Great Falls Studios Spring Art Fair ... Come!

Today, I thanked a lot of people for coming to visit my studio for this weekend's Spring Art Fair event... and they thanked me back. I know they were enjoying themselves. Put me someplace where there's fine art to see and experience, and I'm as happy as I can possibly be. So, I get it.

Great Falls Studios has been holding a Spring Art Fair for years at the Colvin Run Historic Schoolhouse and I've participated in every one. This year, we broke the Fair into two locations with the second location being 1144 Walker Road, Suites D & G, Great Falls, VA ... home to my two studios, part of the Artists' Atelier, and I chose to stay in the Atelier for this event. Unfortunately, this year's event tested the tenacity of our fairgoers with a typo in the flyer that gave the wrong address for the Atelier, plus absolutely no signage for the Artists' Atelier. Our signage is for the Great Falls Foundation for the Arts (GFFFTA) and we are on two floors: 1144 Walker Road, Suites D & G. Please come and bring your art-loving and buying friends. We're open Sunday from 10am-5pm and the space is filled with art that will knock your socks off. The Artists' Atelier is beautiful, but it has never looked better.

While we didn't have tons of visitors today, it was quality over quantity. What a joy it is to talk about art and creative endeavors. It crosses age and experience barriers. I talked today to a 10-year-old girl who thoroughly understands and loves art. She talked about painting a still life that was similar to one of mine, and she knew why. Wow.

I received the above photo from Jack, one of my visitors. Jack and his wife, Paige, lived all over the world and talked about a good friend of theirs, Halinka, an artist, who painted a picture of their dog using the kids' crayons. I was definitely intrigued. Artists do things like that. Everything is possible, and no media is too humble. We just want to create.

He kindly emailed me this photo, a photo of the dog painting, and we became friends.

Now, for all of you who don't collect art, I want you to know that it's okay ... you can. Once, I didn't create art. Now I do. All you have to do is start. Everything is possible. You can live with something that will make your spirits rise every single day.

I hope to see you tomorrow at 1144 Walker Road, Suites D&G, Great Falls, VA 22066. Look for the blue balloons and the GFFFTA and art show signs.

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

The Tutu Portrait

This portrait was just given to the young girl depicted in the painting ... in honor of her 21st birthday. She's dancing with her big brother in "May I Have This Dance?", a painting commissioned by her mom.

I wrote a post about it back in January when I finished it ... but had to wait for the present to be presented to unveil it here. What a pleasure painting it and delivering it has been. What I loved about it is that the photo was tiny, a little blurry, a little grainy, etc. But all the caring between this brother and sister was there. The details weren't important.

I've had great emails back and forth with mom Sally since first delivering the painting. The latest was this one after her daughter received her present.

We had Sally's 21st birthday party in Charlottesville Saturday night. She absolutely flipped over the "tutu" portrait! It will go down in Simms history as one of the best gifts ever. Her guests were blown away ... Many thanks to you, talented friend!

"May I Have This Dance?", oil on Senso linen, 14"h x 11"w, copyright Jill Banks 2009.

For more information on commissioning a portrait, see my web site, www.jillbanks.com.

Come see my work and the work of 26 other artists this weekend for the Great Falls Studios Spring Art Festival. I'll be at 1144 Walker Road, Suites D (downstairs) and G (upstairs), Great Falls, VA from 10am-5pm both Saturday and Sunday.

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

"Beets and Orange" Painting Fresh Off the Easel

This one's five minutes off the easel. I set up the beets in a different arrangement (with different objects) for my Still Life class yesterday (offered through the Great Falls School of Art) and then moved them into my studio space to capture them before they wilted away. These are orange beets bought from Harris Teeter -- a grocery store with one of the wildest assortments of fruits and vegetables imaginable. This is my first painting of beets. It probably won't be my last.

I'll write a post about the Great Falls Art Fair I'm participating in this weekend a little later on. Right now, husband Randy's picking me up to take me to dinner. Off I go!

"Beets amd Orange", oil on Senso linen, 12"h x 12"w, copyright Jill Banks 2009.

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

New Great Falls Studios Art Show at the Conscious Bean

Great Falls Studios members hung a new exhibit at the Conscious Bean, a coffee shop across the street from the Artists' Atelier (the studio space I share with 15 other artists) and new home for the Great Falls School of Art. Jennifer Duncan, fellow studiomate and friend, curated the show of coffee shop interior and exterior scenes created by artists who belong to Great Falls Studios, a membership organization of 84 creative souls who live or work in Great Falls. There are 20 pieces on view. Works are available for sale and include sculpture, a mixed media diorama, paintings in watercolor, oils, and acrylics, photography and digital art. It's a great representation of a very diverse group.




My painting "Caffe Bar", depicting a coffee shop in Venice, is my contribution to the exhibit.

Many of the exhibitors will be participating in this coming weekend's Spring Art Festival held in two locations on Saturday and Sunday, 10am-5pm. I'm one of them ... and I'll be moving between my two studios at 1144 Walker Road, Suites D & G, Great Falls, VA. You can see the Conscious Bean exhibit, 20 artist exhibitors at the Colvin Run Historic Schoolhouse and 10 exhibitors at the Artists' Atelier, upstairs and downstairs, Suites D & G.

The exhibit will be up for three months. The Conscious Bean, 10123 Colvin Run Rd.
Great Falls, VA 22066. (703) 757-2326. See my blog post on the first exhibit "The Coffe Mug Exhibit" here.





Top left photo: artwork by Jill Banks (l) and Suzanne Twyford (r); top right: photo of "Caffe Bar" by Jill Banks; middle right photo: artwork by Cindy Grisdela (top) and Meredith Ledford (bottom); bottom center photo: artwork by fellow studiomate Elaine Elinsky (l), Sangita Patil (middle), and fellow studiomate John Francis McCabe (r).

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

New Market Series Painting Start Today: "Fruit and Wine"

I started "Fruit and Wine" today -- the latest painting in my new Market series. This last week I've been working on a portrait commission and it was time to let it rest for a few days. Later I'll be able to return to it with a fresh perspective. Always a good thing!

"Fruit and Wine" depicts a fruit stand in Burano, Italy ... a fishing village near Venice. All of the buildings are painted unbelievably bright, beautiful colors to help the fishermen find their way back home. Arriving there on the ferry, you pass one impossibly vibrant building after another. Randy and I went there during Easter week last year on Robert Liberace's art historical tour. Artist friend Linda Wharton missed the ferry the rest of the group took because she got engrossed in a painting done on the spot. That happens. She rejoined the group many worried hours later.

For day one, I wanted to get the base, loose drawing in place and roughly block in the colors. The blue of the walls will get knocked down in intensity later ... to make it drift back in space. It's interesting that I'll have to do that, as blues are the most difficult colors to keep bright. They look bright and intense on the palette, and as soon as you mix them with another color, they immediately dull. An exception I've found is Winsor Blue (made by Winsor and Newton). To dull it, I will probably use a glaze made with Gamblin's Neomegilp and Transparent Earth Orange (a complementary color). We'll see if that works.

"Fruit and Wine" work in progress (day one), oil on Senso linen, 24"h x 36"w, copyright Jill Banks 2009.

See more of my Market paintings ("Limoni", "Rialto Market", and "Rainy Day Market") on my web site, www.jillbanks.com in the gallery pages. Since I can't figure out whether they are "still lifes" or "places", you'll have to look at them both. Or, better yet, stop by this weekend at my new upstairs, downstairs studios at 1144 Walker Road, Suites D & G, Great Falls, VA. I'll be participating in the Spring Arts Festival sponsored by Great Falls Studios, a membership organization of 84 artists who live or work in Great Falls. 30 of those 84 will be taking part in the Festival that occurs in two locations near the intersection of Walker Road and Colvin Run Road. That's this Saturday and Sunday, 10am-5pm. I'll give more details in another post.

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

"Papaya and Friends" Painting Just About Done...

I've enjoyed painting this scene. Papayas are beautiful with their piles of seeds an beautiful color ... and I've long been a fan of painting lemons.

I may have a few touch-ups to do on this one, but since I'm dismantling the still life, those will have to be done from a combination of memory and photography. I much prefer working from life, but I think the Great Falls Foundation for the Arts needs its classroom space cleared out. (That's where I've been painting -- since this was setup yesterday for my still life class demo.)

Enjoy!

"Papaya and Friends", oil on Senso linen, 16"h x 20"w, copyright Jill Banks 2009.

Other Work on View in Current Exhibits at:
Salon International 2009, Greenhouse Gallery, San Antonio, Texas through May 1
Chasen Galleries, Richmond, VA
Chelsea 32 Gallery, New York City, NY
The Art League Gallery, Alexandria, VA
In my studio/gallery spaces at 1144 Walker Road, Suites D & G, Great Falls, VA

Upcoming Exhibits:
Spring Art Festival at Colvin Run. 30 artists will be displaying and selling work at this Great Falls Studios sponsored event. I'll be in my studio spaces April 25, 26 (Saturday and Sunday, 10am-5pm).


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

Still Life Class Demo Painting "Papaya and Friends"

Yesterday was the first day of my "Still Life Painting in Oils" class taught through the Great Falls Foundation for the Arts. I set up this still life for the morning demo and continued working all afternoon. It's not done, but here it is a work in progress that I will attempt to finish today.

We covered a lot of ground -- lots of info to be digested and applied in the coming weeks. I'm looking forward to seeing my students pull out their paints next week.

Also lots of fun ... the first ArtStart class was taught in the new school space. Deana Fernandez taught a group of six 3-6 year olds who arrived with huge smiles and excitement. It was wonderful to watch. Deana is a fantastic, warm, and enthusiastic teacher. Look at the Great Falls Foundation for the Arts web site (www.greatfallsfoundationforarts.org) and download a bulletin for other classes for kids and adults. Some classes will be starting one week later than published in the bulletin, so contact Terri Parent at terrikate@aol.com with enrollment questions.

"Papaya and Friends" work in progress, oil on Senso linen, 16"h x 20, copyright Jill Banks 2009.

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

Accepted into NYC's Salmagundi Club Annual Juried Exhibition

Just got back (from the Salon International 2009 show in San Antonio) and the mailbox held news that two of my drawings were accepted into the Salmagundi Club Annual Juried Photography and Graphics Exhibition for Non-Members. Perhaps not a catchy title for an exhibition, but still very nice news. Graphics means drawings in Salmagundi Club language. The exhibit will be held at 47 Fifth Avenue in New York City, June 15 through June 26 with a reception on June 26 from 6 to 8pm. The Exhibition is open to the public 7 days a week, 1 to 5pm. That said, since spaces are often used for private events, call first to make sure it's actually open. Salmagundi Club: (212) 255-7740, or email: info@salmagundi.org.
Top: "Oscar", charcoal on paper, 19.5"h x 15.5"w (inner mat dimensions), $750 framed, copyright Jill Banks 2008.
Below: "Granddaddy", red & white chalk on treated paper, 6.5"h x 4.5"w, NFS, copyright Jill Banks 2007. Portrait of my father-in-law, Drate Banks.


This is the second time I've been accepted into a New York City show. The first was the Catharine Lorillard Wolfe Art Club's Annual Juried Exhibition last October. I have many blog entries about that terrific experience.

More of my work can also be seen in New York City at Chelsea 32 Art Group, a gallery that represents my work. Go to their web site (or mine - see my gallery pages) for what's currently there.

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

Salon International 2009

I'm heading home in a few minutes (actually on the plane) ... after attending Salon International 2009 at the Greenhouse Gallery in San Antonio. It is a great show, and I thoroughly enjoyed meeting other exhibiting artists, the Greenhouse Gallery staff, and Joshua Rose, the editor of American Art Collector magazine. I will add some photos from the event sometime today, maybe in between flights. The Greenhouse Gallery has posted the entire exhibit online where you can view photos of the works including the works in frames. They did a great job with that as well -- thanks to the expertise and hard work of Jason Smith, their webmaster (among other responsibilities).

My two pieces in the exhibit are: "Sunday Morning" and "Bellydancer III". Check them out on the Greenhouse Gallery web site. The exhibit runs until May 1.

It was a great trip. Glad I took it.

More later.

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

"L'Auberge Chez Francois" and "Pink Cupcake" Paintings at the Art League

After a few months off, I took paintings down to the Art League in Alexandria, VA to enter into the April All-Media Membership Show. So there are two paintings of mine to see in the gallery: "L'Auberge Chez Francois", a painting of the interior of this great Great Falls restaurant and "Pink Cupcake", a miniature painting of miniature cupcakes.

This past week I've been working on a portrait commission ... and traveled to San Antonio today for the opening reception of Salon International 2009 at Greenhouse Gallery. Hence, not much brand new to show for the week.


Next week, Spring classes start with the Great Falls School of Art. I'd love to have more students for my Tuesday am "Still Life Painting in Oils" class that runs nine weeks, 9:30-12:30. Contact me if you are interested in signing up or know someone else who might be interested. Phone: 703.403.7435 and email: jillbanks1@aol.com. The first day of class, I will be giving a demo, so materials are not needed until the second week. Download the whole Spring bulletin at the Great Falls Foundation for the Arts web site, www.greatfallsfoundationforarts.org.

Also, I've added some recent updates to my web site. There's more in the gallery pages to check out.

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

"L'Auberge Chez Francois", oil on linen, 16"h x 20"w; "Pink Cupcake", oil on canvas, 5"h x 5"w. Copyright Jill Banks 2009.

Where to See My Work: An Update

Salon International 2009 (Greenhouse Gallery; San Antonio, Texas; April 11-May 1)


This Thursday, Randy and I head down to San Antonio, Texas for the opening of Salon International 2009 being held at the Greenhouse Gallery. Two of my pieces, "Sunday Morning" and "Bellydancer III" can be seen there for the exhibit that runs from April 11-May 1 ... in the gallery and online.




Chelsea 32 Gallery in New York City


What you'll find there: mini donut paintings, "Boscs and Business Cards", "Canal" watercolor wash, and "The Celebration" restaurant scene painting. See this earlier post for more photos. "Jelly Donut" is shown here.







Chasen Galleries in Richmond, VA


Plenty of my restaurant series and still lifes including "Through the Window" and "Home Again, Home Again", shown here. See my gallery pages on my web site for more.



My Studio/Gallery Spaces in Great Falls, VA

1144 Walker Road, Great Falls, VA 22066, Suites D & G
Cell: 703.403.7435
Web: www.jillbanks.com
Blog: jillbanks.blogspot.com
Email: jillbanks1@aol.com

Come see "Rainy Day Market", "Rialto Market", "Limoni" and more. Call for an appointment as my hours are a bit irregular at the moment. (Lots of great stuff going on.)

More later.

My Second Studio Opens Tomorrow Night

After days of work, the new studio/gallery space I'm sharing with fellow artist Francie Vecchi will be open for the First Friday Open House, (today -- April 3), 7-9pm. Though still tiny by studio standards, this space is absolutely fantastic and shows our art beautifully. I love it ... and can't wait to share my enthusiasm with you. Watch out. It's really brimming.


Our little space is downstairs from the lofty Artists' Atelier: the studio space I share with 14 other artists. (Francie also has space there.) I will continue to use that space. I paint a lot... so you will probably find me either upstairs or downstairs.

What's exciting about the new space? Francie's and my artwork looks fantastic together. We each have our own distinct styles ... but our artwork is harmonious ... just like we are. You'll have to see it. Other pluses include a door (quiet and privacy is a plus sometimes) and windows (so people outside know that great art is inside).

The space is also quirky - so there's an adventure involved. When you enter Suite D, you walk into the main new teaching space for the Great Falls School of Art. You may have to step around some easels and students to get to our special space to the right.



If you can, stop by tonight, 7-9pm at 1144 Walker Road, Suite D, Great Falls, VA to check it out. I'll post regular studio hours once I know what will work.

web site: www.jillbanks.com
blog: jillbanks.blogspot.com
email: jillbanks1@aol.com
phone: 703.403.7435

Both photos are taken outside the new space. Francie Vecchi's work is pictured in the bottom photo; mine in the top photo. I'd show more ... but my camera hand was apparently not very steady.