"La Chien de Grange": Painting of Giverny Farm Dog in Progress

"La Chien de Grange" work in progress, oil on linen, 30"h x 40"w, ©Jill Banks 2013. Painting of Rough Collie at Giverny.

Since walking down the streets of Giverny, France: home to Claude Monet's studio and gardens, I've been aching to paint the dog we saw there keeping an eye over her flock.

"La Chien de Grange" will be resting until we return from a quick trip to Tennessee for the Women Painters of the Southeast Juried Exhibition that opens this weekend at the Imagine Gallery.

Often I find myself wanting to be a bunch of different places at one time.  I'd love to just keep painting this beautiful dog. And, I'm really looking forward to this trip.  Today I took a look at a video of Imagine Gallery -- and now can't wait to see it in person.  The gallery sits on a mezzanine above The Factory, a spot that -- from what I gather  -- houses studios for three resident artists and teaching spaces.  Take a look at the video if you get a chance. What you'll find: beautiful art, inspiring artists, gorgeous space. My "Sunflowers in the Studio II" will be in good company. There's a reception both Friday and Saturday nights, plus I'll have a chance to take in a demo by Lori Putnam and paint from a model Saturday afternoon. Sounds like fun!

"La Chien de Grange" -- once finished -- will probably join the flock of hens and roosters she looked over in the group show of animal art coming up in September at Herndon ArtSpace.

My guess at the breed of the painting's subject is a Rough Collie.  She was perched a little distance away from me in the "window" of a stone barn -- but from my spot she looked Collie-sized (vs. Sheltie). Anyone know?

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

Events
Women Painters of the Southeast Juried Members Exhibit and Sale
Imagine Gallery, 230 Franklin Road, Franklin, TN 37064
"Sunflowers in the Studio II" juried into the exhibit that runs April 19 to May 20.
Receptions: Friday and Saturday, April 19 and 20, 6:00pm to 8:30pm.

"Windows and Doors" Exhibit: the Artists' Atelier Gallery, 1144 Walker Road, Suite G, Great Falls, VA. Open Wednesdays and Saturdays, noon to 4pm through April 30. On view in the gallery: "Red Church Doors," "Spanish Steps" and "Pie in the Sky Pizzeria."