"Sunday in the Park," McLean Park, That Is...

"Sunday in the Park," oil, 20"h x 16"w, ©Jill Banks 2012

Today I took up the McLean Project for the Arts offer to paint the park. Lots and lots of kids were creating under a pavilion in McLean Central Park, and their grown-up artist counterparts were invited to bring their easels and gear to capture the day. It was gorgeous! Perfect weather. Happy people. A full playground.

This piece is painted en plein air, (in the open air) like the Impressionists. I took some photos but haven't used them. As usual, the challenge comes with the constantly changing, dappled light ... and moving people. Still, this reads as the mood of the park and this beautiful day.

Only two other adult artists joined me in painting -- Bob Gilbert, a fellow member of Great Falls Studios and Kathy, an artist who is a regular at open life offered through McLean Project for the Arts. The only thing that would have made the day better ... more easels and artists.

As I looked around this afternoon to choose my subject, the playground offered a natural attraction. But the clincher for me was the spring-based rocking horse against all those primary colors. I know that horses on playgrounds like this were part of my childhood ... as well as my kids, and particularly my nephew, Drew, who could rock on his horse indefinitely. I like it here empty. Waiting for you to take a ride.

Exhibits and Events

May 20-June 23, Wayne Plein Air Exhibition 2012, one of 34 artists juried to participate in a plein air competition and exhibit in and around Wayne, PA (May 15-19). 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.  Eight pieces for purchase/on exhibit.

August, Visiting Resident Studio Artist, Torpedo Factory, 105 N. Union St., Alexandria, VA, Studio #333

Sunday, October 14, MPA Artfest Outdoor Juried Arts Festival, McLean Central Park, McLean, VA

Saturday and Sunday, October 20&21, Great Falls Annual Studio Tour, 10am-5pm, visit artists in their studios throughout Great Falls on a self-guided tour. I’ll be at the Artists’ Atelier, 1144 Walker Road, Suite G, Great Falls, VA 22066

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

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