"Reflections" Painting On the Easel

I've been working on this one for two days so far. I've been toying with what to call it because all its parts come from different places. The silver tray was inherited from my Aunt Ruth. The orange is borrowed from Judith St. Ledger-Roty. It's been hanging around the Great Falls School of Art (where Judith and I teach) for ages... and this orange has starred in countless paintings there. I figure that it must be petrified by now but it looks no worse for wear. I think the books are my Dad's. The green glass bottle is mine. I go around "robbing" my own house every Monday before each Tuesday's still life class. It makes an interesting crime scene.

I have been painting like crazy lately. I am really driven at the moment (more than usual) to reach new heights in my painting. And, I'm seeing the progress. Many of my latest paintings: "Sunflowers and Gladioli", "Give Me Liberty", "Lemon Yellow", "Peonies" and my latest portrait delivery are all magical to me. I'm pushing two elements in particular: light and spatiality. And, maybe one more ... boldness with big, generous forms. I'm happy with it.

"Reflections" is definitely a work in progress. It falls a little outside the mold described above due to its complexity. We'll see how it goes.

I've decided (finally) on the pieces that will go to ArtSpace Herndon for the "Still Life Poetry" August Exhibit. I'll be showing "Sunday Morning" (taken from my "On the Bright Side" solo show), "Peppermint Stick and Pencil", "Peonies" and "Sunflowers and Gladioli."

"Reflections" work in progress, oil on linen, 16"h x 20"w, copyright Jill Banks 2009.

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

Another Lemon Painting

"Lemon Yellow", one more painting of a lemon, was one of the five still life setups from my Still Life class today. I set this one up in my studio and painted it this afternoon. I will be submitting it on Friday for the Great Falls Studios group show at the Old Brogue that runs the month of August.

For this painting, and recent work done on "Sunflowers and Gladioli" I added Winsor Lemon by Winsor & Newton to my palette. (See post on my "Sunflowers and Gladioli" painting here.) It's nice added to my three cadmium yellows (deep, medium and pale).

There are two more classes in the Summer session, and registration is still going on for my portrait painting weekend workshop held on August 14, 15, and 16. Go to the Great Falls Foundation for the Arts web site, Great Falls School of Art page to download the Summer bulletin and registration form.

On Sunday, Randy and I spent the day in Annapolis. It was hot! So, that left more time for sketching in an air-conditioned space. Some drawings from that trip will be shown as soon as I get a chance to photograph them. While getting ready for our Annapolis jaunt, I also re-discovered many more drawings from my Venice trip last year, including many done from statues and paintings in Venetian museums. My notes weren't overly helpful ... sort of staccato. I guess I was just more interested in looking than writing.

"Lemon Yellow", oil on linen, 8"h x 10"w, copyright Jill Banks 2009.

Ongoing and Upcoming Shows:
"On the Bright Side" solo show at the Great Falls Library, 9830 Georgetown Pike, Great Falls, VA 22066 through August 31. See web site for preview and open hours.

"Still Life Poetry" group invitational show at ArtSpace Herndon, August 4-30. Reception: August 8, 7-9pm, 750 Center Street, Herndon, VA.
MPA Artfest, juried outdoor show, Sunday, October 4, 10am-5pm.

And, my studio at the Artists' Atelier, 1144 Walker Road, Suites D&G, open Saturdays, noon-4pm and the First Friday of every month, 7-9pm ... plus any time I'm in there working or by appointment. Call 703.403.7435.

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

Latest Work, New Name

I just finished what used to be (as in the last two weeks) called "Seeing Red" today ... and a not so subtle shift earned it a new name: "Give Me Liberty...". I added the daisy in the bottom left, the one that was willing to die for its freedom, and it stole the show. Hmmm. Patrick Henry, this daisy and I share the same philosophy.

"Give Me Liberty...", oil on Senso linen, 20"h x 20"w, copyright Jill Banks 2009.

Ongoing and Upcoming Shows:
"On the Bright Side" solo show at the Great Falls Library, 9830 Georgetown Pike, Great Falls, VA 22066 through August 31. See web site for preview and open hours.

"Still Life Poetry" group invitational show at ArtSpace Herndon, August 4-30. Reception: August 8, 7-9pm, 750 Center Street, Herndon, VA.

McLean Artfest, juried outdoor show, Sunday, October 4, 10am-5pm.

And, my studio at the Artists' Atelier, 1144 Walker Road, Suites D&G, open Saturdays, noon-4pm and the First Friday of every month, 7-9pm ... plus any time I'm in there working or by appointment. Call 703.403.7435.

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

Working Away and Nancy's Pears

The last two days I've been working on my "Seeing Red" and "Sunflowers and Gladioli" paintings -- working on getting them ready (possibly) for the "Still Life Poetry" exhibit at ArtSpace Herndon in August. I also presented my sketch today for one of my portrait commissions. All went well but I want to do a little more work before showing my progress here.

So, no photos of my work today ... but I wanted to show you a photo of Nancy Keane's painting of pears, in progress, from my Still Life class (offered through the Great Falls Foundation for the Arts). Nancy's relatively new to oil painting -- this is her second session in my class -- and, this painting looks like she's been painting for years. It's beautiful. For some bizarre reason, she's worried about how to deal with the fabric. Seems to me that if she can paint the pears and Chinese red basket, and metallic silver surface, she can handle the fabric. Bet I'm right. By the way, I take pride in setting up this beautiful "scene" -- it's a great base for a great painting.

When I paint, I approach every subject in the same way -- breaking it down into abstract shapes of lights and darks. I'm not afraid of anything -- perhaps because I started in painting with the most challenging subjects (portraits and figures). This fearless approach is part of what I teach.

I'm teaching a Portrait and Figure Painting Workshop August 14, 15, and 16. There's still room for a few more students. Contact me if you're interested in attending or sign up through the Great Falls Foundation for the Arts. My email is jillbanks1@aol.com.

So you know ... I am extremely proud of the work of all the students in class. They work hard (as I do and did) and are benefiting from each other's encouragement and my instruction.

Work in progress in oil by Nancy Keane. Copyright Nancy Keane 2009.

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

"Seeing Red" Daisies and Geranium Painting

Today after my still life class I worked on this piece ... from my summer class first-day demo. While 24 of my pieces are hanging at the Great Falls Library through August 31 as part of my "On the Bright Side" solo show, I need to pull together 3-4 pieces for an Invitational Still Life Show being held at Herndon ArtSpace August 4-30th. (I was invited.) Logistics get complicated.

I'm honored to be part of the ArtSpace exhibit. It's called Still Life Poetry and it features the work of Trisha Adams, Jill Banks (me), Vicki Blum, Petra Gerber, Robert Johnson (who just won the American Art Collectors Magazine Award of Excellence in Oil Painters of America National), Virginia Johnson, Tricia Ratliff, Patty Rice, Kurt Schwartz, Henry Wingate and Jordan Xu. I bet it will be an exceptional exhibit. I will be finishing "Seeing Red" (this one) and probably including "Peonies" (which I love) and maybe "Gelato Shop" or finishing "Sunflowers and Gladioli" as my third entry. We'll see. There are only so many days between entry for that show and today -- with a few balancing acts inbetween. Herndon ArtSpace is located at 750 Center Street,Herndon, VA 20170. Phone: 703-956-6590. The Opening Reception for the show is Saturday, August 8th, 7-9pm.

Plus, go see my exhibit at the Great Falls Library, 9830 Georgetown Pike, Great Falls, VA. Plus, visit my studio, 1144 Walker Road, Suites D&G, open Saturdays, noon -4pm, and the First Friday of every month, 7-9pm. See the logistical challenge?

I'm still working on and off on my multiple "Michelles". Check back later.

Nancy Keane, an artist and student in my still life class is working on an amazing painting in progress that I'll be posting in the next day or two. (It's really wonderful.) Check back.

Check back. The theme of the day today.

"Seeing Red" work in progress, oil on linen, 20"h x 20"w, copyright Jill Banks 2009. See more of my still life work on my web site and throughout my blog. See the latest and older posts.

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

Portrait Delivery and "On the Bright Side" Reception

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

"Sunflowers and Gladioli" Painting Day Four

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

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

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

Maybe I'll see you tomorrow!

Jill

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

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

"Sunflowers and Gladioli" Painting Day Two

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

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

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

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

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

"Sunflowers and Gladioli" Painting in Progress

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

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

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

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

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

Two Alla Prima Portraits: Lots of Michelles

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

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


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

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

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

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

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

Drawings and Figures Added to My Web Site

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

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

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

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

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

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

Still Life Class Demo: Daisies and Geranium Painting

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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


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

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

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