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| Chickens by Itō Jakuchū |
Instead of futzing and fixing, Randy and I headed to the National Gallery of Art to see Itō Jakuchū's (1716-1800) thirty-scroll set of paintings, Colorful Realm of Living Beings. Someone from Disney should have been involved in crowd direction because humans need it. I had to really work to be able to see the art and inevitably a handbag would be in the way ... or a tall soul ... or someone finished with seeing a piece would still plant themselves right in front of it.
Despite that ... the paintings were just incredible. Itō's attention to detail is beyond belief ... and beyond the limits of my eyesight. He painted in more than I could see or comprehend. He leads the eye. I love his subject matter, flora and fauna, lots of roosters and hens, insects, frogs, fish, other fowl.
My favorite scroll painting in the group was "Chickens" that appeared so abstract with roosters facing side to side, stacked against each other. One rooster looked at me. A modern moment.
I left the exhibit wanting to know more. What was his medium? How forgiving was it? How did he prepare for each piece? They were so complex and detailed ... it's just difficult to imagine the working process.
He knew how to paint snow.
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| "Portrait of Girl with Water Lilies," Sketch & Wash pencils and wash, ©Jill Banks 2012 |
Lunch
After viewing the exhibit, Randy and I headed at the Garden Cafe. With all the crowds, there was a wait, so I drew a portrait this time of the "Girl with Water Lilies" statue that presides over the front of the cafe."Portrait of Girl with Water Lilies" is a graphite/wash drawing of the bronze "Girl with Water Lilies" by Herbert Adams (American, 1858-1945).
The success of the show made lunch a bit crazed. Food was brought in and scooped up and Randy and I spent a good bit staring at platefuls of lunch with no utensils to make it ours.
Still nice.
Exhibits and Events
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.
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 1-31, "Out and About" Solo Show, Katie's Coffee at the Old Brogue, 760-C Walker Road, Great Falls, VA. Reception: Sunday, May 6, 2-5pm.
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.
Web: www.jillbanks.com
Blog: jillbanks.blogspot.com
100 Faces in 100 Days Project
Phone: 703.403.7435
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