"Here and There" Exhibit Up Online

And the show will be hung for real this Saturday, February 1 at the Old Brogue Irish Pub, 760C Walker Road, Great Falls, VA. It may look a little different than the online version does now. I'm definitely having a wicked case of indecision and just getting consistent framing can change the final selections.

But at least I'm farther along tonight than I was this am.

I took better photos -- not perfect, but closer.

I've updated my web site with more info on upcoming and current shows ("Flowers, Chocolate and Romance" at the Artists' Atelier, the Women Painters of the Southeast Third Annual Juried Exhibit in March in Greensboro, Georgia and "Here and There" at the Brogue)... plus added the last three pieces: "Irish Pub," "Ladies Lunch" and "The Snuggery."

Preview of my Here and There show that will hang on Saturday. View online.

There are couple more to do's on today's list ... so it's time to go to work on that.

As mentioned before, prices will change come February 1.  Some examples: 18" x 24" paintings priced at $2400 will be $2640, 16" x 20" paintings will go from $1760 to $1850. Go to www.JillBanks.com for the last day at 2013 prices. (Prices will be adjusted on the Solo Exhibit page Saturday morning.)

Subscribe to News From the Easel at www.JillBanks.com
Tomorrow ... or this weekend, I hope to publish my next edition of the email newsletter ... so if you'd like to receive a copy with more info on the Italy workshop, the Brogue show and other art news, make sure you subscribe on my web site: www.jillbanks.com.

"Persimmons and Apple" is the latest painting to be heading to a new home.

Workshop in Italy This August
Come paint with me this August in the Italian wine country, August 3-10.  Details coming very soon on this trip that I'm thrilled about. Hope you will be, too! 

"June Peonies," 20"h x 16"w is in the "Flowers, Chocolates and Romance" exhibit

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

Events
January 10-28: Great Falls School of Art Student Exhibition, Gallery in the Artists Atelier, 1144 Walker Road, Suite G, Great Falls, VA 22066. Open Wednesdays and Saturdays, noon-4pm.

February 1-28: Flowers, Chocolates and Romance, Gallery in the Artists Atelier, 1144 Walker Road, Suite G, Great Falls, VA 22066. One of our best exhibits of the year. Open Wednesdays and Saturdays, noon-4pm. Reception: Art Night Out!Fundraiser for the Great Falls School of Art
Saturday, February 8, 6:30-9:00pm

Join us for a fun Art Night Out with artists, art enthusiasts and the community as we raise money to support the Great Falls Foundation for the Arts and GF School of Art. The event will feature wine & chocolate tastings along with a variety of romance foods. Guests can enjoy the "Flowers, Chocolate & Romance" Exhibit in the Gallery and floral art demonstration! Location: Artists' Atelier, 1144 Walker Road, 3rd Floor (Suite G), Great Falls, VA

Tickets: Guest - $75
VIP - $100 (includes 1 yr GFFFTA membership)
Patron - $200 (includes 1 yr GFFFTA membership and special recognition)
Sponsor - $500 (includes 1 yr GFFFTA membership and sponsor promotion) A portion of the ticket price is tax deductible, amounts provided with ticket purchase.

RESERVE TICKETS online at www.greatfallsart.org

February 1 to February 28: Jill Banks Solo Exhibit "Here and There" at Katie's Coffee in the Old Brogue, 760C Walker Road, Great Falls, VA. I'll be there painting at least one day during the month. See my web site (or the blog) for updates. View it online here. Nine original oils.

"Irish Pub"

"Irish Pub," oil, 18"h x 24"w, ©Jill Banks 2014

Another painting destined for my "Here and There" exhibit that we'll be hanging at Katie's Coffee at the Old Brogue in Great Falls, VA this coming Saturday ... fresh off my easel. Hopefully it will dry in time.

Subscribe to News From the Easel at www.JillBanks.com
Tomorrow, I'll be concentrating on show preparations: figuring out my final selections; taking better (in focus, better color) photographs of new work, putting up a preview section on my web site, maybe sending out show announcements (press). By Friday, I hope to publish my next edition of the email newsletter ... so if you'd like to receive a copy with more info on the Italy workshop, the Brogue show and other art news, make sure you subscribe on my web site: www.jillbanks.com.

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

This morning, "Hydrangeas and Persimmons" was shown, purchased and headed off to its new home ... to join many of its Jill Banks' original siblings there. Part of this painting's charm for me is its diminutive size. Often, although a canvas is small, I'll still paint almost life size -- just choosing tinier subjects. That's not the case here.

Workshop in Italy This August
Come paint with me this August in the Italian wine country.  Details coming very soon on this trip that I'm thrilled about. Hope you will be, too!

Price Increases on February 1
February 1, prices on all my pieces are heading up. Take a look at the website and if one of those works is on your list ... consider purchasing it at pre-February 1 prices. More specifics coming up here and on my site. (I guess I better hurry up with that ...)

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

Events
January 10-28: Great Falls School of Art Student Exhibition, Gallery in the Artists Atelier, 1144 Walker Road, Suite G, Great Falls, VA 22066. Open Wednesdays and Saturdays, noon-4pm.

February 1-28: Flowers and Chocolates, Gallery in the Artists Atelier, 1144 Walker Road, Suite G, Great Falls, VA 22066. One of our best exhibits of the year. Open Wednesdays and Saturdays, noon-4pm. Reception: Art Night Out!Fundraiser for the Great Falls School of Art
Saturday, February 8, 6:30-9:00pm

Join us for a fun Art Night Out with artists, art enthusiasts and the community as we raise money to support the Great Falls Foundation for the Arts and GF School of Art. The event will feature wine & chocolate tastings along with a variety of romance foods. Guests can enjoy the "Flowers, Chocolate & Romance" Exhibit in the Gallery and floral art demonstration! Location: Artists' Atelier, 1144 Walker Road, 3rd Floor (Suite G), Great Falls, VA

Tickets: Guest - $75
VIP - $100 (includes 1 yr GFFFTA membership)
Patron - $200 (includes 1 yr GFFFTA membership and special recognition)
Sponsor - $500 (includes 1 yr GFFFTA membership and sponsor promotion) A portion of the ticket price is tax deductible, amounts provided with ticket purchase.

RESERVE TICKETS online at www.greatfallsart.org

February: Jill Banks Solo Exhibit "Here and There" at Katie's Coffee in the Old Brogue, Great Falls, VA. I'll be there painting at least one day during the month. See my web site (or the blog) for updates.

More to come.

"The Snuggery" Complete?

"The Snuggery," oil, 18"h x 24"w, ©Jill Banks 2014

Hopefully I won't wake up tomorrow bound and determined to do a complete overhaul.  That happens sometimes ... but as of tonight, I'm happy with "The Snuggery" as is. (Other than the photo -- taken at night, blurry, colors off.)

We shall see.

It's one of up to nine paintings to be hung this coming Saturday, February 1 at Katie's Coffee, next door (and part of) the Old Brogue Irish Pub in Great Falls, VA for my solo show that keeps changing names.

Today's name for the show is "Here and There" primarily because this painting is set right where my pieces will hang. Hence, "Here." And, I've been to "There," too. Lots. "There" will include Paris, maybe Carmel, Italy, New York (maybe). Those are an awful lot of maybes for a show to be mounted in five days.

Got to get a grip.

Tomorrow's my second day of still life class ... full of new students and returning ones. My refrigerator is stocked with some new setups plus some beautiful blue hydrangeas are calling me. I hope it's catching.

Fundraiser for the Great Falls School of Art
Saturday, February 8, 6:30-9:00pm

Join us for a fun Art Night Out with artists, art enthusiasts and the community as we raise money to support the Great Falls Foundation for the Arts and GF School of Art. The event will feature wine & chocolate tastings along with a variety of romance foods. Guests can enjoy the "Flowers, Chocolate & Romance" Exhibit in the Gallery and floral art demonstration! Location: Artists' Atelier, 1144 Walker Road, 3rd Floor (Suite G), Great Falls, VA

Tickets: Guest - $75
VIP - $100 (includes 1 yr GFFFTA membership)
Patron - $200 (includes 1 yr GFFFTA membership and special recognition)
Sponsor - $500 (includes 1 yr GFFFTA membership and sponsor promotion) A portion of the ticket price is tax deductible, amounts provided with ticket purchase.

RESERVE TICKETS online at www.greatfallsart.org

"The Toast," oil, 40"h x 30"w, ©Jill Banks

"Art Night Out" is an event coordinated by Great Falls Foundation for the Arts, a local charitable 501(c)(3) with a mission to provide opportunities for art education, expression & professional development in the Great Falls community. Visit us online at www.greatfallsart.org

My pieces in the "Flowers, Chocolate and Romance" exhibit in the gallery include "The Toast" and "June Peonies." 10% of sales during Art Night Out will be donated to the Great Falls School of Art.

Your support would be greatly appreciated -- to help the school continue to offer high quality art education to artists of all ages. Many thanks!!!

Workshop in Italy This August
Come paint with me this August in the Italian wine country.  Details coming very soon on this trip that I'm thrilled about. Hope you will be, too!

Price Increases on February 1
February 1, prices on all my pieces are heading up. Take a look at the website and if one of those works is on your list ... consider purchasing it at pre-February 1 prices. More specifics coming up here and on my site.

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

Events
January 10-28: Great Falls School of Art Student Exhibition, Gallery in the Artists Atelier, 1144 Walker Road, Suite G, Great Falls, VA 22066. Open Wednesdays and Saturdays, noon-4pm.

February: Flowers and Chocolates, Gallery in the Artists Atelier, 1144 Walker Road, Suite G, Great Falls, VA 22066. One of our best exhibits of the year. Open Wednesdays and Saturdays, noon-4pm. Receptions, events to be announced

February: Jill Banks Solo Exhibit at Katie's Coffee in the Old Brogue, Great Falls, VA. I'll be there painting at least one day during the month. See my web site (or the blog) for updates.

More to come.

Seaside Break

"Seaside," oil, 10"h x 8"w, ©Jill Banks 2014

As the snow fell, Randy and I headed toward Hilton Head Island last week ... driving our way out of the white stuff. In addition to sneaking in a nice, short visit with my Mom and Dad, I had hopes of being able to get some plein air painting in that would have been awfully difficult at home.  Although we escaped the snow, it was still plenty cold in South Carolina. I did manage to fit in one quick painting in, the scene from the patio outside the condo.

Plus, see a few dolphins swimming in the sea.

An 18th Century Soldier Saves the Day
My scheduled model for today's portrait class woke up sick ... leaving me scrambling for a replacement with little time to spare.

At 11:10 (for my 1:30 class), I got a yes from Julie Casso, the school director ... who said she would ONLY do this for me. Then came a string of texts offering her husband as a model instead. And that he could dress as an 18th Century gentleman or soldier.

How do you think that sounded?

Portrait Class Today: 18th Century Uniformed Soldier, Modern Lights

I love it when students walk in, see the model and their eyes become as big as saucers. That summed up their entrances today.

Mark was a fantastic model who brought along props, history lessons and his own chair and table to fit the period.  What a treat!

He was also able, miraculously, to get right back into the pose perfectly after each break. Way to go!

Workshop in Italy This August
Come paint with me this August in the Italian wine country.  Details coming very soon on this trip that I'm thrilled about. Hope you will be, too!

Price Increases on February 1
February 1, prices on all my pieces are heading up. Take a look at the website and if one of those works is on your list ... consider purchasing it at pre-February 1 prices. More specifics coming up here and on my site.

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

Events
January 10-28: Great Falls School of Art Student Exhibition, Gallery in the Artists Atelier, 1144 Walker Road, Suite G, Great Falls, VA 22066. Open Wednesdays and Saturdays, noon-4pm.

February: Flowers and Chocolates, Gallery in the Artists Atelier, 1144 Walker Road, Suite G, Great Falls, VA 22066. One of our best exhibits of the year. Open Wednesdays and Saturdays, noon-4pm. Receptions, events to be announced

February: Jill Banks Solo Exhibit at Katie's Coffee in the Old Brogue, Great Falls, VA. I'll be there painting at least one day during the month. See my web site (or the blog) for updates.

More to come.

Capturing Ray

Portrait Class: Capturing Ray Rollins

While my own recent painting endeavors are not yet ready to be shown prime time (as in here), there still is news to report.

On Sunday, my portrait class students took their first turn at the easel this term, working to capture Ray Rollins during the four-hour session less breaks.  That's not a whole lot of time ... unless you are Ray ... who I decided should pose for the class with his head tilted. A tilt that became more dramatic

over time. We figured he'd have some explaining to do at the chiropractor or fitness instructor.

Honestly, classes couldn't be more fun ... despite the cricks in the neck.  Although I may work in a multiple session or two through the term, these single sittings do help the class.  During my portrait painting workshop, each day brought one model in the morning and one in the afternoon. That pace was challenging -- but it also meant students weren't "stuck" with a painting that wasn't going well through the entire day. Each session brought a fresh start.

Ray was one of my 100 Faces in 100 Days volunteers and after sitting for me had said that if he had another face, he'd volunteer all over again. I knew he'd be a perfect model ... experienced, fun and good-natured.

Yesterday's Still Life Class turned  Snow Day
As I polled the class about cancelling class as 5-7 inches were heading our way, many were relieved. One (nameless) student answered: "No, no, no, no ... darn!" Then the subject line for her email to me after sending out the official cancellation was "You Stinker." Meant in a good way, of course.  Classes are highlights of the week for me, too!

Lots of Good Things In the Works
February 1, I hang a new solo show at Katie's Coffee at the Old Brogue in Great Falls, VA that will be up for the month in this favorite neighborhood hangout. I'm hoping the exhibition fairy sprinkles some get-it-together dust my way. I need it.

ArtSpace Herndon (Herndon, VA) awarded me a solo show there for January/February 2015. That's a huge, beautiful display space and my first time exhibiting there ... all by my lonesome.

"Garden Girl," oil, 42"h x 36"w chosen as finalist Richeson75 Still Life and Florals

Two of my pieces were chosen out of 75 finalists for the Richeson75 Still Life and Floral Online Exhibition.  I'll let you know more when that exhibition goes live on March 7. The jurors selected "Garden Girl" and "Honey Bunny." Good going! See more of my still life work in the Works section of my web site: www.jillbanks.com.

There is a lot more ... just time to post and let you know I am alive!

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


Artists Atelier, Great Falls VA

"Honey Bunny," oil, 24"h x 18"w chosen as finalist Richeson75 Still Life and Florals

website: GreatFallsAtelier.com

Events
January 10-28: Great Falls School of Art Student Exhibition, Gallery in the Artists Atelier, 1144 Walker Road, Suite G, Great Falls, VA 22066. Open Wednesdays and Saturdays, noon-4pm.

February: Flowers and Chocolates, Gallery in the Artists Atelier, 1144 Walker Road, Suite G, Great Falls, VA 22066. One of our best exhibits of the year. Open Wednesdays and Saturdays, noon-4pm. Receptions, events to be announced

February: Jill Banks Solo Exhibit at Katie's Coffee in the Old Brogue, Great Falls, VA

More to come.

Antique Singer Sewing Machine ... and an Apple

"Apple Singer (Sewing Machine)," oil on Centurion oil-primed linen panel, 16"h x 20"w, ©Jill Banks 2014

What began as my demo painting for Tuesday's Still Life class, kept on going last night and then again today.  It isn't easy. Or quick.

Some very nice soul donated this antique Singer sewing machine to the Great Falls School of Art. I love it! In setting the stage for the demo ... I knew it would be included and needed some color. This same type of apple has been keeping me busy on my "Raggedy Ann" painting in progress. Fun lumps and bumps and color.

This needs a signature. Perhaps some final tweaks come daylight.

Good Life
I have to share a couple of moments in this very good life. I might be repeating myself (a blog hazard), but while special times come very often ... some really stand out. I'll mention a couple. More will come because they've been front and center in my mind lately.

The young student who showed up for a cancelled class (not mine) who found out who I was, was thrilled and told me she LOVED my work.

Young Hannah, (5 years old?) who wants to buy my work and wants her mom to keep taking classes from me ... so they "don't lose Jill" (me). (Lots of luck with that. They won't, class or not.)

A gift from a new student who had taken my business workshop and is now enrolled in another of my art classes.  I wouldn't have thought that the Mastering the Business of Art workshop would have such an impact, received such heartfelt thank yous.  But it has.  I want others to be able to succeed at pursuing their dreams ... and offer encouragement, caution, personal discoveries, stories, tools to navigate their art careers, build their businesses.  It isn't an easy road, but it sure can be a beautiful one.

Another new student commenting on how much she loves the ledge on which "La Chien de Grange" sits.  (The beautiful French barn dog that will be going to its new home some warm day ahead.)  I love that ledge, too. And the dog. And that someone really looks at the ledge and dog I painted ... to remember them. Love them.

I am so sure that this is what I was meant to do.  That includes teaching students to paint, and to build the means (sharing their art) to the end (letting them create more, better).

The first week of my classes have passed. You could still join us ... for the Portrait class, at least. (See my classes page.) Other Great Falls School of Art classes start soon.

Price Increases on February 1
February 1, prices on all my pieces are heading up. Take a look at the website and if one of those works is on your list ... consider purchasing it at pre-February 1 prices. More specifics coming up here and on my site.

Sign Up for Classes and Workshops that Start January
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.

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

Events
January 10-28: Great Falls School of Art Student Exhibition, Gallery in the Artists Atelier, 1144 Walker Road, Suite G, Great Falls, VA 22066. Open Wednesdays and Saturdays, noon-4pm.

February: Flowers and Chocolates, Gallery in the Artists Atelier, 1144 Walker Road, Suite G, Great Falls, VA 22066. One of our best exhibits of the year. Open Wednesdays and Saturdays, noon-4pm. Receptions, events to be announced

February: Jill Banks Solo Exhibit at Katie's Coffee in the Old Brogue, Great Falls, VA

More to come.

 

"Ladies' Lunch" Brogue Painting Resumed

"Ladies' Lunch," oil, 16"h x 20"w, ©Jill Banks 2014

My Mom has a few birthday groups.  Each is special to her.

Here they are celebrating a birthday at the Old Brogue ... and thus I returned to a painting started on the spot with six (my mom and five friends) enjoying each others' company. Thoroughly.

The photo is lousy. Hopefully the painting will stand up to the test of morning light.

Tomorrow's the first day of my Portrait Painting class. A demo. I'll be painting 16-year-old Gabrielle. Fingers crossed. But not mine.

Great Falls School of Art Student Exhibition
The opening reception was a resounding success and SO MUCH FUN!  Juror Lori Goll did an amazing job recounting how she agonizingly chose the award winners from lots of deserving work. The Atelier was filled with joy. Just as it should be!

Come see the exhibit during open hours, Wednesdays and Saturdays, noon to 4pm at the Artists' Atelier, 1144 Walker Road, Suite G, Great Falls, VA.  Some photos and a list of award winners to come ... tomorrow night? Let's hope.

Think about signing up... for classes that start tomorrow! (or today ... depending when you look at this.)
My portrait class starts this coming Sunday (January 12). I'd love to have a couple more of you join the class. There's something extraordinary about capturing people. Come share the experience. Go to my web site, Classes page. It's not too late, but email me if you's like to join the class.

 Price Increases on February 1
February 1, prices on all my pieces are heading up. Take a look at the website and if one of those works is on your list ... consider purchasing it at pre-February 1 prices. More specifics coming up here and on my site.

Sign Up for Classes and Workshops that Start January
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
January 10-28: Great Falls School of Art Student Exhibition, Gallery in the Artists Atelier, 1144 Walker Road, Suite G, Great Falls, VA 22066. Reception/Awards: Friday, January 10, 7-9pm. Open Wednesdays and Saturdays, noon-4pm.

February: Flowers and Chocolates, Gallery in the Artists Atelier, 1144 Walker Road, Suite G, Great Falls, VA 22066. One of our best exhibits of the year. Open Wednesdays and Saturdays, noon-4pm. Receptions, events to be announced

February: Jill Banks Solo Exhibit at Katie's Coffee in the Old Brogue, Great Falls, VA

More to come.

"The Snuggery" Start

"The Snuggery" underpainting, oil, 18"h x 24"w, ©Jill Banks 2014

Another start for my upcoming solo show in February at Katie's Coffee (the Snuggery at night) at the Old Brogue (Irish Pub in Great Falls, VA) ... a view of the room where my paintings will hang.

Tonight we ate in this room, and Mike Kearney, the Brogue's owner, shown somewhere in "The Snuggery" came over to visit. 

I'll keep up with a couple more starts ... then finish some. That's the plan.

The underpainting is done in oils (like the rest of the painting). I used yellow ochre as my ground and the darks are painted with a mixture of French Ultramarine Blue and Transparent Earth Red.  The more blue in the mixture, the darker it gets.

I love this stage of the painting... because it shows so clearly the abstract shapes. It's always so surprising how much just value (darks and likes) convey.

Great Falls School of Art Student Exhibition Reception and Awards is Friday, January 10, 7-9pm at the Gallery at the Artists' Atelier, 1144 Walker Road, Suite G, Great Falls, VA. Come one, come all. At 7:30pm-ish, Lori Goll, the juror will announce awards in both the Youth and Adult category and talk about her choices. As she said today ... there is something so appealing about all the art in the exhibition, she would love to give awards to all. The exhibit continues through the end of the month ... view during open hours, Wednesdays and Saturdays, noon to 4pm.

"The Brogue," oil, 30"h x 40"h, ©Jill Banks 2008, private collection -- a previous painting of this same subject. Obviously I like the place.

Some views of the Great Falls School of Art Annual Student Exhibition. Great, right? Photos courtesy of Terri Parent. Thanks!

Think about signing up... for classes that start in just two days
My portrait class starts this coming Sunday (January 12). I'd love to have a couple more of you join the class. There's something extraordinary about capturing people. Come share the experience. Go to my web site, Classes page. It's not too late, but email me if you are registering for the class.

Price Increases on February 1
February 1, prices on all my pieces are heading up. Take a look at the website and if one of those works is on your list ... consider purchasing it at pre-February 1 prices. More specifics coming up here and on my site.

Sign Up for Classes and Workshops that Start January
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
January 10-28: Great Falls School of Art Student Exhibition, Gallery in the Artists Atelier, 1144 Walker Road, Suite G, Great Falls, VA 22066. Reception/Awards: Friday, January 10, 7-9pm. Open Wednesdays and Saturdays, noon-4pm.

February: Flowers and Chocolates, Gallery in the Artists Atelier, 1144 Walker Road, Suite G, Great Falls, VA 22066. One of our best exhibits of the year. Open Wednesdays and Saturdays, noon-4pm. Receptions, events to be announced

February: Jill Banks Solo Exhibit at Katie's Coffee in the Old Brogue, Great Falls, VA

More to come.

Life in the Miscellaneous Column

"Raggedy Ann" in progress, oil, 30"h x 30"w, ©Jill Banks 2014

A brain divided.

Today was spent receiving and hanging the show for the Great Falls School of Arts Annual Student Exhibition. A lack of sustenance led to a very slow decision-making process -- but the exhibit is up ... looking great ... and hoping you'll come see it this Friday, January 10, 7-9pm for the awards reception. The work is wonderful and cause for a celebration. See it at the Artists' Atelier, 1144 Walker Road, Suite G, Great Falls, VA on Friday night or during open hours Wednesdays and Saturdays, noon to 4pm throughout the month.

I'm trying to get ready for next month's show at Katie's. High gear better kick in soon.

My portrait class starts this coming Sunday. I'd love to have a couple more of you join the class. There's something extraordinary about capturing people. Come share the experience. Go to my web site, Classes page. It's not too late, but email me if you are registering for the class.

February 1, prices on all my pieces are heading up. Take a look at the website and if one of those works is on your list ... consider purchasing it at pre-February 1 prices. More specifics coming up here and on my site.

I'm loving painting "Raggedy Ann." She looks a bit raggedy at the moment -- in progress -- but she won't in the end. My quiz question: do you know what book's pages are shown in the lower left? I know it's not too far along ... but would appreciate any guesses.  Often when I'm painting plein air with my eyes and easel headed smack dab in the direction of my subject people will stop by and discuss what I might be painting. Those instances seem obvious. This time my book is turned upside down and tilted. If you get it ... you're a genius! At least!

During receiving, a student came by to drop off work.  She almost wasn't going to do it ... except I was sitting on her shoulder ... pushing her out of her comfort zone to do something different, a little harder perhaps.  That's at least one of my jobs.  Stretching is so good for the soul.

I'm pondering directions this year for my art.   A lot of possibilities exist now that didn't for artists a decade ... or decades ago.  I'll tell you what I come up with ... but your ideas are welcome as always. Galleries? Outdoor Art Shows? Social media? Something else?

Start the New Year Off Artfully

Sign Up for Classes and Workshops that Start January
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
January 10-28: Great Falls School of Art Student Exhibition, Gallery in the Artists Atelier, 1144 Walker Road, Suite G, Great Falls, VA 22066. Reception/Awards: Friday, January 10, 7-9pm. Open Wednesdays and Saturdays, noon-4pm.

February: Flowers and Chocolates, Gallery in the Artists Atelier, 1144 Walker Road, Suite G, Great Falls, VA 22066. One of our best exhibits of the year. Open Wednesdays and Saturdays, noon-4pm. Receptions, events to be announced

February: Jill Banks Solo Exhibit at Katie's Coffee in the Old Brogue, Great Falls, VA

More to come.

"Raggedy Ann" Start Today

"Raggedy Ann" work in progress (this is just the underpainting), oil, 30"h x 30"w,©Jill Banks 2014

And in a minute I'll head back down to my studio to enjoy painting away.

A successful weekend "Mastering the Business of Art" workshop has passed. The first day of my Winter Portrait class starts next Sunday, January 12 (there are still a couple of spots left if you want to grab them). Then Still Life  on Tuesday, January 14.

This Friday, January 10, 7-9pm come celebrate the awards reception for the Great Falls School of Art Annual Student Exhibition being held in the Artists Atelier, 1144 Walker Road, Suite G, Great Falls, VA. See what students, young and older have been creating in 2013.  The exhibit runs from January 8 to January 29.  Open Wednesdays and Saturdays, noon to 4pm throughout the month.

And for my regular blog followers, my niece Annie is home from the hospital, happy and healthy, celebrating "Christmas" dinner a little late.

Our daughter Sarah was accompanied by a much better used Raggedy Ann doll through many of her early years.  Memories.

Start the New Year Off Artfully

Sign Up for Classes and Workshops that Start January
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
January 10-28: Great Falls School of Art Student Exhibition, Gallery in the Artists Atelier, 1144 Walker Road, Suite G, Great Falls, VA 22066. Reception/Awards: Friday, January 10, 7-9pm. Open Wednesdays and Saturdays, noon-4pm.

February: Flowers and Chocolates, Gallery in the Artists Atelier, 1144 Walker Road, Suite G, Great Falls, VA 22066. One of our best exhibits of the year. Open Wednesdays and Saturdays, noon-4pm. Receptions, events to be announced

February: Jill Banks Solo Exhibit at Katie's Coffee in the Old Brogue, Great Falls, VA

More to come.

Had to Paint

"Winter Wonderland," oil, 10"h x 8"w, ©Jill Banks 2014

The last three days have been spent preparing for my "Mastering the Business of Art" workshop I'll be conducting tomorrow and the next day (Saturday and Sunday, January 4&5 at the Great Falls School of Art).

Preparing for the class means writing, reading, researching, editing, learning, thinking about this challenging business. I've listened to online tutorials, read studies -- explored my own and other artists' experiences.

Because an artist needs to create the work and run a real and challenging business, there's an awful lot to learn and do -- at all times. Imagine summing that up, organizing the material that's really a lot like a dog chasing its own tail and presenting it so that participants move forward from here, thinking creatively and enthusiastically building their own successful art business.

Teaching this course, preparing for it, has taught me a ton.  I'm excited about what's in store for 2014 and the years ahead.

But all this sitting ... and ignoring the beautiful scenery and scenes in my head ... was making me VERY antsy to paint.

Right before the sun went down in front of me, I set my easel up and captured the snow out the dining room window. Yea! Yes, fun.

Great news today -- from my Dad on niece Annie's recovery.  It was a very good day today: full of smiles, laughter, regular meals, conversation.  Annie's still in the hospital and yesterday was a tough one.  That makes today super special! Prayers are working ... and still needed.  Thank you.

Annie Update January 6: Hooray! She's doing great and home from the hospital (on Saturday).  A huge gift for all!

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
January 10-28: Great Falls School of Art Student Exhibition, Gallery in the Artists Atelier, 1144 Walker Road, Suite G, Great Falls, VA 22066. Reception/Awards: Friday, January 10, 7-9pm. Open Wednesdays and Saturdays, noon-4pm.


February: Flowers and Chocolates, Gallery in the Artists Atelier, 1144 Walker Road, Suite G, Great Falls, VA 22066. One of our best exhibits of the year. Open Wednesdays and Saturdays, noon-4pm. Receptions, events to be announced

February: Jill Banks Solo Exhibit at Katie's Coffee in the Old Brogue, Great Falls, VA

More to come.