Sally Simms Sat for Face #96 Today

"Sally Simms: Face #96," oil, 12"h x 12"w, copyright Jill Banks 2011

Sally's a big fan and supporter of my artwork ... particularly of my portraits ... and my persistence in asking her to sit for my 100 Faces in 100 Days project finally brought her to my studio to sit. The idea of sitting in one spot for four hours made her nervous. Even though she gets to spend the time with me. Talking.

A benefit for today's sitting ... in addition to seeing her face developing on the canvas ... was my husband Randy helped her get her iPhone working again while I ate lunch and she snacked on half a pack of peanuts left over from a recent flight. (How does anyone have half a bag of peanuts left over?) She was glad to get reconnected with the world. I did notice that she's not quite as involved with her iPhone as Randy is his. Every time a question comes up when Randy and I are together, he's thoroughly researching the answer on the spot. Relentlessly. Sally ponders the answer with me instead.

Sally talked about a recent trip to Texas where she went shopping with a friend at a huge art/flea market/collectibles/antiques market. She's already doing her Christmas shopping! Her finds sound terrific. I can't imagine thinking that far ahead.

Sally with the painting. Pretty cool.

She also talked about how we just take our surroundings for granted... not paying attention to those goofy/ugly things in our house that really need to find their way someplace else. Sally had a lacy shower curtain in her master bath that had been there when she moved in (a good while ago). Suddenly she realized 1) it wasn't her, 2) it wasn't attractive, 3) she didn't need it, and 4) it had to go. Down it went ... and phew. Part of that Texas shopping trip put more of her individual tastes and ideas into that room.

Today went great, despite Sally's trepidations. Her reaction to the painting, "That's me." It really is.

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

Here's a Repeat: You've Got to See the School! Register Now...

Wow! I went to see the classroom that I normally teach in ... now expanded to include my previous second downstairs studio at 1144 Walker Road, Great Falls, VA. Wow again! I'm so excited about teaching there in May. The expansion made all the difference. It gets great light. There's plenty of room. Such a difference. I'll try to take a photo of the classroom soon and post it here. Yea!

Get info about the classes I'm offering on the Classes page on my web site. Portrait Painting and Drawing. Still Life Painting in Oils. A workshop on "Mastering the Business of Art" on May 25 & 26, 6:30-9:30pm.