Alla Prima Portrait of "Miriam in Her Gray Beret"

"Miriam in Her Gray Beret," oil on Senso linen, 20"h x 16"w, ©Jill Banks 2012

For the first day of my portrait class -- demo day -- I had the great opportunity to paint almost-nine-year-old Miriam. Miriam was excited to get her first real job, but I think I was even more excited to get the chance to have her sit for me. Or maybe it was a toss up.

This is an alla prima, painted all in one sitting, portrait -- worked wet into wet. Painting in this method offers spontaneity, or freshness to the work. Perfect for capturing an almost nine-year-old.

Miriam sat super still and I imagine that there were some awfully long stretches between breaks ... because it was too much fun painting her to also keep track of the time. Her snacks came in a cute pink lunch bag. One snack was a waffle -- and her mom remarked  ...  "Well, she was born in Belgium."

There are always a lot of funny comments, good stories and laughter in the class ... it's just a great group. I imagine that Miriam had some tales to tell tonight at the dinner table. One of the extra treats for being our model.

Thanks, Miriam, for making our day!

And, as always after the first day of class, I'm a little beat. Time to take it easy. The first day of still life class is tomorrow. 

Close-Up of "Miriam in Her Gray Beret"

On Exhibit:

"Dining Alfresco" Juried into the Art League January Show

On view at the Art League Gallery in the Torpedo Factory, 105 N. Union St., Alexandria, VA for the month of January. Take a look!

"Ostrich and Polka Dots," "Ramsey" and "Half Dozen Donuts" are on view in Great Falls Studios' January Virtual (online) Gallery Exhibit "Patterns"

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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