"Fresh Peaches and Cantaloupe" Painting in Progress and Artfest

"Fresh Peaches and Cantaloupe" work in progress, 18"h x 24"w, oil on linen, ©Jill Banks 2011

First, I found out today that I was juried into McLean Artfest 2011 (sponsored by McLean Project for the Arts). Yea! This will be my fourth year participating in this one-day outdoor arts festival that's one of my favorite events. This year's Artfest will be on Sunday, October 2 ... and you'll definitely get more news closer to the date. October is jam-packed with lots happening ... starting with Artfest, then a demo to give at the Vienna Arts Society on Thursday, October 13, the Metropolitan Museum of Art Benefit Reception for Catharine Lorillard Wolfe Art Club at the National Arts Club in NYC on Friday, October 14 ... and the Great Falls Studio Tour on Saturday and Sunday, October 15 & 16. Many days to look forward to!

On to the painting I started today. For the last week or two, there's been a handwritten sign saying "produce" on my way into the studio. I like that it's handwritten. Seems appropriate. And the stand is just right around the corner from my studio. I had to stop and take a look. (And pick out some subjects.) Two nice young ladies were working the stand ... and the place smelled of fruit. I thought (momentarily) of taking my easel out to paint the stand or some portion of it. That may happen some day soon ... but it was a warm day and air conditioning beckoned instead.

The peaches and cantaloupe were chosen ... and this still needs LOTS of work, but it was fun! This is pretty large -- so just covering the surface with paint takes time. The seeds on the cantaloupe and fuzz on the peach will be my challenges for tomorrow. 

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