"Clown Girl and Kisses" Painting In Progress

"Clown Girl and Kisses" work in progress, oil, 20"h x 16"w, ©Jill Banks 2011

Today, my mom and dad came by ... and Dad delivered this still life as my current project. I've asked him for two still life setups, one small to medium sized, with a  doll and one large one, to come when I'm ready.
I'll be ready when this one's done, I've snuck in plenty of plein air studies/exercises and I have a few days in a row to work with live flowers and such.

My dad has setup many of my still life subjects -- having done a whole series of large-scale works, including "Sunflowers," "Home Again, Home Again," "The Toast," "Sunflowers II," "On the Chopping Block" and "Peppers and Leek." Plus, he's contributed to many more... notifying me that he just bought the most beautiful "xyz" and would I like him to bring them over to the studio. Flower arrangements he's created for receptions have often turned into my next subjects. Flowers have always been a part of my life and he creates the prettiest arrangements around.

He delivered this girl and grapes and kisses and I was slow to warm up to it. I always end up enthusiastic about the subject, just need to get the lighting right and other elements and figure out how I want to paint it. My mom has a wonderful, personal doll collection and this one's a favorite of hers. I was never a doll person, but when I painted "All Dolled Up and No Place To Go" last year -- I loved it. I guess I just needed to get coaxed into trying it. That's true often. I think that a subject matter doesn't appeal to me, but it turns out to be wonderful to paint.

Anyway, today I was glad to have a really good painting day. It was a long one, so I may be suffering tomorrow ... but, again, with a few recent struggles outside I'm glad I have a new painting in progress to post. Yea!

Sign Up For Fall Classes

There's only one space -- maybe -- left in my Still Life Class that starts on Tuesday, September 13, 10am-1pm for nine weeks. So, if you're thinking about it... take the plunge. There are some spaces left in my Portrait Painting & Drawing class on Mondays, starting September 12, 10am-1pm, also for nine weeks. Both are offered through the Great Falls School of Art and you can get more info about them on the Classes page on my web site. Come join us and bring along a friend. You must be preregistered to attend as class size is limited and I want to be ready for you. Contact me via email with any questions.  The Great Falls School of Art is also offering lots of other new classes. More info coming soon!

Events
August 31 - September 21: "100 Faces in 100 Days" on exhibit at the Artists' Atelier, 1144 Walker Road, Great Falls, VA. Open hours: Wednesday, August 31, 12:30 to 6:00pm, Saturdays, Noon-4pm. Additional hours will be posted on my blog.

August 3-September 5: 'Scapes Exhibit at the Art League, 105 N. Union Street, Alexandria, VA. My entry, "A New York State of Mind," won Honorable Mention.


Thursday, September 8, 7:30pm: Demo for the Vienna Arts Society, Vienna, VA. More details to come.

Saturday, September 3, 9am-3:30pm: Plein Air Herndon painting event. I'll be out there in my purple smock returning to ArtSpace Herndon by 3:30pm with a wet painting in tow.

Registration Open Now for my Fall Portrait Drawing and Painting class and Still Life Painting Class. See the Classes page on my web site for more information.

Sunday, October 2, 10am-5pm: MPA McLean Artfest, juried outdoor arts festival, McLean Community Park, McLean, VA

Saturday and Sunday, October 15&16, 10am-5pm: Great Falls Annual Studio Tour. Major weekend long event with 47 artists from Great Falls Studios participating in a self-guided tour. I'll be in the Artists' Atelier, the studio I share with 14 other artists at 1144 Walker Road, Suite G, Great Falls. Last year, the tour drew 7200+ visitors from throughout the DC area. Don't miss it!

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 

Tomorrow I'm probably back outside, prepping for Saturday's Paint Herndon Plein Air event. I need the practice. Keep your fingers crossed for me.

The Many Highs In Art

So I won't show you the painting, but here it is on the easel

First, quick update on my whereabouts for the last two days. Sunday: it seems all I could do is sleep. Nap, nap, nap. Yesterday, I went back to Kidwell Farm/Frying Pan Park to paint a cow and a pink tractor. Out there, I thought my day's efforts were better than they seemed back at home ... so I didn't have the heart or energy to post them. I could fix them, but I'm leaving them as is for now as a learning tool. The principle problem with them is in paint application -- working with slippier surfaces and getting the right areas thick or thin.

I'm preparing for a couple of plein air events with the first coming up this Saturday, September 3 in Herndon, VA. Get more info about the event and wet paint sale immediately following on ArtSpace Herndon's web site (info on the painting competition and info on Paint Herndon 2011). I will be out practicing this afternoon somewhere around town, picking out interesting spots and probably employing some new and different techniques to tackle this bear of painting outdoors. (I did this ... at the Water Mine Park at Lake Fairfax ... and it is still a learning process vs. ta-da! moment.)

The Many Highs In Art-Making

I've been thinking/reading about this topic lately. I've talked to people (non-artists) who are amazed at my patience in consistently painting. They think they couldn't/wouldn't want to paint for hours and hours. Yet, you talk to painters (or other artists) and they will tell you they never want to stop (it almost hurts to stop) and that time absolutely flies. I can't tell you how many times I've been in the studio (or painting elsewhere with others) that someone blurts out the time and we're all, jaws dropped, in disbelief.  We forget about eating, taking bathroom breaks, drinking water, running errands, other necessities and chores. So it's not patience I have. I love the feeling that comes with holding that paintbrush and watching something happen rather magically.

The High of Working from Life

What I've been noticing, in myself and others, is that there is an inherent adrenaline rush in working from life -- whether it's painting a live person in front of you, a naturally wilting and rotting still life, or chasing the light and fending off wind and bugs outdoors. Stick me in front of a photo and there isn't the race of the clock and falling sunshine, the conversations and rhythms of it all. I try to recreate a moment and passage of time ... by ignoring the photo and replaying the scene in my head. I actually succeed (the end result is good) at recreating life from photos, but the excitement, the thrill is missing ... for me. I believe the thrill is in "the fight."

I've read recently (and I'm experiencing) that many portrait/figurative painters are trying out/moving in the direction of plein air painting. What we're doing is taking that thrill of painting one person from life and multiplying it ... more people, Mother Nature, a landscape ... all to capture in real time. j

Imperfect Like Life

Plein air paintings just aren't perfect. In viewing them, I'm reminded of those tags that hang from garments that tell you those imperfections are part of the charm of the piece. Prompting you to notice the hand of the maker. I do believe that there is a charm in well-done pieces created en plein air. There's an immediacy and three-dimensionality that is tougher to capture in a piece based on photos. There's an excitement shared with witnesses to the painting's development: those who were there, at the same time, in the same place. They get the same thrill.

"Coconut Cake" was painted from life, no bugs, multiple sessions.

I didn't feel comfortable showing you my paintings from yesterday. The viewer has to do so much more work to piece together the scene I saw. With plein air painting, I always wonder if my audience has any idea what it is that I actually painted, even though they see me facing in the direction of my subject. That's a far cry from the work done in my studio where I've heard people say they think they can take a bite of that "Coconut Cake." At the same time, out there at Kidwell Farm, I had admirers -- young and old -- who clearly knew what my subject was and loved what they saw. So, while I want some of that accuracy/reality derived from the studio, I want to retain the passion/excitement/thrill of the mess. I want to combine the best of both worlds.

What I'm finding is that if (a big if) I can go back to the same spot and approximate the same conditions (lighting, subject), I can create just as charming, but better paintings from life ... just not all at once (alla prima). This was true, clearly, in "Cars and Coffee" (see previous post) -- a piece that's beautiful because it's being painted on the spot and that had the benefit of two outings to the same place.

When that's not possible, as in these plein air competitions where you paint for a few hours, stick it in a frame and that's that ... I need to practice and study and figure out how to work the paint to produce the best results under those circumstances. A challenge. A thrill.

A Note on "100 Faces in 100 Days" Exhibit

I will not be taking the show down tomorrow. It will remain up in the Artists' Atelier for a few more weeks (at 1144 Walker Road, Suite G, Great Falls, VA 22066). I'll be in for the 12:30pm to 6pm open hours tomorrow (Wednesday) and the studio will be open on Saturdays throughout the month from noon to 4pm. I may add other extended hours as well. I'll let you know here.

Events
August 31 - September 21: "100 Faces in 100 Days" on exhibit at the Artists' Atelier, 1144 Walker Road, Great Falls, VA. Open hours: Wednesday, August 31, 12:30 to 6:00pm, Saturdays, Noon-4pm. Additional hours will be posted on my blog.

August 3-September 5: 'Scapes Exhibit at the Art League, 105 N. Union Street, Alexandria, VA. My entry, "A New York State of Mind," won Honorable Mention.

Thursday, September 8, 7:30pm: Demo for the Vienna Arts Society, Vienna, VA. More details to come.


Registration Open Now for my Fall Portrait Drawing and Painting class and Still Life Painting Class. See the Classes page on my web site for more information.

Sunday, October 2, 10am-5pm: MPA McLean Artfest, juried outdoor arts festival, McLean Community Park, McLean, VA

Saturday and Sunday, October 15&16, 10am-5pm: Great Falls Annual Studio Tour. Major weekend long event with 47 artists from Great Falls Studios participating in a self-guided tour. I'll be in the Artists' Atelier, the studio I share with 14 other artists at 1144 Walker Road, Suite G, Great Falls. Last year, the tour drew 7200+ visitors from throughout the DC area. Don't miss it!

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

Part Two: Painting "Cars and Coffee" at the Old Brogue This Morning

"Cars and Coffee" work in progress, 16"h x 20"w, ©Jill Banks 2011

 This is my second post of the day ... be sure to check out "Radishes" in the previous post.

My painting of the Great Falls Village Centre and the Old Brogue continued early this morning in a planned Part Two. From 7am to 9am each Saturday, owners and enthusiasts and spectacular cars gather in the parking lot in front of the Old Brogue Irish Pub for coffee and, probably, oohs and aahs. I couldn't hear the discussions as I was up on the hill ... painting. The parking lot was full ... as in all the spots ... with cars and people. I know that's not the scene presented, yet. I've got to think about how much I want to describe the view. It's tough to take in. It will change over and over. (I plan to return for one or two more Cars and Coffee to finish.)

Even though I have more to paint, "Cars and Coffee" is to be considered sold as of this morning. Its future owner prompted me, many times, to check out those events as potential inspiration for paintings. I admit it -- I get it. I loved being, and painting, there.

I got a close-up, guided tour of the cream car -- that's gorgeous -- and that happens to belong to "Cars and Coffee's" future owner. I swear I didn't know. In my previous painting session, I had painted in three, not-so-fancy cars as "placeholders" for their better looking cousins. The cream Kaiser Darrin replaced the one that held its spot.

I had plenty of company. Lots! Both familiar and new faces, young and older, all very enthusiastic about my being there and my painting. This morning felt like the Great Falls, VA version of the bar on "Cheers." Probably more so to the Cars and Coffee regulars. The difficult part is waiting until I can go again.

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

"Radishes" Painting: My Surprise Subjects

"Radishes," oil on panel, 10"h x 8"w, ©Jill Banks 2011

I walked into my studio this afternoon thinking I'd be painting one thing, and a few minutes later had another subject in hand. Alicia Sommers, one of our guest Summer Atelier artists, had just given my studiomate Jennifer Duncan a bunch of fresh from the market radishes. And, she wanted to know if I'd like some. Alicia's husband had bought them, mistakenly. Neither Alicia nor her husband eat them ... and I would gladly paint and then eat them. Now, I've done both.

I love this one and it was just a great day, and great painting day. Hopefully I'll get in this post and a second one from this morning's adventures before Hurricane Irene causes too many issues.

When I started this painting, I followed some to the steps I'd been reading about in my landscape books. I lightly painted on transparent red oxide over the entire panel in oil, to then pull out the lights with a paper towel. I could have gone in to state darker areas, but I just started in with direct color, adjusting for greater darks with the tone of my paint. What I like about this is this subtractive way of painting really appeals to me and the transparent red oxide gives it a beautiful glow. There are detailed areas, and some parts where you just see the tone or wiped out lights. It's revealing its bones.

See more of my paintings of veggies, markets and food in the gallery section of my web site.

One of the greatest treats we get as artists is to see the unfinished paintings of the masters in history. We feel their hand, and enjoy a view from their spot at the easel, mid-stroke.

Over and over, I'm finding myself gravitating toward the unexpected, unplanned. There's a joy in the element of surprise. I recognized it during my 100 Faces project when each day brought a whole new experience. I've found it in my plein air adventures. Those paintings are a combination of the experience of the day -- all the senses and thoughts -- and putting paint onto canvas.

Speaking of that, I remember Jennifer Duncan telling me about a friend of hers who had multiple easels, numbered, scattered around her house. I think she drew a number and that was where and what she'd paint that day.

Events
August 3 - 31: "100 Faces in 100 Days" on exhibit at the Artists' Atelier, 1144 Walker Road, Great Falls, VA. Open hours: Wednesdays through Saturdays, 12:30-6:00pm.

August 3-September 5: 'Scapes Exhibit at the Art League, 105 N. Union Street, Alexandria, VA. My entry, "A New York State of Mind," won Honorable Mention.

Thursday, September 8, 7:30pm: Demo for the Vienna Arts Society, Vienna, VA. More details to come.

Sunday, October 2, 10am-5pm: MPA McLean Artfest, juried outdoor arts festival, McLean Community Park, McLean, VA

Saturday and Sunday, October 15&16, 10am-5pm: Great Falls Annual Studio Tour. Major weekend long event with 47 artists from Great Falls Studios participating in a self-guided tour. I'll be in the Artists' Atelier, the studio I share with 14 other artists at 1144 Walker Road, Suite G, Great Falls. Last year, the tour drew 7200+ visitors from throughout the DC area. Don't miss it!

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

"Monkeying Around" Beanie Baby Painting #6 and Visitors

Beanie Baby Painting #6: "Monkeying Around," oil on panel, 6"h x 6"w, ©Jill Banks 2011

As my exhibit "100 Faces in 100 Days" draws to a close, I've been encouraging people to come in and take a look before it's gone. (Randy and I take it down next Wednesday, August 31.) That worked today ... especially with Hurricane Irene threatening to swipe away tomorrow's hours.

My first visitor (who arrived before I got there) was Jeff Mizell. I met Jeff at last Sunday's Reston Century bike race (I'd won 1st place in the t-shirt art competition so my painting was printed on the back of shirts given out to all the riders). He'd come to see my 100 Faces project a couple of days ago and in addition to talking about the project and art in general, I pointed out the first five paintings in my series of nine Beanie Baby paintings. After purging our house last year (taking all the extra good stuff to places where it could then end up in good, new homes) prior to a move, I found myself short on what we used to be really long on ... i.e. beanie babies.

The Candidates for #6, #7, #8 and #9. Thanks, Jeff!

Today, he arrived with two very large plastic boxes filled to the brim with potential candidates (from his now grown kids' collections) for my last few small panels. He encouraged me not to worry about keeping too many. If I thought I might want to paint it, it went into the keep for now pile. Tonight I took a photo of all the candidates I kept.

Each time I paint there are so many converging influences. For the Beanie Baby Mini Project, I have a stack of fun-colored scrapbooking paper from Michaels that I select to complement my "model." Those are set on my laptop on top of a sculpture stand I can put at various heights. Today, I paid tribute to another of this afternoon's visitors.

Soon after Jeff left with the non-candidates, two of my special faces (Joan Bell-Haynes and Oscar Haynes) entered with friends visiting from Alabama.  We sat and talked and then the door opens again and Christine came in -- one of my faces and mom of two others -- including my youngest subject, then six-and-a-half-month old Bailey. Part of the fun with this project is that visitors get to find the other faces on exhibit... as in, can you find me ... or do you see anyone you know?

Joan, Oscar, and their friends Lou and Carolyn kept us laughing and enjoying time together. Christine mentioned that her cheeks hurt from "too much funny." Mine did, too.

So, my additional influence ... for this one beanie baby is that Christine, for her day, wore a chartreuse shirt and colorful scarf. Chartreuse is a favorite color for both of us ... and we talked about that.

The fact that I had a shorter time to paint -- meant I had to keep it simple. Thus, full circle, beanie baby #6.

See Beanie Baby Painting #5. Beanie Baby #4.

Events
August 3 - 31: "100 Faces in 100 Days" on exhibit at the Artists' Atelier, 1144 Walker Road, Great Falls, VA. Open hours: Wednesdays through Saturdays, 12:30-6:00pm.

August 3-September 5: 'Scapes Exhibit at the Art League, 105 N. Union Street, Alexandria, VA. My entry, "A New York State of Mind," won Honorable Mention.

Thursday, September 8, 7:30pm: Demo for the Vienna Arts Society, Vienna, VA. More details to come.

Sunday, October 2, 10am-5pm: MPA McLean Artfest, juried outdoor arts festival, McLean Community Park, McLean, VA

Saturday and Sunday, October 15&16, 10am-5pm: Great Falls Annual Studio Tour. Major weekend long event with 47 artists from Great Falls Studios participating in a self-guided tour. I'll be in the Artists' Atelier, the studio I share with 14 other artists at 1144 Walker Road, Suite G, Great Falls. Last year, the tour drew 7200+ visitors from throughout the DC area. Don't miss it!

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

Roosters and a Hen Painting, Continued

"Watcha' Doing?" work in progress, 24"h x 20"w, oil, ©Jill Banks 2011

My current title for this one is "Watcha' Doing?" My brother Phil's title for it is "Fowl Buddies" and I'm tending to agree with him ... but definitely think the rooster is making a pass at the lady who is pretending not to notice. Right? Wrong?

Phil wrote me an email that he was looking forward to my return to roosters and hen and so as I was mulling over just what to paint today ... I took the suggestion. I'm just really enjoying painting this for its colors and composition and reminder of all the posturing that took place in the rooster/hen house. It was a day filled with wild sights and sounds.

I'm not done, but I'm making progress.

Events
August 3 - 31: "100 Faces in 100 Days" on exhibit at the Artists' Atelier, 1144 Walker Road, Great Falls, VA. Open hours: Wednesdays through Saturdays, 12:30-6:00pm.

August 3-September 5: 'Scapes Exhibit at the Art League, 105 N. Union Street, Alexandria, VA. My entry, "A New York State of Mind," won Honorable Mention.

Thursday, September 8, 7:30pm: Demo for the Vienna Arts Society, Vienna, VA. More details to come.

Sunday, October 2, 10am-5pm: MPA McLean Artfest, juried outdoor arts festival, McLean Community Park, McLean, VA

Saturday and Sunday, October 15&16, 10am-5pm: Great Falls Annual Studio Tour. Major weekend long event with 47 artists from Great Falls Studios participating in a self-guided tour. I'll be in the Artists' Atelier, the studio I share with 14 other artists at 1144 Walker Road, Suite G, Great Falls. Last year, the tour drew 7200+ visitors from throughout the DC area. Don't miss it!

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

"Burano Boats" Painting Today

"Burano Boats" work in progress, oil on Raymar panel, 16"h x 20"w, ©Jill Banks 2011

This is my second day painting on this scene from Burano, Italy ... the town of fishermen with impossibly bright colored houses along canals near Venice. I've painted a few scenes of Burano and each has become a favorite of mine and eventually of their owners.

More of Burano: "Pizza and Pesce," 8"h x 10"w, private collection.

I've been thinking a lot lately about my painting ... and reading up on landscape painting, looking intensely at paintings I admire, etc. I've been enjoying plein air painting but there is so much to learn! There are two big challenges for me. One is to get intense, glowing color in a single wet-into-wet (alla prima) session. Two is to handle the paint in these quick sessions while chasing the light. There are more ... but these two are my most obvious obstacles to overcome. Solutions I know for achieving glowing color rely on multiple painting sessions. And, paint handling comes naturally when I'm in full control developing the painting (i.e., when I'm in no rush and letting the subject reveal itself on canvas).

More Burano: "Food and Wine," 24"h x 36"w, private collection.

So, I've been on the lookout for solutions and may have found one. I read about a different approach to use for plein air that makes sense to me that should help with building the paint layers. Next painting start, I'll try it out ... and let you know. And, then I'll try it again. And again.

I've also decided to return to push colors further ... again. Time to experiment and see what happens.



New Discovery: Correcting Color Casts

"Boats in Burano," 8"h x 10"w, private collection.

Perhaps that's not an exciting title ... but in the last hour I made a startling discovery. I stopped working on my "Burano Boats" painting late tonight at the Artists' Atelier and photographed it under the Tungsten lights in the gallery which cast a yellow glow/film over everything. When I went in to edit and crop it in Photoshop Elements -- as I do each time I post -- I tried out a different edit tool under Adjust Color called Remove Color Cast. I put the dropper on the supposedly white base trim in the gallery and it adjusted the whole photo to remove the amount of yellow that was in the white. It was amazing!!! No more yellow casts for me!

Each time I learn something that makes life/my job much easier, I wonder why it had to take me so long. I suppose that's not the right outlook.

Events
August 3 - 31: "100 Faces in 100 Days" on exhibit at the Artists' Atelier, 1144 Walker Road, Great Falls, VA. Open hours: Wednesdays through Saturdays, 12:30-6:00pm.


August 3-September 5: 'Scapes Exhibit at the Art League, 105 N. Union Street, Alexandria, VA. My entry, "A New York State of Mind," won Honorable Mention.

Thursday, September 8, 7:30pm: Demo for the Vienna Arts Society, Vienna, VA. More details to come.

Sunday, October 2, 10am-5pm: MPA McLean Artfest, juried outdoor arts festival, McLean Community Park, McLean, VA

Saturday and Sunday, October 15&16, 10am-5pm: Great Falls Annual Studio Tour. Major weekend long event with 47 artists from Great Falls Studios participating in a self-guided tour. I'll be in the Artists' Atelier, the studio I share with 14 other artists at 1144 Walker Road, Suite G, Great Falls. Last year, the tour drew 7200+ visitors from throughout the DC area. Don't miss it!

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

Plein Air Painting in the Great Falls Village Centre: Part One

Great Falls Village Centre work in progress, oil, 16"h x 20"w, ©Jill Banks 2011

First of all, Mother Nature delivered one beautiful day here today. So, while I wasn't sure exactly where to paint this morning, I knew my easel would be outside. With holding open hours in the Artists' Atelier from Wednesdays through Saturdays this month, and painting in Alexandria on the waterfront on most Sundays, only Mondays and Tuesdays are available for exploring other spots. I want to pick good ones.

And, today I did. This is my view of the Old Brogue and Deli Italiano from up on a hill in the Great Falls Village Centre (in Great Falls, VA). I'd climbed to this spot sometime last week -- when I couldn't paint it and it came back to mind this morning. I consider this Part One of the painting, to be resumed, hopefully, this weekend when this portion is dry and I can try something I think will be really great. (A secret, sort of, for now.)

My guess is I looked a little unusual up on the hill. The Brogue is a popular spot (the parking lot was loaded with cars all day long) and patrons waved, pointed, posed, joked and a few visited and checked out my progress.

Setting back up after lunch. See the shirt?

I took a break for lunch with (husband) Randy ... and we both wore matching Reston Century t-shirt that sport my winning artwork "W&OD BBQ" on the back. Randy and I don't usually match. Thankfully. So, I felt conspicuous multiple times today.

I'm really happy with this painting in progress. I took a longer view than normal. Thought about what would really capture the place. I studied clouds -- an unusual subject for me. Tackled a couple of cars (I know they're rough right now). A good day.

Each of these outdoor days wear me out though, so much more than days in the studio. There's a good bit to lug around, I'm usually too hot and challenges abound. Even the wind takes its toll. But, I love how the paintings are tied to the experience of the day. The waves and jokes. Shade and sun on the move. Two young girls letting me know how much they appreciated my art. Pretty wonderful.

For those of you who are still hoping to see my "100 Faces in 100 Days" exhibit at the Artists' Atelier (1144 Walker Road, Suite G, Great Falls, VA), the remaining opportunities are few. The show comes down August 31, a week from Wednesday. Open hours are Wednesdays through Saturdays, 12:30 to 6:00pm for this month. (I might be late opening this Wednesday, August 24 ... more like 1pm.) I hope to see you soon!

"A New York State of Mind," 40"h x 30"w, ©Jill Banks, 'Scapes Exhibit

Events
August 3 - 31: "100 Faces in 100 Days" on exhibit at the Artists' Atelier, 1144 Walker Road, Great Falls, VA. Open hours: Wednesdays through Saturdays, 12:30-6:00pm.

August 3-September 5: 'Scapes Exhibit at the Art League, 105 N. Union Street, Alexandria, VA. My entry, "A New York State of Mind," won Honorable Mention.

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

Painting Roosters and a Hen

"Whatcha'  Doing?" work in progress, oil on linen, 24"h x 20"w, ©Jill Banks 2011

Quick post since son Sam and Michelle are here this weekend and little remains of Sam's birthday. Happy Birthday, Sam!

Events
August 3 - 31: "100 Faces in 100 Days" on exhibit at the Artists' Atelier, 1144 Walker Road, Great Falls, VA. Open hours: Wednesdays through Saturdays, 12:30-6:00pm.

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 ...

"W&OD BBQ" won 1st Place in the Reston Century T-Shirt Art Competition

August 3-September 5: 'Scapes Exhibit at the Art League, 105 N. Union Street, Alexandria, VA. My entry, "A New York State of Mind," won Honorable Mention.

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 that will be given to the 1200 riders in the race this day.

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

"The Olive Seller" from Portabello Road

"The Olive Seller," oil on linen, 18"h x 24"w, ©Jill Banks 2011

This is the result of two more days ... or at least another day and a half on "The Olive Seller," depicting a busy vendor at the Portabello Road Market in London this Spring.

Come see it -- along with my "100 Faces in 100 Days" exhibit -- if you have a chance during open hours at the Artists' Atelier, Wednesdays through Saturdays, 12:30 to 6:00 pm through August 31. I'm getting a few visitors, but more would be merrier. I'm not sure my studio space has ever looked this good -- and considering I keep pretty busy, a.k.a. messy, come before it returns to chaos. The Artists' Atelier, 1144 Walker Road, Suite G, Great Falls, VA 22066.

"Coconut Cake," oil, 20"h x 16"w, ©Jill Banks 2010

Tomorrow's son Sam's Birthday! We're celebrating with dinner on Saturday ... with some sort of home-cooked meal. Unfortunately, our oven "blew" last week -- it's now on the floor in our kitchen with a new one hopefully arriving soon ... but not in time for making Lemonade Pie. It's kitchen borrowing time.

Events
August 3 - 31: "100 Faces in 100 Days" on exhibit at the Artists' Atelier, 1144 Walker Road, Great Falls, VA. Open hours: Wednesdays through Saturdays, 12:30-6:00pm.

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 ...

"W&OD BBQ" won 1st Place in the Reston Century T-Shirt Art Competition

August 3-September 5: 'Scapes Exhibit at the Art League, 105 N. Union Street, Alexandria, VA. My entry, "A New York State of Mind," won Honorable Mention.

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 that will be given to the 1200 riders in the race this day.

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

Animal Intentions

"Hidden Springs Pool," 8"h x 10"w, oil on Raymar panel, ©Jill Banks 2011

I did go to Laura's farm today ... contemplating painting goats and guinea hens ... only to be lured by a blue pool. A couple of her guinea hens did amble across the pool deck, but were fast enough not to be captured here.

There were Bantam hens behind me, clamoring for attention. Every direction I looked, there was another painting to be. I love the tractors and tools, hanging baskets, all the different structures, funny gargoyle-ish creatures. My favorite potential view was one not yet painted. Some of her hens are in a stall and they stay up high on some beams Laura added just for them. The light pours through some open slats and the space turned extraordinary. I avoided it so far because I needed to become comfortable with my surroundings. I struggle with bugs and extra critters. I've got to work up to it.

I found out something different relative to the Reston Century Race this weekend. The t-shirt with my painting will be given to all the riders when they finish the race ... not worn during the race. I suppose if I was a cyclist, I'd get that they would be wearing fancier gear to race ... but I didn't. At least I know that a lot of riders will have a wearable copy of my painting for another day.

Events
August 3 - 31: "100 Faces in 100 Days" on exhibit at the Artists' Atelier, 1144 Walker Road, Great Falls, VA. Open hours: Wednesdays through Saturdays, 12:30-6:00pm.



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 ...

"W&OD BBQ" won 1st Place in the Reston Century T-Shirt Art Competition

August 3-September 5: 'Scapes Exhibit at the Art League, 105 N. Union Street, Alexandria, VA. My entry, "A New York State of Mind," won Honorable Mention.

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 that will be given to the 1200 riders in the race this day.

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

"Torpedo Factory Dock" Plein Air Painting and Ice Cream Stories

"Torpedo Factory Dock," 8"h x 10"w, oil on Raymar panel, ©Jill Banks 2011

Painting on the Waterfront
Well, today I took a nap. But, that was after a morning painting session with the Art League Plein Air Painters at the Waterfront in Alexandria, VA. I imagine I was the first one there as I walked all around and didn't see a "painter-like" soul. I set up under the gazebo/pavilion near Chart House, figuring that would keep me dry and shaded ... hopefully.

As you might know, there's been a lot going on in my painting life lately, and today those busy days took a bit of a toll. My worst mistake was making the trek to Alexandria minus the piece that attaches my EasyL palette/easel to the tripod. What that meant is that I had to sit on the ground to paint with my panel below eye level... versus stand and have the panel just where I want it. That meant creaky bones, a bit of discomfort, but I was still happy to be painting in a beautiful spot.

Some of the youngsters at the Social

Going back to the same locale over and over is eye-opening. I'm not going to paint the same subject from the same vantage point ... so it forces me to reach a little. Think. Find something hidden.

I started a second painting today, but only got about half way there. The view changed dramatically all morning with moody clouds to sun trying to peek through. It was fun to witness and follow with my brush.

I had a few visitors. Not nearly as many as last week, but I talked to one woman from Sweden who had just moved here. She loves to paint and wanted to find out more about who we are and how she can join us. (Anyone can join who is a member of the Art League.)

What's not to love?

Another woman told me that as soon as she got home (to California) she was going to do what I was doing. Her husband had bought her an oil set as a present ... as painting was something she always thought she would enjoy. We talked about brushes, how to start the painting, and I encouraged her to just give it a try.

The Ice Cream Social

Yesterday's event for my "100 Faces in 100 Days" exhibit was my favorite. Period. My dad was fixing sundaes to order ... and what the day meant is that no one had to apologize to or drag their kids to an art event. Everyone wanted to be there! It was truly a celebration. My pretty educated guess is about 80 people attended the two-hour social. We know we went through 60+ spoons.

Loading up on extras

It seemed fitting that my very social, community-based project should have a fun, casual, cool open house. Whole families came. Everybody enjoyed themselves. It would have been hard not to. Sundaes were started by my dad, but sundae eaters could add their own helpings of gummy bears, m&m's and nuts.

My dad's made plenty of those ice cream sundaes for me growing up. We had maraschino cherries and whipped cream in the fridge, sprinkles in the pantry. Always prepared to celebrate an "ordinary" day.

Charlie, Andrea and Christina Loulakis and my "kid," Sarah Banks

I took photos of many of the kids and one wanted me to take a photo of me. I'm always camera shy. I wished I'd had my picture taken with him, though... because he wanted it. I've got my flaws.

I do wish everyone could have been there!

I talked to one of my very fine faces about the project in general and my book. She offered to write about her experience as a sitter, her own perspective of the project. Of course, I gladly accepted. I think this is part of the magic of the project. I have the benefit of emails and a journal entry and my own recollection of the sittings of my 100 faces. Would anyone else like to contribute to the story?

Mom and Dad (who were the hostess and host of the Ice Cream Social) -- Thank you from the bottom of my heart. You brought a lot of smiles yesterday. It was a truly amazing, wonderful day!

For everyone who came -- thank you for celebrating with me! Yea!

Events
August 3 - 31: "100 Faces in 100 Days" on exhibit at the Artists' Atelier, 1144 Walker Road, Great Falls, VA. Open hours: Wednesdays through Saturdays, 12:30-6:00pm.

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 ...

"W&OD BBQ" won 1st Place in the Reston Century T-Shirt Art Competition

August 3-September 5: 'Scapes Exhibit at the Art League, 105 N. Union Street, Alexandria, VA. My entry, "A New York State of Mind," won Honorable Mention.

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 that will be worn by 1200 riders in the race this day.

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

Fantastic Reception and Ice Cream Social

Last night's reception and today's ice cream social were absolutely fantastic. I am going to need to report on today's Ice Cream Social another day -- but that may have been my favorite event, ever. I loved it ... just need to gather more photos and thoughts for it. What I loved about it is that adults love ice cream, too ... but it's a whole lot easier to get kids to (another) art event if it features ice cream sundaes. Still, you'll have to wait for that report.

The Reception for my "100 Faces in 100 Days" Exhibit

Getting Ready. Photo: Al Reitan

It was fantastic! The studio and gallery looked amazing  ... but more importantly, a lot of great people showed up and, I believe, thoroughly enjoyed themselves. 

Ray and Chris Rollins: Faces #22 and #23. Photo: Al Reitan

The events mimic the success of the project. I am proud of myself for completing a highly challenging goal of painting 100 Faces in 100 Days. What's exciting is how tangible it is. It's hanging on the walls and replaying in my head. I see the march of days. The challenges. The rewards. I wanted to involve others in what I do -- my passion for art. They are! That happened. There's a new community ... and many of them came to Friday and Saturday's events.

I love to talk about the project, because it was a personal journey and 100 days of other people's stories. It's infinitely interesting.

These wonderful photos are courtesy of ace photographer Al Reitan. I didn't take a single shot all night! Hence, no blog post last night. Thanks, Al!

Painting in Alexandria Tomorrow

I may be a bit bleary-eyed, but I will be painting somewhere near the waterfront in Alexandria, VA tomorrow with the Art League Plein Air Painters. You will see a new painting tomorrow night.

Photo: Al Reitan

Events
August 3 - 31: "100 Faces in 100 Days" on exhibit at the Artists' Atelier, 1144 Walker Road, Great Falls, VA. Open hours: Wednesdays through Saturdays, 12:30-6:00pm.

 

Photo: Al Reitan

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 3-September 5: 'Scapes Exhibit at the Art League, 105 N. Union Street, Alexandria, VA. My entry, "A New York State of Mind," won Honorable Mention.

Photo: Al Reitan

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.

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.

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.

Some Russian talk in my studio area. Photo: Al Reitan

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

You're Invited!

I'm still getting ready for Friday's reception and Saturday's Ice Cream Social for my 100 Faces in 100 Days exhibit ... so no new paintings to show for the last two days. Sorry about that ... but consider this your big invite.

100 Faces in 100 Days by Jill Banks

August 1-31 at the Gallery in the Artists' Atelier
Reception: Friday, August 12, 6-9pm
Ice Cream Social: Saturday, August 13, 2-4pm
RSVP helpful, especially if you want some ice cream... Email me.
1144 Walker Road, Suite G, Great Falls, VA 22066

The gallery will be open Wednesdays through Saturdays, 12:30 to 6:00pm throughout August. (Closed Thursday, August 11.)

I hope to see you there!

- Jill Banks

P.S. I also have about 25 other pieces on view in my studio with many of the latest to come off the easel. Lots to see!

More on the Calendar:

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 ...

Come see the 100 Faces in 100 Days exhibit

August 3-September 5: 'Scapes Exhibit at the Art League, 105 N. Union Street, Alexandria, VA. My entry, "A New York State of Mind," won Honorable Mention.

Thursday, August 11, 6:30-8:00pm: Reception/Awards for 'Scapes exhibit at the Art League.

Friday, August 12, 6:00-9:00pm: Reception, 100 Faces in 100 Days Exhibit, the Gallery at the Artists' Atelier, 1144 Walker Road, Suite G, Great Falls. RSVP helpful via email. Thanks!

Saturday, August 13, 2-4pm: Ice Cream Social, 100 Faces in 100 Days Exhibit, the Gallery at the Artists' Atelier, 1144 Walker Road, Suite G, Great Falls. RSVP helpful via email. Thanks!

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.

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.

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