To a Happy and Healthy 2014!

"Full Bar" painting of the Old Brogue start, oil, 18"h x 24"w, ©Jill Banks 2013

I might have even switched the adjectives.

"The Brogue Bar," oil, 18"h x 24"w, ©Jill Banks 2012. Private Collection

Painting is heavily tied into my emotional state ... and I haven't been doing much of it (painting -- except pottery) since before Christmas.

My niece has been extremely sick  and in the hospital since before Christmas and it changed the way we all experienced the holiday.  It was quiet, subdued, scary ... and we have been praying for some answers and a corner turned. The prayers continue but news is that this was a much, much better day today. The doctors came back with a diagnosis after six days of a very tough battle. Annie tested positive for Swine flu -- and now has a road to recovery. As my brother says -- she isn't out of the woods yet -- but it's the first bit of good news for awhile.

This afternoon I picked back up my paintbrush and here's that painting's start.  It's just French Ultramarine Blue and Transparent Earth Red on a yellow ochre ground.  The scene for "Full Bar" is the Old Brogue -- a frequent subject I've painted quite a few times from photos and on site.  I'd like to set up my easel there to work on it, but this view would be in the way of lots of folks -- all the patrons who keep it hopping. So, that wish will require some finetuning to accomplish.

This will be one of many I hope to paint over the next couple of weeks for an upcoming February solo show there in Katie's Coffee (Great Falls, VA).  My plan is to do a series of starts and then go back to finishing the group on a second and third pass.  Let's see if I stick to that plan.

My wish for you ... and Annie ... is that 2014 is Healthy, Happy, Wonderful!

Start the New Year Off Artfully

Sign Up for Classes and Workshops that Start January
Mastering the Business of Art -- two-day workshop January 4 & 5 (Coming up this Weekend!!!). Email me if you are registering.
Still Life in Oils -- Tuesdays, 10am-1pm (Full with wait list)
Portrait Painting -- Sundays, 1:30pm-5:30pm -- please join us.
All taught through the Great Falls School of Art (1144 Walker Road, Suite D, Great Falls, VA).  See the Classes page on my Web site: www.JillBanks.com. Don't wait! (Please. I don't want you to miss out.)

Web: www.jillbanks.com
Blog: jillbanks.blogspot.com 
Email
Phone: 703.403.7435
Artists Atelier, Great Falls VA website: GreatFallsAtelier.com 

Events
See the events page on my website.  Thanks!

Richeson75 Birds, Animals and Wildlife Online Exhibition "La Chien de Grange," my painting of the (magestic) Giverny barn dog was chosen as one of 75 outstanding artworks for the Richeson Birds, Animals and Wildlife exhibition now viewable online at: http://www.richeson75.com/wildlife/index.html

"From My Hearth"

"From My Hearth," oil, 14"h x 11"w, ©Jill Banks 2013

Since putting up the garlands and tree this year (early -- right over Thanksgiving), I've wanted to paint this scene. I love fire and lights -- the warmth and coziness of inside when stepping out takes bracing oneself for the cold. Above the mantel sits "Garden Girl." This view captures my favorite in our home.

I'm seeking comfort, peace of mind -- to find and share it with those in need. Last night, I looked for it with my paintbrush. Like Maria in "The Sound of Music" I turned to my favorite "things."

Holidays highlight what's most important in our lives, amplifying both our blessings and concerns.

Delivery

"Doe a Deer," oil, 20"h x 16"w -- delivered to its new home yesterday

Yesterday, Randy and I delivered two paintings to a collector who hung them within 10 minutes of our departure. While we were there, she showed us where each of her previous purchases resided and introduced us to the rest of her collection. Each piece was hung and selected with care. What was clear to me was how much joy the art brought her -- and that by hanging the works throughout her house, she was passing that joy on -- to her husband, family, cats, guests.

I love to have helped with that.

Sign Up for Classes and Workshops that Start January
Mastering the Business of Art -- two-day workshop January 4 & 5
Still Life in Oils -- Tuesdays, 10am-1pm (Full with wait list)
Portrait Painting -- Sundays, 1:30pm-5:30pm
All taught through the Great Falls School of Art (1144 Walker Road, Suite D, Great Falls, VA).  See the Classes page on my Web site: www.JillBanks.com. Don't wait! (Please. I don't want you to miss out.)

Web: www.jillbanks.com
Blog: jillbanks.blogspot.com 
Email
Phone: 703.403.7435
Artists Atelier, Great Falls VA website: GreatFallsAtelier.com 

Events
See the events page on my website.  Thanks!

Richeson75 Birds, Animals and Wildlife Online Exhibition "La Chien de Grange," my painting of the (magestic) Giverny barn dog was chosen as one of 75 outstanding artworks for the Richeson Birds, Animals and Wildlife exhibition now viewable online at: http://www.richeson75.com/wildlife/index.html

Day at the Atelier, "Hydrangeas and Persimmons"

"Hydrangeas and Persimmons," oil, 10"h x 8"w, ©Jill Banks 2013

It was the closing reception for the "Squares" exhibit at the Artists' Atelier (the studio I share with 14 other artists at 1144 Walker Road, Suite G, Great Falls, VA) ... and surprisingly for this time of year, there were LOTS of Atelier artists there ... along with many happy visitors. It sure beat fighting the crowds at the mall.

Today reminded me how much I love sharing studio space with these folks. Our time spent together, creating art, sharing laughter and our lives through the years has built great friendships.

Not only was the company super nice, I had the chance to paint.

"Hydrangeas and Persimmons" were the result -- a new little one. The persimmons were gifts to my parents from their friends, the owners of Iceberry's in the Reston Town Center.

You will probably hear from me again before Christmas but I'm taking this opportunity now to wish you ... a VERY Merry Christmas, Happy Holidays, and Happy New Year!!!

You can't have too many well wishes, right?

Sign Up for Classes and Workshops that Start January
Mastering the Business of Art -- two-day workshop January 4 & 5
Still Life in Oils -- Tuesdays, 10am-1pm (Full with wait list)
Portrait Painting -- Sundays, 1:30pm-5:30pm
All taught through the Great Falls School of Art (1144 Walker Road, Suite D, Great Falls, VA).  See the Classes page on my Web site: www.JillBanks.com. Don't wait! (Please. I don't want you to miss out.)

Web: www.jillbanks.com
Blog: jillbanks.blogspot.com 
Email
Phone: 703.403.7435
Artists Atelier, Great Falls VA website: GreatFallsAtelier.com 

Events
See the events page on my website.  Thanks!

Richeson75 Birds, Animals and Wildlife Online Exhibition "La Chien de Grange," my painting of the (magestic) Giverny barn dog was chosen as one of 75 outstanding artworks for the Richeson Birds, Animals and Wildlife exhibition now viewable online at: http://www.richeson75.com/wildlife/index.html

Your Inner Child and Art

"Got Your Goat," oil, 60"h x 20"w, ©Jill Banks 2013

I'm borrowing today ... some sage advice for the artist and those trying to unlock the artist within from the Robert Genn Newsletter, this installment written by Robert's daughter, Sara. For an image, I'm using one of those paintings in which I was practicing my inner child. (My painting from today is still a secret.)

"Science fiction author Ursula Le Guin wrote, "The creative adult is the child who has survived." Wise artists practice daily with their inner youngster, and the task doesn't lighten with success. Your child may slip into the shadows when more pressing professional concerns take hold. Alternate modes of play can be just the antidote. You can have fun chasing the tingles reserved for a novice. Making strides in areas unencumbered by hard-won expectation feels effervescent. By switching into child-mode, shuffling the cortex, we remember our innocence, when we knew less. These are the essentials of continued aesthetic discovery.

Sincerely,

Sara

P.S. "It is a happy talent to know how to play." (Ralph Waldo Emerson)

Esoterica: Learning a new thing is a shortcut to joy and informs your area of mastery. Last summer, I took a sailing lesson. Gathered on the dock of New York's 79th Street Boat Basin were a UN peacekeeping ambassador, an advertising director, a Columbia University Fellow, and me. We all found tying a bowline to be a real stumper. Eyes twinkled, mouths curled in amusement. You could almost hear the bigger brains chugging with new rhythms. Out on the Hudson, catching gusts and inner sensations, we tacked into the wind, closed our eyes, and let the children take turns at the tiller."

To read the whole article, go to http://clicks.robertgenn.com/childs-play.php.

Sara's right. There is something magical about learning new things -- and by now, I occasionally suffer from those hard-won expectations. 

Vow to try something brand new to shake things up. Forget about being good at it. See if the kid in you survived.

Sign Up for Classes and Workshops that Start January
Mastering the Business of Art -- two-day workshop January 4 & 5
Still Life in Oils -- Tuesdays, 10am-1pm (Full with wait list)
Portrait Painting -- Sundays, 1:30pm-5:30pm
All taught through the Great Falls School of Art (1144 Walker Road, Suite D, Great Falls, VA).  See the Classes page on my Web site: www.JillBanks.com. Don't wait! (Please. I don't want you to miss out.)

Web: www.jillbanks.com
Blog: jillbanks.blogspot.com 
Email
Phone: 703.403.7435
Artists Atelier, Great Falls VA website: GreatFallsAtelier.com 

Events
See the events page on my website.  Thanks!

Richeson75 Birds, Animals and Wildlife Online Exhibition "La Chien de Grange," my painting of the (magestic) Giverny barn dog was chosen as one of 75 outstanding artworks for the Richeson Birds, Animals and Wildlife exhibition now viewable online at: http://www.richeson75.com/wildlife/index.html

Squares Show in the Gallery

See me at 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 and whenever an artist is in. Squares is up until the end of December -- with work in a variety of mediums from members of Great Falls Studios. We had a great turn-out. Come see! Reception: Saturday, December 21, noon to 4pm.

Dining BenGusto Style and the Holiday Show

16-year-old Chef Entrepreneur Ben Gaiarin in the Kitchen

The Art of Food
So even if you're strangely not into food, you'll still want to hear about a wonderful dinner party I had the pleasure to attend ... and its chef, 16-year-old food entrepreneur Ben Gaiarin.

Ben announced that he was FINALLY ready to launch BenGusto dining on his blog (which I follow) on November 11.  The idea -- he would cook up an amazing organic four-course meal rooted in his Italian food experiences -- and you can enjoy being the guest at your own dinner party. The wait staff would consist of 18-year-olds and under, trained waiters and waitresses.

My Mom and Dad were first on the bandwagon, meeting with Ben to select the menu, survey the kitchen and dinnerware and get set for a party of eight on December 7.

BenGusto Dining -- Apple and Pear Crisp

First of all, it's amazing that someone so young can balance blog-writing, building a business, cooking, football/soccer, schoolwork, and being an interesting/fun person to be around. Everything I've seen him do -- he does SO well.

After enjoying his first catered dinner -- as a professional -- all I can say is WOW.

I don't have the menu in front of me -- but each of us had Ben sign them before we let him leave. (We can now prove we knew him when...)

The first course was tempura fried sage leaves. Yum! I've never eaten anything like them and was pretty sure that a huge plate full of those as a meal would have left us all very happy.

Second was a homemade pasta. Sometime around then, young server Sam arrived with delicious homemade bread.

Third course was lamb loin and broccolini. So good. (I would also be happy eating that broccolini the rest of my life.)

Fourth course was Ben's Autumn Pear and Apple Crisp with homemade vanilla gelato. I am not a dessert person. This was incredible and I ate every crumb.

As great as the food was, that Ben was the one preparing it -- made it a really special evening. He introducedeach  course -- told us how it was prepared -- or how he worked to master gelato. We had a question and answer session with Ben and Sam after the meal.  It was fun and good-hearted ... and good business.

It was all made from scratch, delicious, fresh and simply perfect.

Thumbs way up! Way to go, Ben!

Great Falls Studios Holiday Show and Sale, Saturday and Sunday, December 14 & 15, 10am -5pm
Wolftrap Educational Center, 1645 Trap Road, Vienna, VA

This is worth coming to see. I got lost going there to set-up today (Friday), but go to www.GreatFallsStudios.com click on Holiday for a map and more info.
Don't miss it!

My "Booth" at the Holiday Show.

Sign Up for Classes and Workshops that Start January
Mastering the Business of Art -- two-day workshop January 4 & 5
Still Life in Oils -- Tuesdays, 10am-1pm
Portrait Painting -- Sundays, 1:30pm-5:30pm
All taught through the Great Falls School of Art (1144 Walker Road, Suite D, Great Falls, VA).  See the Classes page on my Web site: www.JillBanks.com. Don't wait! (Please. I don't want you to miss out.)

Web: www.jillbanks.com
Blog: jillbanks.blogspot.com 
Email
Phone: 703.403.7435
Artists Atelier, Great Falls VA website: GreatFallsAtelier.com 

Events
See the events page on my website.  Thanks!

Great Falls Studios Holiday Art Show and Sale Saturday and Sunday, December 14 & 15, 10am - 5pm both days. 35 artists exhibiting at a new location: Wolftrap's Education Hall, 1645 Trap Road, Vienna, VA 22182.  I'll be there! No refreshments this time ... but plenty of art and good cheer!  Please help spread the word!

Squares Show in the Gallery

See me at 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 and whenever an artist is in. Squares is up until the end of December -- with work in a variety of mediums from members of Great Falls Studios. We had a great turn-out. Come see!

"Doe A Deer," Holiday Show and Van Gogh

"Doe, A Deer," oil, 20"h x 16"w, ©Jill Banks 2013. Commission.

"Doe, A Deer" has been progressing over the last week. A couple of factors have made it a challenging subject. 1)Sparkles. They take time.  2) Color shift. New colors that are outside of what I'm accustomed to require color mixing experiments. Pretty purples have been arrived at many different ways. (Cobalt blue and quinacridone red; Dioxinine purple and cobalt violet, ...)  3) Many objects with similar values and hues.

This is a commission in progress. Delivered in a purple bag.

Great Falls Studios Holiday Show and Sale
Saturday, December 14 and Sunday, December 15, 10-5 each day, join me at the Great Falls Studios Holiday Show and Sale, to be held in a NEW LOCATION this year--at the Education Center at Wolf Trap, 1645 Trap Road, Vienna, VA. Sponsored by Sun Design Remodeling Specialists, an award winning renovation firm, the show will feature 36 artists, plus a team of designers from Sun Design. The artists include painters, photographers, potters, jewelers, sculptors and fiber artists. Shop local to find the perfect holiday gift for someone special or maybe the perfect thing for yourself! Visit www.GreatFallsStudios.com and click on “Holiday” for more information. Visitors on Saturday will be able to enter a drawing for one of four $50 gift certificates good toward the purchase of art on Sunday. I hope to see you there!

Van Gogh's "Repetitions" at the Phillips Collection Today
Life's full of finally getting around to's ... but that is better than not.  I've been wanting to see the Van Gogh exhibit at the Phillips for a bit ... and today was the day. Randy and I spent a celebratory day with a wonderful lunch at PAUL Maison de Qualite in Georgetown (they have macarons and the quaint dining area upstairs transported me to Paris) before landing at the Phillips.

Van Gogh's Bedroom at Arles 1889 now at the Phillips

Standing face to face with a Van Gogh is pretty darn great.  I LOVED his drawings. They are beautiful, intimate, powerful.  Two in particular stand out. One of his sketches of a weaver and one from Montmartre. LOVED the textures in his backgrounds. Lines. Can't believe he painted such a large portrait in an hour's span. That would have been fun to see in person.

Van Gogh's "Repetitions" is on exhibit at the Phillips Collection through January 26, 2014. The exhibition is organized by The Phillips Collection and The Cleveland Museum of Art.


Sign Up for Classes and Workshops that Start January
Mastering the Business of Art -- two-day workshop January 4 & 5
Still Life in Oils -- Tuesdays, 10am-1pm
Portrait Painting -- Sundays, 1:30pm-5:30pm
All taught through the Great Falls School of Art (1144 Walker Road, Suite D, Great Falls, VA).  See the Classes page on my Web site: www.JillBanks.com. Don't wait! (Please. I don't want you to miss out.)

Web: www.jillbanks.com
Blog: jillbanks.blogspot.com 
Email
Phone: 703.403.7435
Artists Atelier, Great Falls VA website: GreatFallsAtelier.com 

Events
See the events page on my website.  Thanks!

COMING UP Soon: Great Falls Studios Holiday Art Show and Sale Saturday and Sunday, December 14 & 15, 10am - 5pm both days. 35 artists exhibiting at a new location: Wolftrap's Education Hall, 1645 Trap Road, Vienna, VA 22182.  I'll be there! No refreshments this time ... but plenty of art and good cheer!  Please help spread the word!

Squares Show in the Gallery

See me at 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 and whenever an artist is in. Squares is up until the end of December -- with work in a variety of mediums from members of Great Falls Studios. We had a great turn-out. Come see!

On a Rooster Roll

"Rooster," oil, 12"h x 12"w, ©Jill Banks 2013. Private Collection

"Rooster" got a makeover this morning ...

Just in time to be the only wet painting early this afternoon among the houseful of dry and varnished ones for a special post-Open House guest.

Just in time to be seen from the main floor foyer peeking out the corner of an upstairs bedroom. This might be a first. Our guest went straight up the stairs to see and "Rooster" soon became hers. Well, sort of. It now has to dry before delivery.

More Recent Roosters: "The Kitchen Caper," oil, 24"h x 30"w, ©Jill Banks 2013

She also brought objects for a Christmas-themed still life commissioned painting that I can't wait to start. The set up has taken over a corner of my kitchen. 

It was a full day of painting. Hooray! Lots of good things happening in my spruced up (it's temporary, I'm sure) home studio.

Sign Up for Classes and Workshops that Start January

Mastering the Business of Art -- two-day workshop January 4 & 5
Still Life in Oils -- Tuesdays, 10am-1pm
Portrait Painting -- Sundays, 1:30pm-5:30pm
All taught through the Great Falls School of Art (1144 Walker Road, Suite D, Great Falls, VA).  See the Classes page on my Web site: www.JillBanks.com. Don't wait! (Please. I don't want you to miss out.)

Web: www.jillbanks.com
Blog: jillbanks.blogspot.com 
Email
Phone: 703.403.7435
Artists Atelier, Great Falls VA website: GreatFallsAtelier.com 

Events
See the events page on my website.  Thanks!

COMING UP Soon: Great Falls Studios Holiday Art Show and Sale Saturday and Sunday, December 14 & 15, 10am - 5pm both days. 35 artists exhibiting at a new location: Wolftrap's Education Hall, 1645 Trap Road, Vienna, VA 22182.  I'll be there! No refreshments this time ... but plenty of art and good cheer!  Please help spread the word!

Squares Show in the Gallery

See me at 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 and whenever an artist is in. Squares is up until the end of December -- with work in a variety of mediums from members of Great Falls Studios. We had a great turn-out. Come see!

Home Studio Open House ... Happy Folks!

Imagine my Mom in the chair...

One of my favorite, yet most exhausting days of the year was yesterday -- for my now annual Home Studio Open House for collectors and students. This is the day I pretty much tie up my art and "world" with a bow ... as a present for those who help me afford to do what I love best.

There were a lot of special people celebrated yesterday -- those who pretty much accept me when they love/buy/live with my work. There's no separation. I'm woven into the canvas. And I love them back. Like it or not.

I missed some special folks who were absent. A holiday open house competes with so much and each year my planning involves crossed fingers. Yet the day brought many of my long-time great supporters, newcomers, family members of guests, new friends. Still, amazingly, about 100 of a list not that much longer showed up ... school night and all.

While the day is a blur in the living, this morning brought memories of the neat gatherings and moments encountered throughout. I received wonderful notes. Saw new friendships formed. Got thank yous for lessons learned. Perceived (appreciated?) my work a bit differently through borrowed eyes. Realized that we (Randy, Mom, Dad and I) created something really super special.


Our home was filled with decorations, three floors of art, happy impromptu gatherings of many of my favorite people -- enjoying the day designed with them in mind. My mom was close by the door to welcome guests and get a name tag attached. Dad was everywhere, fixing drinks, cleaning up, bringing good cheer. Randy was a blur in what few photos I took in the lightest portion of the action ... handling purchases, packaging, food, whatever was needed.

There were many newcomers as this year added many first-time collectors and students.

Everyone there has some sort of connection. Like going to a wedding. How do you know the bride? Yesterday the connection was my art.
 

Family room with "Garden Girl" presiding

Eight pieces have found new owners -- with what I know as many more checked off on holiday wish lists. 

The purchases include:

• "Autumn at the Marina"
• "Neigh There Too"
• "Clouds in the Sky"
• "Daffodils"
• "Peony and Rose"
• "Orchids and Orange"
• "Rainbow"
• "Great Falls Farmer's Market"

All of these pieces are great choices. I'd be incredibly happy to own each myself. (I did ... for awhile at least.)

"Montmartre Shadows" with "The Kitchen Caper" in background

Photos are missing people. Post-party. As usual. I cannot be hostess, meatball maker, photographer ... at once. A lesson in reality, most needed.

Sign Up for Classes and Workshops that Start January

Mastering the Business of Art -- two-day workshop January 4 & 5
Still Life in Oils -- Tuesdays, 10am-1pm
Portrait Painting -- Sundays, 1:30pm-5:30pm
All taught through the Great Falls School of Art (1144 Walker Road, Suite D, Great Falls, VA).  See the Classes page on my Web site: www.JillBanks.com. Don't wait! (Please. I don't want you to miss out.)

"Autumn at the Marina" under new ownership

Web: www.jillbanks.com
Blog: jillbanks.blogspot.com 
Email
Phone: 703.403.7435
Artists Atelier, Great Falls VA website: GreatFallsAtelier.com 

Events
See the events page on my website.  Thanks!

Squares Show in the Gallery

See me at 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 and whenever an artist is in. Squares is up until the end of December -- with work in a variety of mediums from members of Great Falls Studios. We had a great turn-out. Come see!

Great Falls Studios Holiday Art Show and Sale

Saturday and Sunday, December 14 & 15, 10am - 5pm both days. 35 artists exhibiting at a new location: Wolftrap's Education Hall, 1645 Trap Road, Vienna, VA 22182.  I'll be there! No refreshments this time ... but plenty of art and good cheer!  Please help spread the word!

View into my studio

"Backyard BBQ" Post-Season and the Pull of Art

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

"Backyard BBQ" received some finishing touches a couple days ago. It was a plein air piece done as a demo for my Plein Air Landscape class this past Fall. I let the detail and ideas established then lead the way for finishing up. I love the proud BBQ grill.

"Daffodils" under new ownership today.

This afternoon I was visited by one of my more recent collectors -- a couple who purchased two pieces from my "Serendipity" exhibit.  Of the two they'd collected before -- one was a gift and one was for their own home. She'd told me when (husband) Randy and I delivered those first packages that this was just the beginning of her collecting my work. She showed us that her interest was in collecting artists -- not individual pieces. That was evident in all the multiple pieces that hung from each artist on her walls.

Today, another was added. "Daffodils" was chosen -- a plein air piece created right outside our house, capturing the flowers my Dad planted as bulbs the Fall before. This is one for her.

Another purchase is planned for a future day. Many of my pieces are major investments -- as they were for me -- in my time, materials, energy, thought, training. She will buy it if it is available when she is ready. So I know it's being purchased. Just not when or by whom.

What I am happiest about is witnessing the connection that people have with my work.  That's an amazing feeling -- having someone want to see and enjoy what you've created every day. To invite it into their lives. To work to own it.

One other thing. She saw happiness, joy in my work. That seems perfectly fitting.


Sign Up for Classes and Workshops that Start January

Mastering the Business of Art -- two-day workshop January 4 & 5
Still Life in Oils -- Tuesdays, 10am-1pm
Portrait Painting -- Sundays, 1:30pm-5:30pm
All taught through the Great Falls School of Art (1144 Walker Road, Suite D, Great Falls, VA).  See the Classes page on my Web site: www.JillBanks.com. Don't wait! (Please. I don't want you to miss out.)

Web: www.jillbanks.com
Blog: jillbanks.blogspot.com 
Email
Phone: 703.403.7435
Artists Atelier, Great Falls VA website: GreatFallsAtelier.com 

Events
See the events page on my website.  Thanks!

"Garden Girl," oil, 42"h x 36"w, ©Jill Banks 2012

Squares Show in the Gallery

See me at 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 and whenever an artist is in. Squares is up until the end of December -- with work in a variety of mediums from members of Great Falls Studios. We had a great turn-out. Come see!

Great Falls Studios Holiday Art Show and Sale

Saturday and Sunday, December 14 & 15, 10am - 5pm both days. 35 artists exhibiting at a new location: Wolftrap's Education Hall, 1645 Trap Road, Vienna, VA 22182.  I'll be there! No refreshments this time ... but plenty of art and good cheer!  Please help spread the word!