"Clown Girl and Kisses" Finished

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

This wasn't easy. Now, though, when something is challenging, I remember facing the same, or at least a similar problem in paintings past.

Challenge #1: Sparkly things. Like the doll's interesting metallic material feet. And those kisses. In general, there were a LOT of different textures here. Each to be painted uniquely. To achieve the sparkle, I recalled working on my bellydancer paintings. See one of those below.

Challenge #2: An unusual palette for me. When you're reaching for a new color, one you're unaccustomed to mixing ... there's more guessing and trial and error. Those color charts that are part of the painting helped. A lot!

With many major art events right around the corner, it's time for me to concentrate on getting work, portfolio, web site,  inventory/records, mailing lists and marketing materials ready for prime time. That should be interesting. When I think about setting up a booth (at MPA McLean Artfest on Sunday, October 2, 10am-5pm) in just a few weeks, it's a little daunting, but that event makes for one of the best days of the year. Something I'm looking forward to.

"The Bellydancer," 20"h x 16"w, by Jill Banks. Private collection.

I'll be at the Artists' Atelier (1144 Walker Road, Suite G, Great Falls, VA) for open hours, noon-4pm tomorrow. I hope you can stop in and visit. See a new painting in progress (I hope).

Classes Start Next Week

There's one spot left in my Still Life class that starts next Tuesday (the Portrait class is full).  Check out more info on the Classes page on my web site and email me if you are interested in registering.

Events
August 1 - September 21: "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 One spot left in my Still Life class. 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!

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