"Toad and Tulips?" Almost Done

"Toad and Tulips" almost done, oil, 36"h x 30"w, copyright Jill Banks 2013

After portrait class today, and lunch, I returned to the still life set up (and deteriorating rapidly) in the Artists' Atelier. The tulips that started floppy, closed, yellow on Saturday -- turned stick-straight upright on Sunday (still yellow) and today, they are miles longer, floppy again and this gorgeous red-orange. Who could pass that up? There's very little left to do on this one. It teeters between work and progress and done. So, I'm happy with it.

Teaching classes is always rewarding, but (maybe) even more so this term. I feel so grateful that art is in my life. I remember the excitement of discovering this whole new world when first taking classes. With many new students this Winter, I get to chance to share in their fun, challenges and "aha" moments. That's pretty wonderful. Today, Christine -- whose always exuberant was even more so -- stunned at her first painted portrait. It's great, and it earned a hug. Read her blog, titled "Giddy" about today's class, her perspective.

Next week's pretty daunting.  I'm giving a talk and demo for the League of Reston Artists on Monday about my "100 Faces in 100 Days" project. Teach class on Tuesday (Still Life) and Wednesday (Portrait -- starting the sculpture segment) and then give another shorter talk on Wednesday night to the Prince William Art Society.  That's a lot of full steam ahead.

Happy Valentine's Day!!!

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.

Monday, February 19, 7-9pm, Guest Speaker & Demonstrator, League of Reston Artists, "100 Faces in 100 Days" Project, General business meeting: 7:00 to 7:30pm, Demo/Talk, 7:30-9:00pm, 10780 Parkridge Blvd., (room to be announced -- check back here), Reston, VA