Painting with the Seasons

Frog and Parakeet painting work in progress, day four or five, oil, 36"h x 30"w, copyright Jill Banks 2013

During a busy still life class today, some took a little break to look upstairs at the Artists' Atelier "Flowers and Chocolates" show in the gallery and this still life with set-up in progress. One comment is that "You've been painting a lot of fruits and vegetables lately." That's true. I have.

"Two Kittens," 30"h x 40"w is one of three of my paintings in the "Flowers and Chocolates" show.

That's got a lot to do with trying to paint from life as much as possible. So for lack of a freakish mid-winter heat wave, still life setups (or models) in the warmth of the studio fill these days.  The fruits and veggies, unless they are in a market, will likewise be on hiatus in the Summer.

Please join the Atelier artists this weekend for the reception of the "Flowers and Chocolates" exhibit on Saturday, February 9, noon to 4pm (with chocolate tastings while they last, still life setups to try your hand at drawing or painting -- but bring your own supplies of choice, some demos and fun). 1144 Walker Road, Suite G, Great Falls, VA 22066. See the events page on my web site for more info.

Or come Sunday, February 10, noon to 4pm with a special presentation by Laurie Bell from 1-3pm featuring tea and chocolate pairings. Please call Terri Parent at 703-433-5358 to
reserve a spot for the Sunday tea seminar event. Tickets are $30 per person. I will be there both days. I hope you can stop by!

P.S. The book in my current still life in progress is Ross King's "The Judgment of Paris." I love including books as they are one way to introduce typography and theme/topic to a painting. And, most of my books are art-related. (I'm sure that's a surprise.) But, it does mean that they generally have some interesting paintings or images on the front. Better painting subjects.


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

Events and Exhibits

February 1 - February 28: "Flowers and Chocolate" Exhibit at the Artists'Atelier Gallery, 1144 Walker Road, Suite G, Great Falls, VA. Open hours: Wednesdays and Saturdays, noon - 4pm.  Receptions: Saturday and Sunday, February 9 & 10, noon - 4pm.