"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