Come to the Artists' Atelier "Go Figure" Exhibit Friday, June 5

Tomorrow we're hanging a new exhibit "Go Figure" in the Great Falls Foundation for the Arts (GFFFTA) Gallery ... that's located at 1144 Walker Road, Suite G, Great Falls, VA ... the Artists' Atelier working studios and gallery spaces. This exhibit includes nudes and not-so-nudes, paintings, photographs and drawings. The exhibit runs throughout the month of June. Come see it and other new works by the Atelier artists during First Friday, June 5, 7-9pm (we're open the First Friday of every month, 7-9pm), or on Saturdays, noon to 4pm. You're also welcome to call and I'll show you around. (703) 403-7435.

Two of my paintings that will be on view are shown above. I'll also have many drawings (charcoal, ink washes, watercolor washes, chalk drawings). "Standing Nude", oil, 30"h x 24"w, copyright Jill Banks 2007. "Reclining Nude", oil, 20"h x 24"w, copyright Jill Banks 2007.

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

"Peonies" Painting: Fresh Out of the Yard and Off the Easel

I painted "Peonies" during and after my Still Life class today... plus gave a private lesson ... plus took a painting to a potential purchaser (maybe more on that later). Busy and fun day. As usual.

The Summer Classes and Workshops bulletin can now be downloaded at the Great Falls Foundation for the Arts web site (www.greatfallsfoundationforarts.org, click on Great Falls School of Art). I'll be teaching a six-week (once a week) Still Life class and a Portrait workshop. Registration is going on now. Email me with any questions or just to let me know you're signing up. Email: jillbanks1@aol.com.

If you're a new blog reader, click on Older Posts at the bottom of the page to see more. If you're looking for a more organized way to view my artwork, go to my web site, www.jillbanks.com.

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

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

New Works at Chasen Galleries in Richmond

This past Thursday, Randy and I took a trip to Richmond to bring Chasen Galleries some beautiful, new paintings to sell. Three of the seven are pictured in the window ... that I photographed from outside and inside the gallery. What you'll find there: "Cup of Tea", "Dining Al Fresco", "Rialto Market" (the three from bottom to top you see in the window), plus "Bowl of Strawberries", "Murano Cat", "Pretzel Stand" and "Coconut Cake". It will probably take a little while for them to update their web site with the new images, but you're invited to go see them in person. Tell them I sent you.




Chasen Galleries
3554 West Cary Street
Richmond, VA
(800)524-2736

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

Painting of Daffodils and Watermelon: Fresh Off the Easel

This painting is of a still life set-up from last semester's Still Life class I teach through the Great Falls Foundation for the Arts. After just doing a quick start from life, I returned to it yesterday and today ... working from photos to finish it up.

Hope you like it.

It's titled "After Grace". Grace is an 8 year old artist who stopped in to visit at the Artists' Atelier yesterday... to enjoy the art.

"After Grace", 24"h x 18"w, oil on Senso linen, copyright Jill Banks 2009.

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

"Resting Angel" Drawing of the Day

"Resting Angel" is a reprise of a drawing I created as a baby shower present. It's smaller and less detailed, but depicts the same angel doll handed down from my mom ... that sits on a chair I inherited from my great aunt Ruth. How's that for being full of family influences? Since I'm off to a very nice, postponed Mother's Day lunch with my Mom ... I figured this would be a good post to put up in her honor.

Cropped version of "Resting Angel", graphite and charcoal pencil, 4.5"h x 6.5"w (inside mat dimensions), copyright Jill Banks 2009.

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

"The Donut Line-Up" Painting and Summer Classes & Workshop Offered

I painted this during and after my still life class today. There's nothing like smelling fresh donuts all day. The donuts were a last-minute purchase last night at the Safeway checking out with grapes for an ongoing class set-up. $3.99 for a dozen, and I couldn't resist. It gave me a chance to try out this interestingly-sized canvas, 4"h x 12"w that I had bought a while back. Definitely fun. I will resist eating my models today (and tomorrow), and now I'm off to paint something else.

"The Donut Line-Up", oil, 4"h x 12"w, copyright Jill Banks 2009.

Registration is going on now for summer classes and workshops at the Great Falls School of Art. The School is located at 1144 Walker Road, Suite D, Great Falls, VA 22066. I will be teaching a once a week class for six weeks on Tuesday morning, 9:30am-12:30pm, July 7-August 11. Cost: $200 (paid to Great Falls Foundation for the Arts) + $15 materials fee (for still life stuff -- paid to me). A supply list will be emailed to students.

Still Life Painting in Oils
Still life painting is the ultimate teacher -- learn how to achieve glorious color, draw with paint concentrating on simplifying forms into abstract shapes and how to construct compelling compositions. The instructor (that's me) will set up multiple still lifes for each class and teach student how to design their own incorporating some of their favorite objects. This is a great class for artists of all levels -- from beginners to advanced.
Tuesdays, 9:30-12:30, July 7-August 11

"Coconut Cake", oil on Senso linen, 20"h x 16"w, copyright Jill Banks 2009.

And, I'm offering a Summer Workshop in Portrait & Figure Painting:
Portrait & Figure Painting in Oils

Learn to see and capture the human form through direct observation. The instructor will demonstrate on Friday night, leaving students with plenty of painting time over the weekend to hone skills. Short poses each day help students increase the speed and accuracy of their paintings. A long pose will finish each day's painting session. Students are invited to bring one of their pieces to the workshop for a one-on-one critique during the session. Clothed models. A supply list will be posted on my web site (www.jillbanks.com).
Friday, August 14 demo, 6:30-8:30pm
Saturday, August 15 and Sunday, August 16: 10am-4pm
Cost: $195 + model's fees (paid to the instructor)
Level: Intermediate/Advanced. Some figure/portrait drawing and oil painting experience is recommended.

Go to www.GreatFallsFoundationforArts.org to download the school bulletin and registration form and mail to: Great Falls Foundation for the Arts, Inc. c/o Terri Parent, 325 Sinegar Place, Great Falls, VA 22066. Any questions, contact Terri, the school registrar at 703-433-5358 or terrikate@aol.com. Or contact me directly, jillbanks1@aol.com.

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

"Raspberry-Chocolate Tart" Painting

Normal mode of operation to show I've finished a particular painting is to sign it. This time, I ate the model. "Raspberry-Chocolate Tart" is not only finished, it's circulating through my digestive system. I bought my "model" at the Great Falls Farmer's Market this Saturday, while attending to my booth. Yum.

"Raspberry-Chocolate Tart", 5"h x 5"w, oil, copyright Jill Banks 2009.

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

New Ink Wash Drawing "Gondolier"

This past week, I created two new ink wash drawings of Venice that were displayed for the first time at the Farmer's Market yesterday. I used black ink (versus the brown ink used for previous ink washes), and was pleased with the effect.


I've been creating drawings more frequently lately. A few reasons for this new development is that I've been drawing and sketching to figure out compositions and plan out my portrait commissions (I have many of those) so that has put me into the drawing mode -- and brought my boxes of drawing materials into view. (A good visual reminder to get to work.) Another reason is that many of my paintings will be leaving my gallery & studio spaces this week to Chasen Galleries in Richmond, VA and in July and August for my solo show at the Great Falls Library. That means I have wall space to fill with beautiful new pieces. More incentive to get to work. Another reason is that other people appreciate the beauty of drawings -- as evidenced with a recent acceptance into NYC's Salmagundi Club's Annual Juried Art Exhibition with two of my drawings (see previous post to see those), a sale of a "Horse and Carriage" ink wash yesterday, and many compliments for another drawing I had in the exhibit, "Thumbelina".

"Gondolier", 8"h x 10"w inside mat dimensions, black ink wash, copyright Jill Banks 2009. Available through my studio.
"Horse and Carriage", ink wash & pen & ink, copyright Jill Banks 2009. Sold.

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

Market Paintings at the Great Falls Farmer's Market

This Saturday, May 16, from 9am-1pm, come celebrate the art of food with me -- as I'll be exhibiting (and selling) some of my Market and Restaurant series paintings at the Great Falls Farmer's Market in the Village Centre (near the intersection of Walker Road and Georgetown Pike in Great Falls, VA. I'll be exhibiting in the Great Falls Studios tent. So, pictured here are some of the paintings you'll see. Some of the paintings I'll be exhibiting are heading off next week to Chasen Galleries, the gallery that represents my work in Richmond, VA... so this may be your last chance to see them in Great Falls. I hope to see you there.




Jill

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

Pictured from top down: "Rialto Market", oil on linen, 24"h x 36"w; "Limoni", oil on linen, 20"h x 16"w, "Rainy Day Market", oil on linen, 30"h x 24"w; "L'Auberge Chez Francois", oil on linen, 16"h x 20"w. All images copyright Jill Banks 2009.

"Food and Wine" Painting of Burano Market Continued

After teaching today's Still Life class, I continued to work on this latest Market Series painting all day today. I still can't believe how many oranges there are to paint! It can be a bit overwhelming.

It's been a busy and funny week. Lots of different activities (photo shoot for a major portrait commission, attending openings of fellow artists Tricia Ratliff and Chris Rollins, missing an opening of my own at Chelsea 32 Art Gallery on Thursday (where Elaine Elinsky, Jennifer Duncan and I are represented in NYC), picking up paintings in Millwood, VA from the Art at the Mill show, going to my framer -- Framemasters -- to catch up on framing and painting lots of works in progress) -- none of which seemed like proper posts.

I did paint two ink washes yesterday that I think will make it in a future post.

This coming Saturday, I'll be exhibiting at the Great Falls Farmers' Market. I'm not sure exactly what I'll be showing there -- but it will certainly include some paintings from my Market Series. Seems apropos. Come see some paintings before I take them down to Chasen Galleries, my gallery in Richmond, VA next week. I'll be at the Farmers' Market, Saturday, May 16, 9am-1pm. It's in the parking lot in the Village Centre near the intersection of Walker Road and Georgetown Pike.

"Food and Wine" work in progress continued, oil on Senso linen, 24"h x 36"w, copyright Jill Banks 2009.

"Orange Peeled, Junior" Painting

This peeled orange was a minor player in one of my Still Life class setups. It's a return to my miniature paintings at just 5" x 5". I decided on a little one because I didn't have much time to paint today and I had a spare 5" x 5" frame ready for it once it dries.

A previous painting of an orange, "Orange Peeled" won Best of Show at the Art League in November 2008. Read about it in an earlier post.

"Orange Peeled, Junior", oil on canvas, 5"h x 5"w, copyright Jill Banks 2009.

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

"Cast and Peppers" Painting Start

This painting represents about three hours' worth of work spread over two painting sessions. The first session was last Tuesday after my still life class, and today's work was done after I set it back up in preparation for tomorrow's class. One of my students prefers painting people over fruits and vegetables ... so a cast seemed like the best bet for one of the still life setups. It's great because it focuses each artist on seeing a clearly defined dark/light pattern.

The cast and background are basically painted as a grisaille, with different combinations of three colors: burnt sienna, French ultramarine blue and titanium white. The darks are laid in first (burnt sienna and a little French ultramarine blue). I use about the same tone for all the darks, at the beginning. Then I move onto the lights.

The peppers were thrown in for good measure. Those required pulling out a few more tubes of paint.

The cast is on loan from fellow artist and Atelier member, Judith St. Ledger-Roty. Thanks, Judith! He's a wild looking fellow.

"Cast and Peppers" work in progress, oil on Senso linen, 20"h x 16"w, copyright Jill Banks 2009.

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

Burano Market "Fruit and Wine" Painting Continues

I've spent two or three additional painting sessions since the last look I gave you of "Fruit and Wine". I suppose it's obvious I'm working from left to right on the canvas. The main reason I do that is practical ... I'm trying to wear a little less wet paint in the process. I inevitably put a digit or two on the canvas.

I've got a lot of work left to do. Lots of oranges to paint and I need to straighten up the stand and boxes.

Lately I've been working on portrait commissions. Tomorrow is my first photo shoot for a new portrait project. Plus, I'll be painting some and getting ready for my Tuesday class.

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

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

First Friday Open House Tonight 7-9pm

Come visit tonight, 7-9pm for our regular First Friday Open House at the Artists' Atelier, 1144 Walker Road, Suites D (Downstairs, 2nd floor) and G (Upstairs, 3rd floor), Great Falls, VA 22066. Call (703) 403-7435 with any questions. We're located right behind Dante Restaurant on the corner of Walker Road and Colvin Run Road.

These photos are from last weekend's exhibit in Suite G. While much will be the same, it is always interesting to see how much changes even from day to day at the Atelier. This is a prolific group of great artists.

There are 16 artists of us.

Jill Banks (me): Suites D & G Web: www.JillBanks.com Blog: jillbanks.blogspot.com
Brenda Drake: Suite G Web: www.artistbrendadrake.com
Jennifer Duncan: Suite G Web: www.jenniferduncanart.com
Elaine Elinsky: Suite G Web: www.elaineelinskyart.com
Jenna Klimchak: Suite G
Adrienne Kralick: Suite D Web: www.adrienneartist.com
Walt Lawrence: Suite G Web: www.greatfallsstudios.com/artists/lawrence.htm
Michela Mansuino: Suite G
John Frances McCabe: Suite G Web: www.mccabestudio.com
Mehrnaz Moussavi: Suite G
Heidi Mraz: Suite G Web: www.heidimraz.com
Mary Orr: Suite G
Margaret Power: Suite G
Judith St. Ledger-Roty: Suite G
Mollie Vardell: Suite G
Frances Vecchi: Suites D & G Web: www.francesvecchi.com

In addition to the First Friday Open House, 7-9pm, the First Friday of every month, the Artists' Atelier is open every Saturday, noon-4pm.

Other news to follow in the next post. There's an opening reception at Chelsea 32, my New York City Gallery on May 7. Details to follow. And, I'll be at the Great Falls Farmer's Market on May 16 and June 6. Plus, my solo show at the Great Falls library is coming up: July & August.

I hope to see you tonight or tomorrow. I've just baked chocolate chip cookies for tonight. That and some beautiful art should be adequate enticements.

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