Catharine Lorillard Wolfe Art Club Exhibit ... And Some Days

"Hog Wild," oil, 40"h x 30"w, ©Jill Banks 2006

I've been painting. I swear. It's just that the results aren't what I'd like them to be. At least I'm having a conversation with myself about why.

Today, I tried to find a spot around my house ... on this rainy day ... that I wanted to paint as one of those small plein air exercises. After trying yesterday and today, with no paintings ready for view ... I realized that this is a forced exercise. Small studies are good. But. You have to paint what you're dying to paint. And a wet, wintery landscape of my back or front yard with non-spectacular light just isn't going to cut it. So, instead of reaching for numbers (as in 100 studies), I'm going to concentrate on just painting what I want to paint. If a still life is far more exciting than regular plein air surroundings, guess what will get attention?

"Dining Alfresco," oil, 24"h x 20"w, ©Jill Banks 2010

Despite a slight bit of angst over the last few painting attempts, I was productive today. Tons of show submissions are due in this one to two week span ... and an envelope went out with my selections for the Catharine Lorillard Wolfe Art Club's member exhibit taking place this month. As a juried member, my two pieces "Hog Wild" and "Dining Alfresco" are assured a spot in the Members Exhibit held at the Salmagundi Club (47 Fifth Avenue, New York, New York, March 18th through March 30th with an Awards Reception
Friday, March 23rd 6-8pm) in NYC later this month. We'll be going there to enjoy the show and get to know some of the other Catharine Lorillard Wolfe Art Club members.

It was tough to figure out what to submit, especially with deadlines popping up left and right. Using a dart board and darts is probably just as effective as agonizing over the choices. Right? Too bad I don't have a dartboard.

On Exhibit:
"Black and White" is on exhibit at the  Artists' Atelier March 3-31, 1144 Walker Road, Suite G, Great Falls, VA. Open Hours: Saturdays, noon-4pm or whenever an artist is in ... or by appointment. Contact info below.

March 17-30: Catharine Lorillard Wolfe Art Club's Member Exhibition. "Hog Wild" and "Dining Alfresco" at the Salmagundi Club, 47 Fifth Avenue, NYC. Awards Reception, Friday, March 23, 6-8pm.

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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"Bird Bath" Painting and Mini Studies

"Bird Bath" Mini Plein Air Study #1, oil, 8"h x 6"w, ©Jill Banks 2011

After teaching and lunch today (at the just opened Siciliano in Great Falls, VA), I came home to do a little art business (mini proposal for exhibits) and then headed almost outside to paint. The daffodils are up in front of our house with some in bloom. Thanks, Dad, for planting those bulbs! My first instinct was to paint them. But, with a severely sloped front lawn, the only place to put the easel appeared to be the garage where the focus shifted to the bird bath with a peek at one daffodil through the shrubs. The garage turned into my studio for a bit.

This is a really little painting. It's only 8"h x 6"w and I'd like to paint lots of these little plein air studies. Even though I've painted plein air quite a bit lately, let's consider this #1 in a new batch of mini studies. I'm going to keep track -- numbering them on the back -- to hopefully see the difference between #1 and #100. Each one becomes a learning exercise. Every test/stretch helps.

On Exhibit:
"Drama Queens" and "Classical Painting Atelier" are on view at the Artists' Atelier "Wet Paint!" February Exhibit, 1144 Walker Road, Suite G, Great Falls, VA. Open Hours: Saturdays, noon-4pm or whenever an artist is in ... or by appointment. Contact info below.

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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Printmaking Workshop Today

"Moo Print," ink block print, ©Jill Banks 2012

And now for something completely different.

My model: "Moo," oil, 12"h x 9"w, ©Jill Banks 2011, private collection

My last printmaking endeavor took place in college ... way back when. Fellow Artists' Atelier studiomate Roberta (Bobbie) Beasley offered a one-day free workshop on block printmaking today and we have a black & white show planned for March in the gallery, so I signed up.

It was perplexing at first. (What new approaches aren't?) We had to come up with a design, sketching it out on a piece of newsprint in pencil to be transferred to a linoleum block. My first thought was to sketch a shell that's part of one of the still life setups in the class. (I might try that one later.) Instead, I made another sketch, this time from a picture of my painting "Moo." While I was still sketching, others were moving on to transferring and cutting into the block. (The class included Jennifer Duncan, Elaine Elinsky, Terri Parent, Bev and me.)

Drying time for the day's work. Those are Elaine's tree (top middle), Jennifer's shapes (top right), Terri's Chinese character

The sketch was transferred to the block by placing it face down on the linoleum and rubbing with the back of a spoon. It was very tough to see the lines and dark areas (the transfer was poor), and that caused the trickiest problem to solve. The transfer was now a mirror image of my drawing and reference -- which made clarifying the lines/dark & light areas much more difficult.

The linoleum block (mirror image of prints) is the pink thing on top. My prints for today include the two "Moo Prints" below and a monoprint made at the end of class by painting and stamping on a plastic cutting board then transferred to paper.

Next came cutting out all those areas of the drawing that should remain white (or the color of the paper). Then, inking the block. Pressing it onto the paper. Ta-da! A print. Could you guess that it was a cow? Certainly an abstracted ones. Bobbie taught us that we could go back later to carve more out of the linoleum. If I were to try another stab at a print of a cow, it would be completely different. A sign of learning.

Thanks Bobbie for offering the workshop ... and the Great Falls School of Art for providing the space.

On Exhibit:


"Drama Queens" and "Classical Painting Atelier" are on view at the Artists' Atelier "Wet Paint!" February Exhibit, 1144 Walker Road, Suite G, Great Falls, VA. Open Hours: Saturdays, noon-4pm or whenever an artist is in ... or by appointment. Contact info below.

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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Painting the Potomac in Old Town Alexandria Today

"Down By the River," (Potomac, Founders' Park, Old Town Alexandria), oil on panel, 16"h x 20"w, ©Jill Banks 2012

Plein air painting today ... in beautiful weather, late February.

I received an email notice from Jean Schwartz inviting her fellow Art League Plein Air Painters to come out and enjoy the weather painting together. It was a joint spirit thing, since the two of us set up in quite different spots this time around. My view here is at the start of Founders' Park, around behind Charthouse Restaurant where I temporarily found some shade.

On Location

It's not easy to choose the spot to paint. There are so many views I'd love to capture, but I'm tied a bit to finding a shady spot, near a restroom of sort, etc. Even with those requirements, there are so many beautiful, paintable scenes all around. While I was there, couples came to picnic. Dogs came to play. Onlookers came and went. People seemed to enjoy/be amused/wonder about me -- the lady in the painter's smock and hat.

This painting is an achievement. Plein air painting is wonderful ... but a bear. Stuff lands in your paint. Sun and shadows move. Colors change in front of your eyes. It's physically taxing. (I'm tired.) In "Down By the River," I formed a game plan, adapted, tackled challenges, and came out with a good painting. Time to call it a day. But, what a beautiful day.

On Exhibit:

"Drama Queens" and "Classical Painting Atelier" are on view at the Artists' Atelier "Wet Paint!" February Exhibit, 1144 Walker Road, Suite G, Great Falls, VA. Open Hours: Saturdays, noon-4pm or whenever an artist is in ... or by appointment. Contact info below.

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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"Trevi Fountain" and Influences

"Trevi Fountain," 14"h x 11"w, oil on Raymar panel, ©Jill Banks 2012

 Today was full. The agenda:

• Setting Up, Teaching, Cleaning Up: Still Life Class
• Presenting A Sketch for a Portrait Commission
• Painting on "Trevi Fountain"
• Blog about it 

All went well.

Influences

One of the new still life set ups for class includes a plaid scarf. During yesterday's portrait class, the conversation somehow turned to reveal that our model (husband of one of my students) owns two kilts. I already knew that he would be fun to paint (he was a great model in regular attire), but how fantastic would he be to capture in a kilt?

Five of my Still Life students are also in my Portrait class and they got the plaid scarf/kilt connection.

There were other influences in each set up. Stories everywhere.

Late afternoon I got back to "Trevi Fountain," a painting started early February. I have a couple of tweaks left but left the studio very happy with the day's work. It really does send me back to Rome. Not a bad thing. And, to return to the influences theme: one of my studiomates, John McCabe is currently working on a painting of a marble sculpture that just sings on his easel. That certainly must have had a role in what I chose to paint today.

Ink wash drawing of Reston Town Center with Fountain

On Fountains

There's something about water features that's just mesmerizing. Water with sculpture ... yea! I'd like to do more.

On Exhibit:

"Chrysler Museum Memorial Garden Fountain," oil, 16"h x 20"w, ©Jill Banks 2011

"Drama Queens" and "Classical Painting Atelier" are on view at the Artists' Atelier "Wet Paint!" February Exhibit, 1144 Walker Road, Suite G, Great Falls, VA. Open Hours: Saturdays, noon-4pm or whenever an artist is in ... or by appointment. Contact info below.

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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Some Web Updates and 100 Large Jars

Nothing major ... but I feared big trouble with some new updates to my web site. Take a look at the revamped home page, still life and animal galleries ... from the gallery page. I hope everything's working. For a moment there, it said page not found for www.jillbanks.com. (That's bad.) And, another version didn't show the top menu bar on any of the pages. I finally figured it out and phew! What a relief.

With the help of an artist buddy of mine, Laura Nichols of Pig Pen Pottery, I found out about Daniel Johnston, a North Carolina potter who challenged himself to make 100 huge pots. Take a look at his web site: http://danieljohnstonpottery.com/large-jar-project/. Impressive! As one of my 100 Faces in 100 Days, Laura has been on the lookout for other artists who have challenged their skills with similar projects. Make 100 of anything and you are bound to get better. No matter what. I love those huge pots.

By the way, every day I eat on my set of dishes, with each plate, bowl and mug uniquely thrown and glazed by Laura. A daily treat.

Then if you have time left over, take a look back at my 100 Faces project through my blog posts and Web site. (See links to my Project Page 1 and Project Page 2, below.) It was my challenge from January 1 to April 10, 2011. Every day this year, I think back to last year and what it was like to be in the midst of such a massive project. This afternoon I took a nap. There was no napping allowed in 2011. At least the first half.

On Exhibit:
"Drama Queens" and "Classical Painting Atelier" are on view at the Artists' Atelier "Wet Paint!" February Exhibit, 1144 Walker Road, Suite G, Great Falls, VA. Open Hours: Saturdays, noon-4pm or whenever an artist is in ... or by appointment. Contact info below.

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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"Chickens!" Painting Finished

"Chickens!," oil on Raymar panel, 16"h x 20"w, ©Jill Banks 2012

I figured the title of my post would make husband Randy happy. With so many unfinished paintings, those with the stamp of approval as finished are a relief to both of us.

The subjects of "Chickens!" are one of the roosters and many of the hens from Kidwell Farm in Herndon, VA. Group dynamics is the hen house are really fun to watch. All the characters are moving -- constantly -- and they pay attention to each other while pretending not to notice. My goal was to capture their movement and relationships.

The earlier version of "Chickens!"

The changes aren't that drastic from the last time I showed this to you -- but it did take me another eight hours of work to get to this spot.

See more of my Feathered and Furry Friends Series on my web site: www.JillBanks.com.

So, this is what I was up to yesterday.

Today, I was drawing the main compositional sketch for a portrait commission. Time to show it to the client.

On Exhibit:
"Drama Queens" and "Classical Painting Atelier" are on view at the Artists' Atelier "Wet Paint!" February Exhibit, 1144 Walker Road, Suite G, Great Falls, VA. Open Hours: Saturdays, noon-4pm or whenever an artist is in ... or by appointment. Contact info below.

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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Out for a Walk

"Dining Alfresco," 24"h x 20"w, oil

After working on sketches for a portrait commission all morning today ... and lots of work yesterday ... I needed a break. Unless I'm painting, I go a bit nuts.

So, Randy and I went for a good long walk. It helped. Different muscles employed. Different view.

And, since I wasn't painting to create anything new for you to see ... Why not put up some of my paintings depicting people out for a walk? Here are a few of my "strollers."

Momentarily, we're going out to the movies ... to see "The Artist." Doing something different twice in one day.

"London Times," 18"h x 24"w, ©Jill Banks 2011

"A New York State of Mind," 40"h x 30"w, ©Jill Banks 2011, private collection

"Caffe Bar," 20"h x 16"w, ©Jill Banks 2010

On Exhibit:
"Drama Queens" and "Classical Painting Atelier" are on view at the Artists' Atelier "Wet Paint!" February Exhibit, 1144 Walker Road, Suite G, Great Falls, VA. Open Hours: Saturdays, noon-4pm or whenever an artist is in ... or by appointment. Contact info below.

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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"The Poker Club" Continued

"The Poker Club" work in progress, oil on linen, 30"h x 40"w, ©Jill Banks 2012

I have no idea how many days of painting on this one ... today is. But, it was fun. There's such a difference between the first hour or two in a painting session and the rest of them. Perhaps I'll never figure out why. Too bad I can't "start" with those two hours behind me.

I was working on the left third of the painting today. Sorry to those on the right. Soon.

On Exhibit:
"Drama Queens" and "Classical Painting Atelier" are on view at the Artists' Atelier "Wet Paint!" February Exhibit, 1144 Walker Road, Suite G, Great Falls, VA. Open Hours: Saturdays, noon-4pm or whenever an artist is in ... or by appointment. Contact info below.

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

Late for Class and Last Night's Portrait Sketch

Happy Valentine's Day!

Oops

At least THEY were on time

This morning, I was snoozing away at fifteen minutes until the start of class. That's not good since I really needed some time to get ready, ten minutes travel and an hour to set up the room. I arrived at 10:04 (for a 10am class). Fortunately, I've got an understanding, helpful, super group of students. No one made me pay for the blunder. Or at least, not too much.

Today was a step back from painting whole, complicated set-ups ... with a set of exercises painting single objects in a simplified manner on a piece of unstretched canvas. When the canvas isn't so precious (that big white surface that cost $x) and you consider something an exercise vs. your next masterpiece, pressure eases and ... there's a better chance that you'll paint boldly. (Bold is better.) The class divided up their 12"h x 12"w scrap of canvas into four 6"x6"s and created a colored sketch in each quadrant. (Okay, I should have a picture for this.) They practiced with each mini sketch ... simplifying the form, color mixing, values, paint handling ... and I could talk to them about each of those parts -- all important pieces of the puzzle of painting. These were good exercises to focus them ... and to focus me. I hope they paint hundreds more. There's a lesson in every one.

Why I Was Late

"Color Study" #1

Last night I was painting the first of three studies for a family portrait commission -- after teaching Monday's class. Despite the lack of posts, I've been going full steam ahead for the last two weeks. So I was tired before getting started. But, not as tired as I apparently was this morning.

This was meant to be a color study so that I'd know the true skin colors of my subject for a finished oil portrait that would be painted from charcoal sketches and photo references. Once that paintbrush got into my hand, though, I couldn't stop and it turned into much more than a color study ... and more of a ... portrait.

Sometimes, It All Works

My husband Randy was as impressed as I was with last night's unintended color-study-turned-into-portrait result. I may not be as "lucky" with color studies of the next two members of the family but that's not the point. (Remind me.) The color studies are a reference for me. (I want to know what the face, hair and clothing colors are in the light and shadows -- information that photos will not convey.) The real work and pressure -- comes later when I am painting the whole family portrait as a finished piece.

Just getting started. That's me in the smock.

Doing these charcoal and oil sketches on site is a good way of involving my clients in the process of developing their portrait. We share in the fun of watching it develop and I get to spend more time capturing life with it right in front of me. Once I move to a large canvas, I'll take those pieces -- the color studies/oil sketches and charcoal compositional sketches along with some photos and  objects -- and work rather endlessly on painting alone in my studio. Hopefully, these beginning stages -- spent together -- will play over and over again in my head once facing that big, white stretched canvas in the studio. That's the plan.

On Exhibit:
"Drama Queens" and "Classical Painting Atelier" are on view at the Artists' Atelier "Wet Paint!" February Exhibit, 1144 Walker Road, Suite G, Great Falls, VA. Open Hours: Saturdays, noon-4pm or whenever an artist is in ... or by appointment. Contact info below.

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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Reprisal: "A Dozen Roses"

"A Dozen Roses."oil on linen, 12"h x 9"w, ©Jill Banks 2010

In just a few minutes I'll be dashing off to start work on a new commission ... but since I haven't posted for two days I had to write something. This morning/afternoon I was volunteering at the Art League, hanging umpteen paintings for their Patron's Show Fundraiser on February 19. I wasn't great with the hammer, but I did it anyway ... and I was good at finding the right painting to fit a space. It was fun to be down there, but hard work (I'll be sore tomorrow) and I didn't have time to look around much.

Got to go ... but here is a painting in honor of Valentine's Day ahead. "A Dozen Roses" is available ...

On Exhibit:
"Drama Queens" and "Classical Painting Atelier" are on view at the Artists' Atelier "Wet Paint!" February Exhibit, 1144 Walker Road, Suite G, Great Falls, VA. Open Hours: Saturdays, noon-4pm or whenever an artist is in ... or by appointment. Contact info below.

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

Rome Days: "Trevi Fountain" Work In Progress

"Trevi Fountain: work in progress, oil, 14"h x 11"w, ©Jill Banks 2012

It seems that my heart and head have been traveling back to Rome in the last few days. (Except I'm in Virginia.) The Trevi Fountain is one of the first spots Randy and I visited during our 2010 trip to Rome ... and it was difficult to get much of a view ... with its pile-up of people who obviously wanted to do the same thing there. I sketched (not too well) sitting around the fountain. It always takes me a few tries to warm up to sketching during travel days since I paint almost all the time I spend at home. (The switch between mediums is difficult.) It doesn't matter, though. It's not about the results as much as taking the time to get to know a place. To experience it.

Patrons' Show at the Art League

"Open Life," oil, 20"h x 16"w, ©Jill Banks 2010

The Patrons' Show, the Art League's major fundraiser for the year is coming up ... and I donated "Open Life" for the Luck of the Draw event. On Thursday, I'll (hopefully) help hang some of the show. I say hopefully because I can't just point and say where I'd like a piece to hang. I think they expect their volunteers to possess some measuring and hammering skills. Check the Art League's web site for more information about this blockbuster event.

On Exhibit:

"Drama Queens" and "Classical Painting Atelier" are on view at the Artists' Atelier "Wet Paint!" February Exhibit, 1144 Walker Road, Suite G, Great Falls, VA. Open Hours: Saturdays, noon-4pm or whenever an artist is in ... or by appointment. Contact info below.

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

"Chickens!" Painting

"Chickens!", oil, 16"h x 20"w , ©Jill Banks 2012

I started this one yesterday and worked on it more this morning. Many of these characters will look familiar from "Barn Dance" -- one of my favorite paintings of 2011. This is from another visit to Kidwell Farm, part of Frying Pan Park. During this weekend's workshop we were working from photos ... and while I'd prefer to do anything but ... when painting something familiar, the photos blur and subjects come to life.

The real challenge for this painting will be how to frame it ... since it frames itself somewhat.

I'm waiting to decide whether I want to add the chicken wire to the front of the chicken coop. I kind of like a clear view into life as a chicken. Hmmm.

Tomorrow I turn up for the fourth day in a row at the classroom in Great Falls at 10am ... this time as the teacher. On Tuesday, it will be the fifth day in a row. Why not put in a cot?

On Exhibit:

"Drama Queens" and "Classical Painting Atelier" are on view at the Artists' Atelier "Wet Paint!" February Exhibit, 1144 Walker Road, Suite G, Great Falls, VA. Open Hours: Saturdays, noon-4pm or whenever an artist is in ... or by appointment. Contact info below.

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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"Spanish Steps" Painting In Progress

"Spanish Steps" work in progress, oil, 20"h x 16"w, ©Jill Banks 2012

There were a lot of "highlight" days in Rome ... lots of favorites ... but one of them was when Randy and I made the trek to the Spanish Steps. Perhaps I should watch more movies because the trip there and the sight was brand new to me. There should have been a musical score as we walked down the avenue lined with shops catering to a group of people I've never encountered. We went into a gallery with astounding art, a fantastic figure painter. It seemed as if everyone was heading in one direction. Toward the Spanish Steps. A one-way street for pedestrians?

Once there, it was teeming with people. We walked to the top and went in a humble church to see one more Caravaggio. That's part of what I love about Italy. Works of art are everywhere. They envelop you ... no matter who you are.

I'm working here ... about a year and a half later from a photograph and a memory. I remember the glow and my joy at being there. Another reason why I love Italy is that people gather there. Public spaces overflow with life. The more the merrier.

I've been in Armand Cabrera's three-day workshop today and yesterday. Tomorrow's day three. I'm enjoying not being the teacher (although I like that, too). I've taken very few workshops in the last few years ... just because eventually you have a good base of knowledge and what you do need to learn can be gleaned in different ways. Today, Armand gave his second demo and it was great to see a beautiful landscape painting develop. In working plein air, this new adventure I embarked on this past year, I find I proceed in too rushed a manner. The paint gets crazy and I lose control over the cleanliness of my colors, edges, etc. Here we are in a studio/classroom setting with photos that aren't changing every second or two ... and it's less fun but a good base to build on for future outdoor endeavors.

You'll see more tomorrow.


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 through February 6. Take a look!

"Drama Queens" and "Classical Painting Atelier" are on view at the Artists' Atelier "Wet Paint!" February Exhibit, 1144 Walker Road, Suite G, Great Falls, VA. Open Hours: Saturdays, noon-4pm or whenever an artist is in ... or by appointment. Contact info below.

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

"Contrapposto" Juried Into Salon International 2012 and Wet Paint!

"Contrapposto," oil on linen, 24"h x 20"w, ©Jill Banks

Today I found out that my painting "Contrapposto" was juried into Salon International, an exhibit sponsored by Greenhouse Gallery (San Antonio, Texas) and the International Museum of Contemporary Masters. The jurying is done from online entries by the gallery owners and staff. This is my third year having work accepted into the show. Work will then be juried for award by Edward Minoff after the show has been hung. Last year, "Tranquility" won an Honorable Mention of Artistic Excellence in Salon International 2011.  We'll see what happens this year.

"Contrapposto" is an Italian term for the Greek sculpture scheme of having the model stand with the weight on one leg which causes the hips, shoulder and head to tilt ... suggesting a more relaxed, natural posture.

It's always interesting selecting work to submit for such shows. Since this is my third time in -- I've gotten a pretty good sense for what is appealing to the Greenhouse Gallery selection jurors. For some shows the selection jurors change from year to year. In those cases, it's just the luck of the draw. For others, like Salon International, the selection jurors stay the same and the awards jurors change. If they liked my work one year, they will probably like it the next. Of course, I don't know what the other work submitted is from year to year. There were many of my 100 Faces in 100 Days that I believe they would have loved ... and "Miriam in Her Gray Beret" but work needed to be for sale ... and none of those are ... so, no.

"Classical Painting Atelier," oil, 24"h x 20"w, ©Jill Banks 2012

Wet Paint! New Exhibit at the Artists' Atelier
There's a new show hanging in the Artists' Atelier Gallery (1144 Walker Road, Suite G, Great Falls, VA) -- "Wet Paint!" of Atelier artists latest work. My two entries definitely qualify. I painted on both of them just three days ago. The studio is open tomorrow (Saturday, February 4) from noon-4pm. Come take a look! I'm participating in a three-day workshop in the school one floor down so it's unlikely you'll see me. But, that shouldn't stop you.

"Drama Queens," oil on linen, 20"h x 20"w, ©Jill Banks 2012

My two pieces in the exhibit are "Classical Painting Atelier" and "Drama Queens" -- my two latest still life paintings. Remember I told you I was really inspired to paint all sorts of things? I am interested in trying some new still life ideas and Tuesday, after teaching class -- I went fabric shopping for a backdrop and bought another sculpture stand to change around my home studio still life setup. None of these activities has resulted in any new paintings -- yet. But the stage is getting set. The fabrics I bought are gorgeous. I can't wait!

That's exactly the way I want to feel before embarking on any new art adventure. It bodes well.

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 through February 6. Take a look!

"Drama Queens" and "Classical Painting Atelier" are on view at the Artists' Atelier "Wet Paint!" February Exhibit, 1144 Walker Road, Suite G, Great Falls, VA. Open Hours: Saturdays, noon-4pm or whenever an artist is in ... or by appointment. Contact info below.

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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Upper 60s and More Fun on the Farm

"Peacock Sketch," 12"h x 16"w, oil, ©Jill Banks 2012

February 1 and the temps were 66 or 67℉ in Virginia. Time to head back to the farm (Kidwell Farm, Herndon, VA -- part of Frying Pan Park) for LOTS of fun painting.

Kidwell Farm, on all the sunny days I've visited, is filled with tots and parents and some neighbors out for a stroll. It's a place where you can't help but enjoy yourself. Each time I go, before unloading my easel and considerable gear, I walk around to see what wants to be painted. Today, some ancient horses were out of the barn -- muddy and long-haired. I thought about painting them.

The roosters and hens were hooting and hollering. More contenders.

A big pig was out but I thought I might faint if I set up too close there.

"Kidwell Farm Sketch," oil, 11"h x 14"w, ©Jill Banks 2012

My first set-up was to return to painting a peacock. I started this sketch about a month ago ... but found Mr. Peacock particularly difficult to paint. He spends a lot of time cleaning his considerable feathers. Most of today he was turned the opposite direction of the way he appeared on my painting. I was trying to pretend I was a mirror. Interesting computations going on. This is still a sketch. I may start a studio painting based on this -- for color -- and some photo references. Maybe.

I painted the milk cow. You may see her later.

And, I painted the path back to the parking lot. From the same spot where I was attempting the milk cow.

Tomorrow, we're hanging a new exhibit at the Artists' Atelier (1144 Walker Road, Suite G, Great Falls, VA), "Wet Paint." So, I spent the day -- today -- appropriately.

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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