"Opened Orange" and New News from the Easel

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

Today was Day 1 of a three-day workshop given by Qiang Huang (pronounced "Chong Wong") -- an oil painter who writes a wonderful and interesting blog. Qiang gave a demo this morning and this afternoon we were making our selections from a communal table of stuff and setting up our own still life to work from.  Plus, we were working in pairs.

My still life partner is Mary Beth Gaiarin, who -- when I started to peel the orange -- mentioned that according to her own independent study, it's only women artists who peel fruit to paint. I'm not sure how scientific or in-depth her analysis goes, but at least I fit the gender profile.

Going, Going, Gone

"La Chien de Grange"

Well, pretty much. "La Chien de Grange" -- my painting of the Giverny barn dog that's charmed her way into many hearts has been officially adopted. The painting of her is still hanging in the Artists' Atelier Gallery for Studio Tour this coming weekend -- so you can visit at 1144 Walker Road, Suite G, Great Falls, VA from 10am to 5pm on Saturday and Sunday, October 19 & 20.

Sometimes a painting is loved enough by many people that I wish there were "close cousins" of it to share the joy.  "La Chien" is one of those.  I can think of the man who visited it at the Great Falls Library who came by to visit her daily during my "Serendipity" exhibit. And, the family who fell in love with it at Artfest and showed me the photo of their family dog who closely resembled it.

"La Chien's" new owner loves it LOTS. She's found a great home.

A New News from the Easel went out late last night.  You can read the latest issue -- if it didn't arrive in your mailbox -- archived on my web site. And, if you'd like to subscribe to receive future issues -- go to the website and sign up. I publish it once every month or two -- or whenever there's real news to share.

Main News: Studio Tour is coming up in just a couple of days. Once a year. 50+ artists. 33 venues. Free. Saturday and Sunday, October 19 & 20, 10am-5pm.  See me at the Artists' Atelier, 1144 Walker Road, Suite G, Great Falls, VA.

Portrait Workshop: November 1 to November 3. See the Classes page on my web site for details and info for online registration.

Mastering the Business of Art Workshop: January 4 & 5. You can register now.

Sunday Portrait Painting Classes: starting mid-January. Still Life Classes will still be offered on Tuesdays (10am to 1pm).

Thanks for reading! Hope to see you soon!

Jill


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!

5th Annual Portrait Expressions Regional Juried Exhibition

ArtSpace Herndon

750 Center Street

Herndon, VA "Contrapposto" was chosen as a finalist

Friday, October 25, 6 to 9pm

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

National Arts Club, 15 Gramercy Park, NYC. 117th Annual Open Exhibition of CLWAC.   Exhibit October 1-25.  Advance reservations required for the awards dinner.

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.