Back to the Carousel Horse Painting with a New Name

"Merry Go Round" work in progress, oil on linen, 30"h x 30"w, ©Jill Banks 2011

"Daisies and the Carousel Horse" has been renamed as "Merry Go Round." After two days of "other stuff," I was happily able to return to this painting with some replacement fruit and daisies. I worked at finishing up most of the fruit ... before my replacements need replacements. And, I worked a good bit on the carousel horse. This whole painting is filled with great subjects. It was tough to leave for the night.

Yesterday, I went "missing" from the blog ... as it was a "no painting" day. I was trying to fit it in, but it wasn't to be. Randy and I attended a fantastic pre-MPA Artfest fundraising party, a Soiree! last night and the entire afternoon was spent out shopping so I'd have something to wear. Shopping is not one of my strengths. Turns out I did okay, but it ate away a good chunk of hours.

I was amazed at the organization, attendance, enthusiasm, home, planning, etc. at the party. A huge crowd thoroughly enjoyed the event, fantastic setting and jazz music. I knew that a horde of volunteers worked to make the Artfest event successful for the community and participating artists. I didn't know how much the volunteers and McLean Project for the Arts staff do for the party as well. It's a year-round effort.

It made me look forward to filling my tent and enjoying the day at Artfest on Sunday, October 2, from 10am-5pm. I'll be in Booth #35 ... waiting to talk with you.

Tomorrow and Saturday, I'll be in the Artists' Atelier (1144 Walker Road, Suite G, Great Falls, VA 22066) for open hours from noon-4pm as the last chance to see my 100 Faces in 100 Days exhibit in the gallery there. Come visit!

August 1 - September 24: "100 Faces in 100 Days" on exhibit at the Artists' Atelier, 1144 Walker Road, Great Falls, VA. Open hours: Fridays and Saturdays, Noon-4pm.

My Still Life and Portrait Painting & Drawing Both classes are full for Fall sessions. See the Classes page on my web site for more information on those classes. Send me an email if you would like to receive notification of other class/workshop offerings -- what kind of courses you would be interested in, days of the week and times.

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!

October 20-22, Out & About Norfolk 2011: Juried Plein Air Event and Wet Paint Sale. I'll be spending three days in Norfolk for this 5th Annual Plein Air Competition ... painting away. I'm excited!

November 1-11, 83rd Grand National Exhibition 2011: "Alan" will be on exhibit at the American Artists Professional League Grand National at the Salmagundi Club, 47 Fifth Avenue, NYC. Reception" Sunday, November 6, 2-5pm.

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