Close One Exhibit, Open Another

View of my part of the hallway at Artomatic@Frederick, on exhibit Sep.  4-Oct.5

It was takedown day for "Serendipity," my solo show that's enjoyed a very successful two-month run at the library. We were packing it up this morning. Actually, husband Randy might object to the use of the pronoun "we."  As expected, my purchaser who arrived the day "Serendipity" opened to purchase two of the paintings, came right after we got there to pick them up and take them home.  Unexpectedly, but happily, she added one more purchase ... the still life "Fruit Tropics" with coconuts and hydrangeas to bring her load back home to three paintings. One of the paintings from her first round of purchases -- "Horsepower" is to be a gift for her husband to be presented during a party they are giving tonight. To speed this post up (it's getting late), I won't tell you yet the story she attached to that painting. (It's great, though!)

Then it was a quick lunch, unload of the "Serendipity" paintings and time to pack up work to take to Frederick, MD to install my area of the hallway on floor 3 of 117 Church Street for Artomatic@Frederick that opens this coming Wednesday.

It's up.

Phew.

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

Events
Lots -- see the events page on my website.  Thanks!

Coffee Break 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 September 15.

"Fruit Tropics" -- Gone to its new owner today

Post Plein Air

"Ice Cold Lemonade" from Frederick, MD, oil on linen-lined panel, 12"h x 16"w, ©Jill Banks 2013

I returned to two pieces first painted plein air. One is from the Quick Draw for Easels in Frederick of an ice cream parlor on the corner. When I first painted it, the store was closed ... which meant the bear statue that attracted me was locked inside.

"St. Michael's Boathouse" from the Maritime Museum, oil, 12"h x 16"w, ©Jill Banks 2013

The second is from the boathouse at St. Michael's Maritime Museum. Already liking this piece, I did more tweaking and refining -- less repainting.

Both may be destined for Artomatic@Frederick which Randy and I will be installing on Saturday.

Some framing is ahead.

Tomorrow (Friday, August 30) is the last day to see "Serendipity" -- my solo show at the Great Falls Library, 9830 Georgetown Pike, Great Falls, VA. Get more info from my web site's Events page.

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. View the exhibit online.
 

Coffee Break 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 September 15.

Lots are right around the corner ... take a look at the events page on my web site: www.jillbanks.com.

Surrounded (By Art)

Me at the Artists' Atelier, February 2013. Photograph by Greg Staley.

In addition to lots of painting time, part of the day was spent putting together the first pass for a web site for the Artists' Atelier, the working studios I share with 14 other artists at 1144 Walker Road, Suite G, Great Falls, VA. Computer work is a great antidote for feet tired of standing at the easel.

One thing always leads to another.

Looking for photos of the Atelier led me to this terrific shot taken by Greg Staley, the person I trust to photograph my work.

I do look surrounded, right?

There have been so many times at exhibits that someone -- usually a young one -- will with wide eyes ask if I painted all of this. At this point, when the question is asked, I suppress the answer ... "you have no idea." You'd think I was on a mission to circle the globe a few times with my work. Linen to linen. Here to Timbuktu and back around again. And again. All the while way more interested in quality than quantity. I guess if you spend enough time with brush in hand you get both.

Paint. Paint. Paint.

With lots of installations ahead, I've been up early -- an unreasonable list of what's supposed to happen in the studio running amok on to do lists - written and not. Forget logic. I've learned so much lately. Had lots of fun experimenting. I want to show you the best and latest -- no matter where you happen to go to see my work.

On Friday, I'll deliver "Second and Pine Streets" of a Philadelphia scene for the upcoming "Top of the World: Views of the Mid-Atlantic" Exhibit in Baltimore.

On Saturday, Randy and I will take down "Serendipity" (two days left to see it!) from the Great Falls Library and head to Frederick, MD to install my Artomatic@Frederick space.

On Sunday, we'll make some deliveries and possibly put in my pieces for the "Menagerie" animal group exhibit at ArtSpace Herndon or wait until Tuesday's alternative date.

Surrounded.

Parties Ahead
Friday, September 6 is a double opening day.  Artomatic@Frederick has a pre-grand opening party -- for friends, artists, public from 6-9pm and the Top of the World reception in Baltimore is from 5:30 to 7:30pm. Complicated. We'll make it to both ... just an abbreviated version of the fun. I'm excited about these two new venues and can't wait to see what they are all about, meet fellow artists -- all that stuff. 

Saturday, September 7 is the reception for "Menagerie" at ArtSpace Herndon, 750 Center Street, Herndon, VA, 7-9pm. I hope to see you there!

See the Events page on my web site for more info.

Cool Opportunities Abound
Bear with me. I just joined the Mid-Atlantic Plein Air Painters Association (MAPAPA)-- in time to enter paintings for the "Top of the World" show. What a great organization! My October calendar is kind of crazy -- but one of the events I'm planning to attend is the Catharine Lorillard Wolfe Art Club's 117th Annual Exhibition's Reception benefiting the Metropolitan Museum of Art at the National Arts Club on October 11. Today I received a notice that Denise Dumont was organizing a casual paintout on October 12 in Gramercy Park, NYC (where the National Arts Club is located). Great timing! So there's where I'll be. New York! Yea.

Sign Up for Fall Classes and my Weekend Portrait Workshop
With my Still Life Class full, how about joining me for Plein Air Landscape class held on Wednesdays starting September 18? Or the new three-day weekend portrait workshop being held November 1-3 through the Great Falls School of Art?  Check out the classes page on my web site for more information, a link for online registration, supply list and more.

Last week to see "Serendipity" at the Great Falls Library, 9830 Georgetown Pike, Great Falls, VA. Randy and I will be taking the show down, delivering paintings to new owners Saturday morning, August 31.


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. View the exhibit online.
 

Coffee Break 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 25.

Lots are right around the corner ... take a look at the events page on my web site: www.jillbanks.com.

"Marais Day": How's Your Luck?

"Marais Day," oil, 10"h x 8"w, ©Jill Banks 2013

"Marais Day" is my 2013 contribution to the MPA McLean Artfest's Luck of the Draw event held during the Soiree, September 24, 2013.  The only way to take it home with you is to attend the Artfest Soiree! -- a terrific fundraising party, buy a ticket for the Luck of the Draw -- and hopefully select it before someone else does.  This is the first time I've painted something new for a donation.  I happen to love this painting and would happily hang it in my home. It reminds me of just how exciting it was to step out of the hotel doors each day during this Spring's 10-day trip to the City of Lights. Think of it reminding you daily of the joy of the place.

It's also the perfect representation of why you should be stopping by my MPA Artfest booth set up in McLean Central Park (at the corner of Old Dominion Drive and Route 123 -- Dolley Madison Blvd in McLean, VA) on Sunday, October 6, 10am-5pm. More of Paris, other views from nearby and throughout the US, and more will be waiting for you there.

Look for those paintings developing on my blog in the meantime. You don't need to wait for Artfest to purchase. Some Paris views are currently on exhibit in my "Serendipity" solo show at the Great Falls Library, 9830 Georgetown Pike, Great Falls, VA through August 31. And you can see them online here also through the 31st. Or contact me if there's something else you'd like to see ... in person at my home studio or the Artists' Atelier, the studio I share with thirteen other artists at 1144 Walker Road, Suite G, Great Falls, VA.

Sign Up for Fall Classes and my Weekend Portrait Workshop
With my Still Life Class full, how about joining me for Plein Air Landscape class held on Wednesdays starting September 18? Or the new three-day weekend portrait workshop being held November 1-3 through the Great Falls School of Art?  Check out the classes page on my web site for more information, a link for online registration, supply list and more.

Last week to see "Serendipity" at the Great Falls Library, 9830 Georgetown Pike, Great Falls, VA. Randy and I will be taking the show down, delivering paintings to new owners Saturday morning, August 31.

I'm off to an afternoon at Kidwell Farm -- easel time with the animals. Hooray!!! Got to go.

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. View the exhibit online.
 

Coffee Break 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 25.

Lots are right around the corner ... take a look at the events page on my web site: www.jillbanks.com.

Three Horses

"Neigh There, Too" Beanie Baby Painting, oil, 6"h x 6"w, ©Jill Banks 2013

Quick post. There will be a longer one someday soon. The photos are at best iffy, but I've been finishing up work for the upcoming "Menagerie" exhibit at ArtSpace Herndon, September 4 through September 29 at 750 Center Street, Herndon, VA.  I'm not sure until installation day which pieces will actually be hung ... but these are contenders.

"Cowgirls Up!" has been enjoyable and challenging. Really challenging.

"Serendipity" will still be coming to a close. If you are in the Washington DC area -- pick your day/time before August 31 -- and see the show.  See my website for more details.

"Cowgirls Up!," good painting -- bad photo. oil, 30"h x 40"w,©Jill Banks 2013

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. View the exhibit online.
 

Coffee Break 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 25.

Lots are right around the corner ... take a look at the events page on my web site: www.jillbanks.com.

"Kitty": Borrowing Cats

"Kitty," oil, 12"h x 12"w, copyright Jill Banks 2013

When I want to paint them, it seems all the cats have gone missing. Weird.

"La Chien de Grange," oil, 30"h x 40"w, copyright Jill Banks 2013: also in "Menagerie'

Yesterday's trip to celebrate son Sam's birthday ... a nice dinner out followed by a great Angel Food Cake made by daughter-in-law Michelle ... also delivered my subject. Their cat. She wasn't much of a model. iPhone photos delivered a lot of blurred heads. But here she is, lying on their rug, figuring out her next move.

She's one of ten or more paintings that will be part of the "Menagerie" five-artist exhibit opening in September at ArtSpace Herndon, 750 Center Street, Herndon, VA. Join us for what WILL be a great show for the reception, Saturday, September 7, 7-9pm.

Whirlwind

"Rainbow" from Kidwell Farm visits: part of "Menagerie"

Many of you have been there, but if you haven't (or you'd like to return), my "Serendipity" solo exhibit ends August 31. It's open during regular library hours (see my events page at www.JillBanks.com) at the Great Falls Public Library, 9830 Georgetown Pike, Great Falls, VA.

That same events page needs updating -- but I'm still sorting out my calendar.  "Second and Pine Streets" (of Philadelphia's New Market area) will be hanging at the World Trade Center in Baltimore (juried into the "Top of the World" exhibit), pieces head to Nashville Tennessee and New York City.  I'll be hanging work as part of Artomatic Frederick (September to October) and getting ready for the start of classes, MPA's McLean Artfest outdoor show, the Great Falls Studio Tour and more.

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. View the exhibit online.
 

Coffee Break 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 25.

Lots are right around the corner ... take a look at the events page on my web site: www.jillbanks.com.

Lots of Boats

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

Today's treat was visiting St. Michaels, MD -- my first time there. There were plenty of painters at the Maritime Museum -- with all of us for Hiu Lai Chong's workshop and the monthly outing of a Talbot County painting group.

Driving through the town en route made me really want to stop and set up my easel then and there. The town borrowed paint from Burano, Italy ... or so it seems. Forget convention. Paint it fun.

But I didn't stop there. After a great morning demo (and a lunch break), we spread out to find our spots. I picked inside the dark, worn boat museum ... related somehow to the Chesapeake Bay Crab Company with a bunch of ancient boats enjoying great views. Looking down through the uneven floor slats, water was lapping. Painting music.

My boat seemed to be reminiscing about days past ... gazing at the youngster out on the water outside.

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. View the exhibit online.
 

Coffee Break 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 25.

Lots are right around the corner ... take a look at the events page on my web site: www.jillbanks.com.

Artful August
4 paintings in this juried exhibit, including three award-winners at 1602 Village Market Blvd SE, Leesburg, VA -- August 14 to August 18.

Painting Easton: Day 1

"Green Tractor," oil, 16"h x 12"w, c0pyright Jill Banks 2013

The day's not over ... but while my feet are taking a break (before dinner and meeting up with fellow workshop participants to paint a nocturne), I figured a post was in order. I'm in a three-day workshop led by master plein air painter, Hiu Lai Chong -- and loving every minute of it. She's accumulated a whole slew of awards including the Grand Prize in Plein Air Easton and Best in Show at Mountain Maryland Plein Air in 2012. We'd studied together with Danni Dawson and Robert Liberace at the Art League -- so I also knew her as a dynamo, a thoughtful painter who is also fearless. My kind of painter.

She gave a great presentation, talking about how she approaches her painting subject in these plein air events. She showed photos of various subjects, talked about what portion of them she was drawn to convey, gave examples of different options to consider, then showed the painting that emerged from the scene.

Going With The Flow
One of my favorite parts of the painting demonstration was when she rolled up a paper towel, bringing it to a sharp point, then erased a part of the scene with it.  Then, she used it as a paintbrush quickly putting on a large area of monochromatic color. Hiu Lai had figured out how to use the paper towel as a tool when she had showed up to paint and forgotten her paintbrushes. She ended up creating that whole painting with paper towels and a palette knife. Cool, huh?

The afternoon we set out to paint an industrial area, right near the Easton Studio School. Since I don't know what these buildings house ... the title is "Green Tractor" ... at least for now. I didn't try everything learned today, but did work with Hiu Lai's palette setup -- and liked it, played with texture and some palette knife work and ended up pleased with the result. At the end of the painting session -- of course -- the tractor was driven away and the door to the left  (open and dark in my scene) was shut. Time to go "home" for a rest.

Nocturne Ahead
Tonight we don head lamps and try our hand at painting downtown Easton. Should be fun. Tomorrow will no doubt come early as we head out to St. Michael's and the Maritime Museum.

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. View the exhibit online.
 

Coffee Break 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 25.

Lots are right around the corner ... take a look at the events page on my web site: www.jillbanks.com.

Artful August
4 paintings in this juried exhibit, including three award-winners at 1602 Village Market Blvd SE, Leesburg, VA -- August 14 to August 18.

Sydney and Dylan: Saturday's Ballerinas on the Cover

Cover of Great Falls Connection Newspaper, August 14, 2013 edition

This week's edition of the Great Falls Connection features Sydney and Dylan in pose #2 from Saturday's painting demonstration. You can see the pdf of the print edition online (for a short time only) at: http://connectionarchives.com/PDF/2013/081413/Great%20Falls.pdf. Nice article by reporter Alex McVeigh. 

Tomorrow I head off to Easton, MD for a three-day adventure painting the plein air landscape in this great town.  You'll hear more about it on my blog -- provided there's some time between painting and putting my head on a pillow. 

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. View the exhibit online.
 

Coffee Break 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.

Lots are right around the corner ... take a look at the events page on my web site: www.jillbanks.com.

Artful August
4 paintings in this juried exhibit, including three award-winners at 1602 Village Market Blvd SE, Leesburg, VA -- August 14 to August 18.

Three Awards at Artful August

"Sunflowers II" won 3rd Place, oil, 30"h x 30"w

And the winners are:
"Great Falls Farmer's Market": Honorable Mention
"Chameleon": Honorable Mention
"Sunflowers II": Third Prize

See the exhibit: Wednesday, August 14 through Sunday, August 18 at 1602 Village Market Blvd. SE, Leesburg, VA.

More info on my events page: http://jillbanks.fineartstudioonline.com/event/47195/artful-august

http://www.villageatleesburg.com/info/artfulaugust

Yea! Pretty amazing to have won ... and more so to win three!

"Great Falls Farmer's Market" won Honorable Mention

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. View the exhibit online.
 

"Chameleon" won Honorable Mention, 16"h x 12"w, oil

Coffee Break 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.

Lots are right around the corner ... take a look at the events page on my web site: www.jillbanks.com.

Back on the Horses and a Fun Delivery

"Cowgirls Up!" almost done, oil, 30"h x 40"w, ©Jill Banks 2013

As much as I've enjoyed painting it, "Cowgirl Up!" has been a challenge. Horses with riders are a lot more difficult to capture than horses alone. Or people alone.  I still have some work to do on it, but I doubt those changes will be too noticeable in a post. Of course you never know what's going to possess me with the paintbrush in hand tomorrow.

"Cowgirl Up!" will be part of the "Menagerie" five-artist exhibit of animal art coming up in September at artSpace Herndon.  Maybe a couple more new ones to come...

Special Delivery
After Saturday's demonstration at the Great Falls Library, Randy and I took down two of the paintings ("Cafe Bords du Seine" and "Afternoon on Prince Street") to deliver the following day to their new owner.  The purchaser had driven up from Old Town Alexandria to see my "Serendipity" exhibit after seeing "Ballerinas I" in elan Magazine's July Calendar section. She's the one who convinced the library manager to mark the two as sold.

What a treat it was to bring the paintings to her and her husband's home and get a tour of the beautiful art collection she has acquired.  I would love to own any and all of them.  All the pieces were perfectly framed and hung -- placed everywhere they would catch your eye. It is a deeply personal collection. I know my work has found a great home.

Interestingly, and exceptionally good news  is that she collects artists in addition to paintings. She has many, many  pieces by the same artists. I'm happy to be one of those she plans to see again and again.

Whenever she collects another piece of art, her husband asks if she knows where she will hang it. With walls pretty full, you could understand where he's coming from.  If she runs out of wall room, she plans on rotating the art. Perfect solution. And, she doesn't have to pass on something she loves.

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. View the exhibit online.
 

Coffee Break 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.

Lots are right around the corner ... take a look at the events page on my web site: www.jillbanks.com.

A Day to Remember

"At the Barre" work in progress, Demo pose #1, oil, 20"h x 16"w, ©Jill Banks 2013

I felt lucky as can be today.

Starting the painting "At the Barre" at the Great Falls Library (Great Falls, VA)

For those of you who joined me this afternoon, enjoying the inspiration provided by our two beautiful tutu'd models, Sydney Parks and Dylan Murphy, I'd love to hear about the day from your perspective. (Send me an email and I'll post the responses.) During each break, I got to see the smile on your faces. Saw the drawings created while I painted. It seems you were equally enthused to capture the beauty before you. (Guests were invited to draw if they liked with their own or provided crayons/pencils/paper ... or sit back and just watch.  It was so encouraging to see how many were enjoying sketching along with me. Warning: Once you start, it's hard to stop.)

"At the Barre" on the Easel with Sydney and Dylan modeling, pose #1

Sydney and Dylan were recruited by their teacher and director of the School of Theatrical Dance, Theresa D'Allessandro, in Great Falls. The first pose, for "At the Barre" was pretty tortuous. They held it stoically but were glad when I decided to find a different pose for the second hour-and-a-half of today's demonstration.

The first painting was not done (maybe it's halfway there?) but I wanted to take advantage of this setting, my two models and the choreography of Theresa to start another. This time -- given sore feet and limbs -- we went with the "ballerinas on break" theme.  It was a group affair -- putting together the pose. A gray wing chair was found in the hall outside the meeting room by Christine -- and it was perfect. I loved this pose!!! My

"Ballerina Break" in progress, pose #2, oil, 16"h x 20"w.  I can't wait to see it finished.

guess was that it added to the fun of the demo to watch all the iterations attempted before deciding that this is what I needed to paint.

I'll give these two paintings a little break before returning to them. They will be finished -- maybe partially from memory and photo references -- but also with some more time spent with Sydney and Dylan.  Who wouldn't want to do that live?

Today I got to paint two beautiful people. I got to do that surrounded by all the

Looks like fun, doesn't it?

good cheer and enjoyment each of you brought through the door. Thank you ... All!

There are some great photos -- to be posted tomorrow maybe? But here are some to get you started.

I really didn't want the day to end. Wow.

My "Serendipity" exhibit at the Great Falls Library (9830 Georgetown Pike, Great Falls, VA) continues until August 31. It's open during normal library hours. (Closed Sundays.) For more information see my Events page on my website. Don't miss it ... if you can help it. You can also view it online.

The inspiration for the day came from two of the paintings in the show: "Ballerinas I" and "Ballerinas II" created in Franklin, TN of ballerinas from the Nashville Ballet Company. I'd never painted ballerinas before. Now I know what I was missing.

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. View the exhibit online.
 

Coffee Break 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.

Lots are right around the corner ... take a look at the events page on my web site: www.jillbanks.com.

Sketching Ballerinas and That Goat

Sketch #1: I was getting warmed up, too. Vine charcoal on mixed media paper.

Ballet Sketch #3 by Jill Banks

 Stretching and Sketching
In preparation for tomorrow afternoon's Painting Demonstration (at the Great Falls Library, 9830
Georgetown Pike, Great Falls, VA on August 10, 1-4pm), yesterday I met with the two ballerinas -- Sydney Parks and Dylan Murphy -- who have enthusiastically agreed to be our models. With the help of the School of Theatrical Dance's Director Theresa D'Allessandro, I think we have our pose selected. This morning, I brought my sketchbook to her class -- to get more accustomed to the rhythms and flow of ballet practice.

It was challenging to try to capture all that movement. Also amazing to me how well the girls followed instructions -- one after the other and got their limbs and bodies to cooperate.

Ballet Sketch #5 by Jill Banks

Vine charcoal is very messy business. It was all over my hands ... which was okay. But then it made it's way to my face ... nose in particular. Theresa offered me some wet towels for removal. It refused for awhile but lots of rubbing later and I looked human again.

I'm really looking forward to tomorrow. Seems like some others are as well.  The RSVP yeses -- that I've received add up to 50! I can't wait to see you.  If you haven't RSVP'ed yet, you are welcome to come and go, find a seat if there's one available.
It may be SRO -- but the ballerinas and I will be doing that, too. They have point shoes on. Imagine.

Ballet Sketch #7 by Jill Banks

"Got Your Goat?," oil, 60"h x 40"w, ©Jill Banks 2013

"Got Your Goat?" Took an Interesting Turn
I've been contemplating the background and goat's surroundings and took out a palette knife, went through tons of paint and now it's complete. It's definitely different for me -- odd format, very tall, but I see joy in it. A little bit of fantasy doesn't hurt. So here she is.

The goat's real. This is Delilah -- a favorite of mine at Kidwell Farm in Herndon, VA (part of Frying Pan Park). She's posed for me often.

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. View the exhibit online.
 

Coffee Break 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.

Lots are right around the corner ... take a look at the events page on my web site: www.jillbanks.com.

Building the "Menagerie" One at a Time

"Got Your Goat?" work in progress, oil, 60"h x 20"w, ©Jill Banks 2013

Today I pulled out a canvas that's been sitting in our storage closet for years. At 60"h x 20"w, it's a dramatic shape and just right for the subject of the day ... "Got Your Goat?" It did create a couple of challenges that will be the source of perhaps some sore parts tomorrow.  Because the canvas is so tall, I had to sit on the ground to paint the bottom of the canvas to keep it at eye level.

I'm getting ready for a number of shows and submissions including "Menagerie" -- the five-artist show of animal art in September at artSpace Herndon.

"Got Your Goat?" will be getting some friends.

See the Animal Collection on my website for more.  There are some in the "Serendipity" Collection also.

Artful August
Four of my pieces (out of four submitted) were juried into Artful August being held at 1602 Village Market Blvd. SE, Leesburg, VA, August 14 to August 18 at the Village at Leesburg. For more info, go to: http://www.villageatleesburg.com/info/artfulaugust.

Painting Ballerinas Demonstration Fast Approaching
I'll be giving a free painting demonstration on Saturday, August 10, 1-4pm ... painting two ballerinas from the School of Theatrical Dance at the Great Falls Library, 9830 Georgetown Pike, Great Falls, VA. RSVP for this event through my website. Seats are limited and truly filling quickly. Non-RSVPers are welcome to come see the "Serendipity" exhibit (my solo show of 26 original oils) -- stop in -- just might not get a seat. View the full exhibit online. Guests may draw along with me with their own supplies or crayons/pencils provided ... or just sit back and enjoy the show.  The "Serendipity" exhibit is open during normal library hours through August 31. Check my web site, Events page for more
information.

Do you know that you can subscribe to my email newsletter ... through my website: www.JillBanks.com? You can see archived editions on my website to see if it's something you would like to receive in your inbox. Look at the bottom of the right-hand column to sign up.

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.

Paintings and Pickles

View 1 of my farmer's market booth

Yesterday was spent at the Great Falls Farmer's Market under a tent, with rain coming and going, light traffic but very nice visits.  Back behind my "booth" was the pickle guy. Next to him, an accomplished baker with cookies that looked like hot dogs or hamburgers and beautiful petit fours. Next to me was a booth filled with beautiful embroidered shawls and jackets from Kashmir. Other booths held goat's milk products and soaps. Organic meats and dairy. The produce was gorgeous. Pretty zinnias. Farmer's market shopping accompanied by a harpist.

View 2

I thoroughly enjoyed the four hours spent there.  For a change, I didn't fuss over what to bring or hang too many pieces. There were 26 well-lit oil paintings arranged carefully in my solo show "Serendipity" right around the corner. The pieces I did bring, I was happy to show.

Today was spent enjoying the show at the annual 4-H Fair, mainly watching the horse games.  Met some pretty great rabbits, too. Fun ... and expect some animal appearances to come ... 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 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.

The "Kids" Are Everywhere

Or so it seems.

"To Paris," a still life created when I was just dreaming of going will be on view at the Great Falls Farmer's Market Saturday, August 3, 9am to 1pm. Come see it and then go see "Serendipity" right around the corner

"Garden Girl" in "Serendipity" exhibit

 "Serendipity" at the Great Falls Library
27 of my original oils are gracing the walls of the Great Falls Library, 9830 Georgetown Pike, Great Falls, VA through August 31. Demonstration: Free, Saturday, August 10, 1-4pm. They include: "Desert Garden," "Two Tents," "French Horseman," "Chase Street," "Chrysler Museum Memorial Garden,""Charles and Lee," "Goatyard," "Hudson River Morn," "Cafe Bords du Seine," "Notre Dame," "Early Evening at the Town Center," "Grass Lunch," "Horsepower," "M&S Grill," "Afternoon on Prince Street," "Cafe Break," "Ballerinas I," "Tranquility," "Ballerinas II," "Seat By the Window: Montmartre," "Garden Girl," "Sunflowers in My Studio II," "Honey Bunny," "Fruit Tropics," "La Chien de Grange," "June Peonies" and "Chickens!" Phew.

"Coffee Break" at Greenberry's Coffee and Tea
Six are in my "Coffee Break" exhibit at Greenberry's Coffee & Tea, 6839 Redmond Drive, McLean, VA 22101 ... changing soon.  There you'll see: "Two Kittens," "Traffic Patterns," "Spanish Steps," "Second & Pine Streets," "Sunlight, Sunflowers and Orange," and "Primary Colors" (a painting of McLean Central Park's playground.

"Harborside Happy Hour" at the Farmer's Market

Great Falls Farmer's Market Under a Tent on August 3
Nine can be seen tomorrow (Saturday, August 3) at the Great Falls Farmer's Market in the Great Falls Village Centre, 9am to 1pm ... including "Harborside Happy Hour," "Persimmons in the Kitchen," "Great Falls Farmer's Market," "Deli Italiano" (a nocturne), "Cowgirls Up!" work in progress, "Grazing on Buttercups," "Chameleon" (a portrait), "To Paris" (a still life you haven't seen worked on prior to my March trip) and "Sunflowers II" (one of the large scale still lifes set up by my dad)

Lots in the Artists' Atelier, the studio I share with 14 other artists at 1144 Walker Road, Suite G, Great Falls, VA. Open Wednesdays and Saturdays, noon to 4pm. My area needs some sprucing ... but just look up.

"Artemis" at the Art League ...just a few more days.

"Artemis" at the Art League
Two  in the July All-Media Membership Show at the Art League, 105 N. Union Street, Alexandria, VA through this coming Monday. They include "Artemis" which won an Honorable Mention from July's juror Jerry Coulter and "Rose and Peony."

More are headed out ... I'll update the Events section of my web site ... where you can get a better look at many of these pieces ... soon.

I'm in the process of putting together my July/August email newsletter. What I thought would be finished today ... now looks like a Sunday publication. If you want to receive it, make sure you subscribe online at www.JillBanks.com. Okay?

Take a look.

See you soon, I hope.

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.