Life as an Artist- Jill Banks: July 2011

Sunday, July 31, 2011

Face #27: Again and Again and Again

"Face #27: Husband Randy Banks," oil on Raphael board, 12"h x 12"w, ©Jill Banks 2011

All day long ... yet again ... I've been working on cropping, adjusting, sizing, and saving the photos from my 100 Faces project. I'm at least getting close.

I avoided fixing up Face #27. That happens to belong to my husband Randy. Tonight, after dinner, I worked on the painting of him. Again. This time I have it.

My arm/wrist/and attachments are actually in pain from working away at the computer. I will write about the saga of capturing Face #27 tomorrow. Okay?

Coming up:

Sunday, August 7: Painting on the Waterfront with the Art League's Plein Air Painters, behind the Torpedo Factory in Alexandria, VA, in the morning.

August 8 to August 19: Three of my drawings will be on exhibit as part of the Salmagundi Club's Annual Photography and Graphics Non-Members Exhibit in NYC. This prestigious, 140-year-old arts club is located in a beautiful brownstone at 47 Fifth Avenue, New York, NY. Through the years, the Salmagundi Club has been the gathering spot of such luminaries as Childe Hassam, William Merrit Chase, N.C. Wyeth, Howard Pyle, Louis Comfort Tiffany, and many others. It's a pretty incredible spot. So ... if you're in NYC any time soon ...

August 1-31: "100 Faces in 100 Days" Exhibit #2 in the Gallery at the Artists' Atelier
Reception: Friday, August 12, 6-9pm
Ice Cream Social: Saturday, August 13, 2-4pm
RSVP helpful for both events ... but please come anyway if you don't get around to it.

Sunday, August 14: Painting on the Waterfront with the Art League's Plein Air Painters, behind the Torpedo Factory in Alexandria, VA, in the morning.

NEW! Sunday, August 21: At the Registration Pavilion for the Reston Century Ride, Reston Town Center, Reston, VA -- with prints of "W&OD BBQ", the first place winner in the T-Shirt competition.

August 26-August 29: Four-day intensive, still life workshop: "A Painting A Day" offered through the Great Falls School of Art. Space is limited. Details coming soon on my web site: www.JillBanks.com.

To read more about the 100 Faces in 100 Days project on my web site (www.jillbanks.com), go to the 100 Faces Project Pages 1 and 2 where you can see all 100 of my volunteers. Click on the paintings, and go to my blog post for that person's sitting.

Web: www.jillbanks.com
Blog: jillbanks.blogspot.com
100 Faces in 100 Days Project Page 1 (faces 1-54): www.jillbanks.com/jillbanks/100_Faces_in_100_Days_Project.html
100 Faces in 100 Days Project Page 2 (faces 55-100): www.jillbanks.com/jillbanks/100_Faces_in_100_Days_Project_2.html
Email: jillbanks1@aol.com
Phone: 703.403.7435

Saturday, July 30, 2011

Back to "NYC Street" Painting and Progress

"NYC Street" work in progress, oil on linen, 30"h x 40"w, ©Jill Banks 2011

I think this has been the longest time a painting has been in progress. I declared it perhaps done the last time I put up a post about it ... but it still had problems I needed to wrestle with.

"A New York State of Mind," oil on linen, 40"h x 30"w

"Cabs in New York," 8"h x 10"w, oil,© Jill Banks 2011

Plus of course I had to work on a whole lot more.

In any case, I am really starting to like it. Hopefully, I can return to this one tomorrow in my studio. Assuming the paint doesn't feel like arguing with me.

"Rainy Day in NYC" won Best in Show at the Art League and a Certificate of Merit in Oils at the Salmagundi Club. Sold.

Today I also used a very limited palette. I took all the extra paints from my usually full rainbow palette, mixed them together to form a neutral pile to use as necessary. Then I had huge piles of permanent alizarin crimson, French ultramarine blue, a Winsor Lemon/cadmium yellow medium mix and titanium zinc white. That's it. And it was nice for a change.

I've painted a number of New York City paintings. Today's page will be a tribute to them. There are more. Take a look at the Places page, in the gallery pages of my web site: www.JillBanks.com.

"Pretzel Stand," oil, 24"h x 18"w

Coming up:

Friday, July 29, 2011

Hmmm ... Pictures?

"Face #14: Anne Guerin," oil on board, Jill Banks 2011

Today was spent with lots and lots and lots of hours at the computer rather than at the easel. You know where I'd rather be. I was continuing work on getting photos of my 100 Faces ready for an assortment of applications. Other than my wrist being sore from so much typing and clicking, this exercise was a bit like sorting through family photos or a drawer of miscellany. Sort of full of wonder.

"Face #21: Cindy Hargroves," oil on board, Jill Banks 2011

I had some technical a-ha moments today, but I also had some "wow, in general" moments. As I work on the photos, I'm amazed at what was accomplished ... just incredulous. So many of these paintings are just true depictions of the person and the hours we spent together. Even though I was the person holding the paintbrush, it seems someone else took over. I see the emotion and spirit in each of my sitters. They came through as so unique ... separate from the mechanics/techniques of painting. I let our time together speak to me ... or maybe directly to the canvas. Looking back is just as magical as those days.

A Note from Danny at Carolina Brothers Pit Barbecue

I sent an email to Carolina Brothers Pit Barbecue about my painting "W&OD BBQ" winning first prize in the Reston Century T-Shirt Art Competition and received an enthusiastic reply. I loved the place, inside and out, and had asked if I could paint there, inside and out. The answer -- yes, any time. And, Danny got a big kick out being featured on the backs of 1200 riders on August 21.

I'm excited about having another spot to paint.

My eyeballs need toothpicks to see the screen ... so it's time to say bye.

Coming up:

Thursday, July 28, 2011

"Weekend Edition" Update: Almost Done

"Weekend Edition" work in progress (almost done), oil on linen, 20"h x 20"w, ©Jill Banks 2011

I worked on this painting that I'd started in May ... actually two days ago. Yesterday was bug day and today was bug day of a different form. I've been on the computer all day today working on my 100 Faces photos ... and I'm only one-fifth of the way through. Ugh. That's not all I worked on today, but I have spent 11 hours staring at this screen.

But back to the good stuff. Look back at my "July Peaches" painting I put up as a blog post a few days ago. I replaced the photo and this gives you a better view. That painting is now one of my favorites. Sometimes a piece gets "tainted" (in the artist's eyes) because it was difficult to paint. I forgive this one all the troubles it handed me.

I'm happy, too, with the way "Weekend Edition" is turning out. I don't know how many versions of strawberries I went through ... but let's just say lots and lots. Someone was talking to me about my paintings of food. She figured that I could eat my models when I was done.

They look so frightful when I finish, that would be a very, very bad idea.

The newspaper in my painting is the Weekend Edition of the Washington Post when my reception for "100 Faces in 100 Days" was selected as the Gallery Opening of the Week. This is "sort of" a self-portrait since the photo is of me -- with 27 of my faces.

I want to add steam coming up from my lucky coffee cup, but will have to let this coat of paint dry. Should be fun.

Time for a break.

Coming up:

Wednesday, July 27, 2011

The Mosquitos Won and "All Dolled Up With No Place To Go" Is Moving

No new pictures today. I started a plein air piece of my backyard pond. Got eaten by a lot of mosquitos. Decided I could either stay out there or go crazy ... and opted for the indoors.

I am okay.

"All Dolled Up With No Place To Go," 16"h x 20"w, oil on linen. Private collection, soon.

I have been busy with a number of tasks related to my 100 Faces in 100 Days exhibit I'm hanging for the second time this coming Tuesday. I'd always rather be painting but ... I have to concentrate on other stuff. Hopefully, I can strike a balance in the next few days. Maybe?

I guess the news of the day is: I took care of some art business. The mosquitos won. "All Dolled Up with No Place To Go" is going to a very nice new home. I updated parts of my web site including classes/workshop information.

Coming up:

Tuesday, July 26, 2011

I Won a Great and Different Prize

"W&OD BBQ" wins First Place in the Reston Century T-Shirt Art Competition

Today I was anticipating hearing "how I did" in three competitions. Actually one bit of news, a rejection, was received at 12:01am. I keep trying for one show but have not been accepted yet. Apparently, I'm the only one, so far, who thinks my work belongs in the exhibition. Oh. And my husband agrees with me. So, two.

On the bright side of the rejection is that I have a purchaser for one of the pieces I submitted ... and work needs to be for sale at the exhibit. (I save shipping costs and a commission on the sale.) There's lemonade in that lemon.

Mid-afternoon I found out that I won First Place, the top prize, in the Reston Century T-Shirt Art Competition for my painting "W&OD BBQ." I'm thrilled! When I first saw a call for art (through ArtSpace Herndon ) for a t-shirt competition, I barely paid attention. Then, I got word that the deadline was extended -- right when I was working on plein air pieces -- and I realized that this just might be the right subject to paint.

The spot depicted is Carolina Brothers Pit Barbecue in Ashburn. Read about this painting on my July 17 post.

First Place includes a cash prize of $500 and the winning artwork will be printed in full color on the back of the shirts given out to approximately 1200 riders. I get the biggest kick out of that. Can't you just see a sea of cyclists with "W&OD BBQ" on their backs? It will also be displayed on the Reston Bike Club's web site. And, I get to sell prints and/or the original the day of the event (Sunday, August 21) at the Reston Town Center in the Registration Pavilion.

All entrants from the competition will have the opportunity to exhibit at ArtSpace Herndon in mid-November to tie in with the Reston Bike Club's Annual Meeting.

So, cool beans! Good, right?

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

My third bit of news was a no ... received shortly after hearing about winning First Place. I'd taken "Blue" to the Great Falls Library for judging for the best piece of art of the Eastern Bluebird, the new town bird. The winner was to receive a purchase award with the art being framed and donated to the library later this year. "Blue" didn't make it this time (it had won Best in Show in June) ... but I loved the winning piece. And I walked out with a smile on my face.

One bit of great news is fine with me. If I'd received three no's, I would have picked a different topic for the post. And stuck an "L" on my forehead.

Life as an artist pretty much always resembles a roller-coaster ride. I have good painting days ... and bad painting days. Times I'm satisfied with where I'm heading and times I feel a little lost. Acceptances and rejections.

Today's a yea!

Time to go paint some more.

Coming up:

Monday, July 25, 2011

"July Peaches" Finished

"July Peaches," oil on linen, 18"h x 24"w, ©Jill Banks 2011

I guess I persevered. This wasn't the simplest painting I've undertaken ... and there have been three sets of peaches and canteloupe ... but I believe that I'm done. I signed it.

Check out my previous post about "July Peaches." I made some changes today ... besides working with new fruit. See if you can spot some of them.

Nice Reception Yesterday for Strauss Fellows
There was a gathering of Strauss Fellowship grant awardees (I was awarded grants in 2008 and 2011 by the Arts Council of Fairfax County) in yesterday at the Goodwin House, a really terrific retirement home. They have a beautiful gallery and really nice art studio with an active group of artists in a variety of mediums.

The reception was organized by Lynda Smith-Bugge (a 2009 Strauss Fellow) who is the Art Center Coordinator there at the Goodwin House. Each of the awardees were asked to talk about what they've been doing since receiving their grants ... and I talked about my 100 Faces in 100 Days project. This year's grant is offsetting some of the expenses related to exhibiting my project. We were joined by many of the Goodwin House residents -- who are involved in the art program there. They were genuinely excited to hear about each of our journeys. And, whenever I talk about the project, questions fly. Yesterday was no different.

A special treat was that one of the attendees was Janie Strauss. The Strauss Fellows are given in honor of her husband, Bill Strauss, who founded the Capitol Steps and Cappies Award program for kids. She reviews all of the proposals for grants each year and enjoyed connecting the awardees with our projects.

Quite a few of us, after touring the Goodwin House, were wondering just how old we needed to be to move in. It's quite a place.

Coming up:

Sunday, August 7: Painting on the Waterfront with the Art League's Plein Air Painters, behind the Torpedo Factory in Alexandria, VA, in the morning.

August 8 to August 19: Three of my drawings will be on exhibit as part of the Salmagundi Club's Annual Photography and Graphics Non-Members Exhibit in NYC. This prestigious, 140-year-old arts club is located in a beautiful brownstone at 47 Fifth Avenue, New York, NY. Through the years, the Salmagundi Club has been the gathering spot of such luminaries as Childe Hassam, William Merrit Chase, N.C. Wyeth, Howard Pyle, Louis Comfort Tiffany, and many others. It's a pretty incredible spot. So ... if you're in NYC any time soon ...

August 1-31: "100 Faces in 100 Days" Exhibit #2 in the Gallery at the Artists' Atelier
Reception: Friday, August 12, 6-9pm
Ice Cream Social: Saturday, August 13, 2-4pm
RSVP helpful for both events ... but please come anyway if you don't get around to it.

Sunday, August 14: Painting on the Waterfront with the Art League's Plein Air Painters, behind the Torpedo Factory in Alexandria, VA, in the morning.

August 26-August 29: Four-day intensive, still life workshop: "A Painting A Day" offered through the Great Falls School of Art. Space is limited. Details coming soon on my web site: www.JillBanks.com.

To read more about the 100 Faces in 100 Days project on my web site (www.jillbanks.com), go to the 100 Faces Project Pages 1 and 2 where you can see all 100 of my volunteers. Click on the paintings, and go to my blog post for that person's sitting.

Web: www.jillbanks.com
Blog: jillbanks.blogspot.com
100 Faces in 100 Days Project Page 1 (faces 1-54): www.jillbanks.com/jillbanks/100_Faces_in_100_Days_Project.html
100 Faces in 100 Days Project Page 2 (faces 55-100): www.jillbanks.com/jillbanks/100_Faces_in_100_Days_Project_2.html
Email: jillbanks1@aol.com
Phone: 703.403.7435

Sunday, July 24, 2011

"Ramsey" Is Beanie Baby Painting #4

"Ramsey" Beanie Baby Painting #4, oil on board, 6"h x 6"w, ©Jill Banks 2011

The march continues with a painting of a beanie baby ram. During Friday's reception, Sam Woodward (Face #98) was talking to me about how art and psychology were closely linked. It has to be, because paintings aren't just a depiction of a thing or event, but a result of what the artist is thinking at the time. He wasn't so sure about the beanie baby series ... but on second thought...

I've realized (and been thankful that) my art is enriched through keen observational skills and a rich imagination. I can't help it. I see life and imagine it. Things and characters come to life in the studio. Velveteen rabbits are everywhere.

So it is with these guys. The three latest were propped on my easel together when I left last night. Who knows what happened.

"Yellow Watermelon and Tamarillos," 16"h x 20"w, oil, ©Jill Banks 2011

In the News

My piece, "Yellow Watermelon and Tamarillos," is featured in the calendar section of the Great Falls Connection, July 20 edition, page 10 for the "Signs of Summer" exhibit at the Artists' Atelier. You can view it online here, click on the Great Falls edition. If you're coming to the page after July 27, check out the archives section. Okay, admittedly, that's a lot of work.

Coming up:

Sunday, August 7: Painting on the Waterfront with the Art League's Plein Air Painters, behind the Torpedo Factory in Alexandria, VA, in the morning.

August 8 to August 19: Three of my drawings will be on exhibit as part of the Salmagundi Club's Annual Photography and Graphics Non-Members Exhibit in NYC. This prestigious, 140-year-old arts club is located in a beautiful brownstone at 47 Fifth Avenue, New York, NY. Through the years, the Salmagundi Club has been the gathering spot of such luminaries as Childe Hassam, William Merrit Chase, N.C. Wyeth, Howard Pyle, Louis Comfort Tiffany, and many others. It's a pretty incredible spot. So ... if you're in NYC any time soon ...

August 1-31: "100 Faces in 100 Days" Exhibit #2 in the Gallery at the Artists' Atelier
Reception: Friday, August 12, 6-9pm
Ice Cream Social: Saturday, August 13, 2-4pm
RSVP helpful for both events ... but please come anyway if you don't get around to it.

Sunday, August 14: Painting on the Waterfront with the Art League's Plein Air Painters, behind the Torpedo Factory in Alexandria, VA, in the morning.

August 26-August 29: Four-day intensive, still life workshop: "A Painting A Day" offered through the Great Falls School of Art. Space is limited. Details coming soon on my web site: www.JillBanks.com.

To read more about the 100 Faces in 100 Days project on my web site (www.jillbanks.com), go to the 100 Faces Project Pages 1 and 2 where you can see all 100 of my volunteers. Click on the paintings, and go to my blog post for that person's sitting.

Web: www.jillbanks.com
Blog: jillbanks.blogspot.com
100 Faces in 100 Days Project Page 1 (faces 1-54): www.jillbanks.com/jillbanks/100_Faces_in_100_Days_Project.html
100 Faces in 100 Days Project Page 2 (faces 55-100): www.jillbanks.com/jillbanks/100_Faces_in_100_Days_Project_2.html
Email: jillbanks1@aol.com
Phone: 703.403.7435

Saturday, July 23, 2011

Open Life at the Great Falls School of Art

"Beach Journal," 20"h x 16"w, oil on Raphael board, ©Jill Banks 2011

I've been in withdrawals ... without my 100 Faces and a Summer off of Open Life at the McLean Community Center ... so this afternoon's model session at the Great Falls School of Art was a welcome opportunity. And fun!

Zeki was the model, and Terri Parent -- the monitor for these sessions, has been in a decidedly beach-summer mindset. (She was the mastermind of last night's reception -- with Sangria and flipflops part of the equation -- for the Artists' Atelier's "Signs of Summer" exhibit.) She brought in the chair, buoys, beach towel.

I work my tail off in these sessions -- trying to capture what I'm after against the clock. It's a fight to the finish. But, a good fight. I used the palette knife to give it a rough and tumble feel -- and to cover the smooth board faster. It makes such a difference when you've gotten the whole piece blocked in. Looking at it now, I realize I need to add a shadow under Zeki's lower lip ... but hey, I had to come home sometime.

I may post my Beanie Baby of the Day ... number four out of nine a bit later tonight. Or maybe tomorrow.

100 Faces in 100 Days Exhibit and Other News
August 1-31: "100 Faces in 100 Days" Exhibit #2 in the Gallery at the Artists' Atelier
Reception: Friday, August 12, 6-9pm
Ice Cream Social: Saturday, August 13, 2-4pm
RSVP helpful for both events ... but please come anyway if you don't get around to it.

Sunday, August 14: Painting on the Waterfront with the Art League's Plein Air Painters, behind the Torpedo Factory in Alexandria, VA, in the morning.

August 26-August 29: Four-day intensive, still life workshop: "A Painting A Day" offered through the Great Falls School of Art. Space is limited. Details coming soon on my web site: www.JillBanks.com.

To read more about the 100 Faces in 100 Days project on my web site (www.jillbanks.com), go to the 100 Faces Project Pages 1 and 2 where you can see all 100 of my volunteers. Click on the paintings, and go to my blog post for that person's sitting.

Thursday, July 21, 2011

"Who Goes There?" is Beanie Baby Painting #3

"Who Goes There?," oil on gessoboard, 6"h x 6"w, ©Jill Banks 2011

I got an early painting start this morning. It helped that I'd set this guy up last night and he was just waiting for me to paint him. I just couldn't wait! So, this a.m. reminded me of my 100 Faces in 100 Days project. Anticipation of what lies ahead ... although with less uncertainty. And, this mouse didn't have much to say.

So, "Who Goes There?" is #3 of nine in my Beanie Baby series. See yesterday's post to check out #1 and #2.

Randy and I are heading to Richmond for the afternoon to offer our what-it's-worth housing advice to son Sam and daughter-in-law Michelle. I haven't decided yet whether I'll be reading my new landscape painting books or drawing on the trips down and back. I'm leaning toward drawing. I have (lots of) this wonderful paper Randy ordered and had shipped from Zecchi's art supply store (the BEST) in Florence, Italy. It's been calling to me. The paper holds up beautifully for ink washes, watercolor, graphite ... you name it ... and it has these delicate, tight ridges that add to the drawings. Probably sounds like I like it.

Coming up:

Friday (Tomorrow), July 22, 7-9pm Reception for the "Signs of Summer" Exhibit in the Gallery at the Artists' Atelier, 1144 Walker Road, Great Falls, VA

Sunday, August 7: Painting on the Waterfront with the Art League's Plein Air Painters, behind the Torpedo Factory in Alexandria, VA, in the morning.

August 8 to August 19: Three of my drawings will be on exhibit as part of the Salmagundi Club's Annual Photography and Graphics Non-Members Exhibit in NYC. This prestigious, 140-year-old arts club is located in a beautiful brownstone at 47 Fifth Avenue, New York, NY. Through the years, the Salmagundi Club has been the gathering spot of such luminaries as Childe Hassam, William Merrit Chase, N.C. Wyeth, Howard Pyle, Louis Comfort Tiffany, and many others. It's a pretty incredible spot. So ... if you're in NYC any time soon ...

August 1-31: "100 Faces in 100 Days" Exhibit #2 in the Gallery at the Artists' Atelier
Reception: Friday, August 12, 6-9pm
Ice Cream Social: Saturday, August 13, 2-4pm
RSVP helpful for both events ... but please come anyway if you don't get around to it.

Sunday, August 14: Painting on the Waterfront with the Art League's Plein Air Painters, behind the Torpedo Factory in Alexandria, VA, in the morning.

August 26-August 29: Four-day intensive, still life workshop: "A Painting A Day" offered through the Great Falls School of Art. Space is limited. Details coming soon on my web site: www.JillBanks.com.

To read more about the 100 Faces in 100 Days project on my web site (www.jillbanks.com), go to the 100 Faces Project Pages 1 and 2 where you can see all 100 of my volunteers. Click on the paintings, and go to my blog post for that person's sitting.

Web: www.jillbanks.com
Blog: jillbanks.blogspot.com
100 Faces in 100 Days Project Page 1 (faces 1-54): www.jillbanks.com/jillbanks/100_Faces_in_100_Days_Project.html
100 Faces in 100 Days Project Page 2 (faces 55-100): www.jillbanks.com/jillbanks/100_Faces_in_100_Days_Project_2.html
Email: jillbanks1@aol.com
Phone: 703.403.7435

Wednesday, July 20, 2011

"Kiwi" Painting of Beanie Baby and Much More

"Kiwi," oil on gessoboard, 6"h x 6"w, ©Jill Banks 2011

Today I received a package from Amazon with three of the four books I ordered on landscape painting. Yea!!!! I skimmed a good portion of Kevin MacPherson's "Fill Your Oil Painting with Light & Color" and have already learned a lot. I look out for three main blocks of information when in learning situations (workshops or reading):

What can I glean that will help me better explain concepts of painting to my students?
How can I apply other things I know about painting to solve new problems?
What is new and useful here?

In plein air landscape painting, everything is changing. The light changes. The wind blows. The sky changes. The boat moves. And, I kept changing the painting ... trying to keep up. In reading Kevin MacPherson's book, I realized that this was exactly what I was dealing with painting my 100 Faces in 100 Days project. I wasn't asking anyone to sit still. Sitters were talking to me. Changing expressions. Moving around. The light was changing. Yet, I figured out a way to deal with all of that and end up with very "alive" paintings.

The key is to commit to the shadow shapes ... they show you shadow and light and form the drawing. Then, leave them alone... as in don't move the light/shadow demarcation. This way, you can then put down what color the skin (boat, leaves, flower, shirt,...) is in the light. (I'm not sure I explained this that well ... but pictures would help.) In any case it works and it allows the painter to handle change.

I want to put a lot of the ideas I was reading about to work outside today ... but the heat wave kept me in. I guess I could have looked out the window, but chose to paint a mini still life today. There's a reason for that, too.

So, "Kiwi" Took Over a White Canvas Today
Since I can't be outside, I decided on an inside pet to paint today. There will be nine paintings of beanie babies, all painted on 6"x6" panels. "Kiwi," shown at the top is Beanie Baby #2. "Dragon Breath" is Beanie Baby #1.

"Dragon Breath," oil on panel, 6"h x 6"w, ©Jill Banks 2011

My now-grown kids were huge collectors of beanie babies ... and while we've given lots and lots away ... I've used what remains of them as part of the decor many places around the house. They hang out in bookcases, etc. Don't imagine a gigantic menagerie. It's all in good taste.

So I'm creating nine total of these mini Beanie Baby paintings because while I have them, nine will look great together. A limited supply.

I will make one confession, though ... and that is one did show up in a larger, 20"h x 16"w painting "Rooster Ruminations" that's now in a private collection. They will be allowed to show up in larger compositions.

I did approach "Kiwi" with some of the tools recalled today from reading MacPherson's book. I may give you a step-by-step show on tomorrow's blog. We'll see.

Workshop Coming Up: "A Painting A Day"

I was having a heck of a time figuring out what classes or workshops I wanted (and could) teach this Summer. There were a lot of "information coming soon" mentions on this blog. Sorry about that. I wanted to paint animals, paint plein air, do sketching around town ... etc. but for various reasons I want to hold off on those offerings until cooler weather arrives.

"Four Squared Donuts," 5"hx5"w, oil on canvas. Sold

Drum roll please ... I'll be offering a 4-day workshop, "A Painting a Day" Friday through Monday, August 26-29, 10am-5pm with a one-hour break for lunch -- through the Great Falls School of Art (1144 Walker Road, Suite D, Great Falls, VA 22066). I know this is a great way to learn, have lots of fun, have a painting or two or three to show for it at the end of each day and get back into painting after summer vacation. So, here's the course description:

Leave your love of detail behind and loosen up. Whether you’re interested in joining the ranks of daily painters (who complete a painting a day to post and offer for sale on eBay or other sites) or just want to try something new, painting small and regularly will help you rapidly improve your skills and hone your artistic muscles. In this intensive workshop, we will discuss composition, color, value and edges – the basic building blocks for painting. Students will work on multiple small paintings each day of simple still life setups as well as paint drills and exercises to teach them to see as an artist. Jill will give demos, one-on-one instruction and group critiques at the end of each day. Students are asked to bring in some objects they would like to paint and share with the group. All levels welcome. Email Jill at jillbanks1@aol.com with questions. Information on the instructor can be found at www.jillbanks.com and on her blog at http://jillbanks.blogspot.com.

"Orange Peeled, Jr.," oil on canvas, 5"h x 5"w. Sold

4 Days - Friday through Monday, August 26-29, 10am-5pm with one-hour break for lunch

$460 (to the Great Falls Foundation for the Arts) plus materials fee (materials fee paid directly to instructor)

I'll be putting this up along with info on how to register on my web site sometime tomorrow. But if you're interested, let me know by email. I'll also be adding info about my 9 session, once a week Fall classes: "Portrait Painting and Drawing" to be offered Mondays, 10am-1pm starting September 12 and "Still Life in Oils" to be offered Tuesdays, 10am-1pm starting September 13. Class size is limited for the workshop and regular sessions.

Thinking about the workshop helped make "Kiwi" the subject of the day. Think mini paintings. Single subjects. Fun.

"Signs of Summer" Exhibit Reception This Friday, July 22, 7-9pm

Wear your flip-flops and join us for Sangria and salsa for the Atelier "Signs of Summer" reception at 1144 Walker Road, Suite G, Great Falls, VA.

And ... as an ongoing reminder:
August Exhibit of the 100 Faces in 100 Days Project at the Artists' Atelier
I'll soon be hanging the second exhibit of these 100 Faces (or 101) at the Artists' Atelier to be on view from August 1-31. You are cordially invited to visit (I'll establish open hours and post those on my web site and here on the blog) and especially invited for the two main events.

Jill Banks' 100 Faces in 100 Days Exhibit -- August 1-31, 2011
Reception: Friday, August 12, 6-9pm

Ice Cream Social: Saturday, August 13, 2-4pm
At the Artists' Atelier, 1144 Walker Road, Suite G, Great Falls, VA 22066
Read more about the project on my web site (www.jillbanks.com), go to the 100 Faces Project Pages 1 and 2 where you can see all 100 of my volunteers. Click on the paintings, and go to my blog post for that person's sitting.
Web: www.jillbanks.com
Blog: jillbanks.blogspot.com
100 Faces in 100 Days Project Page 1 (faces 1-54): www.jillbanks.com/jillbanks/100_Faces_in_100_Days_Project.html
100 Faces in 100 Days Project Page 2 (faces 55-100): www.jillbanks.com/jillbanks/100_Faces_in_100_Days_Project_2.html
Email: jillbanks1@aol.com
Phone: 703.403.7435

Monday, July 18, 2011

Another Day on "The Olive Seller"

I'm not done ... but it's getting closer. This is from the Portobello Road Market in London. The crowds were a huge part of the scene and I'm working to convey that. I have quite a bit more to do, really working on edges and getting the glow of the light.

Reception, Friday, July 22 from 7 to pm for "Signs of Summer"
You are invited to the reception for the Artists' Atelier "Signs of Summer" show this coming Friday, July 22, 7-9 pm at 1144 Walker Road, Suite G, Great Falls. My paintings "Lots of Peppers" and "Yellow Watermelon and Tamarillos" are hanging in the gallery.

And ... as an ongoing reminder:
August Exhibit of the 100 Faces in 100 Days Project at the Artists' Atelier
I'll soon be hanging the second exhibit of these 100 Faces (or 101) at the Artists' Atelier to be on view from August 1-31. You are cordially invited to visit (I'll establish open hours and post those on my web site and here on the blog) and especially invited for the two main events.

Jill Banks' 100 Faces in 100 Days Exhibit -- August 1-31, 2011
Reception: Friday, August 12, 6-9pm

Ice Cream Social: Saturday, August 13, 2-4pm
At the Artists' Atelier, 1144 Walker Road, Suite G, Great Falls, VA 22066

Read more about the project on my web site (www.jillbanks.com), go to the 100 Faces Project Pages 1 and 2 where you can see all 100 of my volunteers. Click on the paintings, and go to my blog post for that person's sitting.

Web: www.jillbanks.com
Blog: jillbanks.blogspot.com
100 Faces in 100 Days Project Page 1 (faces 1-54): www.jillbanks.com/jillbanks/100_Faces_in_100_Days_Project.html
100 Faces in 100 Days Project Page 2 (faces 55-100): www.jillbanks.com/jillbanks/100_Faces_in_100_Days_Project_2.html
Email: jillbanks1@aol.com
Phone: 703.403.7435

Sunday, July 17, 2011

"W&OD BBQ" Painting of Cyclists in Ashburn

"W&OD BBQ," Ashburn, VA, 8"h x 16"w, oil on Raymar panel, copyright Jill Banks 2011

Finally! I've been working on this painting for the last three days (in addition to working on my 100 Faces in 100 Days book). I started this on Friday afternoon painting in plein air in Ashburn, VA. I was trying to stay clear of the cyclists and still be able to see the trail and this great barbecue spot, Carolina Brothers Pit Barbecue at Partlow's (where Hay Road meets Ashburn Road). I didn't know just how good it was until after I had painted what I could on location. Carolina Brothers closes at 8pm on Fridays, it was almost 8 ... and that's where Randy and I were going to eat. Plus, the light was gone.

It was terrific and very inexpensive. Seven dollars for a sandwich with two heaping piles of sides. Great since painting made me hungry. We sat out on those picnic tables enjoying watching the comings and goings on the W&OD trail. Something I'd been doing from the other side for a couple of hours. See the hint of a person sitting at the picnic table? That's Randy. He'd just gotten back from a golfing trip and I convinced him (not easily) to come hang out while I painted.

This is painted on one of the new panels I purchased. This size is a new one for me and I was dying to paint on it. I love the exaggerated width. Or I guess length.

I'm still working on getting the hang of painting in plein air. It's tough! I ordered four books on landscape painting and I hope that offers more clues. In any case, maybe I'll offer a review of those choices here.

What I'm excited about plein air is getting out there --. I wouldn't have stumbled on this really great spot. It made me want to take up cycling ... realizing I would see spots that I wouldn't by car or on foot. It's opening up a different world -- integrating painting with the experience of being in a place.

I still have a dislike of bugs, heat, and too much nature. So, I'm picking which days are spent indoors and which ones are spent outdoors ... and where I go.

And ... as an ongoing reminder:
August Exhibit of the 100 Faces in 100 Days Project at the Artists' Atelier
I'll soon be hanging the second exhibit of these 100 Faces (or 101) at the Artists' Atelier to be on view from August 1-31. You are cordially invited to visit (I'll establish open hours and post those on my web site and here on the blog) and especially invited for the two main events.

Jill Banks' 100 Faces in 100 Days Exhibit -- August 1-31, 2011
Reception: Friday, August 12, 6-9pm

Ice Cream Social: Saturday, August 13, 2-4pm
At the Artists' Atelier, 1144 Walker Road, Suite G, Great Falls, VA 22066

Read more about the project on my web site (www.jillbanks.com), go to the 100 Faces Project Pages 1 and 2 where you can see all 100 of my volunteers. Click on the paintings, and go to my blog post for that person's sitting.

Web: www.jillbanks.com
Blog: jillbanks.blogspot.com
100 Faces in 100 Days Project Page 1 (faces 1-54): www.jillbanks.com/jillbanks/100_Faces_in_100_Days_Project.html
100 Faces in 100 Days Project Page 2 (faces 55-100): www.jillbanks.com/jillbanks/100_Faces_in_100_Days_Project_2.html
Email: jillbanks1@aol.com
Phone: 703.403.7435

Thursday, July 14, 2011

"Tomato and Basil" Painting and Paintings To Be Arrive

A little one today. I just squeezed in a little bit of painting time so this is as much as I could handle.

My Book
Today I started writing ... and laying out my book, "100 Faces in 100 Days." It's forcing me to learn new software (with some bugs in it), think, write, and select images to include along the way. I'm typing directly into the book formatting software, pulling in text and images from my blog and other files, and enjoying recalling those 100 days. Still, today was one of those days that I wish I had two of me ... so at least one of those could be painting all day long.

When I'd had enough of bookmaking, I took a trip to the grocery store for a change of pace. No grocery list. Just me loose in the store figuring out what to cook. Fortunately, I ran into Eduardo, the chef owner of Jasmine's who gave me some hints about what to make with the stuff piling up in my basket. Turns out I have yet to cook it ... because I wanted to paint instead. Husband Randy's out of town until tomorrow ... so any slight regimen we have is out the window. It's because he's gone I chose today to work on the book. Writing is something I need to do with no distractions. Randy can be one of those.

Paintings To Be

I received the best package yesterday ... and unwrapped them today. I finally ordered new panels ... as my studio was running very, very low on something to paint on ... especially in smaller sizes. Today, I unwrapped ten 6"x6"(nine of which are still paintings to be), twenty 8"x10," twenty 11"x14," ten 8"x16," thirty 16"x20" and ten 18"x24" panels. That's 100, oops now 99, pretty soon to be paintings. Maybe not in 100 days, but I'll work on it. This is one of the first times I remember being excited about that many blank canvases. All of these are Raymar panels -- museum quality, oil primed, linen-lined panels -- similar to the ones I used for my 100 faces project. I need to get around to toning a big batch of them so they are ready to go. Panels, versus stretched canvases, are much more practical for plein air work -- particularly because they are hardier -- more difficult to damage. In plein air -- everything manages to fall. Constantly. It's rough out there.

And ... as an ongoing reminder:
August Exhibit of the 100 Faces in 100 Days Project at the Artists' Atelier
I'll soon be hanging the second exhibit of these 100 Faces (or 101) at the Artists' Atelier to be on view from August 1-31. You are cordially invited to visit (I'll establish open hours and post those on my web site and here on the blog) and especially invited for the two main events.

Jill Banks' 100 Faces in 100 Days Exhibit -- August 1-31, 2011
Reception: Friday, August 12, 6-9pm

Ice Cream Social: Saturday, August 13, 2-4pm
At the Artists' Atelier, 1144 Walker Road, Suite G, Great Falls, VA 22066

Read more about the project on my web site (www.jillbanks.com), go to the 100 Faces Project Pages 1 and 2 where you can see all 100 of my volunteers. Click on the paintings, and go to my blog post for that person's sitting.

Web: www.jillbanks.com
Blog: jillbanks.blogspot.com
100 Faces in 100 Days Project Page 1 (faces 1-54): www.jillbanks.com/jillbanks/100_Faces_in_100_Days_Project.html
100 Faces in 100 Days Project Page 2 (faces 55-100): www.jillbanks.com/jillbanks/100_Faces_in_100_Days_Project_2.html
Email: jillbanks1@aol.com
Phone: 703.403.7435

Wednesday, July 13, 2011

Other Tasks Today

Despite the impression my photo gives, the photos in the magazine look great!

Prompted by necessity and a very amusing article on Fine Art Views Online newsletter (yesterday's by Carolyn Henderson titled "Goat Hooves," I've been taking care of some of my mounting "to do's" today. I actually know a lot more this evening than I did when I woke up ... about book publishing, converting files, etc. Not exciting stuff, but it helps in the long run.

So no creative juices flowing today, but I have been thinking a lot about my 100 Faces book and working on re-photographing my 100 Faces. Given that, I suppose the fact that I just shot two awful photos of the spread about my project in élan Magazine's July 2011 issue ... might just scare you. But here the photos are anyway. I dropped my magazine while photographing it. Thus, the wrinkles.

The article on my 100 Faces project in July 2011 issue of élan Magazine

Oh well.

August Exhibit of the 100 Faces in 100 Days Project at the Artists' Atelier
I'll soon be hanging the second exhibit of these 100 Faces (or 101) at the Artists' Atelier to be on view from August 1-31. You are cordially invited to visit (I'll establish open hours and post those on my web site and here on the blog) and especially invited for the two main events.

Jill Banks' 100 Faces in 100 Days Exhibit -- August 1-31, 2011
Reception: Friday, August 12, 6-9pm

Ice Cream Social: Saturday, August 13, 2-4pm
At the Artists' Atelier, 1144 Walker Road, Suite G, Great Falls, VA 22066

Read more about the project on my web site (www.jillbanks.com), go to the 100 Faces Project Pages 1 and 2 where you can see all 100 of my volunteers. Click on the paintings, and go to my blog post for that person's sitting.

Web: www.jillbanks.com
Blog: jillbanks.blogspot.com
100 Faces in 100 Days Project Page 1 (faces 1-54): www.jillbanks.com/jillbanks/100_Faces_in_100_Days_Project.html
100 Faces in 100 Days Project Page 2 (faces 55-100): www.jillbanks.com/jillbanks/100_Faces_in_100_Days_Project_2.html
Email: jillbanks1@aol.com
Phone: 703.403.7435

Tuesday, July 12, 2011

"July Peaches" In Progress, Perseverance and More

I get the feeling I'm posting this ... just to avoid for a bit longer the ridiculous to do list I typed up for myself today. (I did tackle a bit of it.)

Peaches and Perseverance
"July Peaches" are in progress. Day three today. Day one, painted on July 2 was full of promise. Day two, which happened to be July 3rd was an absolute disaster of proportions I haven't witnessed in awhile. Thus, there are no photos -- or evidence of day two. Phew.

It was on that infamous day two that I decided to completely change everything I had "accomplished" on day one ... and add in the flag as a compositional tool and a nod to July 4th. It created a different form of fireworks. I went home with my head down, accepting that day was a defeat. A smarter me would have left that painting after day one, let it dry for a few days and resume work when ... if I got in trouble, I could "erase" the new day's work. Okay. Next time.

So I let it sit. And worked at it today with replacement models in a different studio. I have more work to do ... as in stars on the flag, the second peach ... and painting the heck out of those dangling peach leaves. But, I'm not doing it tomorrow.

"Conversations: 100 Faces in 100 Days" Article in élan Magazine

The July 2011 issue of élan Magazine includes my first-person article about my 100 Faces in 100 Days project. It's beautifully laid out by Art Director Jean Davis ... and I was very relieved to see that my photos -- of so many of my faces -- turned out well in print. I've been working on improving my skills, and equipment for photographing my own art particularly for this project -- so I can have all the images I need -- for the web, book, press, etc. But, it's a scary leap. And doing your own photography can go terribly wrong. So, phew again.

I'll get permission first -- but hopefully will put the article up on my web site ... so those that don't get elan have a chance to get a peek. For my 100 Faces volunteers, the following of you have your paintings pictured ... in some way accompanying the article:

8-year-old Jack
Nancy Keane
Mollie Vardell
Anjanette Murphy
Walt Lawrence
Jim Devine
Trish Gaitan
Danni Lougee
Scott Anger
Diane Slafsky
Ben
Jack Platt
Richard Kelly
Barbara Marhofer
John Smith
Doris Leadbetter
Christine Flack
Janet Armour
Stephen Klagholz
Marlene Grim
Pamela Grim
Sue Bennett
8-year old Adam
Frank Gugino
Joan Devine
Trina Myers
Jane Anne Houser
Robert (Bob) Simon
Drate Banks (my father-in-law)
Ken Johnson (my dad)
Joan Haynes (my parents' pastor)
Oscar Haynes
Anne Guerin
Judith St. Ledger-Roty (my former studio mate)
Six-and-a-half-month old Bailey
Patti Chisholm
Jon Fisher
Laura Nichols
Vladimir Gribach
Sam Banks (my son)
... and Sally Simms

Plus face #101, David Reynolds, publisher of élan Magazine who sat during my demo day for the first 100 Faces exhibit in May at the Great Falls Library. He's pictured on the Word from the Editor section, p. 14. The article starts on p. 28.

I'll soon be hanging the second exhibit of these 100 Faces (or 101) at the Artists' Atelier to be on view from August 1-31. You are cordially invited to visit (I'll establish open hours and post those on my web site and here on the blog) and especially invited for the two main events.

Jill Banks' 100 Faces in 100 Days Exhibit -- August 1-31, 2011
Reception: Friday, August 12, 6-9pm

Ice Cream Social: Saturday, August 13, 2-4pm
At the Artists' Atelier, 1144 Walker Road, Suite G, Great Falls, VA 22066

Read more about the project on my web site (www.jillbanks.com), go to the 100 Faces Project Pages 1 and 2 where you can see all 100 of my volunteers. Click on the paintings, and go to my blog post for that person's sitting.

Web: www.jillbanks.com
Blog: jillbanks.blogspot.com
100 Faces in 100 Days Project Page 1 (faces 1-54): www.jillbanks.com/jillbanks/100_Faces_in_100_Days_Project.html
100 Faces in 100 Days Project Page 2 (faces 55-100): www.jillbanks.com/jillbanks/100_Faces_in_100_Days_Project_2.html
Email: jillbanks1@aol.com
Phone: 703.403.7435

Monday, July 11, 2011

"The Olive Seller" Painting Continues

This one ("The Olive Seller" from the Portabello Road Market in London) will take a bit ... but I enjoyed spending the day painting olives and spoons. I could think of worse ways to spend the afternoon. There's more detail in the foreground than I normally put in, but it's subtle. I added in a few pimentos. First time for that.

The real news of the day ... for me ... is that Mary Beth Gaiarin, one of my star students, moved to Italy and started a blog about paintings and other adventures in a small vineyard in Italy. My whole class, including me, have separation anxiety, and while this isn't as good as having Mary Beth right in front of us ... it's great to have a chance to keep up with her through her writing and art. You can follow along with me at www.gaiarin.com.

She wrote to me that she wishes I was there. Well, I wish I was there. (Who wouldn't?)

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