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.