"Stepping Out" and "Hilton Head Happy Hour" Paintings Finished

"Stepping Out," oil, 30"h x 24"w, copyright Jill Banks 2012

Big day today. I finished two paintings. Although both were started earlier, it's still amazing that I could get "happy" with two in one day. That might be a first.

"Hilton Head Happy Hour," oil, 16"h x 20"w, copyright Jill Banks 2012

Because that was a whole lot of painting, this is it for the typing.

Web: www.jillbanks.com
 Blog: jillbanks.blogspot.com
100 Faces in 100 Days Project

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Phone: 703.403.7435

Register for Spring 2012 Classes

Portrait Painting and Drawing, Mondays, 10am-1pm, starting April 2 (next week!)
Still Life Painting, Tuesdays, 10am-1pm, starting April 3
See Jill's Web Site, Classes page for more information, supply list and registration form. Classes are filling. Sign up now!!!

Exhibits and Events

March 2-31, “Black and White” Exhibit in the Artists’ Atelier Gallery, 1144 Walker Road, Suite G, Great Falls, VA. Visit Saturdays, noon-4pm or by appointment or whenever an artist is in the studio. My entries: “Oscar,” “Quiet”  and “Carpeaux’s Napolitano Fisherboy” charcoal, and “Market Street Bar & Grill” ink wash/pen and ink drawings. Come visit. 

April 14-May 4, Salon International 2012, Greenhouse Gallery, San Antonio, TX. Opening Reception: Saturday, April 14, 10am-8pm. “Contrapposto”

May 15-19, Wayne Plein Air Festival 2012, one of 34 artists juried to participate in a plein air competition and exhibit in and around Wayne, PA. Gala Preview and Artists' Reception, Saturday, May 19, 6-10pm at the Wayne Art Center. Exhibition to follow May 20-June 23 at the Wayne Art Center. 

May 1-31, Solo Show, Katie's Coffee at the Old Brogue, Great Falls, VA. Reception: Sunday, May 6, 2-5pm. More information to come (when I figure it out).

Scenes from the Salmagundi Club

Music and art.

Since I was too busy painting to keep up with posting, here are a few photos from the Catharine Lorillard Wolfe Art Club's Member Exhibition reception (held March 23) at the Salmagundi Club in NYC.

Gloria Spevacek won a prize for her sculpture of a rabbit. The sculptures were terrific, and it was great to see them as an integral part of the exhibition. (For the Annual Open Exhibition, they are on one floor, and the paintings on another.)

Gloria Spevacek with her award-winning sculpture

Poster outside of the Salmagundi Club

Here's another look too at the poster outside of the Salmagundi Club. That's my painting of a portrait on the red background, lower row, second from left. I got a kick out of that!

Web: www.jillbanks.com
 Blog: jillbanks.blogspot.com
100 Faces in 100 Days Project

Email
Phone: 703.403.7435

Register for Spring 2012 Classes

Portrait Painting and Drawing, Mondays, 10am-1pm, starting April 2 (next week!)
Still Life Painting, Tuesdays, 10am-1pm, starting April 3
See Jill's Web Site, Classes page for more information, supply list and registration form. Classes are filling. Sign up now!!!

Exhibits and Events

March 2-31, “Black and White” Exhibit in the Artists’ Atelier Gallery, 1144 Walker Road, Suite G, Great Falls, VA. Visit Saturdays, noon-4pm or by appointment or whenever an artist is in the studio. My entries: “Oscar,” “Quiet”  and “Carpeaux’s Napolitano Fisherboy” charcoal, and “Market Street Bar & Grill” ink wash/pen and ink drawings. Come visit. 

March 17-30, Catharine Lorillard Wolfe Art Club’s Member Exhibit, Salmagundi Club, 47 Fifth Avenue, NYC. Award and opening reception, Friday, March 23, 6-8pm. “Hog Wild” and “Dining Alfresco” on exhibit.

April 14-May 4, Salon International 2012, Greenhouse Gallery, San Antonio, TX. Opening Reception: Saturday, April 14, 10am-8pm. “Contrapposto”

May 15-19, Wayne Plein Air Festival 2012, one of 34 artists juried to participate in a plein air competition and exhibit in and around Wayne, PA. Gala Preview and Artists' Reception, Saturday, May 19, 6-10pm at the Wayne Art Center. Exhibition to follow May 20-June 23 at the Wayne Art Center. 

May 1-31, Solo Show, Katie's Coffee at the Old Brogue, Great Falls, VA. Reception: Sunday, May 13, 2-5pm. More information to come (when I figure it out).

"Lunch in the Courtyard Café" Continued

"Lunch in the Courtyard Café" work in progress, 24"h x 18"w, oil, © Jill Banks 2012

Sometime ... I really want to catch up with a longer post. But not tonight. Today, work continued for awhile on "The Poker Club" ... but I switched about halfway through my painting session to pick back up on this one from our Hilton Head trip.

This is one of my parents favorite spots to eat and enjoy sitting in the courtyard.

Lots of changes were made today from this painting's start plein air in the courtyard. Take a look at the first post.

Still more to do. How many times do I say that. There's now a stockpile of paintings calling out for attention. Yikes!

Web: www.jillbanks.com
 Blog: jillbanks.blogspot.com
100 Faces in 100 Days Project

Email
Phone: 703.403.7435

Register for Spring 2012 Classes

Portrait Painting and Drawing, Mondays, 10am-1pm, starting April 2 (next week!)
Still Life Painting, Tuesdays, 10am-1pm, starting April 3
See Jill's Web Site, Classes page for more information, supply list and registration form. Classes are filling. Sign up now!!!

Exhibits and Events

March 2-31, “Black and White” Exhibit in the Artists’ Atelier Gallery, 1144 Walker Road, Suite G, Great Falls, VA. Visit Saturdays, noon-4pm or by appointment or whenever an artist is in the studio. My entries: “Oscar,” “Quiet”  and “Carpeaux’s Napolitano Fisherboy” charcoal, and “Market Street Bar & Grill” ink wash/pen and ink drawings. Come visit. 

March 17-30, Catharine Lorillard Wolfe Art Club’s Member Exhibit, Salmagundi Club, 47 Fifth Avenue, NYC. Award and opening reception, Friday, March 23, 6-8pm. “Hog Wild” and “Dining Alfresco” on exhibit.

April 14-May 4, Salon International 2012, Greenhouse Gallery, San Antonio, TX. Opening Reception: Saturday, April 14, 10am-8pm. “Contrapposto”

May 15-19, Wayne Plein Air Festival 2012, one of 34 artists juried to participate in a plein air competition and exhibit in and around Wayne, PA. Gala Preview and Artists' Reception, Saturday, May 19, 6-10pm at the Wayne Art Center. Exhibition to follow May 20-June 23 at the Wayne Art Center. 

May 1-31, Solo Show, Katie's Coffee at the Old Brogue, Great Falls, VA. Reception: Sunday, May 13, 2-5pm. More information to come (when I figure it out).

"Stepping Out" Painting of Horses, Almost Done

"Stepping Out" work in progress, oil on linen, 30"h x 24"w, copyright Jill Banks 2012

Work (if you can call it that) continued today on a new favorite of mine. "Horses" got renamed as "Stepping Out."

They're beautiful, aren't they?

I'm planning on handling the surface ... so my horses are walking on something. But, it's really just about done.

Great emails have been arriving related to my NYC shower paintings. Those and my horses, in finished form ... I think ... will be part of my show at the Old Brogue in May. I've got some other plans for them, too ... Let's see if anyone else goes along with it.

All I can think of is the other people staying at the same hotel ... not knowing what's happening in the shower upstairs from them. Not your typical hotel activity.

Web: www.jillbanks.com
 Blog: jillbanks.blogspot.com
100 Faces in 100 Days Project

Email
Phone: 703.403.7435

Register for Spring 2012 Classes

Portrait Painting and Drawing, Mondays, 10am-1pm, starting April 2 (next week!)
Still Life Painting, Tuesdays, 10am-1pm, starting April 3
See Jill's Web Site, Classes page for more information, supply list and registration form. Classes are filling. Sign up now!!!

Exhibits and Events

March 2-31, “Black and White” Exhibit in the Artists’ Atelier Gallery, 1144 Walker Road, Suite G, Great Falls, VA. Visit Saturdays, noon-4pm or by appointment or whenever an artist is in the studio. My entries: “Oscar,” “Quiet”  and “Carpeaux’s Napolitano Fisherboy” charcoal, and “Market Street Bar & Grill” ink wash/pen and ink drawings. Come visit. 

March 17-30, Catharine Lorillard Wolfe Art Club’s Member Exhibit, Salmagundi Club, 47 Fifth Avenue, NYC. Award and opening reception, Friday, March 23, 6-8pm. “Hog Wild” and “Dining Alfresco” on exhibit.

April 14-May 4, Salon International 2012, Greenhouse Gallery, San Antonio, TX. Opening Reception: Saturday, April 14, 10am-8pm. “Contrapposto”

May 15-19, Wayne Plein Air Festival 2012, one of 34 artists juried to participate in a plein air competition and exhibit in and around Wayne, PA. Gala Preview and Artists' Reception, Saturday, May 19, 6-10pm at the Wayne Art Center. Exhibition to follow May 20-June 23 at the Wayne Art Center. 

May 1-31, Solo Show, Katie's Coffee at the Old Brogue, Great Falls, VA. Reception: Sunday, May 13, 2-5pm. More information to come (when I figure it out).

"Sunset in NYC" Work in Progress: Scene from the Shower

"Sunset in NYC" work in progress, oil, 24"h x 36"w, copyright Jill Banks 2012

This was yesterday's project. As I've been doing the last few days, my painting time was spent at the easel set up in our hotel room shower, replete with floor to ceiling windows. From the beginning, my plan was to get ready for sunset, when I knew the shadows and light would be the most exciting. That meant hours of preparation and speedy color application when the time was right.

At 24"h x 36"w, it is the largest of my "shower" pieces. "Sunset in NYC," my easel and I were crowded in there. Randy would hand in those objects left outside the shower. Times outside the glass enclosure were limited.

There was no way to finish it on site. It's now back home where it will be worked on with photo references as a guide, but maintaining the color and shadow effects set here.

Three other paintings were started in the hotel. None are finished yet ... though I spent another morning today at sunrise to work on the painting shown last post.

It was an amazing stay. So much fun and more will come from inspiration gathered these three days.

Web: www.jillbanks.com
 Blog: jillbanks.blogspot.com
100 Faces in 100 Days Project

Email
Phone: 703.403.7435

Register for Spring 2012 Classes

Portrait Painting and Drawing, Mondays, 10am-1pm, starting April 2
Still Life Painting, Tuesdays, 10am-1pm, starting April 3
See Jill's Web Site, Classes page for more information, supply list and registration form. Classes are filling. Sign up now!!!

Exhibits and Events

March 2-31, “Black and White” Exhibit in the Artists’ Atelier Gallery, 1144 Walker Road, Suite G, Great Falls, VA. Visit Saturdays, noon-4pm or by appointment or whenever an artist is in the studio. My entries: “Oscar,” “Quiet”  and “Carpeaux’s Napolitano Fisherboy” charcoal, and “Market Street Bar & Grill” ink wash/pen and ink drawings. Come visit. 

March 17-30, Catharine Lorillard Wolfe Art Club’s Member Exhibit, Salmagundi Club, 47 Fifth Avenue, NYC. Award and opening reception, Friday, March 23, 6-8pm. “Hog Wild” and “Dining Alfresco” on exhibit.

April 14-May 4, Salon International 2012, Greenhouse Gallery, San Antonio, TX. Opening Reception: Saturday, April 14, 10am-8pm. “Contrapposto”

May 15-19, Wayne Plein Air Festival 2012, one of 34 artists juried to participate in a plein air competition and exhibit in and around Wayne, PA. Gala Preview and Artists' Reception, Saturday, May 19, 6-10pm at the Wayne Art Center. Exhibition to follow May 20-June 23 at the Wayne Art Center. 

May 1-31, Solo Show, Katie's Coffee at the Old Brogue, Great Falls, VA. Reception: Sunday, May 6, 2-5pm. More information to come (when I figure it out).

A New York Sort of Day

"Hudson River View," 14"h x 11"w, oil, copyright Jill Banks 2012

Originally, Randy and I planned on returning home today from New York. That changed when I opened the door to our hotel room. It's the perfect place to paint! I took the elevator back down to the lobby and booked an extra day. The balcony is amazing, but with a cool day, sunrise was spent painting in the view from the shower (all glass) looking out over the city. The easel was set up in the same spot all afternoon/early evening.

"Hudson River View" looks a bit crazy ... but it's my version of sunrise from the shower.

After a little painting this morning, I went to a sketching session (from 9 to noon) at the kind invitation of Janet Cook, the Best of Show 2D winner at Catharine Lorillard Wolfe Art Club's Member Exhibit. It was difficult to choose between the balcony view and drawing from the model in Janet's NYC studio. Difficult, because I was dying to do both.

Charcoal portrait sketches from this morning's life session

A group of three (plus me today) regularly get together to sketch from the model. Poses ranged from two minutes to twenty. I'd love to get a group together to do this back on home. (Any takers?)

I am so glad that we made it to the CLWAC reception. One of the draws was a chance to talk with and get to know other members -- something not possible in the jam-packed events related to the Annual Open Exhibition.

A real treat last night came just as we were walking up to the Salmagundi Club. My piece, "Hog Wild" is one of the poster images for the show that is on the sign right in front of the club.  Cool!

Poster for the CLWAC. My painting is the one with the red background.

Gloria Spevacek won an award for her sculpture of a rabbit, and we had a good time talking at the show. Her sculpture of a puma is a huge, beautiful piece. Randy's first comment about that was that he was glad not to be responsible for bringing that one in during receiving. It must weigh a ton. Photos of her with her pieces to come ... probably tomorrow.

I've painted additional pieces today ... but now it's time for a rest. Tomorrow may bring more.

Web: www.jillbanks.com
 Blog: jillbanks.blogspot.com
100 Faces in 100 Days Project

Email
Phone: 703.403.7435

Register for Spring 2012 Classes

Portrait Painting and Drawing, Mondays, 10am-1pm, starting April 2
Still Life Painting, Tuesdays, 10am-1pm, starting April 3
See Jill's Web Site, Classes page for more information, supply list and registration form. Classes are filling. Sign up now!!!

Exhibits and Events

March 2-31, “Black and White” Exhibit in the Artists’ Atelier Gallery, 1144 Walker Road, Suite G, Great Falls, VA. Visit Saturdays, noon-4pm or by appointment or whenever an artist is in the studio. My entries: “Oscar,” “Quiet”  and “Carpeaux’s Napolitano Fisherboy” charcoal, and “Market Street Bar & Grill” ink wash/pen and ink drawings. Come visit. Reception, Saturday, March 17, noon to 4pm.

March 17-30, Catharine Lorillard Wolfe Art Club’s Member Exhibit, Salmagundi Club, 47 Fifth Avenue, NYC. Award and opening reception, Friday, March 23, 6-8pm. “Hog Wild” and “Dining Alfresco” on exhibit.

April 14-May 4, Salon International 2012, Greenhouse Gallery, San Antonio, TX. Opening Reception: Saturday, April 14, 10am-8pm. “Contrapposto”

May 15-19, Wayne Plein Air Festival 2012, one of 34 artists juried to participate in a plein air competition and exhibit in and around Wayne, PA. Gala Preview and Artists' Reception, Saturday, May 19, 6-10pm at the Wayne Art Center. Exhibition to follow May 20-June 23 at the Wayne Art Center. 

May 1-31, Solo Show, Katie's Coffee at the Old Brogue, Great Falls, VA. Reception: Sunday, May 6, 2-5pm. More information to come (when I figure it out).

A Balcony in NYC

There's tons to tell. But I may be having too much fun to do so.

We drove to NYC for the reception of the Catharine Lorillard Wolfe Art Club's Member Exhibit. I wanted to enjoy the show, meet fellow members (which I did).

The real ... amazing treat came when I entered our hotel room in Soho ... while husband Randy went to park the car. It has an unbelievable balcony and a shower with floor to ceiling windows with the best views in the city. I have a place to paint right in the room. If it rains, I can paint in the shower. If it doesn't, I can paint on the balcony. The views are spectacular!!!!!!

Randy and I came back from dinner and the reception and sat in the shower looking out at NYC at night. I don't know how many guests in this hotel do that. But they should.

I only had about 45 minutes in the room to paint before heading off to the reception, but that's no reason not to start.

Lots more fun tomorrow!

Web: www.jillbanks.com
 Blog: jillbanks.blogspot.com
100 Faces in 100 Days Project

Email
Phone: 703.403.7435

Register for Spring 2012 Classes

Portrait Painting and Drawing, Mondays, 10am-1pm, starting April 2
Still Life Painting, Tuesdays, 10am-1pm, starting April 3
See Jill's Web Site, Classes page for more information, supply list and registration form. Classes are filling. Sign up now!!!

Exhibits and Events

March 2-31, “Black and White” Exhibit in the Artists’ Atelier Gallery, 1144 Walker Road, Suite G, Great Falls, VA. Visit Saturdays, noon-4pm or by appointment or whenever an artist is in the studio. My entries: “Oscar,” “Quiet”  and “Carpeaux’s Napolitano Fisherboy” charcoal, and “Market Street Bar & Grill” ink wash/pen and ink drawings. Come visit. Reception, Saturday, March 17, noon to 4pm.

March 17-30, Catharine Lorillard Wolfe Art Club’s Member Exhibit, Salmagundi Club, 47 Fifth Avenue, NYC. Award and opening reception, Friday, March 23, 6-8pm. “Hog Wild” and “Dining Alfresco” on exhibit.

April 14-May 4, Salon International 2012, Greenhouse Gallery, San Antonio, TX. Opening Reception: Saturday, April 14, 10am-8pm. “Contrapposto”

May 15-19, Wayne Plein Air Festival 2012, one of 34 artists juried to participate in a plein air competition and exhibit in and around Wayne, PA. Gala Preview and Artists' Reception, Saturday, May 19, 6-10pm at the Wayne Art Center. Exhibition to follow May 20-June 23 at the Wayne Art Center. 

May 1-31, Solo Show, Katie's Coffee at the Old Brogue, Great Falls, VA. Reception: Sunday, May 6, 2-5pm. More information to come (when I figure it out).

August 1-31, Visiting Resident S

Painting of Horses Start Today: How Do You Like IT?

"Untititled (So Far) Horses" work in progress, oil, 30"h x 24"w, copyright Jill Banks 2012

Today, despite a slow, dubious start ... turned out to be one of my favorite painting days ... ever. That's saying a whole lot. (I'm never short on fun.) I love this subject and the play of sunlight on their manes and legs. Note, too, this is a relatively large canvas. Freeing and fun. Can you tell?

Since visiting Savannah, Georgia this week ... I've been dying to paint these two horses in perfect light. It will be a few days before there will be a chance to return to them, and it will be difficult to wait.

I'm on the road again tomorrow, for a very short trip to the Catharine Lorillard Wolfe Art Club Members' Exhibition reception and awards ceremony. No awards this year, but I'm looking forward to meeting fellow members (I was just juried in last year and this is my first members show). It's almost impossible to do so at their Open Annual Exhibition ... with receptions that are packed with members and non-members alike. The exhibit is being held at the Salmagundi Club in NYC. It should be fun ... and I'm hoping for a small part of the day to paint before heading back home. Maybe?

Web: www.jillbanks.com
 Blog: jillbanks.blogspot.com
100 Faces in 100 Days Project

Email
Phone: 703.403.7435

Register for Spring 2012 Classes

Portrait Painting and Drawing, Mondays, 10am-1pm, starting April 2
Still Life Painting, Tuesdays, 10am-1pm, starting April 3
See Jill's Web Site, Classes page for more information, supply list and registration form. Classes are filling. Sign up now!!!

Exhibits and Events

March 2-31, “Black and White” Exhibit in the Artists’ Atelier Gallery, 1144 Walker Road, Suite G, Great Falls, VA. Visit Saturdays, noon-4pm or by appointment or whenever an artist is in the studio. My entries: “Oscar,” “Quiet”  and “Carpeaux’s Napolitano Fisherboy” charcoal, and “Market Street Bar & Grill” ink wash/pen and ink drawings. Come visit. Reception, Saturday, March 17, noon to 4pm.

March 17-30, Catharine Lorillard Wolfe Art Club’s Member Exhibit, Salmagundi Club, 47 Fifth Avenue, NYC. Award and opening reception, Friday, March 23, 6-8pm. “Hog Wild” and “Dining Alfresco” on exhibit.

April 14-May 4, Salon International 2012, Greenhouse Gallery, San Antonio, TX. Opening Reception: Saturday, April 14, 10am-8pm. “Contrapposto”

May 15-19, Wayne Plein Air Festival 2012, one of 34 artists juried to participate in a plein air competition and exhibit in and around Wayne, PA. Gala Preview and Artists' Reception, Saturday, May 19, 6-10pm at the Wayne Art Center. Exhibition to follow May 20-June 23 at the Wayne Art Center. 

May 1-31, Solo Show, Katie's Coffee at the Old Brogue, Great Falls, VA. Reception: Sunday, May 6, 2-5pm. More information to come (when I figure it out).

August 1-31, Visiting Resident Studio Artist, Torpedo Factory Art Center, 105 N. Union St., Alexandria, VA

"Shelter Cove Harbor" Final Painting of the Trip

"Shelter Cove Harbor," oil, 14"h x 11"w, copyright Jill Banks 2012

Painted during Tuesday afternoon in Hilton Head, "Shelter Cove Harbor" came out just the way I wanted it to. With all the color and activity that came before, this one's my quiet, peaceful piece. It's a fitting testament to the day. How great it was to return to Shelter Cove. I went up past almost all of the shops, near the end of the walkway to find this scene, with thinning boats where they leave the harbor. It would be tough to simplify when seeing lots of lots of boats. Not as hard when there are just a handful.

It's been a great visit and fun chance to seek out new spots day after day. We've eaten well. Relaxed when I wasn't painting. Had a chance to walk the beach. Enjoyed a fantastic production of "Southern Nights" at the Savannah Theatre -- my first time watching a live performance in a very long time. (You've got to go see this enormously talented cast!!!! The house should be packed ... all the time. Go and get the word out!) I took a ton of fantastic photo references of scenes I can't wait to paint. Unusually, too, we're going home with a couple of fun purchases... two of which are art-related. (One a painting by Mary Grayson Segars and the other a future subject of a still life.)

Thanks Mom and Dad for being hostess and host ... finding spots to paint and keeping me company and armed with iced tea during all those working sessions. It's been a real treat!!!

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

Register for Spring 2012 Classes

Portrait Painting and Drawing, Mondays, 10am-1pm, starting April 2
Still Life Painting, Tuesdays, 10am-1pm, starting April 3
See Jill's Web Site, Classes page for more information, supply list and registration form.

Exhibits and Events

March 2-31, “Black and White” Exhibit in the Artists’ Atelier Gallery, 1144 Walker Road, Suite G, Great Falls, VA. Visit Saturdays, noon-4pm or by appointment or whenever an artist is in the studio. My entries: “Oscar,” “Quiet”  and “Carpeaux’s Napolitano Fisherboy” charcoal, and “Market Street Bar & Grill” ink wash/pen and ink drawings. Come visit. Reception, Saturday, March 17, noon to 4pm.

March 17-30, Catharine Lorillard Wolfe Art Club’s Member Exhibit, Salmagundi Club, 47 Fifth Avenue, NYC. Award and opening reception, Friday, March 23, 6-8pm. “Hog Wild” and “Dining Alfresco” on exhibit.

April 14-May 4, Salon International 2012, Greenhouse Gallery, San Antonio, TX. Opening Reception: Saturday, April 14, 10am-8pm. “Contrapposto”

May 15-19, Wayne Plein Air Festival 2012, one of 34 artists juried to participate in a plein air competition and exhibit in and around Wayne, PA. Gala Preview and Artists' Reception, Saturday, May 19, 6-10pm at the Wayne Art Center. Exhibition to follow May 20-June 23 at the Wayne Art Center. 

May 1-31, Solo Show, Katie's Coffee at the Old Brogue, Great Falls, VA. More information to come (when I figure it out).

"The Outfitters" Painting and Wayne Plein Air Festival 2012

"The Outfitters," oil, 10"h x 8"w, copyright Jill Banks 2012

Today marked our last full day in Hilton Head before heading home. The condo we're staying in ... after the week ... looks like a mini gallery (before the show gets hung) with paintings lined up in a row around the dining room floor. It should be interesting getting all of them home, in their varying stages of wet & drier.

I'd been thinking about painting the Palmetto Dunes Outfitters building and surroundings since our first day here. We pass by it every day going in and out of the gate to the rest of the Island. All of Hilton Head is filled with people who whether or not they are active off vacation, take plenty of bike, canoe, and other rides while enjoying there time here. The Outfitters is a busy place.

My mom kept me company while (husband) Randy enjoyed his first, well-deserved golf practice of our stay. Mom, as unofficial but very active art agent, seemed a little disappointed that I'd set up in the median, out of foot and car traffic's way. It meant almost no visitors during painting time.

My goal this last day was to paint smaller ... and hopefully simpler. This one's smaller ... but still a bit complicated. The good news is that this afternoon's painting met the goal ... and we're leaving Hilton Head with a signed, finished painting. (Some of the rest of these, like "The Outfitters" might be finished. I'll have to set them aside and take a second look to decide.) You'll see the "success story" in tomorrow's post.

Wayne Plein Air Festival 2012

With all my activity in the last month or so applying to various competitions and art happenings, I was happy to recieve two congratulatory messages in the last 24 hours. One was yesterday with a yes to the Torpedo Factory Visiting Studio Artist application (where I'll be painting and exhibiting in a studio in August). The second was received today. I'll be one of 34 artists participating in the Wayne Plein Air Festival, painting around Wayne and Philadelphia from May 15-19 with a Gala Preview and Artists' Reception on May 19, 6-10pm. The related show will be open to the public at the Wayne Art Center on Sunday, May 20 through June 23.

I'm happy to be accepted ... and glad to have one more week of "practice" under my belt. It looks like there will be lots of great opportunities to paint in an interesting, urban setting.

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

Register for Spring 2012 Classes

Portrait Painting and Drawing, Mondays, 10am-1pm, starting April 2
Still Life Painting, Tuesdays, 10am-1pm, starting April 3
See Jill's Web Site, Classes page for more information, supply list and registration form.

Exhibits and Events

March 2-31, “Black and White” Exhibit in the Artists’ Atelier Gallery, 1144 Walker Road, Suite G, Great Falls, VA. Visit Saturdays, noon-4pm or by appointment or whenever an artist is in the studio. My entries: “Oscar,” “Quiet”  and “Carpeaux’s Napolitano Fisherboy” charcoal, and “Market Street Bar & Grill” ink wash/pen and ink drawings. Come visit. Reception, Saturday, March 17, noon to 4pm.

March 17-30, Catharine Lorillard Wolfe Art Club’s Member Exhibit, Salmagundi Club, 47 Fifth Avenue, NYC. Award and opening reception, Friday, March 23, 6-8pm. “Hog Wild” and “Dining Alfresco” on exhibit.

April 14-May 4, Salon International 2012, Greenhouse Gallery, San Antonio, TX. Opening Reception: Saturday, April 14, 10am-8pm. “Contrapposto” 

May 15-19, Wayne Plein Air Festival 2012, one of 34 artists juried to participate in a plein air competition and exhibit in and around Wayne, PA. Gala Preview and Artists' Reception, Saturday, May 19, 6-10pm at the Wayne Art Center. Exhibition to follow May 20-June 23 at the Wayne Art Center.

May 1-31, Solo Show, Katie's Coffee at the Old Brogue, Great Falls, VA. More information to come (when I figure it out).

"Harbourside Burgers and Brew" Painting in Harbour Town, Hilton Head

"Harbourside Burgers And Brew" work in progress, oil, 16"h x 20"w, copyright Jill Banks 2012

Two bits of news today.

One, I painted in Harbour Town in Sea Pines, Hilton Head this afternoon. This is a spot filled with memories of visits when our kids were little. Directly to the left from where I set up my easel, son Sam and daughter Sarah listened to Greg Russell (a Hilton Head singing institution) under the live oak ... in front of yachts in the harbor. We remember Greg warning the kids to only, only, only volunteer to come up there if/when they were ready to sing. Then he asked who wanted to come up. Sam's hand shot up ... and Greg chose him from the audience ... and all I can remember thinking is ... what song does Sam know?

Turns out ... none. Nope. Sam was not going to sing.

"Rainy Day in NYC," Best in Show, Art League's 'Scapes Exhibit, August 2010

Today, plenty of people stopped at my easel to visit. That was due in part to my being set up a few feet from the public restroom.  Kids are usually my biggest fans, but I think in general, people get a kick out of seeing how a painting develops. One woman took her son to the rest room and when they came out, she prompted him to tell me what he wanted to say. He wasn't quite ready to tell me himself, but his mom said he'd told her, "She's really good!" I'm glad one of them spilled the beans.

"Harbourside Burgers and Brew" is as much about the beautiful live oaks that populate Harbour Town as the cafe and bar. They are kid-climbable trees whose limbs wander all over, to and fro into the sky and back to earth again.

"Great Falls Farmers Market," oil, 11"h x 14"w, copyright Jill Banks 2010

With each of these outings, I find myself wanting to show passerbys and visitors what my finished work looks like. While I'm actively trying to learn how to start and finish plein air pieces in one day (for plein air/quick draw competitions), there's a difference between what's possible under those circumstances versus pushing the painting as far as it can go in the studio ... or in multiple sessions. So, I'm replaying some of those more-time-at-the-easel paintings here. If you'd like to see more, go the Gallery page on my web site, click on Places.

Torpedo Factory Visiting Resident Studio Artist: August 2012

"Torpedo Factory Dock," painted plein air last Fall, 8"h x 10"w

My second bit of news is that I was juried in as a resident studio artist at the Torpedo Factory for August. I had submitted a selection of my work and application a month and a half ago ... to spend a month there painting and exhibiting my work in one of the studios there. Every time I go to Old Town Alexandria, I'm inspired to paint and capture the special nature of the place (and people). You'll certainly hear more about my studio hours and activities there closer to August. Just know you'll have somewhere else to come visit me ... and my work.

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

Register for Spring 2012 Classes

Portrait Painting and Drawing, Mondays, 10am-1pm, starting April 2
Still Life Painting, Tuesdays, 10am-1pm, starting April 3
See Jill's Web Site, Classes page for more information, supply list and registration form.

Exhibits and Events

March 2-31, “Black and White” Exhibit in the Artists’ Atelier Gallery, 1144 Walker Road, Suite G, Great Falls, VA. Visit Saturdays, noon-4pm or by appointment or whenever an artist is in the studio. My entries: “Oscar,” “Quiet”  and “Carpeaux’s Napolitano Fisherboy” charcoal, and “Market Street Bar & Grill” ink wash/pen and ink drawings. Come visit. Reception, Saturday, March 17, noon to 4pm.

March 17-30, Catharine Lorillard Wolfe Art Club’s Member Exhibit, Salmagundi Club, 47 Fifth Avenue, NYC. Award and opening reception, Friday, March 23, 6-8pm. “Hog Wild” and “Dining Alfresco” on exhibit.

April 14-May 4, Salon International 2012, Greenhouse Gallery, San Antonio, TX. Opening Reception: Saturday, April 14, 10am-8pm. “Contrapposto”

May 1-31, Solo Show, Katie's Coffee at the Old Brogue, Great Falls, VA. More information to come (when I figure it out).

August 1-31, Torpedo Factory Art Center, Visiting Resident Studio Artist, 105 N. Union St., Alexandria, VA.

Beaufort and "Kooky Mooky's"

"Kooky Mookys" in Beaufort, SC,  oil, 8"h x 16"w, copyright Jill Banks 2012

Days are spent on the go ... so this is the quickie version of yesterday's adventures in Beaufort, SC

Me, Jerry's husband Ray, Jerry Stocks outside the gallery in Beaufort

• Afternoon: painting under a palm tree the very popular ice cream/hot dog/sandwich shop, Kooky Mookys. I may add some people in there later. There were plenty of them!
• Early Evening: met Jerry Stocks (one of my 100 Faces who traveled from Beaufort to Northern Virginia to sit for me ... along with her daughter and grandsons) and her husband, Ray, for a short, nice visit during Art Walk!
• Continued the Art Walk! to visit ArtLofts ... working studios and gallery for seven artists in Beaufort. Bought a wonderful painting of her cat, Emma, from Mary Grayson Segars. Take a look at her work. It's wonderful!

Today we're off to Savannah. It's a "living", not a painting day. Painting will resume tomorrow.

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

Register for Spring 2012 Classes

Portrait Painting and Drawing, Mondays, 10am-1pm, starting April 2
Still Life Painting, Tuesdays, 10am-1pm, starting April 3
See Jill's Web Site, Classes page for more information, supply list and registration form.

Exhibits and Events

March 2-31, “Black and White” Exhibit in the Artists’ Atelier Gallery, 1144 Walker Road, Suite G, Great Falls, VA. Visit Saturdays, noon-4pm or by appointment or whenever an artist is in the studio. My entries: “Oscar,” “Quiet”  and “Carpeaux’s Napolitano Fisherboy” charcoal, and “Market Street Bar & Grill” ink wash/pen and ink drawings. Come visit. Reception, Saturday, March 17, noon to 4pm.

March 17-30, Catharine Lorillard Wolfe Art Club’s Member Exhibit, Salmagundi Club, 47 Fifth Avenue, NYC. Award and opening reception, Friday, March 23, 6-8pm. “Hog Wild” and “Dining Alfresco” on exhibit.

April 14-May 4, Salon International 2012, Greenhouse Gallery, San Antonio, TX. Opening Reception: Saturday, April 14, 10am-8pm. “Contrapposto”

May 1-31, Solo Show, Katie's Coffee at the Old Brogue, Great Falls, VA. More information to come (when I figure it out).

"View to the Sea" Yesterday and Today

"View to the Sea," oil, 20"h x 16"w, copyright Jill Banks 2012

This is the view out from the condo (that my parents once owned and now rent for the winter months) balcony in Hilton Head, SC. Beautiful, isn't it?

We're heading off to lunch and a trip to Beaufort for tonight's Art Walk ... in just a few minutes. So, a quick post and a painting and there will be more on the rest of today's escapades tomorrow.

A note, though ... we'll be meeting up with my 100 Faces volunteers who traveled the farthest for my project last year: Jerry Stocks, her daughter Ivie and grandsons, Spencer and Sandor. They live in Beaufort and made the trek up to the DC area (my home) in 2011 ... to sit for me as part of their Spring Break adventure. Can't wait to see them again!

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

Register for Spring 2012 Classes

Portrait Painting and Drawing, Mondays, 10am-1pm, starting April 2
Still Life Painting, Tuesdays, 10am-1pm, starting April 3
See Jill's Web Site, Classes page for more information, supply list and registration form.

Exhibits and Events

March 2-31, “Black and White” Exhibit in the Artists’ Atelier Gallery, 1144 Walker Road, Suite G, Great Falls, VA. Visit Saturdays, noon-4pm or by appointment or whenever an artist is in the studio. My entries: “Oscar,” “Quiet”  and “Carpeaux’s Napolitano Fisherboy” charcoal, and “Market Street Bar & Grill” ink wash/pen and ink drawings. Come visit. Reception, Saturday, March 17, noon to 4pm.

March 17-30, Catharine Lorillard Wolfe Art Club’s Member Exhibit, Salmagundi Club, 47 Fifth Avenue, NYC. Award and opening reception, Friday, March 23, 6-8pm. “Hog Wild” and “Dining Alfresco” on exhibit.

April 14-May 4, Salon International 2012, Greenhouse Gallery, San Antonio, TX. Opening Reception: Saturday, April 14, 10am-8pm. “Contrapposto”

May 1-31, Solo Show, Katie's Coffee at the Old Brogue, Great Falls, VA. More information to come (when I figure it out).

"Lunch in the Courtyard Cafe" Painting This Afternoon

"Lunch in the Courtyard Cafe" work in progress, oil, 24"h x 18"w, copyright Jill Banks 2012

I don't know whether this qualifies me as easy or difficult company ... but today was spent almost entirely behind the easel. No earned accusations for talking too much. First, (this morning) the subject was the porch and ocean beyond at the condo my parents once owned and now rent. My guess is you'll see that tomorrow after a little more thought. Lately, I've been dreaming about painting ... identifying all those spots from the day's work that could be improved. Let's see what a night's sleep does for that one.

Then we had a fine lunch at the French Bakery and Courtyard Cafe at Pineland Mall in Hilton Head. There's a waterwheel and pond near where we sat. A potential subject. But, the umbrellas, diners, and fountain held more appeal. The Bakery closes at 4pm and umbrellas come down, tablecloths removed ... and most likely ... people head home. I started first on those subjects that were apt to change the soonest (umbrellas, people, tables). The light also moved. A focal point, the fountain, was saved 'til last.

With this being a large canvas and complicated subject, it's not complete with just the afternoon's work. The canvases needing more attention are piling up ... and the "plan" for completing them (how, where, when) is yet to be hatched.

My goals are to practice, in non-competition mode for plein air paintouts I hope to participate in this year ... plus develop new paintings for events and exhibitions ahead. Plus, I get to enjoy it all in a beautiful, different setting (for me), with gorgeous weather, and great company when I do put the paintbrushes down. Pretty great.

Oh, and I'm working on a new computer that's confusing me at the moment. Blog posts take longer and things I used to know how to do -- such as inserting special characters -- are beyond my capability at the moment.

Happy St. Patrick's Day (tomorrow)!

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

Register for Spring 2012 Classes

Portrait Painting and Drawing, Mondays, 10am-1pm, starting April 2
Still Life Painting, Tuesdays, 10am-1pm, starting April 3
See Jill's Web Site, Classes page for more information, supply list and registration form.

Exhibits and Events

March 2-31, “Black and White” Exhibit in the Artists’ Atelier Gallery, 1144 Walker Road, Suite G, Great Falls, VA. Visit Saturdays, noon-4pm or by appointment or whenever an artist is in the studio. My entries: “Oscar,” “Quiet”  and “Carpeaux’s Napolitano Fisherboy” charcoal, and “Market Street Bar & Grill” ink wash/pen and ink drawings. Come visit. Reception, Saturday, March 17, noon to 4pm.

March 17-30, Catharine Lorillard Wolfe Art Club’s Member Exhibit, Salmagundi Club, 47 Fifth Avenue, NYC. Award and opening reception, Friday, March 23, 6-8pm. “Hog Wild” and “Dining Alfresco” on exhibit.

April 14-May 4, Salon International 2012, Greenhouse Gallery, San Antonio, TX. Opening Reception: Saturday, April 14, 10am-8pm. “Contrapposto”

May 1-31, Solo Show, Katie's Coffee at the Old Brogue, Great Falls, VA. More information to come (when I figure it out).

"Hilton Head Happy Hour"

"Hilton Head Happy Hour" at Scott's Fish Market's dockside bar, oil, 16"h x 20"w, copyright Jill Banks 2012

Welcome to Hilton Head! After sleeping in, lunch, etc. following a long drive ... my easel was unpacked and set up outside Scott's Fish Market's dockside bar. The yellow umbrella had the logo for LandShark ... an advertising for LandShark lager ... thanks to husband Randy's googling.

I set up before the restaurant crew showed up, worried that I'd have to finish up before happy hour started at 4:30pm. Fortunately, I wasn't shoo'd away ... and painted while the tables were set and patrons settled in. It was the absolute perfect spot, with music in the background, nice visitors stopping by, beautiful weather. I could have stood right there and taken in the view in any direction ... with happy results.

This has been a group effort: figuring out those views all around that would lend themselves to paintings I'd want to capture. My parents have spent a few months here, and we wanted to squeeze in some nice visiting time before they head back home.

Pretty place. Great company. Lots of paintings to be.

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

Register for Spring 2012 Classes

Portrait Painting and Drawing, Mondays, 10am-1pm, starting April 2
Still Life Painting, Tuesdays, 10am-1pm, starting April 3
See Jill's Web Site, Classes page for more information, supply list and registration form.

Exhibits and Events

March 2-31, “Black and White” Exhibit in the Artists’ Atelier Gallery, 1144 Walker Road, Suite G, Great Falls, VA. Visit Saturdays, noon-4pm or by appointment or whenever an artist is in the studio. My entries: “Oscar,” “Quiet”  and “Carpeaux’s Napolitano Fisherboy” charcoal, and “Market Street Bar & Grill” ink wash/pen and ink drawings. Come visit.

March 17-30, Catharine Lorillard Wolfe Art Club’s Member Exhibit, Salmagundi Club, 47 Fifth Avenue, NYC. Award and opening reception, Friday, March 23, 6-8pm. “Hog Wild” and “Dining Alfresco” on exhibit.

April 14-May 4, Salon International 2012, Greenhouse Gallery, San Antonio, TX. Opening Reception: Saturday, April 14, 10am-8pm. “Contrapposto”

May 1-31, Solo Show, Katie's Coffee at the Old Brogue, Great Falls, VA. More information to come (when I figure it out).

"Peacock Blue" In Progress

"Peacock Blue" work in progress,  oil, 24"h x 18"w, ©Jill Banks 2012

It took me a long time to return to this painting of "Peacock Blue" for its second painting day. With deadlines looming that probably don't involve this peacock, it could be considered an odd choice as what to paint. Still, I've been trying to get back to it for about a week. 

While painting it, I was wondering how peacock blue could ever be considered one color. Look how many blues there are! I haven't captured them all but it was fun trying.

Something accomplished today was to make the peacock stand out as a three-dimensional being. That's one of those magical results possible in paint.

"Peacock Blue" needs a little more fine tuning but today's schedule wouldn't allow it this session.

Today was the last day of Still Life class, but Spring classes at the Great Falls School of Art (1144 Walker Road, Suite D, Great Falls, VA) start soon ... and they are filling rapidly. See the link below for more info. I hope you can sign up!


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

Register for Spring 2012 Classes

Portrait Painting and Drawing, Mondays, 10am-1pm, starting April 2
Still Life Painting, Tuesdays, 10am-1pm, starting April 3
See Jill's Web Site, Classes page for more information, supply list and registration form.

Exhibits and Events

March 2-31, “Black and White” Exhibit in the Artists’ Atelier Gallery, 1144 Walker Road, Suite G, Great Falls, VA. Visit Saturdays, noon-4pm or by appointment or whenever an artist is in the studio. My entries: “Oscar,” “Quiet”  and “Carpeaux’s Napolitano Fisherboy” charcoal, and “Market Street Bar & Grill” ink wash/pen and ink drawings. Come visit.

March 17-30, Catharine Lorillard Wolfe Art Club’s Member Exhibit, Salmagundi Club, 47 Fifth Avenue, NYC. Award and opening reception, Friday, March 23, 6-8pm. “Hog Wild” and “Dining Alfresco” on exhibit.

April 14-May 4, Salon International 2012, Greenhouse Gallery, San Antonio, TX. Opening Reception: Saturday, April 14, 10am-8pm. “Contrapposto”

May 1-31, Solo Show, Katie's Coffee at the Old Brogue, Great Falls, VA. More information to come (when I figure it out).