Studio Tour Day One

My throat's strained (from so much talking). One eye is worn out (from too little sleep). But today was an excellent day one of the Great Falls Studio Tour. Hopefully, tomorrow will be the same.

We figure that about 250 or so tour-goers crossed through the door of the Artists' Atelier (where I share working studio space with 15 other artists at 1144 Walker Road, Suite G, Great Falls, VA) and most stayed and enjoyed long visits talking about art, the process, inspiration, tools, working setup, media ... etc. I saw some faces twice today ... they'd bring back someone else to let them enjoy this once-a-year event. Many return year after year ... and realized how much difference a year makes in an artist's life. We have evidence ... paintings/artwork ... to show for the past twelve months.

There were so many great stories from today. A mom and two of her kids came in, interested in classes because she saw the beautiful painting that the youngest member (a 13-year-old) of my Still Life class created ... as his first oil painting, ever. My young star's artwork is recruiting for me. (Thanks, Cormac!) I may be teaching a new family full.

Some came offering me inspiration. I've always loved involving others in my art-making ... like having my Dad set up my large-scale still lifes for me so you can witness his beautiful vision, too. I love horses and want to paint them. Someone I painted recently (for "Last Few Pages") is offering a pasture of horses, a donkey and pony to paint. I am thrilled about this! I met a docent from the National Portrait Gallery who saw my 100 Faces in the library -- who offered a special tour of the museum.  These are the things that make me feel like I've died and gone to heaven.  (That keeps happening.)

One of the great pleasures is to witness how much someone loves what you've created and that a work moves him/her. Many of my visitors told me how a piece of mine made them feel. "Merry Go Round" brings on happiness. (I truly loved painting it -- every brushstroke. I get it.)

I didn't take many photos. I was busy!

Tomorrow, we're "on" again for Studio Tour Day Two, Sunday, October 16, 10am-5pm.  I hope you can come!

UPCOMING EVENTS

Great Falls Annual Studio Tour, Oct. 15&16, 10am-5pm

Artists‘ Atelier, 1144 Walker Road, Suite G, Great Falls, VA

Out & About Norfolk Plein Air Painting Event, October 20-22 

ON EXHIBIT

Catharine Lorillard Wolfe Art Club’s 115th Annual Open Juried Exhibit

National Arts Club, 15 Gramercy Park South, NYC, October 4-28

The Art League's October All-Media Membership Exhibit,  105 N. Union St., Alexandria, VA. My charcoal drawing of "Oscar" was juried in and will be on view through November 7. "Cubanelle and Roses" is in the Bin Gallery.

American Artists Professional League 83rd Grand National,Salmagundi Club, 47 Fifth Avenue, NYC, Nov. 1-11

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
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