Animal House, "Made In the Shade" and the Style Section?

"Made In the Shade" Round Two, oil, 16"h x 12"w, ©Jill Banks 2013

If variety is the spice of life ... well ...

Animal House
With the "Menagerie" show down from ArtSpace, our home is now the Animal House. Paintings of critters are everywhere. Some will make it to my booth at MPA's McLean Artfest, the outdoor juried show held at the McLean Central Park this Sunday, October 6, 10am-5pm at the corner of Old Dominion Drive and Dolley Madison Blvd in McLean, VA. I hope to see you there! I don't know what will be shown there yet ... that's one of the many tasks this crazy week holds in store.

Pick-Up/Drop-Off
Today was spent picking up the last two pieces at Herndon ArtSpace ... talking to folks there while they got set up to hang the portrait exhibition. My piece, "Contrappasto" joins some other beautiful works ... with the opening reception this Saturday, October 5, 7-9pm at 750 Center Street, Herndon, VA. Then, it was off to Vienna to turn in two pieces for their Paint the Town plein air competition and exhibit. Also -- some great work getting ready to hang on the walls. I turned in "Made in the Shade" and "Korean Garden,"

"Bare" created this Saturday at Open Life. It may change...

both painted this week in downtown Vienna and Meadowlark Gardens, respectively.

"Made in the Shade" got a second afternoon painting pass yesterday. I thought about creating another, but in a strange bout of good sense, decided to improve this painting through some concentrated hours without the stress of initial drawing, chasing the sun, etc. Those decisions had already been made. My job was to answer the question, how can I make it better?

While I was painting there, a man visited before a bike ride ... and after, having talked with me about my piece on both occasions. When he returned, he announced he had the perfect name for it ... "Made In the Shade" - an homage to the umbrella I was working under and painting in.  It must be perfect. That's just what I'd named it on Round One. Pretty interesting, right?

Evidence in the Washington Post Sunday Style Section: Where I spent Tuesday night

Style Section? Me?
This might be it, folks. But, I am pictured in the Washington Post Sunday Style Section, page 12, September 29, 2013. The reason? Attending the MPA Artfest Soiree -- a pre-celebration of this weekend's main event. I get a kick out of being in there. I get a kick out of pretty much everything.

The party was great fun.  I really loved the piece I donated to the Luck of the Draw, and so did a lot of the attendees. That felt great. The event got off to a great start, too, as I  walked up to the welcome table with Janie Strauss -- who told me she was happy to be sponsoring my tent this year. Very happy! Janie sponsors the Strauss Fellowship Grant  offered through the Fairfax County Arts Council -- of which I've been the recipient in 2008 and 2011.

Come to Great Falls Annual Studio Tour October 19 & 20
Watch a GREAT video about why you should visit the Great Falls Studio Tour at: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fW0J_quUdKw

I'll be at 1144 Walker Road, Suite G, Great Falls, VA. Also see the Atelier website: www.GreatFallsAtelier.com for more info.

60 Artists talking processes, sharing art inspiration in thirty locations. Free. Self-guided. Come to the Atelier for a map, goodies, fun, beautiful art!!!
 
Web: www.jillbanks.com
Blog: jillbanks.blogspot.comEmail
Phone: 703.403.7435

Artists Atelier, Great Falls VA website: GreatFallsAtelier.com 

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

September 4 to October 5: Artomatic@Frederick

117 Church Street

Frederick, MD

13 original works on view on the 3rd floor, end of the hallway in this extreme pop-up gallery.

September 4 to October 5. Open Wednesdays through Sundays.

Friday, October 4, 6-9pm: Opening Reception

Inaugural Exhibition Fine Art Professionals of Northern Virginia

Berkley Gallery

31 Main Street

Warrenton, VA

Three of my pieces on view. 28 artists. Exhibit through October 15

Saturday, October 5, 7-9pm: Opening Reception and Awards

5th Annual Portrait Expressions Regional Juried Exhibition

ArtSpace Herndon

750 Center Street

Herndon, VA
"Contrapposto" was chosen as a finalist

Sunday, October 6, 10am-5pm

MPA McLean Artfest Outdoor Juried Art Show

Under a tent in McLean Community Park, McLean, VA at the corner of Old Dominion Drive and Dolley Madison Blvd.  Lots to see!! 49 artists. Rain or shine.

Friday, October 11, 5:30 to 8:30pm

Catharine Lorillard Wolfe Art Club's Benefit Reception for the Metropolitan Museum of Art

National Arts Club, 15 Gramercy Park, NYC. 117th Annual Open Exhibition of CLWAC.   Exhibit October 1-25.

Saturday and Sunday, October 19&20, 10am-5pm

Great Falls Annual Studio Tour -- Celebrating 10 Years!

See me at the Artists' Atelier, the studio I share with 14 other artists at 1144 Walker Road, Suite G, Great Falls, VA. We join the 60 artists opening up our studios for the weekend, talking about our processes, tools, and hoping to inspire the artist in you in this FREE, self-guided tour throughout the streets of Great Falls.  

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," "Coffee or Tea?," "Cup of Tea," and "Not Picasso." Through October 15.

"Main Street USA" In Progress, Parade in Warrenton

"Main Street USA" work in progress (parade to come), oil, 20"h x 16"w, ©Jill Banks 2013

Main Street just might be the theme of the week.

Delivery day to Warrenton, VA ... of three paintings to Berkley Gallery for the Fine Art Professionals of Northern Virginia exhibit could have been today or tomorrow. Because a parade was scheduled for tomorrow morning, I chose this afternoon -- loading the car with paintings and all my art supplies to take advantage of this new location for some plein air work. Just in case.

What a terrific gallery ... filled with wonderful art! Jill Poyerd -- the mastermind and mover-shaker for the Fine Art Professionals group selected a great spot for our first exhibit together. Way to go! This Friday is the opening reception ... Berkley Gallery, October 4, 6 to 9pm at 31 Main Street, Warrenton, VA.  The show continues through October 15.

The signs where I parked my car warned that the spaces needed to be vacated by 4pm. The same sign was plastered all down the street.  Guess why?  The Homecoming parade was heading down Main Street at 5pm. It seems that a parade was part of my destiny.

I set up to paint around 4:30, finding a spot that was at least out of the way for pedestrians. A half hour wasn't enough time to paint the background ... and indicate the growing crowd plus parade as it passed through town.  But I had PLENTY of visitors, received cheers, thumbs up and calls of "Nice Painting!!!" from the floats and enjoyed the fun of Main Street on a special day.

Web: www.jillbanks.com
Blog: jillbanks.blogspot.comEmail
Phone: 703.403.7435

Artists Atelier, Great Falls VA website: GreatFallsAtelier.com 

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

Through September 29: "Menagerie" - 5-Artist Exhibit of Animal Art - CLOSING SOON

ArtSpace Herndon

750 Center Street

Herndon, VA

703.956.6590

13 original oils on view.

September 4 to October 5: Artomatic@Frederick

117 Church Street

Frederick, MD

13 original works on view on the 3rd floor, end of the hallway in this extreme pop-up gallery.

September 4 to October 5. Open Wednesdays through Sundays.

Friday, October 4, 6-9pm: Opening Reception

Inaugural Exhibition Fine Art Professionals of Northern Virginia

Berkley Gallery

31 Main Street

Warrenton, VA

Three of my pieces on view. 28 artists. Exhibit through October 15

Saturday, October 5, 7-9pm: Opening Reception and Awards

5th Annual Portrait Expressions Regional Juried Exhibition

ArtSpace Herndon

750 Center Street

Herndon, VA
"Contrapposto" was chosen as a finalist

Sunday, October 6, 10am-5pm

MPA McLean Artfest Outdoor Juried Art Show

Under a tent in McLean Community Park, McLean, VA at the corner of Old Dominion Drive and Dolley Madison Blvd.  Lots to see!! 49 artists. Rain or shine.

Friday, October 11, 5:30 to 8:30pm

Catharine Lorillard Wolfe Art Club's Benefit Reception for the Metropolitan Museum of Art

National Arts Club, 15 Gramercy Park, NYC. 117th Annual Open Exhibition of CLWAC.   Exhibit October 1-25.

Saturday and Sunday, October 18&19, 10am-5pm

Great Falls Annual Studio Tour -- Celebrating 10 Years!

See me at the Artists' Atelier, the studio I share with 14 other artists at 1144 Walker Road, Suite G, Great Falls, VA. We join the 60 artists opening up our studios for the weekend, talking about our processes, tools, and hoping to inspire the artist in you in this FREE, self-guided tour throughout the streets of Great Falls.  

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," "Coffee or Tea?," "Cup of Tea," and "Not Picasso." Through September 15.

"Made In the Shade" Plein Air Painting in Vienna

"Made in the Shade," oil, 16"h x 12"w, ©Jill Banks 2013

This afternoon I headed to Vienna VA to "paint the town" -- as a possible entry for an exhibit/competition sponsored by the Vienna Arts Society. Artists have a week to set up and paint in and around the town -- and can turn in up to two paintings of Vienna, preferably done en plein air, on Monday, September 30.

Check out more info on the Vienna Arts Society web site: http://www.viennaartssociety.org/.

The umbrella in the corner was shading my direct into the sun view. Couldn't resist painting it in...

Fortunately, the owner of the car parked in front of the Washington & Old Dominion railcar stayed in place as long as I did. Phew.

I hope to get outside, enjoying the day painting, tomorrow and the next. It's too pretty out to miss. So, look for more. Not sure about the destination ... but let's say someplace.

Web: www.jillbanks.com
Blog: jillbanks.blogspot.comEmail
Phone: 703.403.7435

Artists Atelier, Great Falls VA website: GreatFallsAtelier.com 

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

Through September 29: "Menagerie" - 5-Artist Exhibit of Animal Art - CLOSING SOON

ArtSpace Herndon

750 Center Street

Herndon, VA

703.956.6590

13 original oils on view.

September 4 to October 5: Artomatic@Frederick

117 Church Street

Frederick, MD

13 original works on view on the 3rd floor, end of the hallway in this extreme pop-up gallery.

September 4 to October 5. Open Wednesdays through Sundays.

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," "Coffee or Tea?," "Cup of Tea," and "Not Picasso." Through September 15.

Perfect Day at Meadowlark Gardens

"Korean Garden," oil, 10"h x 8"w, ©Jill Banks 2013

There's something about Fall.

A crisp morning melted into the most beautifully breezy, blue-skied, gorgeous day made all the better wandering the grounds of Meadowlark Gardens, part of the Northern Virginia Parks Authority in Vienna, VA. This was the site of today's Plein Air Landscape Class -- with everyone's canvases looking like the inspiration was working wonders.

After class, Trina stayed on in her perch in the gazebo, and I joined her, enjoying my chance to paint. What a day!

Fun at the MPA Artfest Soirée
Yesterday's still life class was followed by a pre-Artfest party, a chance for artists and all those who help make the McLean MPA Artfest outdoor juried show such a success. Judging from the 38 Luck of the Draw pieces donated and chosen during the event, Artfest will be better than ever this year. Join the fun on Sunday, October 6, 10am-5pm in McLean Central Park at the corner of Old Dominion Drive and Dolley Madison Blvd. in McLean, VA. I was glad to meet the new owners of  "Marais Day" - who were lucky enough to have drawn the #2 pick.

Menagerie Closing Sunday, New Events Coming UP
If you haven't seen "Menagerie" -- the five-artist exhibit of Animal Art -- yet, here's your last call. It comes down on Sunday at ArtSpace Herndon, 750 Center Street, Herndon, VA.  I hope you don't miss it. I'll also be participating in October's 5th Annual Portrait Expressions Exhibit in the same spot. Catch that reception with the works of 22 finalists on Saturday, October 5, 7-9pm.

And, on Friday, October 4, there's a reception from 6 to 9pm for the inaugural exhibit of the Fine Art Professionals of Northern Virginia at the Berkley Gallery, 40 Main Street, Warrenton, VA. There I'll have "Sunflowers in the Studio II," "Caffe Bar" and "Cafe Break." Should be fun. I'm looking forward to visiting the gallery and enjoying the company many of the area's top artists.

Life gets a bit hectic very soon -- another good reason to enjoy today's peace in the garden. Tomorrow's another "smell the roses" day. Hooray.

Web: www.jillbanks.com
Blog: jillbanks.blogspot.comEmail
Phone: 703.403.7435

Artists Atelier, Great Falls VA website: GreatFallsAtelier.com 

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

Through September 29: "Menagerie" - 5-Artist Exhibit of Animal Art - CLOSING SOON

ArtSpace Herndon

750 Center Street

Herndon, VA

703.956.6590

13 original oils on view.

September 4 to October 5: Artomatic@Frederick

117 Church Street

Frederick, MD

13 original works on view on the 3rd floor, end of the hallway in this extreme pop-up gallery.

September 4 to October 5. Open Wednesdays through Sundays.

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," "Coffee or Tea?," "Cup of Tea," and "Not Picasso." Through September 15.

Artist as Judge, Paintings in Progress

"Mademoiselle" work in progress, oil, 30"h x 24"w, ©Jill Banks 2013

This afternoon, fellow artist Lori Goll and I were the award judges for Paint Herndon -- choosing the winners in the Youth, Teen and Adult divisions among pieces created in the last 24 hours. It was a tough job that we both took very seriously. All who participated should be applauded. Creating a piece in that short timeframe -- with many of the artists working last night and then furiously today to finish and hand in their work by 3:30pm -- is quite a task.

Neither Lori nor I were prepared to present why we chose the pieces we did for awards.  But Lori did offer that we would give a critique or talk to any of the artists about their work after the awards presentation. I'm so glad she did. I've always wondered what a judge is thinking, what they were looking for, how my piece might have fared better, etc.

"Montmartre Shadows" work in progress, oil, 20"h x 16"w

Despite the lack of posts -- I have been painting.  "Mademoiselle" (formerly "French Miss") was yesterday's project. Pre-judging, "Montmartre Shadows" was started today. The colors in both photos are way off (yikes!) -- but I decided to post them anyway.

"At the Barre" will be heading to a happy new home shortly -- purchased yesterday.

And, take a look at my web site's home page for a good look at "The Wedding Party" -- the painting started "live" at the wedding reception at a vineyard this Summer. It's approved and will be delivered to its new owners -- the newlyweds soon.

Web: www.jillbanks.com
Blog: jillbanks.blogspot.comEmail
Phone: 703.403.7435

Artists Atelier, Great Falls VA website: GreatFallsAtelier.com 

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

"At the Barre" under New Ownership

Through September 29: "Menagerie" - 5-Artist Exhibit of Animal Art

ArtSpace Herndon

750 Center Street

Herndon, VA

703.956.6590

13 original oils on view.

September 4 to October 5: Artomatic@Frederick

117 Church Street

Frederick, MD

13 original works on view on the 3rd floor, end of the hallway in this extreme pop-up gallery.

September 4 to October 5. Open Wednesdays through Sundays.

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," "Coffee or Tea?," "Cup of Tea," and "Not Picasso." Through September 15.

"French Miss" Purple Doll in Progress

"French Miss" work in progress, oil, 30"h x 24"w, ©Jill Banks 2013

Even though the title's in this post's heading, it's still up for grabs. In the meantime ... "French Miss" is today's first day of still life class' demo plus five hours. During the demo, I mentioned that this is my favorite time painting -- day one, starting something new. Plus, the set up was inspiring.

Yesterday, I'd asked my Mom and Dad if I could raid their condo for objects ... preferably in the purples and violets. In half an hour, or by the time I got over there, two pretty in purple options were laid out on their dining room table. This is of one of those, modified with part of the the second (the silver teapot). Plus, flowers, a peach and some plums from Whole Foods.

Despite having to be, hopefully, peppy for the first day of my Plein Air Landscape painting class, I faced a common dilemma. I didn't want to stop.

She's a French miss since the doll was purchased for my Mom from Dad in the French village that was home to her grandfather. They'd visited Sweden to see where my Dad's family came from ... and France to do the same for my Mom's.

Paint Herndon This Weekend

"Fresh Bread" won 1st Place Honors in Paint Herndon 2012

Last year I enjoyed painting during Paint Herndon, a plein air event -- capturing the town. "Fresh Bread" earned First Prize.

This time around work does not need to be done in plein air, but it can be. (That's how I hope artists work.) I also won't be painting in it this year -- but will be teaming up with Lori Goll, a fellow exhibitor in the "Menagerie" show, to judge the entries in the kids, teen and adult categories.

Here's the scoop on Paint Herndon:
Held on Saturday, September 21, it is a celebration of the arts and the anniversary of the opening of ArtSpace Herndon (750 Center Street, Herndon, VA). The painting competition is designed in the spirit of a "day painting" competition and challenges artists to create works of art in a short period of time.

It's open to all artists.

3 divisions, each with their own cash prizes.

Adult Competition open to all adults and teens aged 16 and older. Prizes will be awarded for the Old Town Herndon award ($300), first place ($300), second place ($200) and third place ($100).

The Teen Competition is open to all teens aged 12 to 17. A grand prize of $50 and other honors will be awarded.

The Youth Competition is open to all youths aged 8 to 11. A grand prize of $50 and other honors will be awarded.

Canvases must be stamped to be eligible for the competition. Check here for more info, important dates and details: http://events.r20.constantcontact.com/register/event?oeidk=a07e7tyia8r6b6d428f&llr=uhpd6pcab

Best of luck, all ... and happy painting!

Web: www.jillbanks.com

Blog: jillbanks.blogspot.com
Email
Phone: 703.403.7435

Artists Atelier, Great Falls VA website: GreatFallsAtelier.com 

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

Through September 29: "Menagerie" - 5-Artist Exhibit of Animal Art

ArtSpace Herndon

750 Center Street

Herndon, VA

703.956.6590

13 original oils on view.

September 4 to October 5: Artomatic@Frederick

117 Church Street

Frederick, MD

13 original works on view on the 3rd floor, end of the hallway in this extreme pop-up gallery.

September 4 to October 5. Open Wednesdays through Sundays.

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," "Coffee or Tea?," "Cup of Tea," and "Not Picasso." Through September 15.

"The Wedding Party" Gets a Visit

"The Wedding Party" Review

"There We Are"

Remember my telling you about painting during the wedding reception at the vineyard late June? My being there and the painting that resulted were a surprise gift from the bride's parents for the newlyweds. The couple, Lauren and Chad Martin, happened to pass through the DC area toward home from their honeymoon in South Africa yesterday. So they arrived at my doorstep, 28 hours into their journey back to Colorado -- to see the painting -- accompanied by her parents, the gift givers. Of my four visitors, I'd only met one. But it's funny, when you spend time painting someone and attend their wedding (sort of), you feel like you already know them.

I'd set a display easel up in the family room (well, you can see) -- and it's a straight line of view from the front door to the fireplace. It's always fun when suddenly someone realizes that the painting up ahead of them ... is of them.  Even if they know it's around there somewhere. I mean really fun.

Lauren's mom was the first to say "There We Are."

All four were excited about the painting, and "The Wedding Party" held plenty of surprises. Although one of the goals was to keep it impressionistic in style -- more a depiction of a wedding party in a vineyard setting -- versus a portrait of all the guests, Lauren and Chad were surprised to see how much they looked like them.

I so enjoyed getting to meet this very neat couple. Since they were rather busy during their big day, we hadn't even said hello -- and it could have easily been the case that the painting would be sent off and we'd never meet.  I loved Lauren's story of getting ready in the bridal suite and seeing me at my easel out on the lawn. She was wondering who that person was out there preparing to crash their party. 

Another funny anecdote. I don't hear well. (Okay, that is not the funny part.) Lauren and Chad were asking about how the painting gets packaged up to ship to them, how to care for it once there, etc.  I don't know what Lauren actually asked me, but my interpretation was unusual to say the least.  I answered that she didn't need to feed it.  They are probably still chuckling over that one.

I'm pretty sure they had just as much fun as I did yesterday. They are looking forward to "The Wedding Party" hanging in their new home. Sounds like their walls are a bit bare. I hope they let me help them with that through the years.

There's one small change left to make and soon it will head westward.  Cool project. Very happy reveal.

The Artists page at the new www.GreatFallsAtelier.com website.

Sign up for Fall Classes -- They start next week. One space left in my Still Life class (Tuesdays starting September 17, 10am-1pm, 8 weeks) and a few in my Plein Air Landscape class (Wednesdays starting September 18, 9:30am-1:30pm). See my website's Classes page for more info.

New Website for the Artists' Atelier: Yea! My studiomates and I have been working on this over the last few weeks and it's really terrific.  Take a look at www.GreatFallsAtelier.com and tell me what you think.

"Spanish Steps," oil, 20"h x 16"w, ©Jill Banks 2012

"Spanish Steps" gone to a new home.  Yesterday I received an email from a man who had seen "Spanish Steps" at Greenberry's Coffee and Tea in McLean. He was interested in purchasing it -- or having his wife purchase it for him as a birthday present. His wife agreed -- as long as the piece fit the spot he planned for it to hang. Could they try it out? Randy and I swapped out another piece for it at Greenberry's, took it to its new potential home. Down came a gold painting in a gold frame on a gold wall and up went "Spanish Steps" -- and seriously, it was a new room. The painting is gorgeous, and it looked it ... there in its new spot. So, the trial was about two minutes long. The verdict: I'll buy it.














Web: www.jillbanks.com

Blog: jillbanks.blogspot.com
Email
Phone: 703.403.7435

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

Through September 29: "Menagerie" - 5-Artist Exhibit of Animal Art

ArtSpace Herndon

750 Center Street

Herndon, VA

703.956.6590

13 original oils on view.

September 4 to October 5: Artomatic@Frederick

117 Church Street

Frederick, MD

13 original works on view on the 3rd floor, end of the hallway in this extreme pop-up gallery.

September 4 to October 5. Open Wednesdays through Sundays.

 

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," "Coffee or Tea?," "Cup of Tea," and "Not Picasso." Through September 15.

Two Openings

Artomatic during Artists' Night Opening, September 6

A six-minute post. "Menagerie" opened tonight -- the five-artist exhibit of animal art at ArtSpace Herndon. Fun! Take a look at the show now through September 29 at ArtSpace Herndon, 750 Center Street, Herndon, VA. See the Events page on my web site for open hours/days. It's well worth the visit.

For the show, too, my image of "Chickens!" appeared on page 3 of the Washington Post's Fall Arts Guide along with a numbered listing of facts about the exhibit as part of the Gate column.  Yea!

And Artomatic@Frederick's Artist's Night was

last night kicking off five weeks for this pop-up exhibit with work by 350 artists. Catch my portion of the show, 3rd floor, end of hall at 117 E. Church Street in Frederick, MD.

Back To School
Time to sign up for art classes. Start date is right around the corner! See the classes page on my web site. There's still room in my Plein Air Landscape class and Portrait workshop plus one space in the Still Life class ... but sign up now.

Artomatic@Frederick
 I'm in the 117 Church Street building, Frederick, MD, 3rd floor, end of the hallway. You're invited! Open Wednesday through Sundays through October 5.

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!

"Menagerie" - 5-Artist Exhibit of Animal Art

ArtSpace Herndon

750 Center Street

Herndon, VA

703.956.6590

13 original oils on view through September 29.

Artomatic@Frederick

117 Church Street

Frederick, MD

Reception, Friday, September 5, 6-9pm

13 original works on view on the 3rd floor, end of the hallway in this extreme pop-up gallery.

September 4 to October 5. Open Wednesdays through Sundays.

 

 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.

"At the Barre" Finished, "Menagerie" Is Up! and a Love Story

"At the Barre," oil, 20"h x 16"w, ©Jill Banks 2013

The last few days besides carrying art around, making deliveries, taking down and putting up shows -- have been spent on finishing one of the two paintings started during my August 10 demonstration at the Great Falls Library. A new, better photo will replace this one -- but I was too excited about showing it to you to wait.

For those of you who have seen "Ballerinas I" and "Ballerinas II" -- in person or online -- you know that stylistically this new one is less impressionistic than the two that preceded it.  I wanted to capture my subjects for "At the Barre." That doesn't mean obsessing over details, but caring more about how I depict color, light, mood, posture of my two terrific models -- Sydney Parks and Dylan Murphy.

So far, I have three out of three paintings of ballerinas I love (of mine ... there are many more of others). One more to go. For now.



"Menagerie" Is Up
The five-artist exhibit of animal art was hung this afternoon. (Sculpture from artist #5 still to come when I left.) I worked with a volunteer to hang my 14 pieces on my section of the walls in

Part of the "Menagerie" show at ArtSpace Herndon

the gallery at ArtSpace Herndon (750 Center Street, Herndon, VA). With my camera card full -- these photos are off my iPhone -- and apparently I was doing pirouettes while snapping pictures. (They are blurry.) Sorry about that. I will be there for Saturday's reception, 7-9pm. Another chance for better pics then.

"Menagerie" features the work of:
Jill Banks
Lori Goll
Mir Molette
Jeanne Treshuk
Jackie Ehle-Inglefield

Reception: Saturday, September 7, 7-9pm
Gallery Hours:
Monday - Closed
Tuesday through Thursday - 10am to 2pm
Friday and Saturday - 10am to 5pm
Sunday - 1pm to 5pm

The exhibit opens officially tomorrow (Wednesday, September 4) and closes September 29.

"Got Your Goat?" in "Menagerie" at ArtSpace Herndon

Have a look.

My Parents' Anniversary
I received an email today -- as did all my parents' kids and grandkids -- that brought tears to my eyes.  Proves they are not that dry after all.

Today is my mom and dad's 63rd wedding anniversary. For 63 years + two, they've shown anyone who's met them what love looks and acts like if you're really, really, really blessed.

I didn't ask permission, but am sharing anyway. Here's the email:

Good Morning ALL,

As you are aware, today is another one of those special days for my partner and me.  At least the date on the calendar suggests it is a day of “attention”!

If the truth be known, it seems that at this stage of our lives and our marriage, EVERY day is a special day of celebration. Lucky us!  We truly count our blessing each and every day! We never take a day or a moment together for granted...not ever!

And, as to our blessings, each of YOU are VERY high on the list to be counted!!!  What special gifts you are to us!  How rich we are with memories past, as well as many dreams going forward.  Life doesn’t get better for us.  We pray likewise for each of you!

And, just in case you were worried that your mom/Nana/Shonnie was losing interest in all of this stuff...I am sharing the traditional beautiful poem I received this morning.  Again,

Lucky me!!

Love you,

Dad/Papa/Ken

And my mom's poem to my dad.

Happy 63^rd Anniversary, Ken

It really never ceases

 to amaze both you and me

How the love we share could possibly get stronger

But it’s a fact that cannot be

denied by anyone

As the sum of years together gets way longer

How many ways can I express

why this is really true

I say it in the same old words each year

Although we both were very young

when first we met and dated

The love grew very quickly...That was clear

I found myself so happy...

I loved your sense of humor

You made me feel so special...right away

I guess I proved that early

when departing words I said

Could have had the same result as Pepper Spray

But thankfully, you didn’t “scare”

and stayed in full pursuit

For a year...and then I found myself “engaged”

That next year we were married

thinking love was at its peak

But instead, it kept on growing as we aged

Throughout the years our fam’ly grew

(With room to grow some more)

So our hearts are clearly filled with gratitude

And thanks to you, we handle

ups and downs along the way

With an upbeat, “Count your blessings” attitude

I love you more and more each day

and know you feel the same

For these sixty-three great years...let’s celebrate

With a movie and some yogurt

and Gin Rummy...or “whatever”

Just as long as I am with my FAVORITE date!

                                                        Love always,

                                                                                                         Shonnie

If you're wondering about that scary thing my mom said -- she told my dad that he was the kind of guy she'd like to marry (or thereabouts) on their first date. (A blind one.) 

I'm counting my blessings that they were my role models for marriage and love. Thanks, Mom & Dad! Now you know why I'm so nuts over husband Randy. I come by it honestly.

Back To School
Time to sign up for art classes. Start date is right around the corner! See the classes page on my web site. There's still room in my Plein Air Landscape class and Portrait workshop.

Artomatic@Frederick
Artists' Reception, this Friday (September 6), 6-9pm. I'm in the 117 Church Street building, Frederick, MD, 3rd floor, end of the hallway. You're invited!

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!

"Menagerie" - 5-Artist Exhibit of Animal Art

ArtSpace Herndon

750 Center Street

Herndon, VA

703.956.6590

Reception, Saturday, September 6, 7-9pm

14 original oils on view through September 29.

Artomatic@Frederick

117 Church Street

Frederick, MD

Reception, Friday, September 5, 6-9pm

13 original works on view on the 3rd floor, end of the hallway in this extreme pop-up gallery.

September 4 to October 5. Open Wednesdays through Sundays.

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.