Russ Augenstein Is Face #89

"Russ Augenstein: Face #89," oil, 12"h x 12"w, copyright Jill Banks 2011

Russ Augenstein is a neighbor in my parents' condo building ... and another member of the poker club there. Two of my previously painted faces were anteing up and playing last night, probably coaching the now third to sit (Russ) on the fine art of sitting while shuffling the cards. All three are looking forward to my dad returning to all of his duties related to playing poker ... including egging each of them on. Dad's full of mischief.

Russ and I talked about our past businesses and careers. That started because he said, "you must have been painting all your life." (I've been painting for over eight years -- not really that long.) Russ had a really interesting career working in the food packaging business including working for Swedish company Tetra Pak. Tetra Pak developed a process for packaging liquids to increase their shelf life without requiring refrigeration. Think of containers of juices with straws ... like Capri Sun.

The painting's a little shorter.

Russ and his wife enjoy keeping in great shape. They are regular users of the building's exercise room.  Love jogging and have enjoyed a lifetime of sports. Russ really enjoys golf.

I'm guessing that Russ is in constant motion. Sitting wasn't that easy for him physically. He's on grandkids' duty this weekend. That should tire him out.

My observation about Russ is that he's full of good cheer. There's an easy smile on his face ... a sign of a life well and thoughtfully lived.

And good news, Russ liked his likeness.

Moving Out
Tonight, Randy and I cleaned out my downstairs studio at the Artists' Atelier to make room for the Great Falls School of Art's expansion that starts tomorrow. I will still be maintaining an also-expanded studio upstairs at the Artists' Atelier, the studio I share with 16 other artists at 1144 Walker Road, Suite G, Great Falls, VA. I've enjoyed my downstairs space but students and teachers (like me) will greatly appreciate the extra space in the classroom!

On the cover of elan Magazine, April 2011

"Dining Al Fresco" On the Cover Celebrates The Artists' Atelier First Road Show

And a surprise today. I went by the offices of elan Magazine to pick up a couple of copies of the April edition ... at the prompting of editor Alice Ross. My painting "Dining Al Fresco" (oil, 24"h x 20"w) graces the cover! This painting will be part of the "Interpretations" exhibit that features the Artists' Atelier at the Caton Merchant Family Gallery at the Center for the Arts in Manassas. (9419 Battle St., Manassas). The exhibit runs May 6 to June 17 with a reception during Old Town Manassas Gallery Walk on May 6, 6-8:30 pm. This is the first exhibit the members of the Artists' Atelier have put together outside of Great Falls. Exciting to be on the cover! Exciting events coming up!

And that makes three magazines showing my artwork in April: elan Magazine, American Art Collector and Fine Art Connoisseur! Pretty cool.

Web: www.jillbanks.com
Blog: jillbanks.blogspot.com
100 Faces in 100 Days Project: www.jillbanks.com/jillbanks/100_Faces_in_100_Days_Project.html
Email: jillbanks1@aol.com
Phone: 703.403.7435

Vladimir Gribach Is Face #88 and Dreams of Future Paintings

"Vladimir Gribach: Face #88," oil, 12"h x 12"w, copyright Jill Banks 2011

A dozen faces left to paint.

Today's sitter for my 100 Faces in 100 Days project, Vladimir Gribach, is my dad's Russian friend. I've been dying to paint Vladimir since I met him many years ago. (So I was very glad when he volunteered to sit for my project.)

Ideas for Future Paintings
I'd like to paint Vladimir again. I imagine painting him creating something. Carving, or creating detailed bead and ornamentation work. Over the years, Vladimir's created gifts for my parents including a beautifully decorated bible and a beaded and painted egg. Can't you see a painting of him working away? After this project, I know I'll want some sort of break from faces ... but I'd like that painting to be one of my 2011 undertakings. As a testament that today went well, I believe that Vladimir agreed to sit for me again.

I'm also dying to paint my mom and dad playing gin rummy in one of their usual hangouts. (They always read my blog ... so this will serve as warning.)

For both of those, I will be taking my lessons from this project. I want to paint people from life without staging the scene or asking them to stay still. Paintings may need multiple sessions but I need the experience of being there and letting the painting evolve. A fly on the wall with an easel and paintbrush.

 Back to Today

"Robert," oil, copyright Jill Banks 2006

This painting just flowed through my brush. I loved painting today!!! This reminds me of a favorite painting of mine that I created during Rob Liberace's class many years ago of "Robert." Painting men with beards is clearly easier ... it makes chins easier to understand. It's just fun!

Vladimir and I had an interesting time communicating. With his accent and my hearing troubles, each topic took awhile to cover. We talked some about artists. I want the spelling and name of a Russian portrait painter he mentioned who painted the Kings and Queens of Europe with beautiful detail. Vladimir prefers the classical school of Russian art to the avant-garde. (His opinion is somewhat stronger than that.)

For a while today, Vladimir was drawing me while I was painting him. 

He likes to fish with his grandson Alex. His other grandsons have temporarily outgrown the activity.

Vladimir with the painter (as in me, Jill Banks)

There was a little worry that Vladimir would be able to sit still for that long. He passed with flying colors taking only one short break in our about three-hour session. I do get the feeling that I'm pretty entertaining while I paint. I'd squint at him and he'd squint back. He wanted to know what I was smiling about ... but I do that all the time. Perhaps I'm just begging for attention.

Vladimir's report on the painting: "It's me."

England, London and Art

I've got a trip coming up soon to England and husband Randy and I are in the throes of figuring out what we really need to see and do. Do any of you have particular paintings, museums, galleries that we simply must see -- in or around London -- that aren't on the usual must-see tourist list? Favorite towns outside of London we should take day trips to or places we should stay? We've got an extra four or five days to enjoy (in addition to a planned tour) ... and have never been to England. I'll be plunking myself down every day at some point to draw, sketch, paint ... and post on my blog.

100 Faces in 100 Days Exhibit at the Great Falls Library (Great Falls, VA) in May
Tentatively, I believe the reception will be Saturday, May 7 in the afternoon. I have Saturday, May 21 afternoon reserved as well for either a demo or talk. (Can't decide yet.) My web site will definitely spell out the details and is the best place to check for official word.

Register Now for Classes & Workshops that Start in May

Go to the Classes page on my web site. I'll be teaching "Portrait Painting and Drawing" on Mondays, 10am-1pm; "Still Life Painting in Oils" on Tuesdays, 10am-1pm and a "Mastering the Business of Art" Workshop on May 25 & 26, 6:30-9:30pm. Preregistration required.


Web: www.jillbanks.com
Blog: jillbanks.blogspot.com
100 Faces in 100 Days Project: www.jillbanks.com/jillbanks/100_Faces_in_100_Days_Project.html
Email: jillbanks1@aol.com
Phone: 703.403.7435

Spencer, Age 7, is Face #87 and Three Generations Head Home

On day eighty-eight of 2011, I painted my eighty-seventh face of the year. One more double faces day to go and I'll be all caught up.

"Spencer: Face #87," oil, 12"h x 12"w, copyright Jill Banks 2011

Seven-year-old Spencer was the last of his family to sit for my 100 Faces in 100 Days Project. He was in the chair before I was even ready to begin and read two books in a row. An alternative title to "Spencer: Face #87" would be "The Reader." He had received 23 books in the Magic Tree House series for Christmas and was proceeding to read them in order. Today's two were "Night of the Ninjas" and "Afternoon on the Amazon." "Afternoon on the Amazon" was his favorite so far.

Considering he read two books, conversation was brief but I know a few things. Spencer loves math. He likes art ... painting and drawing. He goes to an elementary school with an arts bent. Classes include music, art, dance, and theater. Next year, he'll have classes to learn the guitar. Pretty cool!

From observation, Spencer really loves being outside. Each visit to my home studio was started and ended with a walk around the perimeter of our property ... looking out into the woods. Perhaps an explorer? He's intrigued by the natural world.

He also was really intrigued by our pool table. I think he shares that fascination with most of my young visitors.

My three-generation family: Jerry Stocks (grandmother & Face #84), Sandor (grandson & Face #85), Ivie Szalai (mom & Face #86) and Spencer (grandson & Face #87) left the studio today to head back home. The painting part of the adventure is over. I love it that Jerry read about the project and wanted to take part in it ... with a good number of her family in tow. It required a lot of planning, driving, entertaining, energy and expense on her part to involve the family in this experience. Pretty amazing that my young sitters (these two and the rest of my younger volunteers) have been willing and happy to sit. Thank you!

100 Faces in 100 Days Exhibit at the Great Falls Library in May
My painting day ended early today. Randy and I had an easy, un-rushed lunch and I headed to the library afterward to pick/reserve some dates for my 100 Faces in 100 Days show in May (at the Great Falls Library, Great Falls, VA). Tentatively, I believe the reception will be Saturday, May 7 in the afternoon. I have Saturday, May 21 afternoon reserved as well for either a demo or talk. (Can't decide yet.) My web site will definitely spell out the details and is the best place to check for official word.

Web: www.jillbanks.com
Blog: jillbanks.blogspot.com
100 Faces in 100 Days Project: www.jillbanks.com/jillbanks/100_Faces_in_100_Days_Project.html
Email: jillbanks1@aol.com
Phone: 703.403.7435

A Double Faces Day, Take Two: Ivie Szalai Is Face #86!

"Ivie Szalai: Face #86," oil, 12"h x 12"w, copyright Jill Banks 2011

 It's family day. Ivie Szalai is Face #85, Sandor's mom. She's also the daughter of Face #84, Jerry Stocks. Three generations in two days!

Make sure you take a look at both of my posts from today. Two paintings, two sittings to catch up on my 100 Faces in 100 Days Project.

So, Ivie got to be the second face of the day. Her art is as a seamstress, doing embroidery and monogramming. We even talked about how Sandor got his name and it was influenced by her monograms. She wanted the name to start with an "S" ... to match Sandor's older brother Spencer's first initial. I named my kids Sarah and Sam. S's are nice.

Ivie had a day about like mine. She worked hard all morning keeping Sandor focused and paintable ... and then she needed to be painted.

I just liked spending time with her. She has an easy, comfortable energy. Just the fact that she drove up here with her four and seven-year-old sons ... with her mom ... from South Carolina to take part in this project proves her adventurous, go-with-the-flow, think positively spirit. I'm impressed. Sandor and Spencer are lucky ducks.

This is a very special family. I'm a lucky duck, too, to get to paint and meet them.

See you tomorrow!

Web: www.jillbanks.com
Blog: jillbanks.blogspot.com
100 Faces in 100 Days Project: www.jillbanks.com/jillbanks

A Double Faces Day: Sandor, Age 4, Is Face #85

"Sandor: Face #85," oil, 12"h x 12"w, copyright Jill Banks 2011

Sandor, age 4, was this morning's face. He's Jerry Stocks' (Face #84) grandson and part of the South Carolina contingent that's arrived at my studio to become part of my 100 Faces project.

Make sure you take a look at both of my posts from today. Two paintings, two sittings to catch up on my 100 Faces in 100 Days Project.

I learned more about Sandor from observation than by listening. My hearing isn't perfect and Sandor's voice wasn't coming across loud and clear. His mom did some translating for him. By observation, I know he's crazy about fruit ... consuming fruit snacks, a banana, orange juice, an apple, passionfruit water, and an apple to go while he was here.

Sandor painting

He did end up watching a movie played on my laptop for part of the time ... the time that most helped me get his face on the canvas.

I showed him his face about five scribbles in and asked him what he thought. I don't think he was impressed yet. But, from that point on, when he checked out the painting was progressing ... he clapped. Well, I loved THAT!

What I heard most often from Sandor is "I want to get down," "I want to paint" and "Where are my shoes" because he wanted to go play outside on the playground we don't have. His mom did great ... keeping him together enough to help me out.

"Untitled," watercolor, copyright Sandor and Spencer 2011

I was reasonable with myself today... satisfied with what I could get. Can you imagine dealing with two sittings, two faces any other way?

Once I admitted I was done, I foraged through my art supplies and found some watercolor paints, paper and paintbrushes. Sandor was having a great time and ended up not wanting to leave. (I get that about painting.) His brother Spencer (tomorrow's Face #87) showed up with "Gam," his grandmother Jerry Stocks (Face #84) to go off and leave me to paint Sandor's mom.

So, next up came Sandor's mom, Ivie.

Web: www.jillbanks.com
Blog: jillbanks.blogspot.com
100 Faces in 100 Days Project: www.jillbanks.com/jillbanks/100_Faces_in_100_Days_Project.html
Email: jillbanks1@aol.com
Phone: 703.403.7435

All the Way from South Carolina: Jerry Stocks Is Face #84

"Jerry Stocks: Face #84," oil, 12"h x 12"w, copyright Jill Banks 2011

While the rest of my volunteers are from the local Washington DC area, Jerry Stocks drove up from Beaufort, South Carolina with her daughter and two grandsons to become Faces #84, 85, 86 and 87 in my 100 Faces in 100 Days project. I'm the painter in their Spring Break adventure.

Jerry found out about my project by reading my blog. She's a regular reader and so followed along as this project was first an idea and just getting started. She volunteered back in January. I think she's up for anything that offers adventure and learning. She's a doer.

Jerry recently has delved into painting, having taken three workshops. Part of this adventure was definitely to talk art. We shared books, artists to look up/find out more about (boy, do I have a lot of homework to do in the next couple of days), ways to learn different facets of the art of painting, etc. She's done a lot of investigating into the art world ... discovering artists left and right through art blogs. Jerry reminds me of me. Nothing like the full immersion program.

Jerry came to art by way of sewing. She developed designs and plates for smocking, ran a wholesale business, wrote a regular column for Sew Beautiful magazine, taught workshops and spoke all over the world. In that business, she became an overnight sensation. A recurring theme is that whenever Jerry found that there was a shortage of something (designs, plates, easy to understand instruction), she took it upon herself to fill the void. The artist as entrepreneur.

 Today, she brought along a knitting project and worked occasionally at that. She found it difficult to talk and keep track of her knitting. Sounds familiar. Tough to keep a painting moving along and think, speak, listen, respond.

At some point, I'll report on all the artists, books, blogs, etc. that Jerry introduced me to today.

Tomorrow I'll be painting Jerry's four-year-old grandson and Jerry's daughter, Ivie. I'm not sure exactly what you'll see on tomorrow's blog post. Keep those fingers crossed.

Fine Art Connoisseur and American Art Collector Magazines, April

American Art Collector, April 2011, page 30

My painting, "Tranquility," that will be on exhibit at Salon International held at Greenhouse Gallery in San Antonio, Texas ... appears in the April editions of both American Art Collector and Fine Art Connoisseur. View the Salon International exhibit online.

Web: www.jillbanks.com
Blog: jillbanks.blogspot.com
100 Faces in 100 Days Project: www.jillbanks.com/jillbanks/100_Faces_in_100_Days_Project.html
Email: jillbanks1@aol.com
Phone: 703.403.7435

Maxine, Age 10, Is Face #83 Today ... And Painting Was Bumpy

"Maxine: Face #83," oil, 12"h x 12"w, copyright Jill Banks 2011

Today's painting of Face #83 in my 100 Faces in 100 Days Project just didn't go smoothly. Soon-to-be 11, Maxine was happy to be the subject of the day and she was good company ... but the artist in me just wasn't cooperating. I figure that at this point, I've painted three Maxine's. One who looked about 20 (this morning). One who looked about six (early afternoon). (Age approximations by Maxine.) And, this one which I believe is a reasonable approximation of Maxine (late afternoon).

There is a potential culprit here ... other than me. I made the error of telling Maxine early in the sitting that a number of my sitters worked at standing out in the crowd of 100. Like wearing a bright different color. A scarf. Fun earrings. Bright color. No color. So, guess what Maxine noticed about the faces I have currently in my studio. No smiles. No teeth. I'm anti-grins with teeth because 1) it's an almost impossible pose to hold; 2) it's hard for it to look natural; and 3) it takes me forever to paint and I end up painting from photos. Maxine did do well actually "holding" her grin in person which was the only reason I attempted it.

I did send Maxine and her dad home when I just couldn't work out the painting. I know that with my younger sitters, the very best time to capture them is right at the beginning because a lot unravels after that. There just was no way I was going to be helped with the real Maxine in front of me for my third attempt on her face. Funny thing was, when I had first sketched her face this morning with just sepia paint ... about five minutes into it, Maxine's mom said she liked it just like that.

Maxine and a Blackberry break

About Maxine: making art is not her thing; she really likes math; loves rollercoasters; plans to be a dermatologist; she enjoys being an individual -- likes to stand out in the crowd; plays the piano; likes swimming more than diving; likes the trampoline; loves sweets; dislikes vegetables; likes bananas and blueberries.

One more note. Maxine wanted to play a game of storytelling with her dad and me. The story gets passed around and added to by each person. I flunked. There was no way I could deal with a difficult painting session and imaginative storytelling. Another time perhaps.

Register for Spring Classes and Workshop
I added info to the Classes page on my web site on my Spring Portrait Painting and Drawing class (Mondays for eight sessions, 10am-1pm starting May 2) and Still Life Painting class (Tuesdays for eight sessions, 10am-1pm starting May 3). I'm also offering my Mastering the Business of Art workshop in May. You can print a registration form also from my site. Space is limited ... but the school space will be expanded starting April 1 ... so more room!!! Classes are beginning to fill. Don't wait.


Faces from South Carolina ... Tomorrow
Tomorrow I'll be painting Jerry Stocks who has traveled from South Carolina with her daugther and two grandsons (age 4 and 7) to become part of my project. I'll be painting the four of them in the next three days ... so I'll be doubling up sittings. I'm feeling the pressure and will have to moderate/quiet that however I can. Tea with honey? Paint in pajamas? Clean brushes?

Web: www.jillbanks.com
Blog: jillbanks.blogspot.com
100 Faces in 100 Days Project: www.jillbanks.com/jillbanks/100_Faces_in_100_Days_Project.html
Email: jillbanks1@aol.com
Phone: 703.403.7435

Studiomate Jennifer Duncan is Face #82

"Jennifer Duncan: Face #82," oil, 12"h x 12"w, copyright Jill Banks 2011

My title almost read #882 (I'm not much of a typist) ... versus Face #82. Can you imagine? I bet I'd be pretty good by then.

Mixed media artist and fellow studiomate Jennifer Duncan came and sat for me today. (By the way, she just updated her web site ... herself ... so go take a look.) She came armed with a sketchbook and a book she'd purchased at MOMA ... but what we mainly ended up doing is, you guessed it, talked. We've been studiomates for as long as there has been the Artists' Atelier. (Maybe six or seven years?) We're both founding members. Now, our studios are in the corners ... same side of the Atelier. My wall faces her wall. Jennifer loves color like I love color. I'm not sure whether or not I influence her, but she does influence me. Sometimes subliminally.

During these years together, we've seen each other grow as artists. Today, we were talking among other things about teaching. Sharing studio space among artists spurs growth among peers. We learn and inspire each other. We talk about techniques, art, tools, exhibits to see, thoughts about galleries, pricing, teaching, composition, directions ... and philosophies and family.

Jennifer said she didn't know how I could talk and paint. We (including she) do it all the time. Okay, sometimes we're quiet but it's natural to be focusing in on painting and still converse. And, I do say ummm alot during the important parts.

So, for my faces project, I'm still disturbed as I come down to the final days of my project that I cannot tell whether or not I've "got it" with my paintings or not. These alla prima (all at once, painted wet into wet in one sitting) portraits/faces are not going to be dead-on, accurate depictions of any of my sitters. I know that. But I want to know that the essence of that person, that recognizable part is there. Up close ... I just don't know.

I think this is a great painting of Jennifer. But all day, I'd see it. Then, I'd not see it. Up close it looked like someone else. What in the world is up with that?

On the thankful side, I am so appreciative of every person who has agreed to come and sit for me. They've taken a big chunk of their time and donated in this bucket called the 100 Faces in 100 Days project. That's amazing. Awesome. Thank you!!!!

Getting Ready for Exhibiting

It's funny to still be painting while figuring out how to hang my upcoming exhibits, but Randy and I found the perfect leather-like fabric to cover panels that will hold 9 of my faces each. We visited the JoAnn's Fabrics in Leesburg, VA. A great store. My "faces" look terrific on the one sample panel Randy put together.  Can't wait for you to see all of these 100 faces together. (I can't wait myself.)

Register for Spring Classes and Workshop
I added info to the Classes page on my web site on my Spring Portrait Painting and Drawing class (Mondays for eight sessions, 10am-1pm starting May 2) and Still Life Painting class (Tuesdays for eight sessions, 10am-1pm starting May 3). I'm also offering my Mastering the Business of Art workshop in May. You can print a registration form also from my site. Space is limited ... but the school space will be expanded starting April 1 ... so more room!!!


Some very full, challenging days are ahead. Really interesting stories. Stay tuned.

Web: www.jillbanks.com
Blog: jillbanks.blogspot.com
100 Faces in 100 Days Project: www.jillbanks.com/jillbanks/100_Faces_in_100_Days_Project.html
Email: jillbanks1@aol.com
Phone: 703.403.7435

Stanley Miller Is Face #81 Today In My 100 Faces in 100 Days

"Stanley Miller: Face #81," oil, 12"h x 12"w, copyright Jill Banks 2011

Stanley Miller is one more alumni from my parent's condo building ... and one more of their recruits for my 100 Faces in 100 Days Project. Yesterday's sitter, Frank Sagstetter, brought Stanley to the door today and I've been given an interesting glimpse into this very close-knit community having conversations with the two of them. My dad, Stanley and Frank are three members (out of about 12) of the condo poker club. Stanley is named as the Poker Czar, in charge of figuring out who is going to be there and dividing the group into two tables as necessary, etc.  From what I gather, this is only a teeny-tiny bit about poker and a lot about bringing together this dynamic group of good-hearted, noisy, opinionated, caring men.

If you're just finding out about this project for the first time ... in January 1 I started painting a "face" a day with the commitment to paint 100 Faces in 100 Days. I've asked for volunteers -- people willing to come sit for around four hours for me -- and talk about themselves, learn about painting and the artist's life. My motivations for launching this project include improving as a painter (which you do when you paint 100 of anything day after day), involving more people in art (something I love doing), and learning how to handle painting from life with moving, talking regular folks. I've had plenty of volunteers -- young, old, different shapes and sizes -- and every day my new face arrives at my doorway and a whole new set of discoveries unfold. It's been fascinating. A happy, different, interesting adventure for the sitters as well. (They tell me that.) No one needs to stay still and it's just fun.

I keep the paintings. I now have 81 of them and two exhibits planned so far. The first will be in May at the Great Falls Library in Great Falls, VA. I'll plan a reception and I'm sure some other events. Then I'll be exhibiting my 100 Faces in 100 Days again in the Great Falls Foundation for the Arts (GFFFTA) Gallery at the Artists' Atelier (1144 Walker Road, Suite G, Great Falls, VA), the studio I share with 16 other artists. That exhibit will be in August.

 A pic of Stanley and me. I have green paint all over my face. Nice touch.

Back to Stanley... He was great company and liked his modeling gig. He wanted to make sure I had all the time I needed. He also told me (and my husband Randy) that I sound (talk, laugh) just like my mom and act a bit like my dad.

At this point in his life, Stanley is appreciating having a second chance to give back and care for his wife as wonderfully as she had cared for him throughout their marriage. His wife, Helen, has had medical and memory problems and needs Stanley's care. It's a blessing to him to be there with her, love and comfort her.

Stanley doesn't have a computer ... so will be seeing this only if someone else helps him to do so.

Web: www.jillbanks.com
Blog: jillbanks.blogspot.com
100 Faces in 100 Days Project: www.jillbanks.com/jillbanks/100_Faces_in_100_Days_Project.html
Email: jillbanks1@aol.com
Phone: 703.403.7435

Frank Sagstetter Is Face #80 Today

"Frank Sagstetter: Face #80," oil, 12"h x 12"w, copyright Jill Banks 2011

Frank is one of the "alumni" (moved away but keep coming back) from my parents' condo building ... and one of their recruits for my 100 Faces in 100 Days Project. (Find out more about this project on earlier posts and on my web site's 100 Faces Project page.) Frank was a great pick for Face #80.

My parents sent out emails about my project ... looking for volunteers back in January. Frank was right on it ... glad to do it. I believe he used the saying ... "you snooze, you lose."

Frank came armed with questions, curiosity, stories, humor. It was a great afternoon.

His duties following sitting to be painted included getting the red cart of sodas, wine, snacks, etc. ready for poker night tonight at the condo. This is really my dad's job, but with my dad out of town, Frank is next in command for this important responsibility. He can't wait for my dad to get back in town.

I took awhile longer to paint this face than normal -- although neither of us seemed to mind. I'd watch as Frank's eyes crinkled up as he laughed and kept making decisions and revisions on just what I wanted to capture. And, then again, maybe I'm just slow.

Frank's known as the "silver fox" among my parents' condo buddies. With a gray wall, silver hair, and white t-shirt -- I didn't need that myriad of colors set up on my palette.

I received this email from Frank the next morning:

Hi Jill:

It's spectacular!!... and thanks again for allowing me to be a part of your wonderful project.

I've already received 5 positive compliments on your work on my face. And they're not from my family!

I'll make sure Stan gets there today!

Thanks again!

Frank 

 McLean Art Club Talk Scheduled for April 29!
I got a call today that the Washington Post and other publicity has listed me as the speaker tomorrow at the McLean Art Club. Oops! I'm scheduled for next month, April 29 to speak from 10:45 to noon about "Building and Growing Your Art Clan." That talk is open to the public and meets at the McLean Community Center, 1234 Ingleside Drive, McLean, VA. I believe that a calligrapher will be giving a demo tomorrow at that same location. I'll be talking ... again on April 29 ... on ways that I and some of my other fellow artists have been successful at generating enthusiasm and support for our art. Actually, that's got me thinking ... it would be great to share the talk with an artist buddy of mine. I wonder...

Register for Spring Classes and Workshop
I added info to the Classes page on my web site on my Spring Portrait Painting and Drawing class (Mondays for eight sessions, 10am-1pm starting May 2) and Still Life Painting class (Tuesdays for eight sessions, 10am-1pm starting May 3). I'm also offering my Mastering the Business of Art workshop in May. You can print a registration form also from my site. Space is limited ... but the school space will be expanded starting April 1 ... so more room!!!

Web: www.jillbanks.com
Blog: jillbanks.blogspot.com
100 Faces in 100 Days Project: www.jillbanks.com/jillbanks/100_Faces_in_100_Days_Project.html
Email: jillbanks1@aol.com
Phone: 703.403.7435

My Sister-in-Law, Cindy Banks, Is Face #79 and Still Life Class

"Cindy Banks: Face #79," oil, 12"h x 12"w, copyright Jill Banks 2011

Today was Cindy's turn to sit for my 100 Faces in 100 Days Project. I knew today was going to be tough (fun but tough) because it was the last day of my Still Life class with a little get-together after class ... and then a very late start on my face of the day at 3pm. Which means I'd be battling the fading light and I was bound to be pooped when I started. (True and true.)

I had a harder time with this one and I may still work on it some. But definitely not tonight. I was much happier with the painting at the end than the whole rest of the time. So that's a victory.

Cindy and I had a great time together and that's a whole lot more important that the painting struggle. She's good, easy company and we don't ever get a chance to just sit down and talk. Well, actually, I got to stand and talk. Whenever we're together we have "jobs" to do ... like cooking or entertaining or visiting with others. This was a welcome change.

Cindy's husband, Vardaman, was enjoying watching her reaction

One of the reasons this isn't clearly Cindy is that she's really quick to smile, talkative and energetic. All that had to pass through my tired paintbrush. So imagine her with a twinkle in her eye and a laugh about to burst. That would be her.







Still Life Class Today ... Register for Spring Classes
Today was a wild day, too, in Still Life class as we were doing some drills (value and color studies) with a bunch of instruction and help needed all class long. For the value studies, students needed to use one color from their palette plus white and mix up four different values to paint their still life. It's tough to see how the value of a slice of a grapefruit in the light compares to the value (how dark/light) of a teal piece of paper in the light. Interesting. I thought the results were great. I wish I had taken photos of some of them to post here.

I added info to the Classes page on my web site on my Spring Portrait Painting and Drawing class (Mondays for eight sessions, 10am-1pm starting May 2) and Still Life Painting class (Tuesdays for eight sessions, 10am-1pm starting May 3). I'm also offering my Mastering the Business of Art workshop in May. You can print a registration form also from my site. Space is limited ... but the school space will be expanded starting April 1 ... so more room!!!

Web: www.jillbanks.com
Blog: jillbanks.blogspot.com
100 Faces in 100 Days Project: www.jillbanks.com/jillbanks/100_Faces_in_100_Days_Project.html
Email: jillbanks1@aol.com
Phone: 703.403.7435

Carol Howard Is Face #78 in My 100 Faces Project

"Carol Howard: Face #78," oil, 12"h x 12"w, copyright Jill Banks 2011

Carol Howard, one of my students in Still Life class, agreed ... rather reluctantly ... to sit for my 100 Faces in 100 Days Project. While she's been involved with art forever-ish, Carol's relatively new to painting. She trained as a technical illustrator using airbrush, worked in clay, has an eye for art. She's passionate about painting and getting better and better. That pretty much sums up my whole class.

She arrived at my door with this beautiful blue sweater. Her 23-year-old daughter was her advisor ... as in "Mom, you can't wear black ... it will wash you out." Great advice. And, a fun color to paint. I even had to call in an auxiliary color, one not regularly on my palette, for this. Pthalo blue by Winsor & Newton stays bright and intense when mixed with white, while other blues dull and get chalkier with white. But, when I mix pthalo blue with white, it's intense though a bit blue-greenish. Add to that mixture some French Ultramarine Blue to warm it up and voila! A bright slightly warm blue. Hint, though. The order that you mix colors can matter.

Carol and I had a great time talking. There were lots of "small world" conversations She'd worked at Sikorsky Aircraft in Connecticut ... the same place that my maid of honor, Pat Fresiello, worked right after college.

Tomorrow's the last day of the session for Still Life. Time for me to go out and get a few things for the day. In store for them: some fun drills and sketches, value studies, color studies. Something different.

Web: www.jillbanks.com
Blog: jillbanks.blogspot.com
100 Faces in 100 Days Project: www.jillbanks.com/jillbanks/100_Faces_in_100_Days_Project.html
Email: jillbanks1@aol.com
Phone: 703.403.7435

Sarah Banks, My Daughter, Is Face #77

"Sarah Banks: Face #77," oil, 12"h x 12"w, copyright Jill Banks 2011

My daughter, Sarah, finally succumbed to becoming Face #77 in my 100 Faces in 100 Days Project. That means she's escaped for the previous 76 days.

Somewhere in the middle, Sarah asked me how much longer ... more than one hour? When I said I'd need four hours she wondered (aloud) why I say three to four hours when it's almost always four hours. She has a point.

I've painted her quite a few times, but this one's the best. Plus, I got to spend about five hours being with her, talking and taking breaks (including omelet making and eating). So, a very big treat for me! I want more days just like that.

With two kids grown, I miss spending day-to-day time with them. (I'm also very proud and happy for them.)

I hate to say this because I don't want to jinx anything ... but I'm getting better at painting. I'm struggling less (oh, I REALLY worry about saying that); concentrating on what's important and simplifying shapes; seeing and understanding subjects in three dimensions; dealing with paint and surfaces. In Sarah's case, I know how to paint her. That allowed me to push the painting farther than any of the rest which means I achieved everything I wanted to.

There'd be more photos ... like a photo of Sarah with the painting of her ... but she was napping when I thought of it.

Same painting with photo taken under tungsten light

Effect of Lighting: Photographing Paintings
I also photographed the painting outside, at dusk. I don't have a filter on my camera so the photo above has a bit of a dusky quality to it, but the colors are so much truer than many on my blog that I've taken under tungsten light. To show just how drastic the effect of lighting is on the photograph, the photo to the right is the same painting taken inside under tungsten light.

This is why when you look back through my blog at the photos of my sitters with their paintings, those photos look bluer/more natural. At those moments, there's more sunlight/natural light in my studio. Then I rest. Then I take photos of the finished paintings to get them ready for my blog and the natural light's long faded.

Cindy Grisdela's Blog

Cindy Grisdela is an accomplished fiber artist ... also a friend, one of my first "faces" (Face #4), and a fellow Great Falls Studios member. According to her blog, she was influenced by my project to start her own: a quilt a day for thirty days. I caught up on Cindy Grisdela's blog today about her quilt-a-day project ... and it ... and the quilts are terrific! Very inspiring! I'd heard about Cindy's quest from Laura Nichols (president of Great Falls Studios, a potter, and face #57). Seems Laura is thinking about her own project goal, this time in pots. I feel great that this project is getting these two very energetic and productive people to push themselves in a new way to help develop their art.

Recently I had a chance to be a "fly on the wall" and hear someone discussing my project. The comment was something like this: "She's already obviously great at painting portraits. Why would she want to paint 100 more?" My answer (which I couldn't give then) is multi-faceted. I think my work is really good and I put my heart and soul into it. But, I always want to keep improving. And, I'm not working to (just) become better at painting portraits, I want to grow as a painter (and artist) in my approach to all subject matter. Well, that's part of my answer.

 Web: www.jillbanks.com
Blog: jillbanks.blogspot.com
100 Faces in 100 Days Project: www.jillbanks.com/jillbanks/100_Faces_in_100_Days_Project.html
Email: jillbanks1@aol.com
Phone: 703.403.7435

Meredyth Gehrig Is Face #76 and Connections

"Meredyth Gehrig: Face #76," oil, 12"h x 12"w, copyright Jill Banks 2011

Meredyth Gehrig (Face #76) is Stephen Klagholtz's (Face #28) girlfriend. Stephen is a good friend of my son Sam's (Face #3). All three of them are recent Virginia Tech grads and Meredyth (and Stephen) majored in biochemistry (they met as lab partners).

There are lots of connections within/among my 100 Faces in 100 Days Project. I've thought of connecting strings between those who know each other when I hang the exhibit. Randy and I (though mainly Randy) have been figuring out how to hang the show (at the Great Falls Library in May) and are coming up with a good plan. Though there's a lot of work between this good plan and being ready to put them up. I do think they'll look awesome in the end!

Meredyth in the gallery at the Artists' Atelier

Painting went fine. Stephen came to visit during the session, then Stephen's brother and his girlfriend. It was probably a bit too much for  Meredyth to handle having that many eyes on her ... comparing the painting to its subject. It's probably enough of a stretch just to have me staring at her. 

Again, I guess, I made plenty of weird faces. When I did smile at the end, Meredyth figured that this must be a good sign. Better than a grimace, "oops" look,  question face, etc. My expressions are definitely out of my control.

Tomorrow, I'm painting my daughter, Sarah. I'm looking forward to it! I hope she is, too.

Web: www.jillbanks.com
Blog: jillbanks.blogspot.com
100 Faces in 100 Days Project: www.jillbanks.com/jillbanks/100_Faces_in_100_Days_Project.html
Email: jillbanks1@aol.com
Phone: 703.403.7435

Shirley Nagelschmidt Is Face #75 in My 100 Faces in 100 Days Project

I'm three-quarters of the way through my 100 Faces in 100 Days Project. Wow! There have been a ton of lessons learned. My painting "muscles" are in tune. I've thoroughly enjoyed the perspectives and insights of my sitters. They are all dancing around in my head. In turn, I'm pretty sure my sitters have gotten a lot out of their time spent here. Some of that is evident in comments and emails. They've enjoyed sharing their experience with others. A successful ongoing project with lots of win-wins.

"Shirley Nagelschmidt: Face #75," oil, 12"h x 12"w, copyright Jill Banks 2011

Shirley Nagelschmidt came and sat for me today. She's one of my parents' neighbors who also is the owner of lots of art including my drawing "After Caravaggio" that I created on a trip back from Rome last year.

Shirley had a painting done of her once before, by her mom, an artist herself. Shirley was about five at the time and remembers staying super still for that sitting. I encouraged her to move more.

I knew some of Shirley's "story" coming into the sitting. She was widowed twice within four years ... and Shirley is writing a book and writes a blog about still being alive. She had originally started writing about her experiences to help her through it. Then she realized that others were interested in what she had to say. Her project is evolving and sooner or later, she'll get her book published. Go to her site: www.WidowedTwiceAndStillAlive.com, A Widow's Journey.

Shirley asked if my knowing part of her story influenced the way that I painted her and I said I didn't think that it did. During our conversation, I witness or seek to learn something about that person and take an objective look. I want to see for myself. Our time together covered the gamut of emotions and thoughts.  One of Shirley's comments on seeing her painting is that "she looks like there are so many facets of her."  I agree.



Web: www.jillbanks.com
Blog: jillbanks.blogspot.com
100 Faces in 100 Days Project: www.jillbanks.com/jillbanks/100_Faces_in_100_Days_Project.html
Email: jillbanks1@aol.com
Phone: 703.403.7435

The Art League Featured My Project on their gallery blog post March 17, 2011. Thanks!

Francie Johnson Is Face #74 in My 100 Faces in 100 Days Project

"Francie Johnson: Face #74," oil, 12"h x 12"w, copyright Jill Banks 2011

Francie Johnson, a student of mine, came to sit for me today ... but first she inspired the heck out of me with her wonderful art books. She just recently introduced me to a wonderful artist from Maine, Connie Hayes, and this time I was seeing her work in print. Francie owns a collector edition of Connie's "Borrowed Views" book. Beautiful! And, what a stupendous idea. Connie Hayes asked to "borrow" her Maine neighbors' views. To come and stay in their homes. Paint their views. And, I believe she paid them with one of her paintings. Well, I'm up for that! Really inspiring was to see a photo of the scene side-by-side with Connie's interpretation. Wow! Much, much, much better in paint.

Francie also brought with her a retrospective catalog of Richard Schmid's filled with his beautiful portraits.

And, she brought a beautiful art journal Francie had made of a two-week trip to India. Francie had learned the technique from Susan Abbott who teaches how to construct journals combining textual and visual "memories" of her travels. Susan Abbott offers travel workshops through the Art League. Very cool to see. Inspiring for me before a trip coming up shortly to England.

Actually, Francie was inspirational all day long. Lots of extra ideas running around. She made me get that "I'm dying to paint that" feeling.

It was a little daunting to leave the art books and start painting Francie's face. Who knows how the vision will turn out?

I painted for awhile. We broke for some lunch. And I painted some more. Francie can definitely hold up her end of the conversation. All of it was interesting. I want to see her barn and horse. Her conversation allowed me to concentrate, too, on painting.

"Sunflowers In My Studio" Found a New Home

When Face #74 was done, Francie took an art tour around the house. Something she wanted to do. She purchased "Sunflowers In My Studio" -- the painting that had recently won an Honorable Mention at the Art League's January 2011 All Media Membership Show. (I love that painting and know it will make her very happy to own it.) "Sunflowers In My Studio" had been hanging over the mantel on one side of our master bedroom's two-sided fireplace. "Tranquility," a painting we're in the midst of shipping off to San Antonio for Salon International, was hanging above the mantel on the other side. Right now there are two bare hooks. Better paint.

Thanks, Francie, for a great day!

Web: www.jillbanks.com
Blog: jillbanks.blogspot.com
100 Faces in 100 Days Project: www.jillbanks.com/jillbanks/100_Faces_in_100_Days_Project.html
Email: jillbanks1@aol.com
Phone: 703.403.7435

Hannah, Age 2, Is Face #73

"Hannah: Face #73," oil, 12"h x 12"w, copyright Jill Banks 2011

So my home studio today was filled with happiness called Hannah (and her mom, Christine). This is definitely FUN. And, fortunately, Hannah was having a good day. Just like with me, days can go either way.

Hannah's mom came equipped with a sticker project, favorite books, a picnic for her little grazer, a puzzle, crayons and a coloring book and perhaps a zillion other things. Christine was definitely the busiest of the three of us ... deftly shifting between activities and enthusiastically cheering Hannah on from beginning to end.

Not too far into the session, Hannah needed a bathroom break. Hannah and her mom had a conversation in there. Mom asked Hannah what she thought of the painting of herself. Hannah replied that "it was coming along quite nicely."

While I started painting standing up at my easel while Hannah was perched in a high stool, I shifted to sitting on the ground while Hannah enjoyed her picnic and coloring. The up and down that Hannah conquered with ease proved a bit slower and more groan-filled on my end. Older bones.

Hannah warmed up to me and this different place by the end. Matter of fact, she enjoyed hanging out in the family room after our painting session/sitting was through. Turns out lots of my stuff are perfectly suitable as toys. A silver angel, a variety of bunnies (stuffed, ceramic, wood), and a metal horse all were gainfully employed. It was really, really nice.

With all my talk about painting a four-year-old today, oops, Hannah happens to be two. Three in May. Hopefully she'll forgive me.

Thanks, Christine, for everything you did today!!!

And a note, I painted on this more from photos after the sitting although I liked the painting well when she left. It was just fun for me ... and the day danced around in my head.

Hannah checks it out

Web: www.jillbanks.com
Blog: jillbanks.blogspot.com
100 Faces in 100 Days Project: www.jillbanks.com/jillbanks/100_Faces_in_100_Days_Project.html
Email: jillbanks1@aol.com
Phone: 703.403.7435

100 Faces in 100 Days: Susan Silliman is Face #72

"Susan Silliman: Face #72", oil, 12"h x 12"w, copyright Jill Banks 2011

Considering that today's a Tuesday ... the day I'm usually most pooped (I teach classes on Mondays and Tuesdays and paint my Faces in the afternoon -- so full days) ... I'm holding up pretty well. This morning I taught my Still Life Painting class, which is always, fun, energizing and tiring, all at once. Both of my classes are full of great people who are eager to learn and encouraging to each other. How lucky is that?

Susan Silliman, a fellow Great Falls Studios member, came and sat for me today. She was one of my early volunteers ... offering her face right at the beginning of the project. So, she's brave!

Susan's art is abstract. She loves collage. She also loves my project and faces. And (husband) Randy's iced tea was a hit.

We talked about a bunch of things. Art instruction. Favorite instructors. Teaching. Great Falls. Susan and her husband's business (working with business/group conferences at resorts).

Very soon I'll be posting info about my Spring classes and workshops  ... here and on my web site. Classes start May 2.

Tomorrow I'll be painting a four-year-old. Just think about that. I can't wait to wake up and grab my paint brush. I have to remember to put my wet-paint paintings up on higher ground.

Web: www.jillbanks.com
Blog: jillbanks.blogspot.com
100 Faces in 100 Days Project: www.jillbanks.com/jillbanks/100_Faces_in_100_Days_Project.html
Email: jillbanks1@aol.com
Phone: 703.403.7435

Terri Parent Is Face #71 and "Dad" Is Picked As A FAV 15%

"Terri Parent: Face #71," oil, 12"h x 12"w, copyright Jill Banks 2011

Terri Parent -- photographer, writer, creative soul and director of the Great Falls School of Art (where I teach) -- sat for me today to become Face #71.

Terri and I have spent quite a bit of time together ... but it was nice for us to spend time together without an agenda other than for me to come up with some semblance of her in paint.

Terri has one of those really expressive faces. I always know what she's thinking. Her mouth goes in a million directions. Her eyes change shapes. I like those kind of faces ... because I want that window into the person. It's part of the conversation. Still, it's interesting to try to paint an animated face.

These conversations are just as important to me as practicing alla prima painting. I love hearing other people's perspectives and their way to navigate life.

Occasionally I hear ... "and don't you dare choose that to blog about."

Here's Terri's email comment to me from today (the next day):

I either photograph beautifully or horribly.  I was prepared for either scenario as Jill painted me.  I am pleased to say this is a good one.

While I do not find it natural to sit still, the 4plus hours flew by.  As Jill layered paint, we peeled layers of ourselves as we learned more about each other, our families and so on.  The time and conversation spent together is the real treasure of being Face #71.

 

Jill, I looked at the blog this morning and I love "me".

Terri

See my web site: www.JillBanks.com and my 100 Faces in 100 Days page there for more info about my project. I updated it a couple of days ago.

"Dad: Face #11" Is Chosen as a FAV 15% in the Fine Art Views February 2011 Online Art Competition

"Dad: Face #11" is chosen as one of the top entries in online contest

I occasionally enter an online competition, Fine Art Views Art Competition, which is juried every month. In February, I entered  my 100 Faces painting of my Dad ... one of the faces I truly love. While the awards haven't been completed, each month the Fine Art Views Staff picks their favorite 15% of the entries for an honor called FAV 15%. So Dad made it for the February 2011 contest. Smart folks. My painting "Rainy Day in NYC" made it into the FAV 15% last year.


Web: www.jillbanks.com
Blog: jillbanks.blogspot.com
100 Faces in 100 Days Project: www.jillbanks.com/jillbanks/100_Faces_in_100_Days_Project.html
Email: jillbanks1@aol.com
Phone: 703.403.7435

Zoya Schaller Is Face #70

"Zoya Schaller: Face #70," oil, 12"h x 12"w, copyright Jill Banks 2011

Zoya is Tamara Gribach's (Face #61) daughter ... part of my parent's Russian friends' family. (Okay, I know it's getting complicated ... but there are plenty of links between all of my sitters. Friends of friends. Friends of family. Fellow bloggers. Fellow artists. Etc.)

Zoya came this afternoon to sit a little tired. This morning, while I ate brunch and visited with son Sam and daughter-in-law Michelle (who were visiting for the weekend), Zoya was out on a 14-mile run with her husband. Well, that's impressive. She's a triathlete, has run a marathon, and keeps reaching toward greater athletic goals. (Kind of like my reaching for greater artistic goals.) Zoya told me to watch out for any race that had "Challenge" in its name (might mean running across a desert or something) or that mentioned a "scenic route" (which really meant you'd be running up a mountain to catch those views). (Again, I can relate.)

I was a little sluggish today (though I hadn't run 14 miles) and finished this one from photos after Zoya had sat for her four hours. (It happens.) She was a fun face to paint. Zoya wasn't worried (at all) about how the painting turned out. It would be what it would be. She was pretty happy just seeing a little of herself in it. (My photo of the finished painting is off in color -- photographed at night.)

An idea for some of my potentially restless sitters gathered from experience and advice: if you're someone who is always multitasking when chatting or watching TV (like knitting, doing origami, drawing, doodling, whittling, quilting, etc.), bring your hobby along. Or bring a book or crossword puzzle. We will either talk the whole time or talk a good bit of the time and pull out the entertainment if necessary. I do want to get at your personality (thus not doing this other thing the whole time) ... and I also want to be able to see your face.

Time to get on to preparing for tomorrow am. Bright and early class. Last day of the term for my Portrait Painting class.

Web: www.jillbanks.com
Blog: jillbanks.blogspot.com
100 Faces in 100 Days Project: www.jillbanks.com/jillbanks/100_Faces_in_100_Days_Project.html
Email: jillbanks1@aol.com
Phone: 703.403.7435