"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
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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).