"Peacock Blue"

"Peacock Blue," oil, 24"h x 18"w, copyright Jill Banks 2012

While Greg Staley was photographing my studiomates and other Great Falls artists' work yesterday, I was busy putting last hour touches (yes, not last minute) on "The Poker Club" and after that, "Peacock Blue." Good thing he had plenty of work to shoot.

I painted a different sketch of this peacock on site at Kidwell Farm (part of Frying Pan Park in Herndon, VA). That sketch included the tail feathers but the bird was in constant motion and never seemed to offer the same view twice. Two separate attempts and that one's almost a painting.

In working on that sketch, what stood out was the peacock's feather on the top of his head as it emerged in the light. Since the tailfeathers demand so much attention, I'd never noticed the rest of the bird.

Today hasn't been a painting or sketching day.  Instead, I'm in San Antonio to attend the reception for Salon International at the Greenhouse Gallery.

So far, though, we enjoyed a very nice Mexican lunch, a walk along obstacle-course like sidewalks. If you spend too much time gazing at the scenery (gorgeous doors and unusual architecture), you're likely to be looking at it from the ground. Hopefully, I'll capture some sketches around town tomorrow.

See more work from my Feathered and Furry Friends Series on the Gallery page of my web site: www.JillBanks.com.

Exhibits and Events

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

See "Classical Painting Atelier" in the April Art League Exhibit

April 3-30, "Classical Painting Atelier" was accepted for the April All-Media Membership Exhibit at the Art League in Alexandria. "Torpedo Factory Dock" is in the Bin Gallery. Both can be seen this month at the Torpedo Factory, Art League Gallery, 105 N. Union Street, Alexandria, VA.

April 2 -30, "Sunflowers and Gladioli" and "Cup of Tea" are on exhibit as part of the Great Falls Studios group exhibit at the Great Falls Library, 9830 Georgetown Pike, Great Falls, VA throughout the month.

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, "Out and About" Solo Show, Katie's Coffee at the Old Brogue, Great Falls, VA. Reception: Sunday, May 6, 2-5pm.
 
Web: www.jillbanks.com
 Blog: jillbanks.blogspot.com
100 Faces in 100 Days Project

Email
Phone: 703.403.7435