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