Drawing in the Reston Town Center

"Reston Town Center," ink wash and pen&ink on Zecchi's paper, 4-3/4"h x 13"w, © Jill Banks 2011

"Reston Town Center Fountain," ink wash & pen&ink, 13"h x 9"h, ©Jill Banks 2011

Today was all about trying something new. Usually, my "Portrait Painting and Drawing" class involves a model for the day and painting at the school ... but this term, all my portrait painting students were taking a break for a session and my class was filled with my still life students looking for an extra painting day in class. (They are taking both still life and portrait.) So, the class is morphing into ... all those other things they'd like to learn to paint/do. (We did spend half of the classes working with a model ... the second half is the doing something different half.)

This morning we met at the Reston Town Center to work on ink washes and pen & ink. In the shade. The major lesson is in just suggesting the form versus drawing a contour and filling in the blanks. This was the first time the class tackled this new medium... one I love to use while traveling.

"Lamp Post," pen&ink and wash on Fabriano Artistico paper, 10" x 6", ©Jill Banks 2011

Drawing quieted my usually rowdy group. It's so different from painting ... which is fast-paced and social. Drawing is slow and introspective. It requires careful observation and continual decisions about what to include and what to leave out. A great idea to carry over into painting.

It was wonderful to sit there ... with this nice group ... listening and watching the fountain and the area fill with people and constantly change. A singer entertained the stroller set under the pavilion across the street. Not a bad place to be ... at all.

What I would like to do ... soon ... is to set up to paint, in oils, in Reston Town Center and all around the area and beyond. I want to paint urban spaces, concerts on the green, ballgames, farmers' markets and life in my neighborhood. The pools have opened and everyone seems to have spilled outside. Time for me, and my paints, to join life in the open air.

I have a ton of deadlines coming up ... rapidly ... shows to apply to, paintings to pull together. I think that's up next for today.

Tomorrow evening, after still life class, Randy and I take down my 100 Faces in 100 Days exhibit at the Great Falls Library, 9830 Georgetown Pike, Great Falls. The library opens at 1pm tomorrow so there might be a few hours to catch it if you haven't. Go to my web site: www.jillbanks.com and the 100 Faces in 100 Days project pages to find out more.

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

"Rainy Early Evening in London" Painting in Progress

"Rainy Early Evening in London" work in progress, 18"h x 24"w, oil on linen, copyright Jill Banks 2011

In April, Randy and I spent about two weeks in London ... with just two days with a little rain. On the second to last night, we ate out under the awning at Covent Gardens with this brief shower in the early evening. I loved the red reflections and the couple under the umbrella on the left. Perfect light and night.

I was having some difficulty painting today. Actually started working on another piece that was started in plein air, but couldn't make myself happy with it. Switched gears and started this one. This start was done primarily with a palette knife -- concentrating on large shapes and simplification. There's already a LOT of paint on there. Today was the day to make a mess and I was wearing a good amount of reds, bluish grays and white. Quite patriotic.

Today was also the first day in a while that I wasn't running at top speed to try to get "too much" accomplished. That was very nice, for a change.

Today is also the birthday of my top artist agent -- my mom. Happy Birthday, Mom!

My 100 Faces in 100 Days exhibit at the Great Falls Library, 9830 Georgetown Pike, Great Falls, VA is about to close. Tomorrow, Saturday, May 28 would be a good day to see it as the library will be closed Sunday and Monday. I hope you have a chance to take a look.

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

"Little Miss Muffet's" Painting Today

"Little Miss Muffet's," 10"h x 8"w, oil on linen, copyright Jill Banks 2011

Another quick post ... because tonight's day two of my "Mastering the Business of Art" workshop.

"Little Miss Muffet's" is the painting of the day. Actually, I had so little time to paint today ... I went back to this painting I had left incomplete about a year ago. (Maybe?) This spider and cup typically sits on the countertop in my kitchen. Seems to amuse me. So, I absconded with it ... and took it off to my studio. I made plenty of changes ... like substituting the pear (something I have) in place of a nectarine (something I didn't have). The "100 Faces in 100 Days" project taught me to rethink backgrounds and elements and just do what I think works. Reality doesn't always rule.

So, off to 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

"Cubanelle and Roses" Painting Today

"Cubanelle and Roses," 10"h x 8"w, oil on linen, copyright Jill Banks 2011

I've got to run ... it's Randy and my anniversary today so it's date time.

But here's today's painting, very fresh off the easel. It was tough to figure out what to paint because today was Still Life class day so lots of options. A case of over-inspiration.

See more still life paintings in the Still Life section, gallery pages on my web site : www.jillbanks.com.


See you later!






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

"Weekend Edition" Painting in Progress and Portrait Class

"Weekend Edition" work in progress stage 2, 20"h x 20"w, copyright Jill Banks 2011

Pretty quick post ... because there's still lots to do today.

I continued to work on "Weekend Edition" after class today. The newspaper article taking shape is the photo, text about my 100 Faces in 100 Days Exhibit that was in the Washington Post's Weekend Section on Friday, May 6. I couldn't resist.

For my portrait class today, my students were doing all sorts of quick gesture studies in oil, Studio Incamminati style. Our model, Shalonda, treated them to beautiful and fun poses. What impressed me was how much better they became, quickly, at proportions as they moved away from contours into large shapes. This photo is toward the end of class once we'd moved to a little longer pose.

Tomorrow's my still life class. Should be fun!

All the 100 Faces in 100 Days Exhibit Events

Mark your calendars for the 100 Faces exhibit events. All 100 faces will be on view two times this Spring/Summer. Please come!

 

May 3-31 at the Great Falls Library, 9830 Georgetown Pike, Great Falls, VA. Closed Sundays.

 

August at the Artists’ Atelier, 1144 Walker Road, Suite G, Great Falls, VA

Reception: Friday, August 12, 6-9pm

Ice Cream Social: Saturday, August 13, 2-4pm

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

Now There Are 101 Faces...

"David Reynolds: Face #101," oil on linen, 12"h x 12"w, copyright Jill Banks 2011

Today I gave an artist's talk/demo at the Great Falls Library for my "100 Faces in 100 Days" Exhibit. David Reynolds, the founder and publisher of élan Magazine, kindly let me rope him in as volunteer Face #101. Great choice!

Because I was combining a talk about the project with the demo, and I had a three-hour time limit (a little shorter than what's comfortable for me), I wanted a face I knew I could capture quickly and relatively easily. So my selection criteria for sitter #101 was ... to find a man with a beard and an interesting, good-looking face. Sort of like a scavenger hunt.

David's office is right next to the Great Falls School of Art (where I teach) and the Artists' Atelier (where I share studio space with 15 other artists at 1144 Walker Road, Suite D, Great Falls, VA). I saw him pull out of the parking lot in his convertible. Voila! I found my face.

élan Magazine's focus is on the arts and local artists. David has gotten to know a LOT of artists over the past 11 years as publisher... and his immersion in that world gave an added dimension to this afternoon's discussion.

I talked about the magazine's influence on my life as an artist. In 2003, I read an article (in élan) about Robert Liberace and knew that "this" was what I wanted to do and that Rob was someone I had to study with. (I did ... taking classes year round with him at the Art League for years.) A dream of mine was to someday be featured in élan ... a sign for me of official artistdom. I was thrilled in May 2006 to be featured on the cover with a great article inside. Last month, April 2011, my painting "Dining Alfresco" made it to the cover as well. David's brainchild has offered a huge boost for all of us working to gain recognition and exposure for our art.

Think he likes it?

David is a humble, kind, funny, easygoing guy. During my "100 Faces in 100 Days" adventure, I regretted a bit the times when I painted my sitters with other people around ... because I wanted that one-on-one time that let me get to know him/her. David was comfortable, open and conversant with me and the audience so we all had a chance to see the real "him."

The painting went well from beginning to end ... but my husband Randy told me later that it took me about 10 minutes to put down the first stroke. (I was thinking ... and talking.) I called it a wrap at about the two-and-a-half hour mark very happy with the painting. So was my sitter!

It was fun to share the demo and some of this project's story ... to let others in on what these 100 days were like. It was really fun.

Highlights, too, from the day were my visitors. It was an interconnected day. Everyone had ties or common interests or wonderful help/advice for someone else. Elaine Sheetz, who modeled for my portrait class said that I bring people together. Well, I hope so. They all need to meet.

A great treat was that Rob and Lina Liberace came, walking through the door right as I was putting my last brushstroke on the painting. These two lead unbelievably jam-packed lives and it meant a whole lot to me that they came. Thank you! Both Lina and Rob have been featured in élan ... talked with David and again, there were all these connections.

Thanks, David. Thanks all for showing up. Great day.

All the 100 Faces in 100 Days Exhibit Events

Mark your calendars for the 100 Faces exhibit events. All 100 faces will be on view two times this Spring/Summer. Please come!

May 3-31 at the Great Falls Library, Great Falls, VA

Reception: Saturday, May 7, 2:30-5:30pm

Demo/Artist’s Talk: Saturday, May 21, 2-5pm

August at the Artists’ Atelier, 1144 Walker Road, Suite G, Great Falls, VA

Reception: Friday, August 12, 6-9pm

Ice Cream Social: Saturday, August 13, 2-4pm

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

"Weekend Edition" Painting In Progress and Demo/Talk Tomorrow

"Weekend Edition" work in progress, oil on linen, 20"h x 20"w, copyright Jill Banks 2011

This post is longer since I've been AWOL lately.

I started "Weekend Edition" as a demo during Great Falls Foundation for the Arts Art Night Out fundraiser. I visited a lot and painted a little. Last night, I put the paintbrush down when I was talking. Tomorrow, I'll have to be better at combining the two activities.

Demo/Artist's Talk, Saturday, May 21, 2-5pm

I'll be painting a very nice face tomorrow afternoon at the Great Falls Library, 9830 Georgetown Pike, Great Falls. I hope you can join me for an interesting afternoon. We'll be surrounded by the 100 paintings from my "100 Faces in 100 Days" exhibit. I'm committed to talking about the project while painting. If I go, "uh" or "hmmm," you'll know I needed to concentrate on my painting for a minute.

The best way I can let you in on all the wonderful elements of this project is to talk to you, while doing what I did for 100 days,  surrounded by all these faces. I also hope that you'll get to hear about the project from my volunteer sitters' perspectives. (Hint.)

I'm not sure how the painting will turn out tomorrow. I have three hours ... that's it ... and divided attention. Occasionally, life reminds me of a magic trick. I did choose my sitter for his beard. I had to simplify something.

The exhibit continues through May 31. 

More on "Weekend Edition"
"Weekend Edition" will include the page of the Washington Post's Weekend Section from May 6 that lists my "100 Faces in 100 Days" exhibit as the Gallery Opening of the Week. That's it undefined in the upper left corner. At one point last night, I asked Randy to fill up my mug (that's my lucky cup) with coffee. It came back steaming ... now I know that I'll also include those wisps of steam. Should be fun and a new challenge. This one's a work in progress ... hopefully I can squeeze in some more painting time during a very crazy week. Hmmmm.

"Blue," oil on linen, 12"h x 12"w, copyright Jill Banks 2011

Eastern Bluebird Chosen as Official Great Falls Bird

Well, that was lucky! Out of the seven bird candidates on the ballot for official bird, I had painted two for bird-related art exhibits spread throughout the year. I painted the Eastern Bluebird (the winner, #1) and the Wild Turkey (last place finisher, #7). So, "Blue" will be a candidate for a future art competition featuring the winning bird. Both "Blue" and "Turkey Gone Wild" will be part of a Great Falls Studios group exhibit at the Great Falls Library in June.

Register Now for My "Mastering the Business of Art" Workshop

"Turkey Gone Wild," oil, 12"h x 12"w, copyright Jill Banks 2011

Creating a successful art career requires more than just creating appealing art.  This two-part workshop covers the fundamentals of planning and establishing a career as a professional artist.  Topics include goal setting, studio setup, purchasing supplies, pricing your work, exhibiting and selling, grants, marketing, social media and more!  I began art classes in 2003 and have successfully built a rewarding art career  through sales, commissions, awards, grants, lots of good ideas and hard work, and teaching.  This popular class is held once a year.  Do not miss this opportunity!  For more information on me visit: www.jillbanks.com.

Wednesday, May 25 and Thursday, May 26, 6:30-9:30pm

$100 plus $20 booklet fee (booklet fee paid directly to instructor)

Please register by May 22. Late registrations are tough to manage. Thanks!

Registration Form

Lots more to tell you ... but you probably had enough. I hope to see you tomorrow! Wish me luck.

All the 100 Faces in 100 Days Exhibit Events

Mark your calendars for the 100 Faces exhibit events. All 100 faces will be on view two times this Spring/Summer. Please come!

May 3-31 at the Great Falls Library, Great Falls, VA

Reception: Saturday, May 7, 2:30-5:30pm

Demo/Artist’s Talk: Saturday, May 21, 2-5pm

August at the Artists’ Atelier, 1144 Walker Road, Suite G, Great Falls, VA

Reception: Friday, August 12, 6-9pm

Ice Cream Social: Saturday, August 13, 2-4pm

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

Painting "Francie's Peonies" and Still Life Class

"Francie's Peonies," oil on Raymar panel, 12"h x 16"w, copyright Jill Banks 2011

I'm easily influenced. Today I taught my Still Life class and there were flowers everywhere. Nancy Keane and Francie Johnson both brought in peonies ... and we had hydrangeas to boot. After class (and lunch), I worked at finishing up the painting I'd started three weeks ago as a demo. I believe this one's done and it's of the first batch of peonies that Francie had brought in... thus, the name.

While I was painting this, the vase of peonies that Francie was painting today was in the floor of my studio ... saying "Paint me. Paint me!" I'm hoping that they are saying the same thing tomorrow.

Francie Johnson with her painting of today's flowers ... and her palette knife

Class was terrific today. Lots of happy painters in there. Nancy and Mary Beth learned how to tackle a blue & white porcelain vase with great results. A challenge, conquered.

Francie Johnson was having a blast wielding her palette knife and painting the new vase of flowers she'd brought in. That's the same vase that I hope to be painting tomorrow.

Demo and Artist's Talk This Saturday
I'm giving a demo and artist's talk (that should be interesting!) this Saturday, May 21, 2-5pm at the Great Falls Library, 9830 Georgetown Pike, Great Falls, VA in conjunction with my 100 Faces in 100 Days Exhibit. I hope you can come. Come anytime between 2 and 5pm and stay as long as you like. I'll have armed my sitter with some questions about the project ... in case you don't have any. That way, I have a better chance of telling you a bunch of the amazing stories that surround my 100 Faces.
 
Also, my "Mastering the Business of Art" workshop is coming up soon (May 25 & 26). If you're interested, please sign up now. Take a look at my web site: www.JillBanks.com, Classes page.

100 Faces in 100 Days Exhibits

Mark your calendars for the 100 Faces exhibit events. All 100 faces will be on view two times this Spring/Summer. These will be WONDERFUL, not to be missed exhibits. Come see everyone!

May 3-31 at the Great Falls Library, Great Falls, VA

Reception: Saturday, May 7, 2:30-5:30pm

Demo/Artist’s Talk: Saturday, May 21, 2-5pm

August at the Artists’ Atelier, 1144 Walker Road, Suite G, Great Falls, VA

Reception: Friday, August 12, 6-9pm

Ice Cream Social: Saturday, August 13, 2-4pm

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

"Dante Ristorante" Plein Air Painting Today

"Dante Ristorante, Leigh House", oil on Raymar by Jill Banks

Today I returned to this painting of the restaurant that's right next to the Artists' Atelier. The Colvin Run Historic Street Fair was on from noon-4pm and I had lots of visitors stop by while I painted to clue me in on the history of the building. Dante Ristorante is housed in the original Leigh House, home to generations of doctors. One of my visitors, who has lived in the area for 42 years, had frequented the home many times. To write this post, I researched further on the Dante Ristorante web site and found it has a rich history as the headquarters for a large dairy farm and the area's only "lying in" hospital. Now I'll look at my neighbor a bit differently!

As I said, I had a lot of visitors stop and talk. A favorite group were four young guys riding all over Great Falls on their bikes. They stopped to look and raved. That was nice! Two are into art ... enjoying it at school.

This coming Thursday, May 19 is Art Night Out!, a fundraiser for the Great Falls School of Art held at the Riverbend Country Club, 7 to 10pm with art auctions (I have four pieces in the auction), demos (I'll be painting), and entertainment. Cost is $75. Go to the Great Falls Foundation for the Arts web site for more info and to download a reply card.

100 Faces in 100 Days Exhibits

All 100 faces will be on view two times this Spring/Summer.  Come see!

May 3-31 at the Great Falls Library, 9830 Georgetown Pike, Great Falls, VA

Demo/Artist’s Talk: Saturday, May 21, 2-5pm

August 1-31 at the Gallery in the Artists' Atelier, 1144 Walker Road, Suite G, Great Falls, VA 22066

Reception: Friday, August 12, 6-9pm

Ice Cream Social: Saturday, August 13, 2-4pm

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

Expanded Studio and Colvin Run Historical Street Fair This Sunday

My newly expanded, spiffed up space at the Artists' Atelier in Great Falls, VA

The Artists' Atelier, the studio I share with 15 other artists, will be open tomorrow, Sunday, May 15, noon to 4pm at 1144 Walker Road, Suites D&G, Great Falls, VA 22066. The Colvin Run Historic Street Fair celebrates the Colvin Run Neighborhood's 200th anniversary. Lots going on in the School House, at the Atelier and Great Falls School of Art, and at the Colvin Run Mill. Please stop by to see some art and enjoy refreshments.

Expanded Studio Space

The new wall

On May 1, I took out additional space upstairs in the Atelier, widening and deepening the space for more walls to hang art and more foot space ... so I have room to set up a still life or have someone sit for me and I can still stand back. Today, Randy and I hung more work, put down some more gray rubber tile (easier on the feet) and settled in. I haven't utilized the extra foot room but ... I can't wait!

My house currently has a lot of hooks missing their paintings. With the Artists' Atelier show (with "Dining Al Fresco," "Through the Window," "Elizabeth" and "Summer Reading") at the Candy Factory in Manassas, my 100 Faces in 100 Days exhibit at the Great Falls Library (with my 100 Faces plus five more favorite paintings) and all the additional paintings in my studio, it's never been clearer that I have lots of  painting to do. Well, great!

Register Now for My "Mastering the Business of Art" Workshop

Creating a successful art career requires more than just creating appealing art.  This two-part workshop covers the fundamentals of planning and establishing a career as a professional artist.  Topics include goal setting, studio setup, purchasing supplies, pricing your work, exhibiting and selling, grants, marketing, social media and more!  Jill began art classes in 2003 and has successfully built a rewarding art career  through sales, commissions, awards, grants, gallery representation and teaching.  This popular class is held once a year.  Do not miss this opportunity!  For more information on me visit: www.jillbanks.com.

Wednesday, May 25 and Thursday, May 26, 6:30-9:30pm

$100 plus $20 booklet fee (booklet fee paid directly to instructor)

Please register by May 19. Late registrations are tough to manage. Thanks!

Registration Form

100 Faces in 100 Days Exhibits

All 100 faces will be on view two times this Spring/Summer.  Come see!

May 3-31 at the Great Falls Library, 9830 Georgetown Pike, Great Falls, VA

Demo/Artist’s Talk: Saturday, May 21, 2-5pm

August 1-31 at the Gallery in the Artists' Atelier, 1144 Walker Road, Suite G, Great Falls, VA 22066

Reception: Friday, August 12, 6-9pm

Ice Cream Social: Saturday, August 13, 2-4pm

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

"NYC Street" Painting Finished?

"NYC Street," oil on linen, 30"h x 40"w, copyright Jill Banks 2011

I'm not positive about this ... thus the question mark. I'll look at it with fresh eyes tomorrow and let you know.

In any case this painting took some major twists and turns today. It sat pretty dormant for about a year. Today, I replaced its main characters and like it a whole lot better. It's so drastically different ... I'm not even going to direct you to its previous version. I had started it before I painted "Rainy Day in NYC," "Birds of a Feather," and "Five Umbrellas." It was a new direction, exploring the abstract qualities of urban streets.

See more of my work at my web site's gallery pages ...

Tomorrow I'll look again to see if there's a way to strengthen it.  Take things out? Look at the paint application and textures.

My head is still wrapped around my 100 Faces project. The exhibit is up until May 31 at the Great Falls Library, 9830 Georgetown Pike, Great Falls, VA. I'll be giving a demo, artist's talk on Saturday, 2-5pm there. I hope you'll join me. The price is definitely right. Free. And fun.

I keep thinking about how to tell this story. I definitely have plans to put together a book, ... but now I have multiple ideas about how that might take shape. I want to show the paintings and my sitter's story excerpts in one. But I'd like to explore the journey in another... the whole story. My life's fuller because of it. I want to share it better than I have so far.

And for the artists out there who want to get serious about their art careers, register for my "Mastering the Business of Art" workshop that I'm giving May 25 & 26. Get information on my web site (www.jillbanks.com), classes page. Please register by May 18.

100 Faces in 100 Days Exhibits

All 100 faces will be on view two times this Spring/Summer.  Come see!

May 3-31 at the Great Falls Library, 9830 Georgetown Pike, Great Falls, VA

Demo/Artist’s Talk: Saturday, May 21, 2-5pm

August 1-31 at the Gallery in the Artists' Atelier, 1144 Walker Road, Suite G, Great Falls, VA 22066

Reception: Friday, August 12, 6-9pm

Ice Cream Social: Saturday, August 13, 2-4pm

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

"Sunlight, Sunflowers and Orange" Painting Start Today

"Sunlight, Sunflowers and Orange" wip, 24"h x 18"w, oil, Jill Banks 2011

This afternoon, after teaching my Portrait class and having a late lunch with husband Randy, I embarked on my first non-demo painting after my 100 Faces project. Over the weekend of receptions, I was asked, often, what was next. Big question. I was, and continue to be, immersed in the power of the last project. It makes it more difficult to move on. I'm going to continue my quest (forever) to become the best painter/artist I can be. I want to take paintings to their "proper" conclusions. Work on them until I'm fully satisfied. I'm working on what to paint.

For today, I struggled with what this first painting would be. I decided to follow with tradition. I painted the beautiful sunflowers that my dad arranged for my reception on Saturday. This weekend, by far, was the most memorable, rewarding, wonderful, ... you  name it... art event for me. I cannot imagine ever feeling better about what I've done. Painting the flowers bring to mind all the great moments enjoyed.

"Sunflowers and Gladioli" is on view at the Great Falls Library in May

So "Sunlight, Sunflowers and Orange" is it. This is a slowly developing series. Paintings of flowers from art openings. You can see the painting from my "On the Bright Side" show opening flower arrangement ("Sunflowers and Gladioli") on view with my 100 Faces at the Great Falls Library this month. Do you know that I'm giving a demo/artist's talk there, at the Great Falls Library, 9830 Georgetown Pike, Great Falls, Va on Saturday, May 21 from 2-5pm? That's a pretty funny combination ... but I hope to give you a bit more of an understanding of my project while painting another "face." What a test.

I'm not done with "Sunlight, Sunflowers and Orange" yet. But I like it. I love the idea of the subject in shadow surrounded by strong light. This one will benefit from an additional painting day. It's definitely different. Inspiration took awhile to strike. Perhaps that's another offshoot of my project. Rediscovering the chance to poke around for inspiration. Not going directly to work.

My portrait class is filled with still life students who approached a living, breathing model for the first time around me today. They were really, truly rocking and rolling. Amazing! They realized, and appreciated, the "rush" that comes from painting a subject that's just there for a short period of time. Just for you.

100 Faces in 100 Days Exhibits

All 100 faces will be on view two times this Spring/Summer.  Come see!

May 3-31 at the Great Falls Library, 9830 Georgetown Pike, Great Falls, VA

Demo/Artist’s Talk: Saturday, May 21, 2-5pm

August 1-31 at the Gallery in the Artists' Atelier, 1144 Walker Road, Suite G, Great Falls, VA 22066

Reception: Friday, August 12, 6-9pm

Ice Cream Social: Saturday, August 13, 2-4pm

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

Two Receptions For the 100 Faces in 100 Days Exhibit

Under the Faces are excerpts from that sitter's blog post. Lots of reading going on...

A Wonderful Celebration: Reception #1 Today
Today, was Reception #1 for my "100 Faces in 100 Days" Exhibit at the Great Falls Library and it was wonderful ... lots of very familiar faces showed up, enjoying a great time. I'll post photos from today's events later.

There are many, many more photos but I'm not sure they tell the whole story. We were ready ahead of schedule (that's a first) thanks to the great help of son Sam and daughter-in-law Michelle. And, my highly organized and experienced dad who picked out, purchased and arranged food, drinks and flowers. We had some early arrivals who wanted a real chance to see the show and talk to me about the project. Smart move. That became more and more difficult later. Interestingly, it's a great conversation starter when guests have shared such a unique experience. Faces recognized one another from the blog or web site and generally got a kick out the whole project and event. It really was great.

It felt pretty wonderful to have filled the room with so much life. The combination of the paintings and this animated circle of volunteers with friends and family in tow was powerful, indeed. This project has brought me close to a lot of people ... some I hadn't even known before.

I will post more photos later. Some reside on different cameras ... but there are lots I'd like you to see. But nothing is like being there.

So, see what you think ... tomorrow. I know it's Mother's Day and I think this is a fine way to spend it.

Reception #2 Tomorrow, Sunday, May 8

And, there will be another reception tomorrow, Sunday, May 8 (Mother's Day), 2:30-5:30pm ... same spot at the Great Falls Library, 9830 Georgetown Pike, Great Falls, VA. The Washington Post had great coverage of the exhibit in Friday's Weekend Section as the Gallery Opening of the Week (p. 30) ... as happening Sunday. So we'll be there to wish you a Happy Mother's Day. I hope you can come out. Don't know if it can be as great as today, but who knows.

Today was Emily's (Face #92) birthday. A cupcake and some singing.

It was difficult enough to pull one outfit out of my closet today. Now two?

100 Faces in 100 Days Exhibits

All 100 faces will be on view two times this Spring/Summer. These will be WONDERFUL, not to be missed exhibits. Come see everyone!

May 3-31 at the Great Falls Library, Great Falls, VA

Reception #1: Saturday, May 7, 2:30-5:30pm 

Reception #2: Sunday, May 8, 2:30-5:30pm (for those of you who missed it on Saturday)

Demo/Artist’s Talk: Saturday, May 21, 2-5pm

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 Reception for 100 Faces in 100 Days Is Saturday, May 7

The Good News and the Not-So-Good News: A Correction

100 Faces in 100 Days  is The Washington Post's Gallery Opening of the Week

The Washington Post Weekend Section has chosen my 100 Faces in 100 Days Exhibit at the Great Falls Library (in Great Falls, VA) as the Gallery Opening Of The Week ... but have the incorrect day for the Reception. My reception is on Saturday, May 7 ... from 2:30 to 5:30pm at the Great Falls Library, 9830 Georgetown Pike, Great Falls, VA. (The Washington Post has indicated that it's on Sunday.) An article appears on page 30 of the Friday, May 6 Weekend Section. The coverage is incredible ... but I'm hoping that the library will also let me open up on Sunday and just have a two-day reception. That's not a sure bet since the library is closed on Sundays ... but I'll figure something out. Check back here or my web site tomorrow night for the official word about Sunday.  In any case, I hope you can come to tomorrow's Saturday, May 7 opening.

The Post does mention my Saturday, May 21 Artist's Talk/Demo from 2 to 5pm, also at the library ... so that's great.

The photo and article are right in the middle of the galleries/museum show listings of the Weekend Section. Time to use all that flexibility/go with the flow attitude I was practicing with my 100 Faces project to take advantage of this wonderful opportunity.

100 Faces in 100 Days Exhibits

All 100 faces will be on view two times this Spring/Summer. These will be WONDERFUL, not to be missed exhibits. Come see everyone!

May 3-31 at the Great Falls Library, Great Falls, VA

Reception: Saturday, May 7, 2:30-5:30pm

Demo/Artist’s Talk: Saturday, May 21, 2-5pm

August at the Artists’ Atelier, 1144 Walker Road, Suite G, Great Falls, VA

Reception: Friday, August 12, 6-9pm

Ice Cream Social: Saturday, August 13, 2-4pm

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 Little Painting Time on "Francie's Peonies" and Lots of Labels

Almost done. "Francie's Peonies" work in progress day two, oil on Raymar panel, 12"h x 16"w, copyright Jill Banks 2011

Just a quick post ... because I only had a little time to paint today. Mainly I'm putting together signs/labels for all my 100 Faces ... which is taking FOREVER. Amazing. So when I needed a break, I worked more on my demo painting from yesterday. It's getting there. I am again at the point that all I want to do is paint, paint, paint. I'm inspired. Excited. Dying to just see what can happen.

You know the reception for my 100 Faces in 100 Days Exhibit is coming up this Saturday, May 7, 2:30-5:30pm at the Great Falls Library, 9830 Georgetown Pike, Great Falls, VA 22066. You and your friends and family are cordially invited. I hope to see you there! I wrote a blog post about each and every one of my great volunteers. Have fun reading up on blog posts from January 1 to April 10 or take the easier approach by checking out my 100 Faces pages at www.jillbanks.com/jillbanks/100_Faces_in_100_Days_Project.html (there are two of them) on my web site. You can link to each person's blog post by clicking on photos of their paintings.

Also, my "Mastering the Business of Art" workshop is coming up soon (May 25 & 26). If you're interested, please sign up now. Take a look at my web site: www.JillBanks.com, Classes page.

100 Faces in 100 Days Exhibits

Mark your calendars for the 100 Faces exhibit events. All 100 faces will be on view two times this Spring/Summer. These will be WONDERFUL, not to be missed exhibits. Come see everyone!

May 3-31 at the Great Falls Library, Great Falls, VA

Reception: Saturday, May 7, 2:30-5:30pm

Demo/Artist’s Talk: Saturday, May 21, 2-5pm

August at the Artists’ Atelier, 1144 Walker Road, Suite G, Great Falls, VA

Reception: Friday, August 12, 6-9pm

Ice Cream Social: Saturday, August 13, 2-4pm

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

"Francie's Peonies" Demo and Hanging the 100 Faces in 100 Days Exhibit

"Francie's Peonies" work in progress, oil on Raymar panel, 12"h x 16"w, by Jill Banks

Today was the start of my Still Life class which was ... wonderful. There are a couple of newcomers to the class, all well welcomed, and for the last two days all the "regulars" have walked through the classroom doors "oohing and aahing" the newly expanded, painted classroom. It really is great.

Francie Johnson, a member of the class, brought in these beautiful peonies to paint. To which, I added a vibrant green long pepper and plum. I had tons of stuff bought and brought to set up and another really exciting still life to paint (that sat lonely in the corner). But what could beat peonies, and lilacs from Francie's garden? So that was my demo. I hope to go back tomorrow to work on this some more. Don't know what shape the arrangement will be in ... but I'm keeping my fingers crossed.

In art, and probably a whole lot of other areas, there's often a disconnect between expectations and one's ability to meet them. At this point my expectations are really, really, really high for my work. I want it to be almost painfully beautiful. For that to happen, I have to reach, stretch, work, think. There's a dilemma when the subject matter for a painting is gorgeous. How do you make it better than that? My work is cut out for me.

There's also a secret unveiling itself. Quick, immediate paintings rarely soar. With my 100 Faces, I wish I had more time with almost all because beauty doesn't often appear on schedule. I want to explore what's possible. Think about it. Try out other ideas. Consider everything.

Randy and I hung my 100 Faces in 100 Days show at the Great Falls Library. He did an incredible job designing the panels, putting them together, and showcasing all 100 people and paintings. I still need to put together signage, labels, etc. but today was filled enough. To the brim. I will rely on tomorrow.

Randy reading (emails) at the Great Falls Library with some of the 100 Faces in the background. Pretty cool.

While we were hanging half of the show yesterday ... one visitor mentioned that the panels (there are nine faces on each panel) reminded her of the Brady Bunch. She thought it would have been funny to have some of them looking up, down, diagonally, at one another. Now, why hadn't I thought of that?

It did make me think about what happens with all my faces when the library closes. There could be a ruckus in there. At least a fun party.

I will be hanging additional art ... and add names, info on my sitters ... by Friday. I'd be quicker if there were two of me.

More faces. Come see ... and visit at the reception this Saturday, May 7, 2:30-5:30pm

100 Faces in 100 Days Exhibits

Mark your calendars for the 100 Faces exhibit events. All 100 faces will be on view two times this Spring/Summer. These will be WONDERFUL, not to be missed exhibits. Come see everyone!

May 3-31 at the Great Falls Library, Great Falls, VA

Reception: Saturday, May 7, 2:30-5:30pm

Demo/Artist’s Talk: Saturday, May 21, 2-5pm

August at the Artists’ Atelier, 1144 Walker Road, Suite G, Great Falls, VA

Reception: Friday, August 12, 6-9pm

Ice Cream Social: Saturday, August 13, 2-4pm

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

Back to School ... and Back to Painting Today

"Shalonda," oil on Senso linen canvas, 24"h x 18"w, copyright Jill Banks 2011

Yea! Today was the first day of my Spring Portrait Painting and Drawing class ... so it was demo day. That means I was painting after a reprieve due to the London trip, planning and giving a speech to the McLean Arts Society, and getting ready to hang my 100 Faces in 100 Days show tomorrow afternoon.

A treat!

Plus, it was great to see my class back in session. Tomorrow's the first day of Still Life class ... with many returning and some new students to meet. The expanded classroom space is WONDERFUL. Another treat. The light is super and there's just this nice feeling of space. Air. Room to move and paint.

Shalonda was the model today. I loved her expression. This was a pretty large canvas (24"h x 18"w) to work on for one three-hour session. I think I was just excited to be doing something other than 12"h x 12"w -- the size of all my 100 Faces. Still, it might have been better to use a 20"h x 16"w canvas ...

Now I've got to return to details/work for hanging my show. And, figuring out still life arrangements to use. Busy times.

Check my web site for show receptions coming up on Friday night (Manassas -- the Artists' Atelier show) and Saturday afternoon (May 7, 2:30-5:30pm, my 100 Faces in 100 Days Exhibit) at the Great Falls Library.