Article in VivaTysons Magazine

Article in VivaTysons Magazine, November/December 2012 Issue

Since I'm immersed in portrait commission painting (it's going well -- but I needed a break), it's time for news instead of a photo. While we were heading up to NYC for the Catharine Lorillard Wolfe Art Club reception being held at the National Arts Club (where "The Poker Club" is still on view), I received a call from the publisher of VivaTysons Magazine. He'd seen my work on the web site and was interested in running an article on me -- if I could get together photos and forward some information to the Magazine.

Luck was and wasn't on my side.  
How it wasn't: I was in the car and my laptop was locking me out of what few paintings that were stored on it. (I keep photos of my artwork on the home desktop computer as command central). I managed to get around whatever sentries were holding those files hostage. It was tricky getting files uploaded ... and some went after paying the Waldorf Astoria's $19 wifi/day charge. Fortunately my bio is on the web site and that gave a starting point for the writer who also called me en route. How it was: Some scurrying but I'm glad to be included in the November/December issue of the very successful VivaTysons Magazine in an article that starts on page 20. You can also go to the archives section at www.vivatysons.com and take a look yourself.

Look for this issue

Greenberry's Coffee and Tea
Seven of my pieces are on view at Greenberry's Coffee and Tea (6839 Redmond Drive, McLean, VA, phone: (703) 821-9500) through November 30. I've received so many positive comments -- lots of people enjoying spending time with the paintings in one of their favorite spots. I hope you can come take a look.

Walls Full of Art
The Artists' Atelier (1144 Walker Road, Suite G, Great Falls, VA) will be full of screens of extra work and the gallery is still hung from Studio Tour if you'd like to take a look during open hours on Wednesdays and Saturdays, noon to 4pm through November 14.

Web: www.jillbanks.com
Blog: jillbanks.blogspot.com
100 Faces in 100 Days Project
Email
Phone: 703.403.7435

Events and Exhibits
Atelier Open Hours, Wednesdays and Saturdays, noon to 4pm, 1144 Walker Road, Suite G, Great Falls, VA 22066

October 2 through November 30, Greenberry's Coffee & Tea, 6839 Redmond Drive, McLean, VA. Solo show of seven oil paintings celebrating coffee, friends and family and food. 

 

American Women Artists 15th Annual National Juried Exhibition, November 2-25, K Newby Gallery and Sculpture Garden, Tubac, Arizona. "Honey Bunny" is one of 60 artworks chosen from around the country. 

Allied Artists of America 99th Annual Exhibition, November 9-18, National Arts Club, 15 Gramercy Park, NYC

More events are listed on my web site: www.JillBanks.com

Studio Tour: Day Two

"Rainy Morning Breakfast," oil, 20"h x 16"w -- under new ownership

Sunday's crowd at the Artists' Atelier was bigger and it was busier than ever. The studio looks beautiful ... still ... so if you missed the big weekend, please come by during our open hours, Wednesdays and Saturdays, noon to 4pm to see our most extensive exhibit of the year (at the Artists' Atelier, 1144 Walker Road, Suite G, Great Falls, VA). There won't be the same crowds and treats ... and some of the artwork has gone to new homes, but there is still plenty to see.

During the weekend, four of my paintings found new owners. For those of you following the blog, there's been a lot of that lately. Funny thing: If you're selling something that you don't "manufacture," there's no worry about replacing your inventory. This year, much of my time has been dedicated to  portrait commissions -- that means I'm not creating as many new works. What I do create is more likely to find a home more quickly.

"Rainy Morning Breakfast" is one of the paintings purchased on Sunday by returning collectors. Like the others chosen this weekend, it's a favorite. I painted it as part of Wayne Plein Air this Spring during the first day of the competition. That's husband Randy as my breakfast-eating at the Wayne Train Station model. I love the feel of rain upon the paned glass and light pouring in through the window.

The next days are dedicated to completing two major projects. Beautiful new still life objects from Randy's mom and dad's condos are waiting to be woven into paintings to be. There is a big glass bottle with dust inside, a vibrant pink cloth, tarnished silver goblet, compass, metal scale, African sculptures, pretty pots ... all filling our kitchen table.

Web: www.jillbanks.com
Blog: jillbanks.blogspot.com
100 Faces in 100 Days Project
Email
Phone: 703.403.7435

Events and Exhibits
Atelier Open Hours, Wednesdays and Saturdays, noon to 4pm, 1144 Walker Road, Suite G, Great Falls, VA 22066

October 2 through November 30, Greenberry's Coffee & Tea, 6839 Redmond Drive, McLean, VA. Solo show of seven oil paintings celebrating coffee, friends and family and food.

More October and November events are listed on my web site: www.JillBanks.com

There are a LOT!

Studio Tour Day One

"Stepping Out," oil, 30"h x 24"w off to their new home.

The first day of the Great Falls Studio Tour was filled with great conversations and good cheer. People at Studio Tour are regularly smiling from ear to ear -- enjoying all the art, talking art, peering at palettes, asking questions, hunting for pieces to take home.

At 10:00am (opening time), the first purchase was made -- "Stepping Out" -- my painting of Belgian workhorses that has been a universal favorite since I created it earlier this year. Nancy, its purchaser, had seen "Stepping Out" last week at MPA Artfest ... and wanted it then. Her goal was to snatch it up before anyone else could come for it.

I'll really miss this one, but could tell it was going to a good home. I helped load it into Nancy's SUV which was all ready to accept it with one seat down and a cushion to lay it on.

This pair of horses will be treated with great care.

The Delayed Proposal
I didn't ask this often enough but for some of the unfamiliar -- or less familiar -- faces, I'd inquire whether this was their first Studio Tour. One young couple told me it was their second but that they'd skipped a few years. It turns out that they'd visited four years ago when the now-husband had planned an outing to Great Falls Park to propose marriage. With our Studio Tour signs paving the path to their destination, the now-wife took the detour -- studio to studio. That plan was foiled and it took him another two weeks to plot another proposal opportunity which happened at the top of a mountain. They just celebrated their third wedding anniversary.

"Cherries and Green Figs," oil, 8"h x 10"w, ©Jill Banks 2012

Purchase Two
"Cherries and Green Figs" also will be heading off to a nice, new home -- an artist's home -- but it's still hung in my space with big (well, maybe medium-sized) red dot on it. This painting was one metamorphized from a demo given to the Great Falls Seniors Association -- and its purchaser loved it from the first time I posted it (here on my blog).

Last Weekend's Purchase
At Artfest, "Sunset in NYC" -- my painting from the hotel room shower -- was purchased, and Randy and I installed it over the mantel in its new home. I swear the mantel was made for it.

"Sunset in NYC" purchased at Artfest last weekend

A lot of my favorite paintings have been flying from the coop all year. Funny how that is.


Web: www.jillbanks.com
Blog: jillbanks.blogspot.com
100 Faces in 100 Days Project
Email
Phone: 703.403.7435

Events and Exhibits
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. Get more info on the Tour at www.GreatFallsStudios.com.

October 2 through November 30, Greenberry's Coffee & Tea, 6839 Redmond Drive, McLean, VA. Solo show of seven oil paintings celebrating coffee, friends and family and food.

More October and November events are listed on my web site: www.JillBanks.com

There are a LOT!

Great Falls Annual Studio Tour This Weekend!!!

Sneak Peek at part of my space at the Artists' Atelier. I think this will be the arrangement...

Almost 50 artists are preparing their studios and work to welcome all this weekend: Saturday and Sunday, October 20 & 21, 2012 from 10am-5pm both days.

We've been hard at work at the Artists' Atelier ... hanging it from floor to ceiling, filling screens, throughout our spaces and the gallery. We're located at 1144 Walker Road, Suite G, Great Falls, VA ... and you can pick up a map here to guide you throughout the rest of the weekend filled with art.

Funny view and I am painting in the day time but ...

I've also been working on portrait commissions -- bringing them along through the final phase. The previous two mornings found me at my easel in the living room where Lou and Carolyn Brown sat for eight days in July. Today I was working on background elements that were difficult to concentrate on when the two of them were here. (I was, appropriately, keeping my eye on them.) 

I bought and arranged new sunflowers for the table ... so the scene is complete except for my two subjects.

Come to Studio Tour. Bring friends and family. It's SOOO much fun!

Web: www.jillbanks.com
Blog: jillbanks.blogspot.com
100 Faces in 100 Days Project
Email
Phone: 703.403.7435

Events and Exhibits
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. Get more info on the Tour at www.GreatFallsStudios.com.

October 2 through November 30, Greenberry's Coffee & Tea, 6839 Redmond Drive, McLean, VA. Solo show of seven oil paintings celebrating coffee, friends and family and food.

More October and November events are listed on my web site: www.JillBanks.com

There are a LOT!

"'Berry On Top' Cupcake"

"'Berry On Top' Cupcake," oil, 6"h x 6"w, ©Jill Banks 2012

Tomorrow starts a full day of painting ... yea!!!  Today there was no time to tackle anything big ... but a little time to paint something small. So "'Berry On Top' Cupcake was the result.

Studio Incamminati's Lea Colie Wight Coming to Town
If you're in the Washington DC area, and a portrait/figure painter, I highly recommend enrolling in a great workshop being taught by Lea Colie Wight, an award-winning artist and teaching fellow from Philadelphia's Studio Incamminati. The workshop will be held at the Great Falls School of Art, 1144 Walker Road, Suite G, Great Falls, VA from November 5-9. Get more info on the workshop on the Studio Incamminati web site -- where you can also register. Hurry!

I learned so much from Studio Incamminati's workshops as a beginning and intermediate painter -- and Lea was one of my favorite instructors -- for her kind and smart coaching.

Web: www.jillbanks.com
Blog: jillbanks.blogspot.com
100 Faces in 100 Days Project
Email
Phone: 703.403.7435

Events and Exhibits
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. Register to win $50 Art Bucks to use on the Tour at www.GreatFallsStudios.com.

October 2 through November 30, Greenberry's Coffee & Tea, 6839 Redmond Drive, McLean, VA. Solo show of seven oil paintings celebrating coffee, friends and family and food.

More October and November events are listed on my web site: www.JillBanks.com

There are a LOT!

Night in NYC

"Clock Tower at the Waldorf Astoria," Sketch and Wash pencils and charcoal, copyright Jill Banks 2012

We tried to get here early ... since it was just a one-night stay for the Benefit Reception for the Metropolitan Museum of Art at the National Arts Club, where "The Poker Club" is hanging as part of the Catharine Lorillard Wolfe Art Club's 116th Annual Exhibition. (I know those were a lot of "Clubs.")  A tie-up at the Lincoln Tunnel slowed down arrival time ... so we checked in, spent a few minutes in the hotel room ... and sped off to the reception.

The exhibition is the best I've seen (this is my fourth CLWAC annual exhibition attended). The artwork was stunning and beautifully hung -- and "The Poker Club" garnered a very nice spot. I love just entering the National Arts Club. It's quite a place.

Randy and I stayed at the Waldorf Astoria ... and after the reception and a late dinner, I camped out in a chair in the lobby, serenaded by the singer at the bar behind, and sketched the main attraction in the center of the room -- an 1893 Clock Tower that had appeared at the Chicago's World Fair. The miniature Statue of Liberty at the top is barely there. That's Queen Victoria (sort of) at on the bottom left, and Benjamin Franklin on the bottom middle.

Tomorrow's Artfest! Join me at tent #3 in McLean Central Park on Sunday, October 14, 10am-5pm for this fun event of music, art, food, wine ... at the corner of Route 123 (Dolley Madison Blvd.) and Old Dominion Drive in McLean, VA.

Register for Art Bucks
For the Great Falls Studio Tour, coming up October 20 & 21, Great Falls Studios is raffling off forty $50 Art Bucks -- a total of a $2000 giveaway -- of money to spend on art over the weekend. Good odds. Great art. Go to www.GreatFallsStudios.com to register before October 18.

Web: www.jillbanks.com
Blog: jillbanks.blogspot.com
100 Faces in 100 Days Project
Email
Phone: 703.403.7435

Events and Exhibits

Sunday, October 14, MPA Artfest Outdoor Juried Arts Festival, 10am - 5pm McLean Central Park, intersection of Route 123 and Old Dominion Dr., 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 

October 2 through November 30, Greenberry's Coffee & Tea, 6839 Redmond Drive, McLean, VA. Solo show of seven oil paintings celebrating coffee, friends and family and food.

More October and November events are listed on my web site: www.JillBanks.com

There are a LOT!

Artfest, Studio Tour

Part of my "booth" at this weekend's artfest, debuting in my Family Room

Here's a sneak preview of some of the paintings that will be heading to Tent #3 at MPA Artfest, the outdoor juried arts festival taking place this coming Sunday, October 14, 10am-5pm in McLean Central Park (at the corner of Old Dominion Drive and Route 123 in McLean, VA).

I have had a more difficult time than ever before choosing what to bring/hang. That's at least one of the reasons why this isn't a more revealing view. This way, I can still change my mind. There's only so much space.

Painting during the Evening of Artistry last night

An Evening of Artistry
Last night I participated in a Studio Tour Exclusive Preview party, an Evening of Artistry at the Gulick Group model home in Autumn Woods (Great Falls, VA). It really was a wonderful party -- with too many potential models to paint -- the food table (which was gorgeous), a flower arrangement from Mayflowers,  a harpist, party guests. You get the picture. During a final hour of sanity, I decided to work toward finishing what seems like a gadzillion unfinished paintings instead. The result, I'm closer to finishing ... and I had a chance to talk to visitors to the event.

Register for Art Bucks
For the Great Falls Studio Tour, coming up October 20 & 21, Great Falls Studios is raffling off forty $50 Art Bucks -- a total of a $2000 giveaway -- of money to spend on art over the weekend. Good odds. Great art. Go to www.GreatFallsStudios.com to register before October 18.

Web: www.jillbanks.com
Blog: jillbanks.blogspot.com
100 Faces in 100 Days Project
Email
Phone: 703.403.7435

Events and Exhibits

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 

October 2 through November 30, Greenberry's Coffee & Tea, 6839 Redmond Drive, McLean, VA. Solo show of seven oil paintings celebrating coffee, friends and family and food.

More October and November events are listed on my web site: www.JillBanks.com

There are a LOT!

"White Glads" and a Drawing from Today's Class

"White Glads," oil, 24"h x 18"w, ©Jill Banks 2012

"White Glads" -- a painting started while I was in residence at the Torpedo Factory in August is officially finished. I'm very happy with it. Never thought I'd get there. It's got a bit of time to dry before hanging out with me under tent #3 at McLean Artfest this coming Sunday, October 14, 10 am- 5pm in McLean Central Park.

I love the colors in the gladioli ... and finally pleased with the way my painting, "Elizabeth" on the table on the left is depicted. Challenging!!!


Portrait Class Today
It was a small class -- and Jamie, the intern from Germany, was our model. She was wonderful. If I ever get a chance (doubtful), I'd show you the quick warm-up sketches created from some of her fun poses this morning.

Instead, you get to see a little more developed sketch from the long pose she'll repeat for two more classes.

"Jamie," charcoal.

Some of my class wanted to try their hands at drawing in charcoal -- as a change from capturing the portrait in oil. Each time I change media, it's amazing to me how big an adjustment it is. Working in vine charcoal, your hand is so close to the surface -- versus that foot or so away the paintbrush lends.

I hope to see you at Artfest this coming Sunday (October 14, 2012).

Web: www.jillbanks.com
Blog: jillbanks.blogspot.com
100 Faces in 100 Days Project
Email
Phone: 703.403.7435

Events and Exhibits

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 

October 2 through November 30, Greenberry's Coffee & Tea, 6839 Redmond Drive, McLean, VA. Solo show of seven oil paintings celebrating coffee, friends and family and food.

More October and November events are listed on my web site: www.JillBanks.com

There are a LOT!

Trio of Events

Issue #2: News from the Easel

This week is looking a little intense ... but so was today, and I've managed to handle it thus far.

Yesterday I sent out email newsletter #2 to my current web site subscriber list. If something like this didn't arrive in your mailbox yesterday, you can read it on my web site, (read past issues) ... and hopefully, you'll want to subscribe to future mailings.

The big trio for the week are:

1. Evening of Artistry: painting demo in the conservatory at a stunning Gulick Group model ... on Wednesday, October 10 in Great Falls, VA. I'll be there along with jeweler Jorge Adeler and sculptor Jan Heginbotham in a preview to the Great Falls Annual Studio Tour (coming up October 20 & 21). If you'd like to attend, email me for a special invitation.
2. Benefit Reception for the Metropolitan Museum of Art: for the Catharine Lorillard Wolfe Art Club being held at the National Arts Club,  15 Gramercy Park South, NYC on Friday, October 12, 5:30 to 8:00 pm.
3. MPA Artfest! Juried Outdoor Arts Festival, Sunday, October 14, 10am-5pm, rain or shine ... see me at Booth #3 in McLean's Central Park (corner of Route 123 and Old Dominion Drive in McLean, VA).

I hope to see you at one of these events! Should be lots of fun!

Web: www.jillbanks.com
Blog: jillbanks.blogspot.com
100 Faces in 100 Days Project
Email
Phone: 703.403.7435



Events and Exhibits

"Sunflowers II" at Greenberry's

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 

October 2 through November 30, Greenberry's Coffee & Tea, 6839 Redmond Drive, McLean, VA. Solo show of seven oil paintings celebrating coffee, friends and family and food.

More October and November events are listed on my web site: www.JillBanks.com

There are a LOT!

Paintings Up at Greenberry's!

Adrianne Pedlikin in front of "Through the Window"

Very quick post.

Randy and I just hung seven paintings at Greenberry's in McLean, VA -- a VERY popular spot with new owners, including Adrianne and Phil Pedlikin. That's Adrianne next to "Through the Window" ... shown through the Greenberry's window.

The exhibit will continue through November 30 ... stop in. Have some coffee, treats, frozen yogurt. Enjoy the patio. I'll be there to paint sometime late October or warmer days in November.

Paintings on view there: "Through the Window," "Sunflowers II," "Dining Alfresco," "Caffe Bar," "Two for Tea," "Coconut Cake" and "Corner Seat."

Web: www.jillbanks.com
Blog: jillbanks.blogspot.com
100 Faces in 100 Days Project
Email
Phone: 703.403.7435



Events and Exhibits

"Sunflowers II" at Greenberry's

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 

October 2 through November 30, Greenberry's Coffee & Tea, 6839 Redmond Drive, McLean, VA. Solo show of seven oil paintings celebrating coffee, friends and family and food.

More October and November events are listed on my web site: www.JillBanks.com

There are a LOT!

Best in Show Award and a Delivery

"Papaya and Friends," 16"h x 20"w, oil by Jill Banks: on exhibit in Reston

Today was about a bunch of things -- an explanation, perhaps, of why I'm ready to become a couch potato about now.

"Tranquility" won Best in Show, ArtReston! 2012

The fourth portrait class of the Fall session was their last day with model Sonia. I happen to love teaching and it's fun to sit on the window sill at the corner of the class seeing all of the works in progress up there on the easel -- and realizing how far each of them have come. Beginners, included. There's a leap of faith for every student that this is possible. I appreciate, too, their patience with themselves and that class time isn't about the result -- it's the learning that counts. In addition to feeling good about that, my classes are filled with people you just want to be around, regardless.

(Husband) Randy delivered two paintings for receiving for ArtReston, the regional annual open art exhibition sponsored by the League of Reston Artists, this morning. The show was juried (selection and awards) by Paula Wachsstock ... and my entry "Tranquility" won Best in Show. The exhibit runs through October 31, 2012 at the JoAnn Rose Gallery, Lake Anne Reston Community Center, 1609-A Washington Plaza, Reston, VA. My second entry, "Papaya and Friends" was also juried into the exhibit. This is my second time winning Best in Show at ArtReston.

After class today, I delivered "Classical Painting Atelier" to its new owner. That, in and of itself, is pretty great. Since this is the fifth of my paintings in her collection, I wandered around and saw four other favorites of mine hanging on the walls around the house. It's fun to visit them, and her, and to see how perfectly those pieces fit into their new home. Then, tonight received a wonderful email -- from "Classical Painting Atelier's" new owner -- about how happy she is to add it to the collection. And, I'm just as happy that that's where it will be. Pretty GREAT feeling.

Web: www.jillbanks.com
Blog: jillbanks.blogspot.com
100 Faces in 100 Days Project
Email
Phone: 703.403.7435

Events and Exhibits

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

More October and November events are listed on my web site: www.JillBanks.com

There are a LOT!