Close Encounters of the Gypsy Kind: Paris Day #6

Each time we've entered a museum here in Paris, there are signs going in to Beware of Pickpockets.  That became up close and personal on the Metro this morning ... on our way to Le Petit Palais museum.  Into the Metro went our group, and right as the doors were closing ... in shoved, with gusto two young girls, soon to be swarmed with more -- way too close to all of us to be warranted.  I've been carrying around a satchel full only of art supplies. They pulled a bag of those from mine and then pointed to my dropped objects.  Meanwhile, Randy felt something strange ... reached into his pocket only to find another hand and his wallet halfway out.  Nothing was lost. (Or so we thought.) The girls ran when the doors opened seconds later.  Randy and I didn't lose anything -- but another in our group had mega dollars and euros stolen from that same troop of girls. 

"Le Nouveau-Ne," oil on cavas, Andre Gill 1881

By about lunchtime here I'm having difficulty just remembering what we did that day.  Pretty bad, right? Today, we toured the museum at Le Petit Palais which might just have been the highlight of our trip for me so far.  What a wonderful place ... and a quiet, uncrowded spot to enjoy the art, gardens and architecture.  The artwork on permanent exhibit includes some extraordinary pieces including, tied for my favorite: Le Nouveau-Ne (1881) by Andre Gill (Paris, 1840 to Paris, 1885).

That painting was tied for favorite with Portrait de Leon Ohnet (1841) by Thomas Couture (Senlis, 1815 -- Villiers-le-Bel (Val-d'Oise), 1879).  This was just ridiculously well painted and the subject, stunning.

Thomas Couture's Portrait de Leon Ohnet (1841)

But best of all for me was the temporary exhibit at the museum of Felix Ziem's (Beaune, 1821 - Paris, 1911) work.  I'd never heard of him -- as is the case with many of the artists whose work we're seeing.  A son of a Polish tailor who migrated to France, Felix took up architecture studies at the Ecole des Beaux-arts in Dijon but soon had a change of heart, beginning painting in the 1840s when in fell in love with the Mediterranean and later, Paris.  The exhibit was filled with his sketchbooks rife with ink washes of familiar scenes in Venice as well as small plein air sketches and larger studio paintings. This so made me want to get out there -- everywhere -- to paint.  Those little sketches were mainly unframed, tilted in glass display cases alongside those sketchbooks.  I

One of Felix Ziem's oils shown above. Crédit : Crédit : © ZIEM Petit Palais / Roger-Viollet

wonder if Randy would want to build some of those for me?   Somehow those displays made each of those works shine like the gems they are. 

"Eiffel Tower from Montparnasse," sketch & wash pencils, Jill Banks 2013

After visiting Le Petit Palais, we went to Orangerie Museum. Not as exciting for me or our group. But right outside those doors were the Tuileries Gardens. Walking around there felt like walking through time.  Don't know why ... but it was romantic and wonderful.

The trouble with Paris is knowing when you're enjoying yourself most.

We headed next to Montparnasse for a tour to take place later in the afternoon outside of famous artist studios (like John Singer Sargent, Whistler, William Bougereau, Paul Cezanne, Gerome, Lauren. But, before that we had drinks on the top floor of an office building in Montparnasse that at the 56th floor is the the second highest spot in Paris.  The Eiffel Tower and the parts of the city yet to be seen were laid before us ... in the mist.  Reminded me of the time my Dad took me to the top of the John Hancock Building in Chicago to celebrate my birthday. Lots of planning and expense to sit among the clouds. Except this time we could see and that mist and those clouds made the city all that more magical.

Tonight is a special dinner. Tomorrow's Easter ... maybe to be celebrated at Notre Dame.

Happy Easter.

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

Events and Exhibits
LAST DAY For Voting: Easter Sunday, March 31: "Rainy Day in NYC" was chosen as one of 15 finalists in the "You Be the Judge" Online Art Contest #3.  You can vote for it: #13 at: http://www.brianneher.com/you_be_the_judge_art_contest_2013_voting_page.aspx to cast your vote ... until March 31, 11:59pm EST. It's easy and free. Enough votes cast and it will be part of the Grand Prize round eligible for over $10,000 in prizes. Judging closes SOON -- vote now!

Don't miss out. Sign up now for Spring Classes that start April 9 (Still Life in Oils -- but you can work on your own projects from reference materials in this class as well, Tuesdays, 9:30am-1:30pm, $375) and April 10 (Painting the Landscape, Wednesdays, 9:30am-1:30pm, $375 -- full of plein air adventures) offered through the Great Falls School of Art, Great Falls, VA.  Go to my web site: www.JillBanks.com, click on Classes for supply list and registration info.  You need to be pre-registered for classes -- especially for landscape -- to know where each class will be held. Class size is limited.  I hope you can join us!

More events and exhibit info available through my web site. 

Paris Day 5: Painting in the Park

"Fountain at Place Des Vosges" plein air study, oil, 12"h x 16"w, copyright Jill Banks 2013

The sun shined today ... but it is still REALLY cold.  Despite that, and not believing it will get any better, this afternoon we (Randy and I) headed over to Place Des Vosges, a place where many famous artists have lived -- including Victor Hugo. The neighborhood leading to this spot is beautiful, with fun, interesting, elegant shops (like a silver store, clothing boutiques, great shoes, flower shops, produce grocers) lining our path.  The park was filled with kids and families playing everywhere.

I had to call it quits due to frozen fingers and fading light.  But, hey, at least I made it out there.  The park was a nice spot, too, because it felt less conspicuous. The afternoons here -- the time I'm more free to paint or do something on my own -- are the most crowded times on the streets where I might choose to set up. That just feels a little too crazy to me at the moment.

This morning we were at the Louvre ... admiring the Italian Masters including da Vinci, Veronese, Tintoretto and Titian.  We caught glimpses of the Mona Lisa from the back of the crowd.  We may return at night to have a chance to see it without quite as much competition.

It's off to a late dinner -- by U.S., not Paris standards. Matter of fact, next time I'm eating on a nutty schedule (regularly), I'll just say I'm on Paris Time.

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

Events and Exhibits
"Rainy Day in NYC" was chosen as one of 15 finalists in the "You Be the Judge" Online Art Contest #3.  You can vote for it: #13 at: http://www.brianneher.com/you_be_the_judge_art_contest_2013_voting_page.aspx to cast your vote ... until March 31, 11:59pm EST. It's easy and free. Enough votes cast and it will be part of the Grand Prize round eligible for over $10,000 in prizes. Judging closes SOON -- vote now!

Don't miss out. Sign up now for Spring Classes that start April 9 (Still Life in Oils -- but you can work on your own projects from reference materials in this class as well, Tuesdays, 9:30am-1:30pm, $375) and April 10 (Painting the Landscape, Wednesdays, 9:30am-1:30pm, $375 -- full of plein air adventures) offered through the Great Falls School of Art, Great Falls, VA.  Go to my web site: www.JillBanks.com, click on Classes for supply list and registration info.  You need to be pre-registered for classes -- especially for landscape -- to know where each class will be held. Class size is limited.  I hope you can join us!

More events and exhibit info available through my web site.   

Paris: Day 3

"Paris Cafe Conversation," graphite & ink, copyright Jill Banks 2013

It doesn't seem like it could be our third day in Paris ... but it is.  The city is enchanted, but we have just scratched the surface. Day one we arrived, bedraggled and tired, but were treated to a private tour of the Sorbonne. Saw the auditiorium where statues of the greats slyly looked at students to keep them in line. That same spot is where Nobel Prizes have been announced and awarded.  Pretty cool.  Our very dapper guide must have thought we were a sorry lot, though. I sketched a little that afternoon, in a park behind Notre Dame ... a place I'd love to paint.  The benches were full of couples, friends, family on a base of white sand. The trees were so pretty.

Actually, every spot around me is what I'd like to paint.  I love life carved out everywhere in the city.  There are endless fashionable people and fascinating faces. Sculpture is all around. Buildings are spectacularly ornate.  Shops are pretty.

It's cold out.  So far there haven't been any temperatures out of the 40s.  Not particularly plein air friendly weather.

Day two was spent at the Musee D'Orsay -- a museum that was once a train station. The space was glorious, especially the backlit, monster-sized clock that filled one end of the space to be seen again and again as we toured the museum.  We're on an art historical trip led by Robert Liberace ... and our D'Orsay tour focused on the factional duel between the Ecole des Belle Artes crowd (whose sweetheart was Ingres) and the more energetic/pre-Impressionistic style of Delacroix (and Manet).

Hope I have that right.

Close-Up of Ingres' graphite drawing of Madame Bertrand

Today -- easier to remember since it was just hours away -- was fantastic! We had a private appointment in the Louvre's Print and Drawing Room, where Rob had selected drawings for us to see. This is a ridiculous treat.  We started with four Ingres graphite drawings: a self-portrait, portrait study of Messieur Bertrand, study of Madame Bertrand and portrait of violinist Niccolo Paganini. Rob's favorite of that group was Paganini. I loved Madame Bertrand. She's not pretty -- but what a drawing!!! They were followed by three Rembrandt's: a red and black chalk drawing of a woman, a self portrait (of course), and a drawing of a lion. Then two Ghirlandaio drawings (early Renaissance) including a stunning portrait on a vibrant reddish background.

Next up were two  Jacopo Pontormo (Florence, 1494 - 1557) drawings. Pontormo is a favorite of Rob's -- who is inspired  by the artist's pentimenti (mistakes -- though glorious) lines that show his first guesses to hone in on his drawing.  Those extra first lines lend an aura of movement to the figure.

And, then we were treated to Rubens drawings -- the first great colorist and master of three-color chalk. His women weren't concerned about diets or personal trainers. To say the least.

Fortuny's architectural drawing, my photo distorts it a little.

Last up was Fortuny with a watercolor copy of a Van Dyck painting, a tiny watercolor study of poppies, an academic nude drawing and then an architectural drawing/watercolor that could seemed taken right off of one of these Paris streets.  That was most inspiring to me. It's what I'll be seeking these days here.

My drawing "Paris Cafe Conversation" was drawn today at lunch in a spot close to the Louvre and the afternoon's tour of the Ecole des Beaux-Arts.  Randy and I have managed to pick two very locally-populated spots (last night's dinner and today's lunch). Both meals were great but mainly I loved being crammed in there with the regulars.  It sure afforded a good view of close tablemates.

There were a lot more adventures in the day ... but no more time to share them.

Tomorrow holds a visit to Versailles.

And probably some quiche or chocolate mousse.

Events and Exhibits
"Rainy Day in NYC" was chosen as one of 15 finalists in the "You Be the Judge" Online Art Contest #3.  You can vote for it: #13 at: http://www.brianneher.com/you_be_the_judge_art_contest_2013_voting_page.aspx to cast your vote ... until March 31, 11:59pm EST. It's easy and free. Enough votes cast and it will be part of the Grand Prize round eligible for over $10,000 in prizes.

Don't miss out. Sign up now for Spring Classes that start April 9 (Still Life in Oils -- but you can work on your own projects from reference materials in this class as well, Tuesdays, 9:30am-1:30pm, $375) and April 10 (Painting the Landscape, Wednesdays, 9:30am-1:30pm, $375 -- full of plein air adventures) offered through the Great Falls School of Art, Great Falls, VA.  Go to my web site: www.JillBanks.com, click on Classes for supply list and registration info.  You need to be pre-registered for classes -- especially for landscape -- to know where each class will be held. Class size is limited.  I hope you can join us!

More events and exhibit info available through my web site.   

A Tribute

"Granddaddy" portrait of my father-in-law, Drate Banks

As I've said before, sometimes life as an artist is ... just life.

On Friday morning, March 22, my father-in-law, Drate H. Banks, passed away.  Drate was all about family -- and I'm lucky enough to be a part of his.  I remember hearing -- that people often commented that they wanted to come back as one of Drate's boys.  The same could be said about being one of his daughter-in-laws, or grandkids, or wife, or friend.  He always made it clear how much you meant to him -- and just lit up with family around.

Strange point, but I remember going with Randy and his Mom and Dad's to Captain Pell's Crab Shack in Fairfax -- to order, what else -- but crabs. Randy's dad spent the whole meal picking out the crabmeat for me to eat. That was pretty darn nice and a sure sign of kind gestures to come.

He was also there in the cheering section for our kids' sports events, endless rounds of golf for Sam, bowling tournaments for Sam and Sarah, Sarah's softball games, t-ball.

My sister-in-law Cindy mentioned something on Friday -- that in all the years she'd known Drate -- he had never chosen sides (between her husband Vardaman and her.) That's remarkable -- and true, too, with Randy and me.  The add-ons (like Cindy, me, grandkid spouses and friends) didn't have to be born into the family to be part of it -- he welcomed all of us with welcome arms.

Randy's Dad has been a huge part of our lives -- but even more so in the three years since his Mom passed away.  Randy and his Dad have been lunch buddies many times a week for years. Once, I think, Drate indicated he felt guilty to take up so much of Randy's time.  Randy's response was -- what would he (Drate) have given to have those chances to spend that time with his father.  Like father, like son. Both treasure the same important things in life.

We will miss his wonderful company and nature ... but he left us with plenty of wonderful memories to cherish.  I also know that he's content with a life lived beautifully and sharing the rest of eternity with his wife, Mary Blake. 


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

Events and Exhibits


"Rainy Day in NYC" was chosen as one of 15 finalists in the "You Be the Judge" Online Art Contest #3.  You can vote for it: #13 at: http://www.brianneher.com/you_be_the_judge_art_contest_2013_voting_page.aspx to cast your vote ... until March 31, 11:59pm EST. It's easy and free. Enough votes cast and it will be part of the Grand Prize round eligible for over $10,000 in prizes.

Don't miss out. Sign up now for Spring Classes that start April 9 (Still Life in Oils -- but you can work on your own projects from reference materials in this class as well, Tuesdays, 9:30am-1:30pm, $375) and April 10 (Painting the Landscape, Wednesdays, 9:30am-1:30pm, $375 -- full of plein air adventures) offered through the Great Falls School of Art, Great Falls, VA.  Go to my web site: www.JillBanks.com, click on Classes for supply list and registration info.  You need to be pre-registered for classes -- especially for landscape -- to know where each class will be held. Class size is limited.  I hope you can join us!

More events and exhibit info available through my web site.   

You Be the Judge Art Contest

"Rainy Day in NYC," oil, 18"h x 24"w by Jill Banks, private collection

Good news! Here I am drinking coffee out of my lucky cup (made by accomplished potter) Karen Abromaitis, and in comes an email from Brian Neher, portraitist and author of the You Be the Judge Art Contest ...that "Rainy Day in NYC" is one of fifteen works selected for Contest #3.  Each contest runs for two weeks of voting (this one ends 3/31/13, 11:59 EST). The top three vote winners move on to a Grand Prize round.

Voting is really easy. Go to: http://www.brianneher.com/you_be_the_judge_art_contest_2013_voting_page.aspx to cast your vote ... over the next two weeks.

Thank you!

"Rainy Day in NYC" previously won a Best in Show at the Art League's 'Scapes show and a Certificate of Merit in Oils in the Salmagundi Club's Non-Member Annual Painting and Sculpture Exhibition.

I'm painting today -- trying out some limited palette options in preparation for some on location plein air painting and a new landscape class that I'm offering starting April 10.  Registration is going on now for it and my Still Life in Oils class offered through the Great Falls School of Art (Great Falls, VA).  See more info on my web site: www.jillbanks.com, Classes page.

To see other classes being offered, go to the Great Falls School of Art site: http://www.greatfallsart.org/current-class-offerings/

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


See my web site for Events & Exhibits: www.JillBanks.com.

Spring Painting Classes: Sign Up Now

"Garden Girl," oil, 42"h x 36"w, copyright Jill Banks 2012

Pop In & Paint This Friday
First, I'm the "substitute" monitor for Pop In & Paint this coming Friday, March 15, 4-7pm at the Great Falls School of Art, 1144 Walker Road, Suite D, Great Falls, VA.  Come with your supplies and reference material to start something new or enjoy the camraderie of other like-minded folks working on ongoing projects.  The cost is $25 for the three-hour session to be paid by check made out to Great Falls Foundation for the Arts.  RSVP to me at jillbanks1 @ aol.com if you're interested in attending. I hope you can! Students from my portrait class who worked in clay -- can come play with it.

Spring Still Life and Landscape Classes

"Morning at Starbucks," oil, 20"h x 16"w, ©Jill Banks 2011, private collection

Second, you can register now for Spring classes.  I'm teaching Painting the Still Life in Oils on Tuesdays, 9:30am to 1:30pm, for eight sessions from April 9 to May 28. Plus, I'm offering a new class on Wednesdays, Painting the Landscape, 9:30am to 1:30 for eight sessions from April 10 to May 29. For that class, we'll be mainly painting in plein air (you'll need your own portable easels), in different farms and towns in the near vicinity.  Registrants will be emailed the week's location.  (Hint: you have to register.)

My Painting the Landscape includes painting the animals, architecture, people, cars, etc. of the more populated areas versus trees, streams, mountains.  Tackling painting outside adds to the challenge but sure makes for more exciting (and less perfect) end results.  Class will be held indoors in the case of inclement weather.

"Cars and Coffee,"  of the Great Falls Village Centre hints at one of our potential locations

I paint in oils. If you use a different medium, understand that the areas I am able to help include drawing, composition, color, edges, value ... but not with medium-specific advice. 

A prerequisite for the class is bringing along a sense of humor. And, be ready for an adventure.

If you're really a beginner, I recommend taking my Still Life class first.

Go to my web site: www.JillBanks.com, Classes page for more info about each course and how to register.  Then, register online. It's going to be a fun Spring. Come join us!

"Cut Sunflowers," 20"h x 16"w, ©Jill Banks 2011, private collection

To see other classes being offered, go to the Great Falls School of Art site: http://www.greatfallsart.org/current-class-offerings/

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


See my web site for Events & Exhibits: www.JillBanks.com.

Painting the Forest Goddess

"Artemis," oil, 11"h x 14"w, ©Jill Banks 2013

After painting at the Atelier during open hours, I headed off ... a little reluctantly to the Open Life Long Pose session held at the McLean Community Center (McLean, VA). Reluctantly -- because I wasn't very far along on what was being worked on this afternoon.

Open Life was terrific. I walked in just as the pose and set-up were ready. It was quite a scene ... and I started with this portrait ... finishing it about halfway through so I could capture the whole set-up in a second painting.  That you'll see in tomorrow's post.

Artemis is the Greek goddess of the forest ... and I imagine that's who sat for us today.

Cupcake as Subject

"Artsy Cupcake," oil, 6"h x 6"w, ©Jill Banks 2013

The giveaway at Thursday's fundraiser for the Great Falls Foundation of the Arts were cupcakes with a palette of "paint" on top.  Before I could test mine, it had to pose on my easel.  The cupcakes were from Georgetown Cupcake ... cute and tasty.

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


See my web site for Events & Exhibits: www.JillBanks.com.

Cute as Bunnies

"Bunnies," oil on Raymar (linen-lined) panel, 12"h x 12"w, ©Jill Banks 2013

Quick post ... since Randy and I are hopping off (pun intended) to a fundraiser for the Great Falls Foundation for the Arts.  I may come back to add some text about this pair of rabbits from Kidwell Farm in Herndon, VA.  So check back ... around 10pm or so.

Can you tell that Easter is just around the corner?

Go to my web site: www.jillbanks.com and go to the Animals collection under Works to see more of my Feathered and Furry Friends Series.

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


See my web site for Events & Exhibits: www.JillBanks.com.

Snow Day

"Snow Garden," oil, 16"h x 12"w, © Jill Banks 2013

I did declare a snow day for what was going to be the last day of portrait class for the term ... and then wanted to take advantage of being surrounded in it. In paint. Since I'm not ready to stand outside in 30° weather, I picked a view out the window.  So, sort of plein air.

"Snow Garden" was painted through the laundry room window of our backyard garden. Our neighbors in the back are close ... and this was being finished up near nightfall when their lights add warmth to the scene.

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


See my web site for Events & Exhibits: www.JillBanks.com.

Class, Kidwell Farm, Randy's Head

Sculpture of Randy's head ... in progress. He could use some shoulders.

Well, this will be a wildly varied post ... because it was a wildly varied day.

It was the last day of my Still Life class for the Winter session ... and I will be putting up a post about that hopefully tomorrow.  I'm as proud as can be of my class.  They all made HUGE strides and some great paintings made it out the door this afternoon. I did forget my camera (bad time to do so) -- but took some pics on my iPhone to be put up next post. Wait 'til you see their paintings!

Out on the Farm
After class and a nice lunch, I headed for one hour (actually less) of painting at Kidwell Farm before it closed.  Tomorrow we're supposed to have snow, but you couldn't tell it from the nice weather we had this afternoon. I needed to take advantage of it.  Today's subject were the bunnies -- two of which were taking a very short nap when I set up my easel.  One of them, though, decided to go into its house -- out of view -- about five minutes into my painting time.

The first day of the sculpture section of Portrait class.

The farm is sort of in hibernation mode. Fences are being rebuilt and that means most of the animals were out in more distant pastures. My candidates for today's subjects included first a pig, then sheep, then some cows. I passed a man and his dog who were heading happily to the bunnies -- the dog's favorites on the farm.  The dog made the decision for me.

Easel set up at Kidwell Farm (part of Frying Pan Park, Herndon, VA)

Playing with Clay
Tonight, in hopes of preparing for the last day of portrait class tomorrow, I returned to the long-time-in-progress clay sculpture of husband Randy's head. It looks like him -- at least from the front views -- although his ears and the back of his head still need work.  (And this is a miniaturized version.)  He looks kind ... like he is. While working in clay has sometimes been a frustrating process, I've finally gotten to the point that it's now fun -- and feels good.  I will do more ... and 60 lbs. of clay awaits.

The sculpture part of the portrait class presented new challenges and discoveries ... and fun.  There was a different type of intensity in the classroom.

In the Show at the Art League
Lastly, my painting "Traffic Patterns" was accepted into the March All-Media Membership Exhibit at the Art League (105 N. Union St., Alexandria, VA). You can see it and "Radishes" in the gallery throughout the month.

"Traffic Patterns," oil, 30"h x 24"w, copyright Jill Banks 2013

That's a wrap.

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

"Radishes," oil, 10"h x 8"w, copyright Jill Banks 2011

See my web site for Events & Exhibits: www.JillBanks.com.

"Toad and Tulips" Finished

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

This one ("Toad and Tulips") took awhile ... but I guess it looks like it would. The tulips have long ago been tossed (what was left of them) and the plants have grown, faded some, moved.  So, it was time to wrap it up. The book -- "The Judgment of Paris" by Ross King -- shown tucked in behind and between the parakeet and container of tulips, was my main "job" for the day.  Now the setup will be taken down and I can start reading the book.  It's been funny painting it -- wondering about the story inside. I'll be adding this image to my web site (www.JillBanks.com) ... but you can take a look at more still life paintings in that collection by clicking on "Works."

The photo's not great. I keep taking them quickly. No tripod. Not the best lighting. To be fixed, sometime soon.

Opportunities Knocking
While nothing is definite, my speaking engagements from two weeks' ago (to the League of Reston Artists and the Prince William Art Society) have spurred offers for workshops and exhibits. (Plus elicited lots of really nice comments.) I thoroughly enjoy giving talks (/teaching). Each one is a chance to share a natural abundance of enthusiasm (a gift from my Mom and Dad) and hopefully inspire others.

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