Looking Ahead and Back: Happy New Year

What I Will Do in 2012

Something more modest than what I proposed in 2011.Yet, I promise to reach -- to grow as a person and an artist. More in a bit about that... tomorrow. My cousin's son is getting married tonight ... New Year's Eve ... in a little over an hour. Thus the wait. Oh, and one of the bridal couple's gifts to their guests was a complimentary chair massage to usher in the New Year. That, more than anything delayed my posting next year's plans. Ahhhhhhhh.


2011: A Memorable Year in My Art Journey

Me with 27 of my 100 Faces

The 100 Faces in 100 Days Project: Last year, about this time, I revealed one heck of a New Year's Resolution with the launch of my 100 Faces in 100 Days Project. For 100 days, from January 1 to April 10, a volunteer entered the studio to sit for me and share lives for a few hours. All 101 of us -- my 100 volunteers and I -- made it through this awesome challenge and are much the richer for it. It was the experience of a lifetime. You can read about it, day by day on this blog ... just "dial" back to January 1, 2011.

I successfully completed this crazy New Year's Resolution with 100 Days of scheduling sitters, sittings of generally three to four hours, writing a blog post of each day's adventure, washing brushes, etc. on top of a "routine" of two days of teaching for nine of those weeks, entering art shows, filling out a grant application and getting ready to exhibit the completed paintings two times this summer. Life was nuts. Thrilling but nuts.

With Rob Liberace in Julian Barrows Studio (formerly John Singer Sargent's)

Two days after I painted Face #100, Randy and I flew to London for an almost two-week adventure/wind-down, seven days of which were spent on an art historical tour with Robert Liberace sponsored through the Art League. I drew my way through a 100 Faces in 100 Days recovery. What was nice is that neither Randy nor I could "do" much while there. It wouldn't help to go 100mph there. We'd return home soon enough with just a few days to spare before hanging exhibit #1.

For the next few months, in between exhibit activities, I worked on formulating what comes next. My Project had trained me to keep tackling the unfamiliar and trusting "it" to turn out okay with enough practice under my belt.

"On the Waterfront" painted plein air in Alexandria, VA

I joined the Art League Plein Air Painters, going to Alexandria to paint on the Waterfront. Before, I was a studio painter -- relying on subject matter  like portraits and still lifes where I controlled the light. There was little wind. The temperature remained about the same. The bugs were generally just fruit flies ... if any. Plein air painting is truly tough. The landscape is vast and uncontrolled. It was new territory, but it brought with it the thrill of life and the unknown. Just like having a different subject show up each day to be painted. I have so much left to learn, but I'm on my way. Just a 1000 or so canvases to go and I'll really have the hang of it.

Honestly, I've had some successes already with it. I entered two plein air painting competitions this year. The first was Paint Herndon! where my painting "Old Town Herndon II" won third place. The second was Out and About Norfolk where two of my three paintings won awards. "Elephant from the Norfolk Zoo" won a Purchase Award and "Chrysler Museum Fountain" won the Raymar Art Award. A third painting, "W&OD BBQ," that was started in plein air won First Prize in the Reston Century T-Shirt Art Competition. The best part is that this has been so much fun.

"Elephant at the Norfolk Zoo" won the Purchase Award at Out&About Norfolk

I started my Feathered and Furry Friends series -- painting animals on site -- in a zoo, on a friend's farm, and at Kidwell Farm at Frying Pan Park. Painting moving animals was like painting moving people (as in my 100 Faces) ... with the addition of plein air challenges, setting my easel up outside the studio with onlookers. I LOVED every minute of it.

The cool thing about all of this year is that my paintings were full of the experiences of those days ... in all their craziness. Canvases weren't planned. I had the general idea of where to "show up," made choices on the fly, adapted as necessary, shared the joy of creating art with others, and worked at being up to the task. Those experiences, replete with funny stories, infuse life in the linen. Not bad at all.

And, a great joy is that I've had some wonderful folks enjoy the journey with me. Embrace the successes. Laugh at the mishaps. Love the art. Thank you!!!!

HAPPY NEW YEAR!

"The Gin Game" Painting of Mom & Dad: Day 4

"The Gin Game" work in progress day #4, oil, 30"h x 40"w, ©Jill Banks 2011

The artist (me) and my mom & dad continued playing and painting ... right up to the wire. It's time to put down the brushes at least until 2012. My cousin's son is getting married on New Year's Eve so it's to the wedding we go.

I may be back again tomorrow with New Year's resolutions and a look back to a pretty extraordinary 2011.

We shall see.

Have a Safe and Happy New Year!

Thanks so much for your support and encouragement in 2011 ... and for viewing my art! I'm grateful!

Jill Banks

Current Exhibitions
Mainly ... my home is filled with lots of art from my December Home Studio Open House. Want a tour? (Ends January 2.)

Sign up for Winter classes. Now, my Still Life class is full (but you could join a wait list) and the Portrait class has one spot left. See my web site: www.JillBanks.com, click on the classes page.

Richeson 75 Animals, Birds and Wildlife Online Exhibition, November 7- December 15, 2011. "Pretty Girl Hen" was selected as one of 75 finalists viewable online at www.richeson75.com/wildlife/index.html and in a full-color catalog.

To read more about the 100 Faces in 100 Days project on my web site (www.jillbanks.com), go to the 100 Faces Project Pages 1 and 2 where you can see all 100 of my volunteers. Click on the paintings, and go to my blog post for that person's sitting.

Web: www.jillbanks.com
Blog: jillbanks.blogspot.com
100 Faces in 100 Days Project Page 1 (faces 1-54): www.jillbanks.com/jillbanks/100_Faces_in_100_Days_Project.html
100 Faces in 100 Days Project Page 2 (faces 55-100): www.jillbanks.com/jillbanks/100_Faces_in_100_Days_Project_2.html
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Portrait Delivery Before and After

Me with the portrait at "the drop"

I thought you'd enjoy a glimpse into the surreptitious activities of surprise portrait commission delivery. Last week, right before Christmas, I met my client (Sally) in the parking lot of the McLean Community Library (McLean, VA) to hand off the still wet portrait of her parents -- a surprise Christmas gift for them. Sally used the going-to-CVS excuse to get out of the house... alone. Anything more interesting would have brought along a guest or two, perhaps.

We both got a kick out of the activity. So much so, that she snapped a photo of me next to the delivery vehicle (my car). By the way, my car never looks like this. It's usually piled high with painting/drawing supplies, cardboard to separate paintings, still life objects, rotting fruit, lots of trash, etc. Son Sam and daughter-in-law Michelle's Christmas present to me was sifting their way through the piles until I can now actually see carpet and leather. And accept passengers.

Sally's parents loved the portrait ... And to that, I say, a major yea!!!

After realizing that I "had" the portrait, i.e., Sally and her parents would love it, I celebrated by painting the goat and starting the painting of my parents playing gin rummy.

I do kick up my heels sometimes.

There were lots of great moments today ... that I think I'll reserve for another day.

Sally's parents with the portrait

 Current Exhibitions
Mainly ... my home is filled with lots of art from my December Home Studio Open House. Want a tour? (Ends January 2.)

Sign up for Winter classes. Now, my Still Life class is full (but you could join a wait list) and the Portrait class has one spot left. See my web site: www.JillBanks.com, click on the classes page.

Richeson 75 Animals, Birds and Wildlife Online Exhibition, November 7- December 15, 2011. "Pretty Girl Hen" was selected as one of 75 finalists viewable online at www.richeson75.com/wildlife/index.html and in a full-color catalog.

To read more about the 100 Faces in 100 Days project on my web site (www.jillbanks.com), go to the 100 Faces Project Pages 1 and 2 where you can see all 100 of my volunteers. Click on the paintings, and go to my blog post for that person's sitting.

Web: www.jillbanks.com
Blog: jillbanks.blogspot.com
100 Faces in 100 Days Project Page 1 (faces 1-54): www.jillbanks.com/jillbanks/100_Faces_in_100_Days_Project.html
100 Faces in 100 Days Project Page 2 (faces 55-100): www.jillbanks.com/jillbanks/100_Faces_in_100_Days_Project_2.html
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Day Two on "The Gin Game"

"The Gin Game" work in progress day 2, oil on linen, 30"h x 40"w, ©Jill Banks 2011

I have more to post ... but not the resources on hand to do so ... yet. Christmas portraits and presents have been delivered ... with happy results but my photos of the finished works are at home. And I'm not.

I painted round two of Mom and Dad playing gin rummy on Christmas Eve ... up until about 20 minutes before guests arrived at their condo for a quick dinner before candlelight services. My easel and mess awaits in their kitchen for day three. Which may be tomorrow.

It's fun. The canvas is large and those moving hands and table stuff is a daunting challenge indeed. You can see part of my Mom's card hand. Good thing Dad didn't look until later.

I hope you had a wonderful Christmas ... or your special holiday ... and wish you a Happy New Year!

I'll be back later when I've rounded up other photos from this year's art merry-making.

Current Exhibitions
Mainly ... my home is filled with lots of art from my December Home Studio Open House. Want a tour?

Sign up for Winter classes. Now, my Still Life class is full (but you could join a wait list) and the Portrait class has one spot left. See my web site: www.JillBanks.com, click on the classes page.

Richeson 75 Animals, Birds and Wildlife Online Exhibition, November 7- December 15, 2011. "Pretty Girl Hen" was selected as one of 75 finalists viewable online at www.richeson75.com/wildlife/index.html and in a full-color catalog.

To read more about the 100 Faces in 100 Days project on my web site (www.jillbanks.com), go to the 100 Faces Project Pages 1 and 2 where you can see all 100 of my volunteers. Click on the paintings, and go to my blog post for that person's sitting.

Web: www.jillbanks.com
Blog: jillbanks.blogspot.com
100 Faces in 100 Days Project Page 1 (faces 1-54): www.jillbanks.com/jillbanks/100_Faces_in_100_Days_Project.html
100 Faces in 100 Days Project Page 2 (faces 55-100): www.jillbanks.com/jillbanks/100_Faces_in_100_Days_Project_2.html
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"The Gin Game" Painting of Mom & Dad Today...

The Gin Game Painting of Mom and Dad work in progress, oil, 30"h x 40"w, ©Jill Banks 2011

I had a blast today ... starting a painting that I've wanted to create for years. Believe it or not, while I've painted plenty of other people's parents, I haven't had the pleasure of capturing my own Mom and Dad. So, today was the day to begin.

That I'm painting right before Christmas has astonished a few people. Like, shouldn't I be out shopping or home wrapping or cooking or something? Painting these few days has been my present to myself -- for getting all those other things done that needed to be accomplished. It's like driving against traffic instead of with it. It feels great.

My mom and dad are gin rummy fanatics ... keeping running game/series totals throughout the year and starting anew each January 1. A painting of them had to depict the card playing rivalry. They both take it very seriously.

I had so much fun hanging out with them all afternoon ... sometimes being part of the conversation but mainly observing and painting. I had the opportunity to be part of their world as a couple. (It's a very nice world.)

My painting corner at Mom and Dad's

After asking Mom to change sweaters from pink to green, I chose the breakfast area in their kitchen to paint ... then kept rearranging where they sat and the angle of the table to change the space between them and take advantage of nicer light patterns. I love the way they are set up now. You get to be as much a part of the scene as me. (This did cram me into the corner though ... with no room to back up. You've got to do what you've got to do.)

I will be painting this during the game -- not from photographs. The Gin Game -- like The Poker Game -- is the kind of work I plan to do in 2012. From life. Developed "on the fly." As real and full of life as I can make it and focused on relationships.

There were other great parts of today. My life as an artist gets very sneaky around Christmas with deliveries and drop-offs of surprise gifts.  I'm expecting some photos of gift-opening ... since I'll be hanging out around my house on Christmas day.

Happy Holidays!

And, hey Sam and Michelle ... see Papa's Virginia Tech mug?

Current Exhibitions
Mainly ... my home is filled with lots of art from my December Home Studio Open House. Want a tour?

Sign up for Winter classes. Now, my Still Life class is full (but you could join a wait list) and the Portrait class has one spot left. See my web site: www.JillBanks.com, click on the classes page.

Richeson 75 Animals, Birds and Wildlife Online Exhibition, November 7- December 15, 2011. "Pretty Girl Hen" was selected as one of 75 finalists viewable online at www.richeson75.com/wildlife/index.html and in a full-color catalog.

To read more about the 100 Faces in 100 Days project on my web site (www.jillbanks.com), go to the 100 Faces Project Pages 1 and 2 where you can see all 100 of my volunteers. Click on the paintings, and go to my blog post for that person's sitting.

Web: www.jillbanks.com
Blog: jillbanks.blogspot.com
100 Faces in 100 Days Project Page 1 (faces 1-54): www.jillbanks.com/jillbanks/100_Faces_in_100_Days_Project.html
100 Faces in 100 Days Project Page 2 (faces 55-100): www.jillbanks.com/jillbanks/100_Faces_in_100_Days_Project_2.html
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Fun on the Farm ... Christmas Week!

Here's Looking at You, Kid, oil on Raymar panel, 16"h x 12"w, ©Jill Banks 2011

Kid at Kidwell Farm
I don't know if you can tell, but I'm doing all I can to recharge my artistic batteries. Today really worked. Here it is, a few days before Christmas ... and it was warm enough for me to spend part of the afternoon at Kidwell Farm in Frying Pan Park ... talking to and painting the animals.

I still have a smile on my face.

For those of you following the blog, you know I've been there before, painting "Moo" and "Barn Dance" and "Red Tractor." All those have gone to new homes, and I missed both the experience of being on the farm and having paintings of the animals hanging around the house.

The best antidote: go find some new friends.

Walking into the farm today, there were so many potential subjects. The roosters and hens had escaped the coop and were wandering all around. A few of the probably less astute ones were still hanging out in the pen wondering how the others had gotten outside.

Does it get any funnier than this?

The most obvious subjects were the goats ... and indeed, the one I decided to paint. Her name is Delilah and she was a pretty excellent model. For the most part, she was all mine. Actually, I was a bit concerned that she'd end up on my side of the fence. I take it she's a mountain goat. How hard is it to get over the fence? Delilah was up on the "mountain" of stones in the corner, raising her leg to the top of the fence and leaning with all her might in my direction. I showed her my work in progress, but that didn't seem to satisfy her. (I really did. Fortunately, no one is catching my peculiarities on film.)

I saw so many reasons to go back. Dandy the cow (the most gorgeous cow) comes from a far field at 4pm to be milked. The pigs were grunting, snorting and resting toward the end of the day. There are two more goats in Delilah's pen. Those hens and roosters were calling, so to speak.

Oh. One of my discoveries is that Delilah has almost rectangular pupils ... in a landscape orientation. I wonder how that new knowledge will come in handy.

Chrysler Museum Memorial Gardens won the Raymar Art Award

By the way, I painted Here's Looking at You, Kid on one of the Raymar panels I won at the Out & About Norfolk Plein Air Painting Competition and Exhibition. There, I won the Raymar Art Award for "Chrysler Museum Memorial Garden" but I'd won a Purchase Award for a painting of an elephant from the Norfolk Zoo. Sort of related.

I'll return as soon as I can. I can't wait!

See my web site (www.JillBanks.com) gallery pages for the Feathered and Furry Friend Series if you want to see more.


 Current Exhibitions
Mainly ... my home is filled with lots of art from my December Home Studio Open House. Want a tour?

Sign up for Winter classes. Now, my Still Life class is full (but you could join a wait list) and the Portrait class has one spot left. See my web site: www.JillBanks.com, click on the classes page.

Richeson 75 Animals, Birds and Wildlife Online Exhibition, November 7- December 15, 2011. "Pretty Girl Hen" was selected as one of 75 finalists viewable online at www.richeson75.com/wildlife/index.html and in a full-color catalog.

To read more about the 100 Faces in 100 Days project on my web site (www.jillbanks.com), go to the 100 Faces Project Pages 1 and 2 where you can see all 100 of my volunteers. Click on the paintings, and go to my blog post for that person's sitting.

Web: www.jillbanks.com
Blog: jillbanks.blogspot.com
100 Faces in 100 Days Project Page 1 (faces 1-54): www.jillbanks.com/jillbanks/100_Faces_in_100_Days_Project.html
100 Faces in 100 Days Project Page 2 (faces 55-100): www.jillbanks.com/jillbanks/100_Faces_in_100_Days_Project_2.html
Email

"The Poker Club" Continued

The Poker Club work in progress, oil on linen, 30"h x 40"w, ©Jill Banks 2011

Today's painting project of choice was a return to The Poker Club albeit without my Dad's poker buddies present. Yesterday's trip to the Phillips Collection inspired me to pick it back up ... with William Merritt Chase's Hide and Seek in my head. Duncan Phillips referred to his museum as an experiment, wanting the works to build a conversation with visitors and each other. Art does that. One spark leads to another.

The Poker Club is also a prototype of sorts for the work I want to do in 2012. The end of the year is time for reflection. Time for plans. My best way to figure it all is transition through paint. Look soon for a few treatises here. I blog plan.

This painting was on view in my house during the Home Studio Open House ... at the urging of my Dad's poker club clan. With so much left to do, revealing an undone canvas is nerve-wracking. Canvases take so many twists and turns in creation that I don't want anyone to get too attached in progress. I want to keep my own vision in my head ... unaccompanied.

Read more about the painting in progress in an earlier post.
 
Current Exhibitions
Mainly ... my home is filled with lots of art from my December Home Studio Open House. Want a tour?





Sign up for Winter classes. Now, my Still Life class is full (but you could join a wait list) and the Portrait class has one spot left. See my web site: www.JillBanks.com, click on the classes page.

Richeson 75 Animals, Birds and Wildlife Online Exhibition, November 7- December 15, 2011. "Pretty Girl Hen" was selected as one of 75 finalists viewable online at www.richeson75.com/wildlife/index.html and in a full-color catalog.

To read more about the 100 Faces in 100 Days project on my web site (www.jillbanks.com), go to the 100 Faces Project Pages 1 and 2 where you can see all 100 of my volunteers. Click on the paintings, and go to my blog post for that person's sitting.

Web: www.jillbanks.com
Blog: jillbanks.blogspot.com
100 Faces in 100 Days Project Page 1 (faces 1-54): www.jillbanks.com/jillbanks/100_Faces_in_100_Days_Project.html
100 Faces in 100 Days Project Page 2 (faces 55-100): www.jillbanks.com/jillbanks/100_Faces_in_100_Days_Project_2.html
Email

Day at the Phillips Collection

Edgar Degas (French, 1834-1917) The Dance Class c. 1873

I've been needing a day of play and inspiration ... badly. I might just need more than a day but this afternoon's adventure definitely helped.

I had never been to the Phillips Collection, even though I live in the DC area. It was time to branch out from my regular museum haunts. The draw for the Phillips is the current exhibition "Degas's Dancers at the Barre: Point and Counterpoint." There are some truly beautiful pieces in this special exhibition, including my favorite, The Dance Class on loan from the Corcoran, the William A. Clark Collection. The greatest part of that painting (for me) are the dancers descending the spiral staircase in the upper left. That's simply brilliant. There's a real sense of intimacy, and space and light.

Edgar Degas, Dancers At the Barre, oil, early 1880s-1900

Exhibition wall text drove home the fact that Degas worked and reworked and reworked his art. When it didn't appear that he had reworked a piece, it was explained that the painting had quickly sold so he hadn't had a chance. I completely understand this with some of his obviously complex pieces like this one. I could see how others were improved with additions and changes. In one case, I found it strange however. For Dancers At the Barre, Degas drew sketch after sketch with minimal changes over a long period of time. As attractive as the painting is, I wonder what he had to spend so much time working out. I made the mistake of mentioning this to (husband) Randy ... who I thinked laughed at me. The reason I needed a break ... is because I've been fretting and redoing and improving my own work, lots, of late.

The exhibit has wonderful text, too. Degas collected ... and some of the paintings he once owned were on view. He owned Manets but had a falling out with Manet when that artist cut his wife out of the double-portrait canvas that Degas had painted of them. Well, that conjures up a lot of potential stories, doesn't it? I hope none of the portraits I paint suffer the same fate.

William Merritt Chase (American, 1849-1916), Hide and Seek, oil, 1888

The Phillips Permanent Collection held many gems as well. (Many of the paintings in the Degas special exhibition are also part of the permanent collection.) Favorites included paintings by John Henry Twachtman (American, 1853-1902) and Pierre Bonnard (French). When Duncan Phillips liked an artist, he bought a lot of his work.

The museum held lots of unknown territory for me -- I've been tuned in elsewhere. Of those artists I knew, their pieces at the Phillips still held surprises in one form or another. William Merritt Chase's Hide and Seek is fascinating. I love the composition, the spareness of the interior and tension within.

Jill Banks, Hide and Seek, oil, 2005. Private collection.

Speaking of Hide and Seek, I painted one by the same title that appeared as my postcard image for my first solo show. Fruit as protaganists.

The Phillips Collection Degas exhibit closes January 8.

A GREAT Holiday Gift for the Artist You Love...

The Audition, oil, 20"h x 16"w, ©Jill Banks 2011

Registration is going on now for classes and workshops that start in January at the Great Falls School of Art. I'll be teaching Portrait Painting and Drawing on Mondays, 10am-1pm, 9 classes starting January 16. There's just one spot left...

And, I'm teaching Still Life Painting in Oils on Tuesdays, 10am-1pm, 9 sessions starting January 17. There's just one spot left in it.

Get more information on classes on my web site, classes page ... and if you are registering, please email me to let me know. Thanks!!!

There are a lot more exciting classes and workshops from terrific instructors ... for artists of all ages. 


For more information on other class offerings, go to the Great Falls Foundation for the Arts web site: www.GreatFallsFoundationForArts.org and click on Winter Catalog to download.

Current Exhibitions
Mainly ... my home is filled with lots of art from my December Home Studio Open House. Want a tour?

Richeson 75 Animals, Birds and Wildlife Online Exhibition, November 7- December 15, 2011. "Pretty Girl Hen" was selected as one of 75 finalists viewable online at www.richeson75.com/wildlife/index.html and in a full-color catalog.

To read more about the 100 Faces in 100 Days project on my web site (www.jillbanks.com), go to the 100 Faces Project Pages 1 and 2 where you can see all 100 of my volunteers. Click on the paintings, and go to my blog post for that person's sitting.

Web: www.jillbanks.com
Blog: jillbanks.blogspot.com
100 Faces in 100 Days Project Page 1 (faces 1-54): www.jillbanks.com/jillbanks/100_Faces_in_100_Days_Project.html
100 Faces in 100 Days Project Page 2 (faces 55-100): www.jillbanks.com/jillbanks/100_Faces_in_100_Days_Project_2.html
Email

Eat It Or Paint It? "Garlic Rope" Painting Today

"Garlic Rope," 6"h x 6"w, oil, ©Jill Banks 2011

Whenever food enters the Banks household, my family asks the question ... "is it to paint or to eat?" I guess you know today's answer.

I spent most of the day however fixing paintings. With great success. Hurray!

Sometime this week, I'm heading for the DC museums as a special re-energizing treat. I can't wait!!!

Current Exhibitions

Mainly ... my home is filled with lots of art from my December Home Studio Open House. Want a tour?

Richeson 75 Animals, Birds and Wildlife Online Exhibition, November 7- December 15, 2011. "Pretty Girl Hen" was selected as one of 75 finalists viewable online at www.richeson75.com/wildlife/index.html and in a full-color catalog.

To read more about the 100 Faces in 100 Days project on my web site (www.jillbanks.com), go to the 100 Faces Project Pages 1 and 2 where you can see all 100 of my volunteers. Click on the paintings, and go to my blog post for that person's sitting.

Web: www.jillbanks.com
Blog: jillbanks.blogspot.com
100 Faces in 100 Days Project Page 1 (faces 1-54): www.jillbanks.com/jillbanks/100_Faces_in_100_Days_Project.html
100 Faces in 100 Days Project Page 2 (faces 55-100): www.jillbanks.com/jillbanks/100_Faces_in_100_Days_Project_2.html
Email

"Moo" and More... and Phew!

Yesterday's Purchase: "Moo"

Three paintings left the house yesterday and today ... going off with smiling new owners.

Yesterday, "Moo" was purchased within a few minutes of one of our Home Studio Open House guest's entrance. I'd been figuring that "Moo" wasn't going to stick around in my house very long. I love that cow. He was one of my Feathered and Furry Friend series paintings ... of which I now have one. There will be more ... as soon as I can set up my easel on a farm or zoo ... somewhere.

Today, Chicago collectors visited and will be flying home with "Yellow Onions" and "Orange Chunks." They had purchased "Arance, Oranges" during a visit to the Art League Gallery last year. Today's visit to view the art all around my house was the second year in a row. It's a treat for all of us!

Today's Purchase: "Yellow Onions"

I've really enjoyed talking to everyone attending the home shows, the holiday show and here for private tours. Each purchaser has carefully chosen the pieces just right for them. My home shows are an opportunity for guests to get a good view of all aspects of my work. The house is literally covered with work -- drawings and paintings -- on three floors. There is a lot to choose from -- and I love watching visitors mark the list with works to consider.

Now there are, I think, 14 pieces fewer.

More Good News

I've been working for a number of days finishing up a portrait for Christmas delivery. I worked two really long days only to "erase" everything I'd done that night or the next morning. Every day I worked on it, I was trying to make that the day I finished. Today, I did.

Today's Purchase: "Orange Chunks"

It's been awhile since I fought that big a battle with a painting. My strategy for the day was to change venues (different studio), spend more time getting ready (nice piles of paint, neater palette, figuring out what really needed to be done), and approaching it like this was the first day of working on it. (Memory erasure/attitude change.)

Phew!

Tomorrow I'm thinking Christmas.

Current Exhibitions

Richeson 75 Animals, Birds and Wildlife Online Exhibition, November 7- December 15, 2011. "Pretty Girl Hen" was selected as one of 75 finalists viewable online at www.richeson75.com/wildlife/index.html and in a full-color catalog.

To read more about the 100 Faces in 100 Days project on my web site (www.jillbanks.com), go to the 100 Faces Project Pages 1 and 2 where you can see all 100 of my volunteers. Click on the paintings, and go to my blog post for that person's sitting.

Web: www.jillbanks.com
Blog: jillbanks.blogspot.com
100 Faces in 100 Days Project Page 1 (faces 1-54): www.jillbanks.com/jillbanks/100_Faces_in_100_Days_Project.html
100 Faces in 100 Days Project Page 2 (faces 55-100): www.jillbanks.com/jillbanks/100_Faces_in_100_Days_Project_2.html
Email

Another Painting of Lemons and "Barn Dance"

"Barn Dance" found a new owner.

Sunday at the Holiday Art Show and Sale, "Barn Dance" got a new owner. There's a bit of a twang for me and I imagine, quite a lot of collectors out there. There is something intriguing about that painting and I hear the ruckus in the barn just looking at it.

Just one more reason to bring my easel out to the farm as soon as I can.

Today, I had a short time to paint ... so chose a small new one: "Lemon Spiral." I didn't cut the perfect peel, but hopefully you get the picture. With so many of the Beanie Baby Series gone, I wanted a few more little ones to fill in the "holes in my cupboard." "Lemon Spiral" is a good partner to "Orange Chunks." It's not the greatest photo ... Sorry about that!

Current Exhibitions

Richeson 75 Animals, Birds and Wildlife Online Exhibition, November 7- December 15, 2011. "Pretty Girl Hen" was selected as one of 75 finalists viewable online at www.richeson75.com/wildlife/index.html and in a full-color catalog.

To read more about the 100 Faces in 100 Days project on my web site (www.jillbanks.com), go to the 100 Faces Project Pages 1 and 2 where you can see all 100 of my volunteers. Click on the paintings, and go to my blog post for that person's sitting.

Web: www.jillbanks.com
Blog: jillbanks.blogspot.com
100 Faces in 100 Days Project Page 1 (faces 1-54): www.jillbanks.com/jillbanks/100_Faces_in_100_Days_Project.html
100 Faces in 100 Days Project Page 2 (faces 55-100): www.jillbanks.com/jillbanks/100_Faces_in_100_Days_Project_2.html
Email

"Lemon Spiral," 6"x6", oil on panel, copyright Jill Banks 2011

Great Day at the Holiday Art Show and Sale

My "booth" at the Holiday Art Show & Sale today

Today was a really great day.

It is my birthday. I spent it hanging out around my "booth" at the Great Falls Studios Holiday Art Show and Sale ... talking with a steady flow of visitors about art. This is a regular event with friendly, familiar faces -- artists and visitors alike. Many came by who had attended last Tuesday's Open House to tell me how much they loved seeing all my work in the home setting.

"Cat's Meow"

I thought that many people left Tuesday night with visions of a particular painting. That was true ... and today five paintings and one drawing were packaged up and taken home by my Tuesday visitors. Gone to new homes are:
"Pretty Girl Hen"
"Cat's Meow"
"Kiwi"
"Dragon Breath"
"Ostrich and Polka Dots"
"Tower Bridge"

"Kiwi"

I made a new discovery today. For the Open House, I felt bad that I didn't have more time to spend with each guest. I talked to one couple today who had come to the party -- and mentioned I'd wished we had a chance to visit. They loved that they had the opportunity to wander through the house looking at and shopping for art. They liked being on their own. Aha! I never thought about it that way! (That's the way I like to browse/shop for most things -- at my own pace, without assistance.) And, now I can see it -- everyone criss-crossing on the stairs with their master list in their hands, figuring out their favorites, with smiles on their faces.

Tomorrow (Sunday, December 11) I'll be back at the Holiday Art Show and Sale from 10am-5pm at the Village Green Day School, 790 Walker Road, Great Falls, VA. I hope you have a chance to stop in!

Exhibits and Events

Holiday Art Show & Sale, December 10&11, 10am-5pm, Village Green Day School, 790 Walker Road, Great Falls, VA

 

 

"Tower Bridge" ink wash and pen&ink

Richeson 75 Animals, Birds and Wildlife Online Exhibition, November 7- December 15, 2011. "Pretty Girl Hen" was selected as one of 75 finalists viewable online at www.richeson75.com/wildlife/index.html and in a full-color catalog.

To read more about the 100 Faces in 100 Days project on my web site (www.jillbanks.com), go to the 100 Faces Project Pages 1 and 2 where you can see all 100 of my volunteers. Click on the paintings, and go to my blog post for that person's sitting.

Web: www.jillbanks.com
Blog: jillbanks.blogspot.com
100 Faces in 100 Days Project Page 1 (faces 1-54): www.jillbanks.com/jillbanks/100_Faces_in_100_Days_Project.html
100 Faces in 100 Days Project Page 2 (faces 55-100): www.jillbanks.com/jillbanks/100_Faces_in_100_Days_Project_2.html
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Home Studio Open House: Ho! Ho! Ho!

Deck the halls

Jingle bells.

On Tuesday, our house was full of lots of happy people ... enjoying visiting with each other and touring three levels of artwork hung amidst garlands and lights.  The Home Studio Open House is my favorite event of the year. It's my way of thanking people who support me through collecting my work or taking classes or cheering me on. That means I've got to make it one heck of a party.

Some dining room shenanigans

You'd think I'd learn on my third year with this event ... but each year I forget (or get too busy) to take photographs before and during the party in full swing. So you just get quieter views of the evening. Pretend there are lots more people. The walls are also, inevitably, missing a few pieces that were packaged and taken home. I also realized ... afterward ... that I hadn't photographed some of the pieces that were purchased. One had just been framed the day before.

I took this photo today ... before I tore the place up for this weekend's show

The best part of the party is the guests. I know some beautiful people ... and they all were shining Tuesday night. Reston founder Bob Simon, my Face #100 came ... but had to leave (around 9pm) to go on to another party. At 97. Some of my students-to-be and ongoing students and fellow artists were there ... so discussions covered palettes and paints. I even gave a tour of my freezer ... to show where I keep my palette of paints fresh for the next session.





I missed some of my regular Open House attendees ... only to find they had pretty solid excuses not to make it.

I thoroughly enjoyed getting to know the neighbors across the street. Fiona had watched Randy and I pull out of the driveway in separate cars on Tuesday around noon (for the party start at 1pm). She rightly guessed that Randy was heading to Costco and I was going to the grocery store. She probably wondered why we hadn't taken care of our errands already. I talked to them about my 100 Faces in 100 Days project. I kept thinking this year that they must be curious why a different person showed up at my door each day to disappear for a few hours and then head home. Suspicious activity on the block.

Our backyard neighbors couldn't make it on Tuesday ... so they were invited over Wednesday night. They moved in this past summer and have two really cute young sons who we have a blast watching play. What a treat to have them occupy the house and get to know their parents better. I throw few parties. The house is rarely neat. I decorated early. I'm using every opportunity to make the most of a party-ready house I can. Now I know neighbors in front of us and in back. We better behave.

Kitchen cheer

There was some art shopping taken care of that evening.

Gone to very good new homes are:
"Red Tractor"
"W&OD BBQ"
"Gone Wild Turkey"
"Watching Francie's Back"
Many more, I think, are being considered for another day.

I feel honored that guests came during this ridiculously busy time of year. I love that they wanted to. Thank you!

The party didn't all go smoothly. We had driveway troubles. The driveway twists and turns with one side being our neighbors lawn and the other side, a cliff. Add some darkness and you get three tires on the driveway and one up in the air. Not a good thing. It did keep all the rest of the guests parking in the cul de sac.

Randy was in charge of copying the list of paintings, outlined room by room. That took him an hour and a half as the job was too much for the copiers at Kinko's. That meant the Costco run -- food -- didn't arrive until a little after the start of the party. So much for looking prepared. I swear I was born one hour late and have never been able to catch up.

Getting ready for this event is crazy. I went a bit (understatement) overboard ... as usual... in the "hanging art" department. There are more than 150 pieces hung or placed throughout the house. Funny thing is that I skipped entering several local shows because I couldn't figure out what pieces I could spare from my open house. My studio space in the Artists' Atelier is bare. It's all here.

Actually, now some of it is at the Holiday Art Show and Sale for the weekend ... but it will return here on Monday for another Open House to come.

And soon, I'm going to REALLY get back into my painting routine. I go a little nuts when life gets in between me and my easel. That's what hatched the 100 Days project.

The Home Studio Open House is what kept me from blogging regularly for LOTS of days. Sorry about that!

Exhibits and Events

Holiday Art Show & Sale, December 10&11, 10am-5pm, Village Green Day School, 790 Walker Road, Great Falls, VA

Richeson 75 Animals, Birds and Wildlife Online Exhibition, November 7- December 15, 2011. "Pretty Girl Hen" was selected as one of 75 finalists viewable online at www.richeson75.com/wildlife/index.html and in a full-color catalog.

To read more about the 100 Faces in 100 Days project on my web site (www.jillbanks.com), go to the 100 Faces Project Pages 1 and 2 where you can see all 100 of my volunteers. Click on the paintings, and go to my blog post for that person's sitting.

Web: www.jillbanks.com
Blog: jillbanks.blogspot.com
100 Faces in 100 Days Project Page 1 (faces 1-54): www.jillbanks.com/jillbanks/100_Faces_in_100_Days_Project.html
100 Faces in 100 Days Project Page 2 (faces 55-100): www.jillbanks.com/jillbanks/100_Faces_in_100_Days_Project_2.html
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Setting Up for the Holiday Show and Sale

Part of what you'll see from me at the Holiday Art Show & Sale, December 10&11

Today I spent setting up for this weekend's Holiday Show & Sale. Saturday and Sunday, December 10&11, 10am-5pm ... I'll be at the Great Falls Studios Holiday Show and Sale at the Village Green Day School, 790 Walker Road, Great Falls, VA.

Randy and I were at the School tonight ... setting up along with my Great Falls Studios art buddies. Show neighbor, photographer Dean Souleles commented that my display was "dense." And other neighbor, Val Mahon said I was prolific. I may thin it out a bit tomorrow morning before the doors open. But you'll see recent still lifes, paintings from my Feather and Furry Friends series, and the Beanie Baby Series. I do almost all my Christmas shopping at this event each year. Art makes a very welcome gift.

News and photos from this week's Open House coming soon. Go to my blog for the latest post.

Exhibits and Events

Holiday Art Show & Sale, December 10&11, 10am-5pm, Village Green Day School, 790 Walker Road, Great Falls, VA

This isn't a great view ... but here's more you can see more easily this weekend.

Richeson 75 Animals, Birds and Wildlife Online Exhibition, November 7- December 15, 2011. "Pretty Girl Hen" was selected as one of 75 finalists viewable online at www.richeson75.com/wildlife/index.html and in a full-color catalog.

Read about my 100 Faces in 100 Days project on my web site (www.jillbanks.com), go to the 100 Faces Project Pages 1 and 2 where you can see all 100 of my volunteers. Click on the paintings, and go to my blog post for that person's sitting.

Web: www.jillbanks.com
Blog: jillbanks.blogspot.com
100 Faces in 100 Days Project Page 1 (faces 1-54): www.jillbanks.com/jillbanks/100_Faces_in_100_Days_Project.html
100 Faces in 100 Days Project Page 2 (faces 55-100): www.jillbanks.com/jillbanks/100_Faces_in_100_Days_Project_2.html
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Finishing Paintings

"Eggplant, Tomatoes and Figs," oil on Raymar panel, 8"h x 16"w, ©Jill Banks 2011

Just quickly ... today I'm working on finishing stuff. (Like signing paintings, touching up work, ordering frames, odds and ends.)

"Eggplant, Tomatoes and Figs" was one of the paintings that needed touching up. All done. (I had it leaning unframed above the door frame in my house, and it's a piece that keeps catching my eye. Those simple shapes are mesmerizing.

I'm going to work more on "Turkey Soup" but the light has been so different in the kitchen ... that the time never seems to be right. I have a plan for that piece ... just need some cooperation from the sky. I'm even going to put the soup back on the stove to boil ... to paint the steam.

Exhibits and Events

Richeson 75 Animals, Birds and Wildlife Online Exhibition, November 7- December 15, 2011. "Pretty Girl Hen" was selected as one of 75 finalists viewable online at www.richeson75.com/wildlife/index.html and in a full-color catalog.

Great Falls Studios Holiday Show and Sale, December 10 & 11, 10am-5pm at the Village Green Day School, Walker Road, Great Falls, VA

The Art League "Small Works" Exhibit, 105 N. Union Street, Alexandria, VA. "Kiwi" and "Ostrich and Polka Dots" are on view November 9-December 5. Both of them won Honorable Mentions this month!

To read more about the 100 Faces in 100 Days project on my web site (www.jillbanks.com), go to the 100 Faces Project Pages 1 and 2 where you can see all 100 of my volunteers. Click on the paintings, and go to my blog post for that person's sitting.

Web: www.jillbanks.com
Blog: jillbanks.blogspot.com
100 Faces in 100 Days Project Page 1 (faces 1-54): www.jillbanks.com/jillbanks/100_Faces_in_100_Days_Project.html
100 Faces in 100 Days Project Page 2 (faces 55-100): www.jillbanks.com/jillbanks/100_Faces_in_100_Days_Project_2.html
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Tied to My Desk

"Elf and the Chandelier," graphite & colored pencil, ©Jill Banks 2009

Well, not literally. But ... I've been trying my best to finish up the 100 Faces book and get the house ready for my home collector and enthusiasts show -- two daunting tasks. A beautiful big tree has two strand of lights which cover it one time around at the base. The kitchen's a mess. It will all get pulled into shape. It just would be nice to see the light around the corner.

Son Sam and daughter-in-law Michelle have been visiting, too, for the week -- heading back to Richmond tomorrow. I'm working on being social and writing a book -- two incompatible activities.

As much as I want to, I haven't gotten in time at my easel.

But I am thinking about it ... and you ... and will get back to painting as quickly as I can.

Here are some drawings from Christmases past for now.

Exhibits and Events

Richeson 75 Animals, Birds and Wildlife Online Exhibition, November 7- December 15, 2011. "Pretty Girl Hen" was selected as one of 75 finalists viewable online at www.richeson75.com/wildlife/index.html and in a full-color catalog.

 

Great Falls Studios Holiday Show and Sale, December 10 & 11, 10am-5pm at the Village Green Day School, Walker Road, Great Falls, VA

"The Nutcracker," graphite, ©Jill Banks 2010. Private colllection.

The Art League "Small Works" Exhibit, 105 N. Union Street, Alexandria, VA. "Kiwi" and "Ostrich and Polka Dots" are on view November 9-December 5. Both of them won Honorable Mentions this month!

To read more about the 100 Faces in 100 Days project on my web site (www.jillbanks.com), go to the 100 Faces Project Pages 1 and 2 where you can see all 100 of my volunteers. Click on the paintings, and go to my blog post for that person's sitting.

Web: www.jillbanks.com
Blog: jillbanks.blogspot.com
100 Faces in 100 Days Project Page 1 (faces 1-54): www.jillbanks.com/jillbanks/100_Faces_in_100_Days_Project.html
100 Faces in 100 Days Project Page 2 (faces 55-100): www.jillbanks.com/jillbanks/100_Faces_in_100_Days_Project_2.html
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The Kitchen The Morning After...

"Turkey Soup," oil, 20"h x 16"w, ©Jill Banks 2011

... Thanksgiving.

This year's Thanksgiving was a little different this year. Daughter-in-law Michelle lent her Food Sciences skills yesterday making the world's greatest homemade apple pie ... and then for the first time, the turkey carcass didn't go home with my sister-in-law. I never make soup after Thanksgiving. I quit the kitchen after the big day each year. But, Michelle had Turkey Noodle Soup making in her plans for today.

And, I'm suffering from nesting instincts myself. Thinking of ways to bring a new shine around the house. I decided to do it with paint ... today ... as my version of "Turkey Soup."

I hope you all had a great Thanksgiving!

Exhibits and Events

Richeson 75 Animals, Birds and Wildlife Online Exhibition, November 7- December 15, 2011. "Pretty Girl Hen" was selected as one of 75 finalists viewable online at www.richeson75.com/wildlife/index.html and in a full-color catalog.

The Art League "Small Works" Exhibit, 105 N. Union Street, Alexandria, VA. "Kiwi" and "Ostrich and Polka Dots" are on view November 9-December 5. Both of them won Honorable Mentions this month!

To read more about the 100 Faces in 100 Days project on my web site (www.jillbanks.com), go to the 100 Faces Project Pages 1 and 2 where you can see all 100 of my volunteers. Click on the paintings, and go to my blog post for that person's sitting.

Web: www.jillbanks.com
Blog: jillbanks.blogspot.com
100 Faces in 100 Days Project Page 1 (faces 1-54): www.jillbanks.com/jillbanks/100_Faces_in_100_Days_Project.html
100 Faces in 100 Days Project Page 2 (faces 55-100): www.jillbanks.com/jillbanks/100_Faces_in_100_Days_Project_2.html
Email