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.