Back to "Cowgirls Up!" and Catharine Lorillard Wolfe Art Club

"Cowgirls Up!" work in progress day 3, oil, 30"h x 40"w,©Jill Banks 2013

Yesterday (Tuesday) it was back to work on "Cowgirls Up!" ... at least for a little bit. There have been major changes made to it from day one, needed it seems. The photo is lousy. Taken at night, no tripod, etc. I'll take more care when closer to the end result.

"Cowgirls Up!" work in progress day 4, oil, 30"h x 40"w,©Jill Banks 2013

 

 

And here it is on day 4, Wednesday, July 31. I painted all day in the now well air-conditioned Artists' Atelier. It's been awhile since I've worked there -- with travels, a broken air conditioner, hanging the show, portrait deliveries, etc. It was very nice to be back! Hopefully my studiomates will stop addressing me as a "stranger."

To the National Arts Club

"Seat By the Window: Montmartre," oil, 24"h x 36"w, ©Jill Banks 2013

"Seat By the Window: Montmartre," the painting done of husband Randy's and my favorite lunch during our March-April trip to France has been juried into the 117th Annual Catharine Lorilllard Wolfe Art Club's Open Exhibition being held at the National Arts Club, 15 Gramercy Park South, NYC, October 1 through October 25. Go to my Events page about the show for more info, view that show online. I was one of five jurors selecting 2D work, a privilege and new experience.

RSVP now for the August 10 painting demonstration -- when I'll be painting two ballerinas from the School of Theatrical Dance in Great Falls.  Get more info: click on Serendipity: Info about the Exhibit below. I've received a lot of yeses. Space is limited. Thanks!

Paris Reunion Dinner. See the macarons?

Paris Reunion
This past Saturday, Randy and I attended the Paris Reunion Dinner (for the art historical trip taken in March led by Rob Liberace) at Marie and Curtis' (fellow travelers) beautiful home. Everyone outdid themselves to put together a spectacular dinner made even better with great company and shared memories.  I brought large quantities of homemade French macarons. Since making them for my "Serendipity" reception in July, it wasn't until my eighth batch -- four done for the reception and four batches for Saturday's dessert -- that they resembled macarons on the outside. (They've tasted great the whole time.) I kept tweaking and testing different solutions -- much like I do with challenging paintings. 

Great Falls Farmer's Market
I'll be setting up artwork under a tent for this coming Saturday's (August 3) Farmer's Market in the lot at the Village Centre across from Safeway on Walker Road (Great Falls, VA). I don't know what you'll see displayed yet -- but the Market is right around the corner from the Great Falls Library where "Serendipity" is on display -- so swing by both if you can.  Hours: 9:00am-1:00pm for the Market. See you there?

Web: www.jillbanks.com
Blog: jillbanks.blogspot.com
Serendipity Exhibit Online
Serendipity: Info about the Exhibit, Location, Hours, Statement
100 Faces in 100 Days Project
Email
Phone: 703.403.7435

Events
Serendipity
Solo show at the Great Falls Library, 9830 Georgetown Pike, Great Falls, VA. July 1 through August 31. Over 20 original oils. Painting Demonstration (Painting ballerinas!!!): Saturday, August 10, 1-4pm. RSVP -- yeses only -- to the painting demonstration through my web site.
 

Solo Show at Greenberry's Coffee & Tea

6839 Redmond Drive, McLean, VA 22101
(703) 821-9501
Exhibit of six paintings including "Two Kittens," "Traffic Patterns," "Primary Colors," "Spanish Steps," "Second & Pine Streets," and "Sunlight, Sunflowers and Orange." Through August 15.

All-Media Membership Exhibit
The Art League Gallery, 105 N. Union Street, Alexandria, VA. "Artemis" won an Honorable Mention from juror Jerry Coulter. Also on view is "Peony and Rose" through August 5.

Painting at the Town Center: "Uncle Julio's and Mighty Fine"

"Uncle Julio's and Mighty Fine" work in progress, oil, 12"h x 16"w, ©Jill Banks 2013

The afternoon was spent on a shady spot on the sidewalk of the Reston Town Center (Reston, VA) painting Uncle Julio's and the Jackson's sign and corner.  Lots of company ... even though this is a little quieter block than the rest of the area.  I guess not everyone agreed. Beautiful day.

Two of my previous Reston Town Center plein air paintings are part of my "Serendipity" solo show at the Great Falls Library, 9830 Georgetown Pike, Great Falls, VA.  See them in Great Falls (during normal library hours) or online on my web site.

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

Events
Serendipity
Solo show at the Great Falls Library, 9830 Georgetown Pike, Great Falls, VA. July 1 through August 31. Over 20 original oils. Painting Demonstration (Painting ballerinas!!!): Saturday, August 10, 1-4pm. RSVP -- yeses only -- to the painting demonstration through my web site.
 

Solo Show at Greenberry's Coffee & Tea

6839 Redmond Drive, McLean, VA 22101
(703) 821-9501
Exhibit of six paintings including "Two Kittens," "Traffic Patterns," "Primary Colors," "Spanish Steps," "Second & Pine Streets," and "Sunlight, Sunflowers and Orange." Through August 15.

All-Media Membership Exhibit
The Art League Gallery, 105 N. Union Street, Alexandria, VA. "Artemis" won an Honorable Mention from juror Jerry Coulter. Also on view is "Peony and Rose" through August 5.

Horses and Cowgirls

"Cowgirls Up" work in progress, 30"h x 40"w, oil, ©Jill Banks 2013

Having spent almost a week around the 4th in Colorado -- Estes Park and Denver -- for a family reunion, Western themes and horses have been on my mind. Further inspiration is having enough work for the "Menagerie" five-person show of animal art coming up in September at ArtSpace Herndon. Especially in light of the recent purchase of "Grass Lunch" and "Horsepower" from my "Serendipity" solo show.

So, I had to tough it out and paint horses. (Just kidding. I love this subject.)

"Cowgirls Up" subjects were spotted on a scoping-out-sites mission for my Plein Air painting class. I went to Kidwell Farm/Frying Pan Park -- a favorite place in Herndon, VA. In and around the Equestrian Center were trailers, horses and riders. The warm-up rings were full. I didn't know it then -- but these pairs were getting ready for a barrel race in the indoor arena. Not for the faint of heart.  Real cowgirls in Virginia.

This is a large canvas with plenty left to do -- happily. It's been fun. More to do means more fun to come.

There is going to be a 4-H Fair at Frying Pan Park on August 2, 3, and 4.  I'm hoping to go out with my easel -- if possible -- and capture some more of the action in paint.


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

Events
Serendipity
Solo show at the Great Falls Library, 9830 Georgetown Pike, Great Falls, VA. July 1 through August 31. Over 20 original oils. Painting Demonstration (Painting ballerinas!!!): Saturday, August 10, 1-4pm. RSVP -- yeses only -- to the painting demonstration through my web site.
 

Solo Show at Greenberry's Coffee & Tea

6839 Redmond Drive, McLean, VA 22101
(703) 821-9501
Exhibit of six paintings including "Two Kittens," "Traffic Patterns," "Primary Colors," "Spanish Steps," "Second & Pine Streets," and "Sunlight, Sunflowers and Orange." Through June 30.

All-Media Membership Exhibit
The Art League Gallery, 105 N. Union Street, Alexandria, VA. "Artemis" won an Honorable Mention from juror Jerry Coulter. Also on view is "Peony and Rose" through August 5.

Portrait "Unveiling" Today

Very happy with the portrait.

Yea!

Nerves get a bit rattled when portrait subjects meet the painting of them for the first time. When a painting is at the point that I'm willing to declare it done, it's been pretty well pondered/self-critiqued/perfected. Still, today was a joy.

I leaned it up on the mantle of our family room ... which is in clear view the moment you step into the front door. Bob and Lizzie loved it from back there. It wasn't a think about it response ... just a clear resounding great.

Yea, again.

We'll meet at the framer's shortly and soon it will be hanging .... delivered and hung by Randy and me ... in their home.

Their painting is one of a small number of commissions I do per year.  Find out more on my web site ... click on commissions.

Cool beans.

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

Events
Serendipity
Solo show at the Great Falls Library, 9830 Georgetown Pike, Great Falls, VA. July 1 through August 31. Over 20 original oils. Painting Demonstration (Painting ballerinas!!!): Saturday, August 10, 1-4pm. RSVP -- yeses only -- to the painting demonstration through my web site.
 

Solo Show at Greenberry's Coffee & Tea

6839 Redmond Drive, McLean, VA 22101
(703) 821-9501
Exhibit of six paintings including "Two Kittens," "Traffic Patterns," "Primary Colors," "Spanish Steps," "Second & Pine Streets," and "Sunlight, Sunflowers and Orange." Through June 30.

All-Media Membership Exhibit
The Art League Gallery, 105 N. Union Street, Alexandria, VA. "Artemis" won an Honorable Mention from juror Jerry Coulter. Also on view is "Peony and Rose" through August 5.

"Serendipity" Reception: Wonderful Day

Party getting started.

Despite being pretty numbingly tired, a smile still sits on my face. This afternoon was the reception for my "Serendipity" exhibit of 26 original oil paintings hanging at the Great Falls Library (9830 Georgetown Pike, Great Falls, VA).

With art openings/happenings, you never know what's going to transpire. Have one mid-July, when half the population might be hanging out and the beach -- and heck, it could have just been my Mom, Dad, Randy and me twiddling our thumbs amid some really great snacks for three hours.

Birthday girl Sue Bennett buying my book

We weren't alone.  As the clock was striking one, studiomate Bobbie Beasley was heading our way with at least a friend or two. They were followed by many, many more -- and for the next three hours, we weren't watching the sidewalk -- but instead were enjoying the company of folks who were really enjoying the art, the food, the day.

Two paintings were claimed by new owners -- "Ballerinas II" and "Notre Dame." (Six out of the 26 have been purchased.) Visitors were setting up chairs or sitting down where they could view their favorite paintings, at length -- and enjoying having it in front of them. Seriously. They told me so.


Refreshments were great. Perfect, maybe. My French macarons were a hit -- like another adventure among those hanging on the wall. That was a good thing -- as husband Randy has been --

"Ballerinas II" chosen today, oil, 12"h x 16"w, ©Jill Banks 2013

now proven erroneously accusing me of poor prioritizing with my three to three-and-a-half day mission of creating these confections.  I have obsessional tendencies. Sometimes called a one-track mind. There were four flavors -- chocolate orange, wine jam & buttercream, lime, and salted caramel. Randy was "pushing" taste testings ... as in "you have to try them all." Mom made cucumber and cream cheese sandwiches and pimento cheese sandwiches made with the recipe I oohed and aahed over at Merridee's in Franklin, TN.


Thank you so much for those who attended. I have some new cherished memories. Conversations to rewind and replay.

"Notre Dame" purchased today.

The exhibit continues through August 31. I'll be doing a painting demonstration on Saturday, August 10, 1-4pm at the same spot. Please RSVP to that event via my web site, email ... however you want. Fewer refreshments (someone asked what I'd be serving there) -- but a really great event ahead. Not to be missed.

You can see most of the show online on my web site: www.jillbanks.com. Go to Works and my "Serendipity" collection for an almost real-time view of what's available.

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

Events
Serendipity
Solo show at the Great Falls Library, 9830 Georgetown Pike, Great Falls, VA. July 1 through August 31. Over 20 original oils. Reception: Saturday, July 20, 1-4pm. Painting Demonstration (Painting ballerinas!!!): Saturday, August 10, 1-4pm. RSVP -- yeses only -- to the painting demonstration through my web site.
 

Solo Show at Greenberry's Coffee & Tea

6839 Redmond Drive, McLean, VA 22101
(703) 821-9501
Exhibit of six paintings including "Two Kittens," "Traffic Patterns," "Primary Colors," "Spanish Steps," "Second & Pine Streets," and "Sunlight, Sunflowers and Orange." Through June 30.

All-Media Membership Exhibit
The Art League Gallery, 105 N. Union Street, Alexandria, VA. "Artemis" won an Honorable Mention from juror Jerry Coulter. Also on view is "Peony and Rose" through August 5.

"Serendipity" Exhibit Reception Saturday, July 20, 1-4pm

"Two Tents" from the Mountain Maryland Quick Draw is one of 26 oils in "Serendipity"

You're Invited...

My sort of funny looking French macarons are being packed up. Other refreshments getting ready. I've been elbows-deep in icing and batter. Our kitchen looks like a bunch of gorillas came in and had a wild party. (Can't imagine that they'd have any other kind.)

I never did get the French macarons down. But they did keep getting better and better.  So many similarities to learning anything new (i.e. painting). Even though they weren't quite right -- it felt good to sandwich the two cookies together. They looked cute in my little assembly line.

So ... the facts:
Reception: Saturday, July 20, 1-4pm at the Great Falls Library, 9830 Georgetown Pike, Great Falls, VA.

The exhibit of 26 original oils continues through August 31.

I'll be giving a Painting Demonstration in August -- same place -- painting ballerinas.  That's scheduled for Saturday, August 10, 1-4pm. RSVP -- yeses only -- to that event through my web site.

Thanks! And maybe I'll see you tomorrow (Saturday).

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

Events
Serendipity
Solo show at the Great Falls Library, 9830 Georgetown Pike, Great Falls, VA. July 1 through August 31. Over 20 original oils. Reception: Saturday, July 20, 1-4pm. Painting Demonstration (Painting ballerinas!!!): Saturday, August 10, 1-4pm. RSVP -- yeses only -- to the painting demonstration through my web site.
 

Solo Show at Greenberry's Coffee & Tea

6839 Redmond Drive, McLean, VA 22101
(703) 821-9501
Exhibit of six paintings including "Two Kittens," "Traffic Patterns," "Primary Colors," "Spanish Steps," "Second & Pine Streets," and "Sunlight, Sunflowers and Orange." Through June 30.

All-Media Membership Exhibit
The Art League Gallery, 105 N. Union Street, Alexandria, VA. "Artemis" won an Honorable Mention from juror Jerry Coulter. Also on view is "Peony and Rose" through August 5.

Tech and Treats Day

"Early Evening at the Town Center," oil, 22"h x 28"w, ©Jill Banks 2013

Today's mail brought 30 eagerly-awaited photos of recent paintings taken by master art photographer Greg Staley.  Yea! Now, I do have photos of all the paintings currently in my "Serendipity" show. Not all of them are up yet on my web site -- but two new ones are: "Early Evening in the Town Center" and "Notre Dame." Both have been added to the "Serendipity" exhibit preview that you can see here.  Plus, I replaced many of my not-so-great versions with new versions.

Just cataloging images takes time -- getting rid of the poor versions, setting up folders for each image in the correct categories, etc.

Since that was going well -- I finally created a full LinkedIn profile for me as artist and art educator/teacher. The next problem to solve is how to link you to my LinkedIn page.

That's a lot of technological stuff for a technologically-challenged individual.

A little test batch of what will be Orange-Chocolate Macaron sandwich cookies

Plus, today I am learning how to make French macarons -- those pretty little treats we saw all over Paris.  Assuming success, those will serve as some of the refreshments for my "Serendipity" exhibit reception this coming Saturday, July 20, 1-4pm at the Great Falls Library, 9830 Georgetown Pike, Great Falls, VA. My idea is to include some culinary fun that complements the signs of adventure that is hanging up on the walls. Keep your fingers crossed.

My tutor for cooking macarons is Ann Reardon who explains the process brilliantly online.

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

Events
Serendipity
Solo show at the Great Falls Library, 9830 Georgetown Pike, Great Falls, VA. July 1 through August 31. Over 20 original oils. Reception: Saturday, July 20, 1-4pm. Painting Demonstration (Painting ballerinas!!!): Saturday, August 10, 1-4pm. RSVP -- yeses only -- to the painting demonstration through my web site.
 

Solo Show at Greenberry's Coffee & Tea

6839 Redmond Drive, McLean, VA 22101
(703) 821-9501
Exhibit of six paintings including "Two Kittens," "Traffic Patterns," "Primary Colors," "Spanish Steps," "Second & Pine Streets," and "Sunlight, Sunflowers and Orange." Through June 30.

All-Media Membership Exhibit
The Art League Gallery, 105 N. Union Street, Alexandria, VA. "Artemis" won an Honorable Mention from juror Jerry Coulter. Also on view is "Peony and Rose" through August 5.

One New Collector ... Two Paintings

"Café Bords du Seine," oil, 12"h x 8"w, ©Jill Banks 2013, Sold

Luck seems to circle round my "Serendipity" exhibit, the solo show of 26 original oils on view at the Great Falls Library, 9830 Georgetown Pike, Great Falls, VA -- through August 31. Last night Randy and I took home many of the paintings to varnish them before rehanging their sparkly selves this morning.  While getting them into the car -- the rain that's been haunting Northern Virginia for a month -- took a rest until they were safely tucked inside. The same thing happened the day we hung the show. It rained until we were ready to load up the car, stopped, started again on the way over, stopped until we unloaded the car to get them inside, poured like crazy while there.  Talk about some nice cooperation from Mother Nature.

Then, I happened to be there on July 1 -- the day the exhibit opened -- to hang wall tags when in came a collector eager to purchase two paintings. She was trying to figure out how to reach me to make the purchase -- but luck/good timing simplified matters.

"Afternoon on Prince Street," oil, 20"h x 16"w, ©Jill Banks 2013, Sold

Today, I received multiple messages from a new purchaser who had made the trip from Old Town Alexandria to see the show. She also was anxious to purchase two -- before someone else beat her to it.  She was so persuasive, the Library Assistant Branch Manager marked her selections Sold with some yellow post-it notes. Then, my new collector met me this afternoon at my studio at the Artists' Atelier (1144 Walker Road, Suite G, Great Falls, VA -- open Saturdays and Wednesdays, noon to 4pm) to see more work and finish the transaction. She's built a fine collection -- that I'm looking forward to seeing when we deliver the paintings to her home. She works at collecting -- preferring making purchases directly from artists.  She's particularly drawn to work created by women, of street scenes with figures -- I fill the bill on all three counts.

I asked how she found out about the exhibit. It was the photo and caption in élan Magazine's July issue's Calendar pages that drew her to come see "Serendipity." Plus, she previewed the exhibit and many of my other pieces through a long look at my web site: www.JillBanks.com.

You're welcome to come to the exhibit any time the library is open (see the events page on my web site for library hours/days). The meeting room -- where the pieces are hanging -- is almost always busy with community groups and library events -- but go in and see the artwork no matter what's happening in there. 

The official opening reception is coming up: this Saturday, July 20, 1-4pm at the Great Falls Library. I'm thinking about what goodies/treats to bring for that day. What foods go with "Serendipity?" I REALLY hope to see you there.

The next official event date there is a Painting Demonstration on Saturday, August 10, 1-4pm -- same place -- where I'll be painting two young ballerinas. RSVP to that event -- yeses only -- through my web site. Come cheer my models and me on -- your enthusiasm would be greatly appreciated.

Events
Serendipity
Solo show at the Great Falls Library, 9830 Georgetown Pike, Great Falls, VA. July 1 through August 31. Over 20 original oils. Reception: Saturday, July 20, 1-4pm. Painting Demonstration (Painting ballerinas!!!): Saturday, August 10, 1-4pm. RSVP -- yeses only -- to the painting demonstration through my web site.
 

Solo Show at Greenberry's Coffee & Tea

6839 Redmond Drive, McLean, VA 22101
(703) 821-9501
Exhibit of six paintings including "Two Kittens," "Traffic Patterns," "Primary Colors," "Spanish Steps," "Second & Pine Streets," and "Sunlight, Sunflowers and Orange." Through June 30.

All-Media Membership Exhibit
The Art League Gallery, 105 N. Union Street, Alexandria, VA. "Artemis" won an Honorable Mention from juror Jerry Coulter. Also on view is "Peony and Rose" through August 5.

"Yellow Watermelons and Tamarillos" In National Exhibit

"Yellow Watermelons and Tamarillos," oil, 16"h x 20"w by Jill Banks accepted into Cumberland Society National Juried Exhibition, Nashville, TN in October 2013

Despite some intermittent humbling rejections, I'm feeling pretty darn lucky. Today brought:

"Ballerinas II," oil, 12"h x 16"w of Nashville Ballet Company dancers in "Serendipity"

• a congratulations note from Anne Blair Brown that "Yellow Watermelons and Tamarillos" has been invited into the Cumberland Society National Juried Exhibition that will take place at Richland Fine Art in Nashville, Tennessee this October. Applications were received from 28 states for this inaugural exhibition masterminded by eight strong Tennessee artists.
• a visit from collector friends to my "Serendipity" exhibit two days after their return from an incredible trip to France
• a great visit with Theresa -- the owner and director of the School of Theatrical Dance in Great Falls, VA -- who is enthusiastically partnering with me on my "Serendipity" exhibit. She's enlisted two ballerinas for my painting demonstration that will take place at the Great Falls Library (Great Falls, VA) on August 10, 1-4pm. You need to RSVP (yes only) to this event. Can you imagine watching a painting come together in front of you of two beautiful dancers? I'd love to watch ... but I'll be painting. (That's even better.)  This is going to be quite an afternoon. Don't miss out ... if you can help it. RSVP through my web site: www.JillBanks.com.
• my mom and dad together with Joan Bell-Haynes (their pastor) and Oscar Haynes for dinner and a tour of my "Serendipity" exhibit. Randy and I stopped in -- at least for a moment -- of really good cheer at the Old Brogue.  It used to be dinner and a movie. Now it's dinner and a Jill Banks exhibit at the library. Feels good. Fun. Plus they -- all four -- are a joy to be around. Lucky us.

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

Events
Serendipity
Solo show at the Great Falls Library, 9830 Georgetown Pike, Great Falls, VA. July 1 through August 31. Over 20 original oils. Reception: Saturday, July 20, 1-4pm. Painting Demonstration (Painting ballerinas!!!): Saturday, August 10, 1-4pm
 

Solo Show at Greenberry's Coffee & Tea

6839 Redmond Drive, McLean, VA 22101
(703) 821-9501
Exhibit of six paintings including "Two Kittens," "Traffic Patterns," "Primary Colors," "Spanish Steps," "Second & Pine Streets," and "Sunlight, Sunflowers and Orange." Through June 30.

Art Wanted: Denver and Estes Park

While I was living in the middle of a postcard during this past week's Johnson/Grange family reunion in Estes Park, Colorado, seeking out the art of the area consumed the bulk of Randy's and my on-our-own time. Usually, I have a little time to research what's there before a trip -- but every moment was jam-packed until we boarded the plane at Dulles. So, no plans besides visiting with the people I'm lucky enough to call my relatives.

Sometimes no plans work out just fine. We had four art-related adventures -- full of plenty of inspiration.

Naomi Shachar's "Three Amigos" was my pick at the WAOW Exhibit Estes Park

• Denver Art Museum -- where I found two of the best paintings ... ever seen ... with dead fish as a subject. If an artist can make me love a dead fish painting, look at intensely, admire it and wish it was hanging in my house -- well, there aren't enough superlatives. Amazing! This is a great museum. It connected the viewer with the art in many compelling, creative ways. The architecture of the space is amazing, and the choice of artworks equally so. I loved the Western genre pieces. Loved that contemporary artists were included. Loved the extensive collection of loaned works of individual artists. Tried to convince Randy to look at the video of Daniel Sprick's easel which looked like the very best easel in the world.
• Cherry Creek Arts Festival -- We added one-and-a-half days to our stay -- Sunday and Monday after the reunion. Notoriously, Sundays and Mondays are tougher days to see art. The Cherry Creek Arts Festival captured our Sunday -- and was GREAT!  I got the feeling that it was a very successful event for at least many of the artists. Here we were visiting in the last few hours of the show with many of the exhibits pretty thin on pieces. Light packing. Perfect. I walked away from these few hours incredibly inspired. All I could say was wow, wow, wow in A. E. London's booth -- Alice combines her love of animals and art (two we share) in such beautiful work.  So honest. She works with any material she can get her hands on and turns it into something you ache to bring home. Oh my. Makes me want to use my morning coffee in a whole new way.
• Women Artists of the West Annual Juried Exhibit (WAOW) at the Arts Council of Estes Park -- my uncle, Dr. John Olson, read the local paper about this exhibit's opening and he, Randy, Uncle John's granddaughter Bentley and I attended the show -- pre-opening reception.  It was an impressive show full of high quality work displayed beautifully. We all were in time to vote for People's Choice -- and all chose different pieces. I had four top picks -- including Shirley Hove's "Big Thoughts," Lyn Phariss's "Kelli's Morning Walk," Naomi Shachar's "Three Amigos" and Michele Usibelli's "Passing Time." I could have chosen more. That's a clear sign that it's an exhibit worth visiting -- and considering pieces for your collection. In the end, my vote was cast for Shachar's "Three Amigos." Those horses were standing right in front of me. Swear.
• Madden Art Museum -- imagine walking into an office building (nice one) with a cafe on the right and an impressive art museum beaconing with a doorless, curtain-rimmed entrance on the left. Pretty cool, right?  What a treat. Randy and I squeezed a visit in on Monday before our departure to the Madden Art Museum showcasing the collection in about the friendliest setting possible (again in an office building) to the John and Marjorie Madden Collection.

View into the Madden Museum of Art -- in the lobby of an office building.  Greenwood Springs, Colorado.

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

Events
Serendipity
Solo show at the Great Falls Library, 9830 Georgetown Pike, Great Falls, VA. July 1 through August 31. Over 20 original oils. Reception: Saturday, July 20, 1-4pm. Painting Demonstration (Painting ballerinas!!!): Saturday, August 10, 1-4pm
 

Solo Show at Greenberry's Coffee & Tea

6839 Redmond Drive, McLean, VA 22101
(703) 821-9501
Exhibit of six paintings including "Two Kittens," "Traffic Patterns," "Primary Colors," "Spanish Steps," "Second & Pine Streets," and "Sunlight, Sunflowers and Orange." Through June 30.




 

Time In the Mountains

"Close to Heaven: Colorado," oil, 12"h x 16"w, ©Jill Banks 2013

I'm in picture perfect postcard land ... at a family reunion in Estes Park, Colorado. Our perch is at 8000 feet where the sun dips over the mountains, highlighting different spots in the valley.  All those peaks change colors ... my paintbrush can't keep up ... of course.

I'm lucky to be surrounded by an extraordinary family.  I better get back to visiting ... rather than telling you about them. That way, there will be more to relate. Right?

What a great town, too.

Until returning home, I'm short on decent photos of artwork to add for my "Serendipity" exhibit online preview (on my web site: www.JillBanks.com ... but there are still quite a few to see there.  You may see them all ... live ... at the Great Falls Library. See below for more details.

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

Events
Serendipity
Solo show at the Great Falls Library, 9830 Georgetown Pike, Great Falls, VA. July 1 through August 31. Over 20 original oils. Reception: Saturday, July 20, 1-4pm. Painting Demonstration (Painting ballerinas!!!): Saturday, August 10, 1-4pm
 

Solo Show at Greenberry's Coffee & Tea

6839 Redmond Drive, McLean, VA 22101
(703) 821-9501
Exhibit of six paintings including "Two Kittens," "Traffic Patterns," "Primary Colors," "Spanish Steps," "Second & Pine Streets," and "Sunlight, Sunflowers and Orange." Through June 30.
 

"Artemis" Wins Honorable Mention

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

"Artemis" was accepted by juror Jerry Coulter for this month's membership exhibit at the Art League. 496 pieces were entered and 81 were accepted. The exhibit runs until August 5.

I did love painting this piece. "Artemis" was painted during a particularly inspired open life session held at the McLean Community Center. The whole set up was great but the forest-like crown drew me to concentrating on the portrait.




Coulter also awarded it an Honorable Mention.


The opening reception for this exhibit is next Thursday, July 11 from 6:30 - 8:00 pm. I'm

"Peony and Rose," oil, Jill Banks

planning to be there. (At least, so far.)

"Peony and Rose," oil, 10"h x 8"w is also on view at the Art League this month.

Have a very Happy 4th of July.

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

Events
Serendipity
Solo show at the Great Falls Library, 9830 Georgetown Pike, Great Falls, VA. July 1 through August 31. Over 20 original oils. Reception: Saturday, July 20, 1-4pm. Painting Demonstration (Painting ballerinas!!!): Saturday, August 10, 1-4pm
 

Solo Show at Greenberry's Coffee & Tea

6839 Redmond Drive, McLean, VA 22101
(703) 821-9501
Exhibit of six paintings including "Two Kittens," "Traffic Patterns," "Primary Colors," "Spanish Steps," "Second & Pine Streets," and "Sunlight, Sunflowers and Orange." Through June 30.
 

The First Two Spoken For ... Neigh, Moo

"Horsepower," oil, 30"h x 24"w, ©Jill Banks 2013, private collection

With a long "to do" list to go, one of my key tasks today was to get to the library (Great Falls Library, 9830 Georgetown Pike, Great Falls, VA 22066) to hang wall tags, drop off my show guest book, add labels for the August painting demonstration day to the postcards  for my "Serendipity" solo exhibit. The wall tags are the stories behind the 27 original paintings Randy and I hung so carefully there.

Before heading to the library, with my stomach growling, I sent a text to Randy to see if he wanted to meet me for lunch. Both of us were trying to cram a lot of work into a short window -- so he declined. In the spirit of my "Serendipity" exhibit, that was a good thing. (I wouldn't normally say that about missing out on time with my favorite date.) Instead of having lunch with him, I was at the library putting up tags -- which meant being there when a visitor came in to see the show.

"Grass Lunch," oil, 18"h x 24"w, ©Jill Banks 2013, private collection.

My visitor is a newly regular patron with GREAT taste -- the purchaser of "Stepping Out" and "Bunnies." Today, she was the first to sign my guest book ... with the message "Wonderful Paintings. Particularly love the animal paintings. Bought Two." And, so she did.  Added to her collection will be "Horsepower" and "Grass Lunch" although I think there were many contenders.

She's a regular reader of my blog and subscriber to my email newsletter (you can subscribe on my web site: www.jillbanks.com for an email newsletter that comes out every month or two). She watched both "Horsepower" and "Grass Lunch" develop (on the blog) and didn't want to miss out on the chance to own them -- but thought it would be better to see them in person versus just online.  Up close, they passed, it seems with flying colors.

My patron couldn't sleep last night -- worried about getting in to see the exhibit, make a decision,  and secure the piece(s) for her collection. She also didn't know how to make the transaction. Luck made it easy with some good timing.

If you'd like to make a purchase, it's easy -- just contact me. There always seems to be a lot going on in the meeting room -- but you are always welcome to look around at the exhibit, regardless.

The opening reception is on Saturday, July 20 1-4pm and I'll be doing a painting demonstration on Saturday, August 10, 1-4pm when it seems there's a very good chance that I'll be painting ballerinas. Those are great opportunities to meet and see the work ... but there are lots of days before/after and inbetween. Go see the show whenever you can. I'd be happy to meet you there. (Not for a little bit though ... there's a July 4th adventure ahead.)

It's been a great and busy day. I love knowing that my "kids" (not Sam and Sarah, but the painted variety) are going to great homes.

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

Events
Serendipity
Solo show at the Great Falls Library, 9830 Georgetown Pike, Great Falls, VA. July 1 through August 31. Over 20 original oils. Reception: Saturday, July 20, 1-4pm. Demo days, too. Check web site for more details.
 

Solo Show at Greenberry's Coffee & Tea

6839 Redmond Drive, McLean, VA 22101
(703) 821-9501
Exhibit of six paintings including "Two Kittens," "Traffic Patterns," "Primary Colors," "Spanish Steps," "Second & Pine Streets," and "Sunlight, Sunflowers and Orange." Through June 30.