my art pursuits.

The Curious Habits of Artists is something I observed at the Corcoran. The Sargent exhibit isn't huge, but I believe we were in there for three and a half hours. Diane and Lena were the main culprits, discussing every inch of every painting. It was fun and informative and funny. I took a few photos in the permanent exhibit (you can't take photos in the special exhibit).

I was examining the paintings and drawings pretty closely myself. Even though John Singer Sargent (1856–1925) grew weary of painting portraits by the end of his career, his portraits are drop-dead gorgeous. My focus was on his brushstrokes, a pearl necklace  (since I just painted a portrait with one), fingers (he is a master of expressive hands) and textures in clothing. I've also included some of the crazy photos I took for my own reference (not for this blog). This gives you a pretty good idea that I have some curious habits of my own. Photos are various views of Sargent's portrait of Margaret Stuyvesant Rutherfurd White (Mrs. Henry White), 1883, oil on canvas, Gift of John Campbell White, 49.4. They are part of the "John Singer Sargent in the Corcoran Collection" exhibit that runs concurrently with the "Sargent and the Sea" exhibit. Both continue until January 3, 2010.

What a great, fun, inspiring day.

The only negative was that I had planned to also view the French drawing exhibit at the National Gallery but ended up missing it. Once we finished lunch and made it to the French drawing exhibit, I realized that I had lost my parking lot (valet) ticket. Since that ticket entitled the recipient to my car and its contents, I left my art buddies to go claim my car. So, I'll have to find another day for my French drawing inspiration. Soon.

Take a look, too, at my web site: www.jillbanks.com. I just added class information and more paintings to the still life gallery (added today) -- including "Fruit and Wine" (my painting of a market in Burano, Italy), "Peonies", "Sunflowers and Gladioli" and "Arance, Oranges", my painting of a Florence, Italy market that is currently hanging in the Allied Artists of America's 96th Annual Exhibition at the National Arts Club in Gramercy Park, NYC. I'll be attending the reception there this coming Sunday, November 29. I'm excited about it!

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

Winter 2010 Classes at the Great Falls School of Art

I've been putting together the new bulletin for the Great Falls School of Art, where I teach ... and figured that this is the perfect opportunity to give you the first peek at this January's offerings. I'll be teaching Monday and Tuesday day classes. See dates and times below. Also, I'm teaching a "Mastering the Business of Art" workshop on January 6 and 7. This is offered once a year. It earned rave reviews last year... and I know firsthand that it has had a major influence on those who attended the class. Registration begins immediately for all classes. I didn't list the teen and children's classes offered ... see the Great Falls Foundation for the Arts web site to download the entire bulletin. More info on my classes and a registration form and information can be found on my web site: www.jillbanks.com -- just updated!


The Great Falls School of Art is located at 1144 Walker Road, Suite D, Great Falls, VA 22066. Registration is going on now. I put a registration form and info on my web site here.


ADULT CLASSES 

NEW!

Portrait and Figure Painting in Oils – Jill Banks
This course covers the basic elements of painting the portrait and figure: composition, mood, gesture, form, structure and features. Emphasis is placed on creating sound and compelling paintings as well as achieving a likeness. Beginning students will work in grisaille – concentrating on accurate values and form. Intermediate and more advanced students will learn how to paint beautiful skin tones through color studies and to place the figure in space. A supply list is posted on Jill’s web site.  For information on the instructor, see Jill’s blog at http://jillbanks.blogspot.com or www.jillbanks.com. Model fees are extra and are to be paid directly to the instructor the first day of class. Nude and clothed models. A supply list will be posted on Jill’s web site.

Mondays, Jan. 11-Mar. 8, 10am-2pm  $400 plus model fee (model fee to be paid directly to the instructor)

Still Life Painting in Oils– Jill Banks
Still life provides a great tool to hone skills. Students of all levels welcome.  Beginners will learn the fundamentals including laying in lights/darks (grisaille), color, materials and form.  More advanced students will apply skills to increasingly complex subject matter, refine color and produce finished paintings, learn to see as artists, simplify forms into abstract shapes and how to construct compositions. Information on the instructor can be found at www.jillbanks.com and on her blog at http://jillbanks.blogspot.com. A supply list is posted on Jill’s web site.

Tuesdays, Jan. 12-Mar. 9, 11:00am-3:00pm
$400 plus materials fee (materials fee paid directly to instructor)


Traditional Oil Painting Techniques – All levels - Adrienne Kralick
This class is tailored to help each students at their own level whether beginner or advanced, with an emphasis on the concepts and painting techniques that can be learned from great paintings throughout history.  Beginning students will work on still life or photos chosen by the instructor to fit their skill level while advanced students work on paintings of their choosing.  Everyone benefits from the instructions given to others in the group. Information on the instructor can be found at www.adrienneartist.com.

Fridays, Jan. 8 – Mar. 19, 9:30am-12:30pm  $300 (no class on Jan. 29 or Feb. 12)
Sundays, Jan, 10 – Mar. 21, 1:00pm-4:00pm   $300 (no class on Jan. 31 or Feb. 14)


The Lives and Techniques of the World’s Most Famous Artists – Adrienne Kralick
A combination of hands-on painting and art history. Take home a different masterpiece from each five week session. Sessions will alternate between weekday and weekends to accommodate more students. If you can’t do one session, you can wait for the next. Session 1: Luminous Landscapes Like Monet – This class starts with a trip to a local museum to study Monet paintings up close; analyzing brushstroke, canvas, priming and colors used by this master of impressionism. Then, students will create a painting of their own home, garden or special scene with the luminous light and airy feeling of an 1870s Monet. During this course, students will learn about the artist and his life while completing his/her own masterpiece using Monet’s exact colors, canvas and techniques. Instructor will provide similar colors and canvas used by the artist. (Look for upcoming series: Vibrant Portraits Like Van Gogh and Stroke and Style of Mary Cassatt.)

Saturdays, 9:00pm-12:00pm, 5 weeks
Museum Trip: January 9; Painting Sessions: Jan. 23, Jan. 30, Feb. 6, Feb. 13.
$200 plus supply fee; supply fee paid directly to the instructor.


Figure Drawing, The Long Pose – Michela Mansuino
Drawing from the live nude model, this class will be structured around the long pose for three consecutive weeks at a time, allowing students to focus on learning anatomy and produce detailed, finished drawings.  Materials and techniques to be used are charcoal, red and white chalk and pen and ink on paper.  Supply list will be posted.

Tuesdays, Jan. 12-Mar. 9, 6:00pm-9:00pm
$300 plus model fees


Drawing/Painting from the Plaster Cast – Michela Mansuino
In the French academies of the not-so-distant past, students were encouraged to paint from plaster casts that were replicas of sculptures.  The instruction was designed for students to build confidence in the handling of oil paint.  We will recreate the lesson.  Each student will work from an individually set up and lighted white plaster cast of a part of the human figure.  We will focus on edges, proportion and value using just three colors on an oil painting ground.  The student will stay with the same cast for 9 weeks and will be expected to produce a finished, highly polished study which can then be used as a measure of success.  Supply list will be posted.

Drawing Class: Wednesdays, Jan. 13-Mar. 10, 10am-2pm  $300
Painting Class:  Wednesdays, Jan. 13-Mar. 10, 3:00pm-6:00pm $300


Jewelry – Made in Metal I – JJ Singh
Discover the limitless possibilities of working with metal clay.  Made in Metal I will introduce the low firing formulation of PMC3 (Precious Metal Clay) and explore its properties.  Learn to cut, form, texture, paste, set stones, refine, fire and polish you fine silver designs into beautiful jewelry.  Projects may include earrings, bracelet, pendants and a ring.  Metal clay is a clay-like medium used to make jewelry, beads and small sculpture.  It consists of very small particles of precious metals (such as silver, gold or platinum) mixed with an organic binder and water.  Metal clay can be shaped just like any soft clay, by hand or using moulds.  After drying, it can be fired in a variety of ways including in a kiln, with a handheld gas torch or on a gas stove.  The binder burns away, leaving the pure, sintered metal. Six sessions.

Mondays, Jan. 25-Mar. 1, 10am-1pm, Maximum class size 8
$280 plus material fee $115 ($35 for personal tool kit which can be reused and $80 for PMC3 – 50g pack); materials fee paid directly to instructor.


Jewelry – Made in Metal II – JJ Singh
Prerequisite: Made in Metal I. Made in Metal II will continue to explore the properties of metal clay through the manipulation of paper clay, syringe clay and the original PMC+ formulation. Projects in this course will be more complex and intricate than the Level I course and will focus on the unique properties of PMC+.

Thursdays, Jan. 28-Mar. 4, 10am-1pm, Maximum class size 8. Six sessions.
$280 plus materials fee to be determined; materials fee paid directly to instructor.


WORKSHOPS
Great Workshop: Offered just once a year!
Mastering the Business of Art – Jill Banks
Creating a successful art career requires more than just creating appealing art. This two-day workshop covers the fundamentals of planning, establishing and running a career as a professional artist. Topics include goal setting, studio setup, purchasing, pricing your work, exhibiting, selling, applying for grants, taxes, setting up merchant accounts, marketing, add-on products and branding, promotions, publicity, approaching galleries, establishing name recognition, handling commissions, inventory control and more. The instructor started taking classes in 2003 – and in a little over six years has successfully built a rewarding art career through sales, commissions, recognition, awards, a grant, gallery representation and teaching. The business of art is challenging and rewarding – and conquering it lets us do more of what we love to do! A workbook is included. Information on the instructor can be found at: www.jillbanks.com and on her blog at http://jillbanks.blogspot.com. This popular workshop is held once a year. Don’t miss it.

Wednesday and Thursday, January 6 and 7, 5pm-8pm
$95 per person + $10 booklet fee (booklet fee payable directly to instructor)


Oil Color Mixing Workshop – Michela Mansuino
This workshop will be structured in four parts. Let’s spend the morning laying out the permanent palette in a professional way and making two-color combinations. I’ll pass out a template that you can use to mix up the combinations and that you will have as future reference pages. Some mixtures will become your favorites and some you will come back to time after time, as solutions for certain passages. We will then turn a few of the local colors into the four value ranges necessary to model the form from light to shadow. We will practice making the “pools” of value and saturation ranges and “walking” the brush to get those lovely halftones that describe the natural world around us. A supply list will be emailed upon registration.

Saturday, January 16, 10:00am-2:00pm $50

INSTRUCTOR CONTACT INFORMATION
Jill Banks                      703-403-7435           jillbanks1@aol.com            www.jillbanks.com and http://jillbanks.blogspot.com

Adrienne Kralick          571-437-5060             ajkralick@aol.com                www.adrienneartist.com
Michela Mansuino        571-263-7696          michelamansuino@yahoo.com
Deana Fernandez         703-798-9890           bromley_deana@hotmail.com
JJ Singh                        703-759-7068           jj@jjsinghjewelry.com        www.jjsinghjewelry.com


Sign UP!!! See the registration form on my web site for more information. See also www.greatfallsfoundationforarts.org to download the entire course bulletin.

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

"Nautilus" Painting Day Two and Keeping Inspired

Today, I returned to this painting I'd started in October. This was intended as a warm-up for some work I'm doing to finish up a portrait commission. The warm-up took awhile ... but it's a lazy, rainy, chilly Fall day ... that I've managed to spend enjoyably in my home studio.

My support for this painting is a linen-lined, oil-primed Raymar panel. It never works for me in one alla prima session as the paint just doesn't adhere properly at the beginning. It was easy, however, to work on it once that initial paint layer dried.  Much better!

I have plans ... within the next few weeks ... to start a number of new paintings at once. As my own "employer", I'm constantly re-charging and driving myself in new directions to keep developing as an artist. A key to keeping me happy (and productive) is variety, planning, and flexibility. Since I've been finishing a lot lately, I need the excitement, and change of pace, of starting new pieces. So, that's what I'll do ... armed with the inspiration of last weekend's trip to NYC. I'm even working in some additional inspiration next week ... with a trip into DC to see the Sargent and the Sea show at the Corcoran (on exhibit through January 3, 2010) and French Drawings at the National Gallery (through January 31, 2010). Can't wait!!!

"Nautilus" work in progress, 10"h x 8"w, oil on Raymar panel, copyright Jill Banks 2009.

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

Day 5: Wet Paint and Model Day at the Atelier

This painting may need a new name. Currently named "Tranquility," this is a work in progress on day five of the five scheduled model sessions at the Artists' Atelier (the studio I share with 15 other artists in Great Falls, VA). If it gets a new name, it may be "My Favorite Place" -- mentally, physically, spiritually. I simply love to paint. Let me paint from a live model ... in a situation where I have some control (i.e. pose, place, mood, apparel) ... and I just couldn't be happier. I spent three hours working on painting Liz while she was available, and the rest of the afternoon painting my surroundings in the studio, all by myself.

Randy and I went up to NYC this past weekend for the reception of the American Artists Professional League's Grand National where my "Sunflowers II" is on exhibit at the Salmagundi Club.  We stayed in Soho and had a terrific time walking around the city, taking in the lights and rhythms of the place. That exhibit continues until November 13.

We shipped "Arance, Oranges" to NYC last week for Allied Artists of America's Annual Exhibition which opens November 13 at the National Arts Club. We'll head back up there for a reception the Sunday after Thanksgiving. I can't wait. While traveling back and forth is a bit of a pain, I love just being in New York. And, I'm particularly excited to be one of the exhibitors in the Allied Artists show. This is my first time getting in to this competitive juried exhibit. (Yea!)

I also plan to go to Maison du Vin this Saturday ... where I have a solo show hanging. Every Saturday they have a special event and this one is a free wine tasting with Thanksgiving suggestions. Maybe someone will want to take home one of my paintings with a case of wine that day. You never know. Find out more about my exhibit there on my web site.

"Tranquility" day 5 work in progress, oil on linen, 30"h x 24"w, copyright Jill Banks 2009.

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

First Friday and Gala Silent Auction Preview

So, I definitely waited until the last minute to figure out what I was donating for the Great Falls Foundation for the Arts (GFFFTA) Gala's silent auction.  With a show going on now at Maison du Vin (a great wine shop in Great Falls, VA), I kept thinking about those paintings and drawings as candidates ... looking for them around my studio and finally going ... duh ... and realizing they were hanging out elsewhere.

I ended up putting in three. Anyone interested in these pieces should plan on attending the Gala (you need to purchase a ticket) which will take place on Friday, November 20, 7:30-10:00 at 1144 Walker Road, Suites D&G. Get more info at GFFFTA's web site. Many pieces of exceptional art have been donated and the starting bids are at 50% of retail prices. The artwork will be in the gallery to be previewed tomorrow, Friday, November 6, 7-9pm or Saturdays, noon-4pm or any time an artist is in. Funds raised will benefit the Great Falls School of Art (where I teach).

Here's my line-up:
"Chadwick's"
(Alexandria, VA)
Oil on Raymar panel
16"h x 20"w, framed in Omega gold frame
Retail Price: $1500
Opening Bid: $750
This painting was one of 12 finalists in Raymar’s Annual Art Competition, September 2006. See www.raymarart.com. The competition is stiff … with top American artists placing as finalists.

"Town Center Fountain"
(Reston, VA)
Jill Banks
Ink wash, pen & ink
12”h x 9”w (outer mat), framed in Omega black/gold frame
Retail Price: $295
Opening Bid: $147.50
A major part of creating art is about making choices. I love the simplicity of this piece. Ink wash is almost impossible to control and yet I managed to do just enough here.

"Bellydancer III"
Bellydancer III
Jill Banks
Oil
14”h x 11”w
Retail Price: $1200
Opening Bid: $600
Bellydancer III was juried into Salon International 2009, a project of the International Museum of Contemporary Masters, Greenhouse Gallery, San Antonio, TX.











I hope to see you at the Artists' Atelier tomorrow night for the preview. The Atelier is open the First Friday of every month, 7-9pm, 1144 Walker Road, Suites D&G, Great Falls, VA 22066.

Also, be sure to stop in to see my work in a new solo show "Black&White and Red All Over" in the tasting room at Maison du Vin. There are some great pieces there. Think about holiday gift giving. I'm planning on being there on Saturday, November 21, 1-5pm for a mini-reception in conjunction with Italian Wine Tasting from Bravo wines. Maison du Vin is located at: 756 Walker Road, Suite D, Great Falls, VA.

Also, "Sunflowers II" is in the American Artists Professional League's 81st Grand National at the Salmagundi Club, 47 Fifth Avenue, NYC through November 13. I'll be attending the reception and awards ceremony this Sunday, November 8, 2-5pm. Yea! I love New York.


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

"Michelle I" Finished and Day 4 for "Tranquility"

It was a good painting day today. This morning was day 4 for a live modeling session for the Artists' Atelier painters. (I share studio space with 15 other artists at the Artists' Atelier, 1144 Walker Road, Suites D&G, Great Falls, VA 22066.) I made a lot of progress on "Tranquility", working during the first few sittings on the model's face, then her leg and shoe and more on her outfit. I also started sketching in the background ... a scene from the studio.

Then, I finished up working on "Michelle I" -- a painting I started in preparation for the public demo I gave as part of my "On the Bright Side" solo show this summer. "Michelle I" is a portrait of Michelle Anonick, my son Sam's girlfriend. It's a fitting portrait -- I can see "her" in the painting -- and that's a good thing.  She's a natural beauty, inside and out.

This coming Friday, November 6, is First Friday at the Artists' Atelier (1144 Walker Road, Suites D&G, Great Falls, VA 22066), 7-9pm. Art donated for the Great Falls Foundation for the Arts Gala (November 20, 7:30-10pm, see the GFFFTA web site for more info) will be hanging in the gallery  and on our moveable walls. Come take a look and pick your favorites for silent auction on the 20th.

Then on Saturday, I'm off to NYC for a reception of the American Artists' Professional League's Grand National 2009 being held on Sunday at the Salmagundi Club, 47 Fifth Avenue in NYC, 2-5pm. My painting "Sunflowers II" was juried into that show that is on exhibit at this esteemed arts club from November 3 to November 13. So, I won't be in the Atelier for regular open hours this Saturday ... but you can still visit from noon-4pm.

"Tranquility" work in progress day 4, oil on linen, 30"h x 24"w, copyright Jill Banks 2009.
"Michelle I", oil on linen, 24"h x 18"w, copyright Jill Banks 2009

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

Painting a Model at the Artists' Atelier, Day 3

This is the third weekly session of painting alongside my fellow studiomates at the Artists' Atelier (1144 Walker Road, Suites D&G, Great Falls, VA). I spent most of the session on one hand and one foot. Then, in the last 20-minute sitting, I moved model Liz's head (on the canvas).  That was gutsy. It needs some finetuning, but that move fit the mood of the pose.

Coming up soon:
Husband Randy and I will be going up to New York City for the reception of the American Artists' Professional League's 81st Grand National 2009 exhibition being held at the Salmagundi Club at 47 Fifth Avenue on Sunday, November 8 from 2-5pm. My painting "Sunflowers II" was juried into that show that runs from November 3rd to 13th. The exhibition is open to the public, 1-5pm daily.

Friday, November 20, 7:30-10pm The Great Falls Foundation for the Arts holds its Gala to raise funds for the Great Falls School of Art (where I teach). Come celebrate the arts. Get more info on GFFFTA's web site. (You can preview the works available for the auction during First Friday at the Artists' Atelier, 7-9pm on Friday, November 6. )

Sunday, November 29, we'll head back to NYC for the reception of Allied Artists of America's Annual Exhibition being held at the National Arts Club (15 Gramercy Park South) that starts at 1pm. The exhibit runs from November 13 to December 1 and is open to the public noon-5pm daily. "Arance, Oranges", my latest market scene is the piece juried into that show.

"Tranquility" work in progress day three, oil on linen, 30"h x 24"w, copyright Jill Banks 2009.

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

Back to Michelle I and More on Life

My husband Randy's mom passed away peacefully yesterday morning. We're not mourning. We are celebrating her life. Randy and I brought together two beautiful families. That makes for a lot of lucky people. We've got each other.

I have been painting ... just not quite as much. Yesterday and today, I worked on "Michelle I", the painting I started this summer as practice for my public demo as part of my "On the Bright Side" solo show. I'm close to finished. I cherish every moment I get to paint. I need it.

I've also been working on a portrait commission and my Wednesday live model session painting, "Tranquility." I have big hopes for it and I really like the portrait.

I did ship "Sunflowers II' up to New York City yesterday for the American Artists Professional League's Grand National Exhibition being held at the Salmagundi Club.  That's one of two NYC shows I've been juried into for November. Since I knew it was accepted into the show, I've had it sitting on my family room mantel for the last few weeks. I miss it. It was extraordinary to live with. A spirit-lifter.

"Michelle I" work in progress, oil on linen, 24"h x 18"w, copyright Jill Banks 2009.

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

Life and Another Solo Show

Life as an artist is sometimes just life. The Banks family has been huddled together for the past week, supporting each other as we deal with the impending loss of my husband Randy's mom. These times are tougher though richer. Love and admiration grows deeper. Just when I thought I couldn't love Randy more, I found out I could. To see him with his Mom and Dad is truly beautiful.

I've been touched, too, by my sister-in-law Cindy who will do anything (sometimes seemingly wacky things) to make Randy's mom and those around her more comfortable. What a warm, caring individual she is. How lucky we are she's a part of our lives.

I've been in awe, too, of my son Sam -- who at 21 has the wisdom and maturity of a (wise) 80-year-old.  He's a kind soul who's ready to face anything he needs to in order to help. He lends a strong shoulder to lean on for us all.

We're extremely blessed.

In the midst of this huddling, life as an artist went on ... just not as intensely. Randy and I hung a new solo show "Black&White and Red All Over" on Monday at Maison Du Vin, a wonderful wine store in the Great Falls Village Centre (756 Walker Road, Suite D, Great Falls, VA 22066). I added a page today to my web site so you could see some of the pieces that are included in the exhibit. Go to the home page or follow this link for more info.

"The Toast" which usually hangs in my foyer is there for you to see. It's the second of many large-scale still lifes that my Dad set up for me. "The Toast", oil on linen, 40"h x 30"w, copyright Jill Banks 2006.

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

A Wonderful Weekend

Despite the ridiculously horrible weather, this past weekend's Great Falls Annual Art Studio Tour (put on by Great Falls Studios, a consortium of over 85 artists who live or work in Great Falls) was a roaring success. We (my studiomates and I at the Artists' Atelier, the studio I share with 15 other artists in Great Falls, VA) had a continuous crowd of regulars, first-time studio-goers, friends and family -- all so excited to be there. They came in out of the rain to see a warm, bustling, soaring-ceilinged space jam-packed with colorful, beautiful art. We worked so hard at setting it up ... and it showed.

The publicity for this event was phenomenal. Coverage in the Washington Post and Connection Newspapers plus having the 44 participating artists promoting the event ... really drove traffic.

If you missed it, don't next year. It's always bigger and better.

I enjoyed talking to other artists looking for inspiration, non-artists who thought that only people with natural talent can create art (wrong), people interested in classes (I teach), and lots of art enthusiasts of all ages.

I sold four paintings to four people with great taste.

My friends (paintings) that are now being enjoyed by others are:
"Rainy Day Market" - my postcard image from my "On the Bright Side" exhibit this summer at the Great Falls Library. Not only was this my husband's favorite painting (although he's glad I sold it), it also clearly was a bunch of other folks' favorite. I think that until someone else buys something you love, you can imagine owning it yourself. There's hope. I know that the few days this painting hung in my house, it lifted my spirits. It's extraordinary.
"Male Torso" - not an exciting title, but an absolutely beautiful painting. Also one of my favorites.
"The Celebration" - purchased for the glow of the lights and settings, and mystery of the scene.
"Four Square Donuts" - one of my miniatures. Dunkin' Donuts selections.

These sales in combination with sales of other favorites at MPA Artfest two weeks ago are cause for a few heart twangs, happiness that these collectors appreciate what I've painted, and renewed pressure to create new favorites. What a leap of faith that is.

I've pictured my friends here. Check out this blog and my web site to see if you want to own any of my other ones.

Paintings copyright Jill Banks 2008, 2009.

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