Saturday, March 29, 2014

Warm Welcome at the Hilton

I've gone missing for good reason.  Tuesday and Wednesday were filled with my still life class demo -- and ongoing work on that painting. I haven't had a chance to photograph it. And -- I'm not home so, you will see the results -- just not yet.


Finishing touches during setup for the Art Reception at Hilton Worldwide HQ

















Art Reception at the Hilton Worldwide Headquarters 


Adjusting lights on other side of the pod. Four sides of my art.
On Thursday, I was one of five artists whose work was being celebrated at a special art reception at the Hilton Worldwide Headquarters in McLean, VA.  What a HUGE treat!

There wasn’t an actual red carpet, but I sure received the  “star treatment.”  Everything – from the friendly greeting, help toting art in, crew to hang and light our work, wall tags, printed programs, offers of wine/refreshments while setting up, beautiful lobby setting (with soaring ceilings, marble floors, gentle fountain behind me), introduction announcement, the event itself and interested attendees – was perfect, wonderful, and deeply appreciated. Thank you, Anu Saxena, and the Hilton Worldwide Women's Team Member Resource Group for such a great day!

Having pulled off many of my own, almost-do-it-yourself (with the stellar assistance of husband Randy and my Mom and Dad) art events, I appreciated even more all the fine details. Guests – just like the five of us artists – were made to feel special and yet the focus was on the art – with music conducive to the right mood and talking and refreshments that were a nice addition yet not the stars.

The artists were also treated to silver goody bags full of thoughtful treasures. Sort-of-academy-awardish.

Event Poster at the Hilton Worldwide Headquarters
It was an afternoon filled with great conversations on a well-set stage. Our daughter, Sarah, invited her colleagues and head chiefs from work … whose offices are conveniently located right across the street from the Hilton.  The acorn hasn’t fallen too far from the tree … as her friends and fellows knew an awful lot about my art before circling around my pod at the Hilton. Seems like Sarah has been taking lessons from my Mom who enthusiastically introduces my work to countless friends, neighbors, acquaintances. 

One of the paintings I had on exhibit is "Hudson River Morn" -- a grown-up (enlarged) version of a piece created over three days standing in the shower equipped with floor to ceiling windows at a Hampton Inn in NYC. Works on the easel over those three days captured sunrise to sunset as the city woke up and became its bustling self.  

There's joy to be shared in depicting something common to others. It often changes their perceptions, opens eyes to how lucky they are that
this is their regular view.  I've encountered these reactions when painting plein air -- talking to visitors to my easel. For "Hudson River Morn," it was just me in the shower. No passersby. (Thankfully. We wouldn't fit.) But this exhibit gave me a chance to share the experience with those who had a part in the inspiration.

Such great conversations. Thank you to all who came to look and visit!

All the photos were taken by Randy during setup. Once the guests arrive, it's camera down so we can enjoy your company.

I'm currently on another adventure -- in Georgia for the Women Painters of the Southeast show. I will have to catch you up on that in a few days! Planning on painting within the hour. Just don't know where or what yet.

Shown: "The Kitchen Caper" (top) and "Sunflowers in My Studio II" (bottom) by Jill Banks. See my website for more in the Still Life Gallery under Works
I'm still hoping more of you will join me in Italy in August. See my web site for more details.


Phone: 703.403.7435
Email: jillbanks1@aol.com
Web: www.JillBanks.com
Blog: jillbanks.blogspot.com

Subscribe to my Email Newsletter: News from the Easel (This link takes you to the subscription page.)

Paint with Me in Italy: August 3 to 10, 2014.
For more info, itinerary and links to register, see the classes page on my web site.

See Current  and Upcoming Exhibits/Events


Shown at the Hilton on Thursday include: "Hudson River Morn," "New York Yellow and Blues," "Green Tractor," "Made in the Shade," "The Snuggery," "The Kitchen Caper," and "Sunflowers in My Studio II."  All of these and more can be found on my web site at: www.JillBanks.com.  Take a look.

Monday, March 24, 2014

Art at Greenberry's

"Jardin de Montmartre" at Greenberry's in McLean, VA
Today, husband Randy and I hung six pieces of my art at Greenberry's Coffee and Tea in McLean, VA. Our instructions were to install after 5pm so the place wouldn't be packed. It wasn't quite as crazy as in previous visits/installs -- but the spots we need to get to are always occupied. Always.

I hope you have the chance to stop in.

Hanging in the front are "Café Break" and "Jardin de Montmartre." In the back are "Warm Studio," "The Trattoria," "The Wedding Reception" and "Backyard BBQ."


"Warm Studio," oil, 20"h x 16"w, ©Jill Banks 2014







Still Life Class starts tomorrow (Tuesday, March 25). See the classes page on my web site for more info.

Gotta go.

Jill

Coming up this Thursday, March 27, 3:30 to 5:30pm -- Art Reception at Hilton's Worldwide Headquarters in McLean, VA. Only during those two hours. RSVP necessary. Email me. See my web site's event page for more details.

And, I'm still hoping more of you will join me in Italy in August. See my web site for more details.


Phone: 703.403.7435
Email: jillbanks1@aol.com
Web: www.JillBanks.com



Blog: jillbanks.blogspot.com

Subscribe to my Email Newsletter: News from the Easel (This link takes you to the subscription page.)

Paint with Me in Italy: August 3 to 10, 2014.
For more info, itinerary and links to register, see the classes page on my web site.

See Current  and Upcoming Exhibits/Events

Sunday, March 23, 2014

Great Class!

A picture tells a thousand words.
The results from today's portrait class. This ... in four hours! The class rocks.

In my three-session add-on to my Portrait Painting class -- six canvases went from blank to this. Our sitter was ace photographer, Dean Souleles. Now there are seven of him. One more apt to walk around than the rest of them.

I've never surrounded our model by the day's work. One student mentioned that, ah, that's why we need to stand back from our easels. Up close, you don't know what's right or what needs to be fixed.

Two more of my classes start soon. Still Life Painting on Tuesdays, 10am-1pm starts in on March 25. Unusually, there's still room -- a function of "graduation," a strange schedule of mine (check my class page on my web site for specific no class dates), and starting so soon after the last class ended.

Plein Air Landscape painting starts soon -- on Wednesdays for six sessions, 9:30am to 1:30am with one spot still open.

The quote of the day for class, from a new student is "not in a million years did I think I could do this!"

Join us. The first class of Still Life is a demo -- so you don't need all your gear.

Class location is the Great Falls School of Art, 1144 Walker Road, Suite D, Great Falls, VA.

Let's paint Italy! Image copyright Mary Beth Gaiarin
Coming up this Thursday, March 27, 3:30 to 5:30pm -- Art Reception at Hilton's Worldwide Headquarters in McLean, VA. Only during those two hours. RSVP necessary. Email me. See my web site's event page for more details.

And, I'm still hoping more of you will join me in Italy in August. See my web site for more details.

Jill


Phone: 703.403.7435
Email: jillbanks1@aol.com
Web: www.JillBanks.com


Blog: jillbanks.blogspot.com

Subscribe to my Email Newsletter: News from the Easel (This link takes you to the subscription page.)

Paint with Me in Italy: August 3 to 10, 2014.
For more info, itinerary and links to register, see the classes page on my web site.

See Current  and Upcoming Exhibits/Events

Wednesday, March 19, 2014

"New York Yellow and Blues" Rainy Street Painting

"New York Yellow and Blues" almost done, oil, 40"h x 30"w, ©Jill Banks 2014

What I was working on today. See yesterday's post or my web site for current and upcoming events.

Word from the new owner of "Missing Mary Beth": "And the new home LOVES "Missing Mary Beth" which is already hung and looks very classy." That's great! Happy news.

Jill


Phone: 703.403.7435
Email: jillbanks1@aol.com
Web: www.JillBanks.com

Blog: jillbanks.blogspot.com

Subscribe to my Email Newsletter: News from the Easel (This link takes you to the subscription page.)

Paint with Me in Italy: August 3 to 10, 2014.
For more info, itinerary and links to register, see the classes page on my web site.

See Current  and Upcoming Exhibits/Events
 


Other New York City and urban street paintings can be found in the Places Gallery under Works on my web site: www.JillBanks.com. Please take a look.

Tuesday, March 18, 2014

The Empty Chair Series

"Strawberries and Tulips," oil, 16"h x 12"w, ©Jill Banks 2014
As of today, there are three recent paintings of empty chairs -- inspired by my teaching schedule. On Sundays, in my portrait class sitters have occupied a chair on the "stage" until break time. On break, the empty chair, trappings and color surrounds turn temptingly into a still life.  On Tuesdays, I teach still life with the scene left over from the portrait class still on the stage.

The "set" looks pretty gorgeous.

An idea for an addition to this was percolating while I painted. So, perhaps it's not done. And, it might undergo a name change.

The photo is lousy.  I'll try again tomorrow. Sorry about that.

The two others in the series include "Missing Mary Beth" and "Warm Studio." "Missing Mary Beth" went  off to its new home today.

Current and Upcoming Art News
  • Reception, March 27, 3:30 to 5:30pm, Hilton
    "Missing Mary Beth" off to new home today
    Headquarters. I'm one of five artists exhibiting ... briefly ... but hope you can attend. Please RSVP via email to me.
  • Women Painters of the Southeast Third Annual Juried Member Exhibition. March 28 to April 18, 2014, Magnolia Gallery in Greensboro, GA. Two receptions. March 28, 6-8pm for preview and people's choice awards. March 29, 6:30-9:00pm for awards and opening reception. "Ballerinas I" on exhibit.
  • Fine Art Professionals of Northern Virginia on exhibit at Delaplaine, 40 South Carroll Street, Frederick, MD from April 5 to April 27, 2014. Reception: April 5, 3-5pm. I have three pieces  in that show: "Main Street USA," "Ice Cold Lemonade" and "Tony"
  • Sign Up for Spring Classes (see my web site's Classes page) -- only 1 spot left in Plein Air, a couple in Still Life! 
  • "Spring Fever" on exhibit through March 31 at the Artists' Atelier, 1144 Walker Road, Suite G, Great Falls, VA. Open Wednesdays and Saturdays, noon to 4pm. On view in the gallery is "Got Your Goat?", "Grazing on Buttercups," "Harbor Side Happy Hour."
  • NEW: My work (and I) will be under a tent in the Fairfax Fine Art Festival, Saturday and Sunday, May 3&4, 2014 in Fairfax Corners, Fairfax, VA. More details to come. I'm excited!
  • Richeson75 Still Life and Floral 2014. Two of my paintings were chosen to be part of the 75 finalists worldwide for this online exhibition. "Garden Girl" and "Honey Bunny" are those two finalists. "A Kitchen Caper" and "Two Kittens" were Meritorious Award winners. See the exhibit here.
Jill


Phone: 703.403.7435
Email: jillbanks1@aol.com
Web: www.JillBanks.com
"Warm Studio," oil, 20"h x 16"w, ©Jill Banks 2014
Blog: jillbanks.blogspot.com

Subscribe to my Email Newsletter: News from the Easel (This link takes you to the subscription page.)

Paint with Me in Italy: August 3 to 10, 2014.
For more info, itinerary and links to register, see the classes page on my web site.

See Current  and Upcoming Exhibits/Events
 
 

Sunday, March 16, 2014

Plein Air Painting in Annapolis

"The Dock Shop," oil, 8"h x 10"w, ©Jill Banks 2013


Annapolis Day
While I kept tucked into bed during the planned early morning paintout in Annapolis yesterday, the afternoon (post Mid-Atlantic Plein Air Painters' Annual Meeting) was warm and beautiful -- perfect for capturing this quick scene of the Dock Shop. 

Ah. Nice to be out painting. Really, really nice.

Annapolis is a treasure. Water, reflections, disorderly streets, brightly colored buildings, lots of summery stores, filled with people under the spell of Spring Fever. It contains a million possible paintings. One down. Just 999,999 to go.

Managed to also go see Hiu Lai Chong's solo exhibit (March 16 to April 6) at the McBride Gallery there in Annapolis. Gorgeous!!!

Portrait Class
"Puchin," oil, 14"h x 11"w, ©Jill Banks 2014
Today was the first of a three-session Portrait Painting class I'm teaching.  Luckily, Puchin Waide agreed to be our model. As fellow artist members of Great Falls Studios, Puchin and I have often been neighbors at art shows over the years. I wanted to paint her (drawn to her hair and spirit). Knew my class would, too.
Part of the fun for our "models" is to have a look at the paintings depicting him/her as they progress. A student today hoped Puchin wouldn't be upset over what she was "doing to her face." Without looking at it, Puchin said she believed in reincarnation. The painting could be from one of her other lives.

A few students missing left me some time to paint. It doesn't quite capture "Puchin" -- but I had fun trying.

Registration for classes -- portrait, plein air, and still life --  are going on now.  See the Classes page on my web site: www.JillBanks.com for more info. Come join us!

Jill


Phone: 703.403.7435
Email: jillbanks1@aol.com
Web: www.JillBanks.com
Blog: jillbanks.blogspot.com

Subscribe to my Email Newsletter: News from the Easel (This link takes you to the subscription page.)

Paint with Me in Italy: August 3 to 10, 2014.
For more info, itinerary and links to register, see the classes page on my web site.

See Current  and Upcoming Exhibits/Events




Friday, March 14, 2014

Art Happenings, Spring Classes

"The Revolutionary," oil, 20"h x 16"w, ©Jill Banks 2014
Tomorrow am (Saturday, March 15 in case you're catching this later), I'm sort of signed up for a bright and early paintout in Annapolis. Hmmm. The wind's howling. Temps in the 40s. Doesn't sound too good. But the long underwear is packed. So maybe.

I'm spending the night in Annapolis MD to attend tomorrow's Mid-Atlantic Plein Air Painters Annual Meeting. A day ahead of interesting talks, meeting other artists, and seeing familiar faces.

I'll go with the flow and enjoy whatever the day brings. (A good idea, always.)

Coming Up
On Thursday, March 27, 3:30 to 5:30pm, meet me at Hilton McLean, 7930 Jones Branch Drive, McLean VA 22102 for a five-artist, two-hour exhibit and reception there in the lobby. It may be just two hours long -- but I'm happy to be chosen for this special, annual event.  Co-exhibitor, artist photographer, Silvia Gonzalez-Roman will be there along with another painter, a jeweler and sculptor. You are welcome to come (I'd love to see you there) but RSVP to me via email that you plan to attend.

Ballerinas on the Go
"Ballerinas I," oil, 16"h x 12"w, Jill Banks 2013 off to Georgia
Off shipped "Ballerinas I," the painting from the postcard for my Serendipity solo show. Its destination: the Magnolia Gallery in Greensboro, GA for the Women Painters of the Southeast (WPSE) annual juried exhibition.

"Ballerinas I" was the inspiration behind naming my last exhibit "Serendipity." Despite wavering in my decision (the norm), fortunately in 2013 I decided to attend the WPSE exhibit in Franklin, Tennessee where one of my paintings was juried into the show. Staying home would have meant missing out on painting two beautiful dancers from the Nashville Ballet Company.

I sometimes wonder why some of my favorite paintings take awhile to be snatched up. That's the case with "Ballerinas I."

I'm reminded of one of my encounters while in residence last year at the Torpedo Factory for the month. An admirer of "Tranquility" said that he hoped no one purchased it. His meaning, when prodded was that if purchased, not as many people would have the chance to enjoy it.

I think that's why museums exist. Hopefully, with some amazing pieces -- someone purchases them to share with others one day. That would be pretty wonderful.

The Women Painters of the Southeast exhibit is being held at the Magnolia Gallery, 1020 Parkside Commons, Greensboro, GA from March 28 to April 18, 2014. Preview and People's Choice Voting is on March 28, 6 to 8pm. The opening show reception and awards presentation is on March 29, 6:30 to 9:00pm.

Classes
My new line-up for classes start this Sunday, March 16 with the first of three sessions of my Portrait Painting in Oils - Extended. The Winter class was too terrific to stop after eight sessions so three more were added. Students are continuing but others are welcome -- but please email me if you are interested/registering and read more about it on the classes page of my web site.

Spring Classes: The Line Up
"Apple Singer," oil, 16"h x 20"w, ©Jill Banks 2014 was this Winter's demo
I'm offering three classes through the Great Falls School of Art. 1144 Walker Road, Suite G, Great Falls, VA. Registration is going on now.

Portrait Extended: three sessions, Sundays, March 16, 23, 30: 1:30-5:30pm.  $150. Come join the fun with a smaller commitment, wonderful models, tailored instruction. Model fees are extra. The first two of three subjects are lined up. You are in for a treat!

Plein Air Landscape: six sessions, Wednesdays, 9:30am to 1:30pm. $300 starting April 9. Each day, weather permitting, we explore farms, towns, properties. Paint structures, goats, cows, benches, trees, streams in and around the
"Backyard BBQ," oil, 12"h x 16"w, ©Jill Banks 2013
Great Falls/Northern Virginia area. Lots of fun -- especially discovering those hidden treasures right in our own backyard. Some of the spots we've painted in previous sessions: Kidwell Farm, Meadowlark Gardens, other farms with great outbuildings, Colvin Mill, Krop's Crops, Great Falls Village Centre. The day before each class (or before), I email you our chosen location -- so you must be registered to know where to show up. Sign up.

Still Life: eight sessions, Tuesdays, 10am-1pm. $300 starting March 25. A wide variety of still life setups to choose from each class. (Pretty exciting stuff.) A great way to hone skills, explore color. First class is a demo. Continuing students can set up to paint or listen/watch the demo.

Both my Plein Air and Still Life classes skip weeks -- so they aren't on a continuous schedule. See my web site's classes page for start, ending and no-class dates.

Start at my web site: www.JillBanks.com --where you'll find links to the school's site to register and more info on the classes, pretty pictures, etc.


 Thanks for checking in!  

More on color coming in the next couple of days. My computer was completely nuts this morning. Technology will need to be behaving first.

Jill


Phone: 703.403.7435
Email: jillbanks1@aol.com
Web: www.JillBanks.com
Blog: jillbanks.blogspot.com

Subscribe to my Email Newsletter: News from the Easel (This link takes you to the subscription page.)

Paint with Me in Italy: August 3 to 10, 2014.
For more info, itinerary and links to register, see the classes page on my web site.

See Current  and Upcoming Exhibits/Events
 


Tuesday, March 11, 2014

Wet NYC Street Painting in Progress

"Don't Walk" (rainy NYC street painting) work in progress, oil, 40"h x 30"w, ©Jill Banks 2014
You should see my studio.

I've been on a honing my art tools kick for the past week ... because it was past time as in: dirty brushes, paints not where I expected them, wanting to take care of some untended to tasks.

Lots of discoveries were made this week.  Paints are categorized by colors spread out all over the studio floor. It looks like an art supply store in there. Three new color charts were made (I'll tell you about that tomorrow). Some paintings were finished.

And this one, "Don't Walk," was started.

"Cabs in NYC," oil, 8"h x 10"w, ©Jill Banks 2012, private collection
I'm not sure if the title will stay. Suggestions welcome. A few of the rainy scenes that have preceded this one (all sold), included "Five Umbrellas," "Rainy Day in NYC" (shown below right) and "New York State of Mind." Take a look at those on my website, click on Works and go to the Places collection. And, I may add them here on the post but if you get it via email (as a subscriber), you'll have to go to my blog: jillbanks.blogspot.com.

Thanks for visiting.

Jill

"Rainy Day in NYC," oil, 18"h x 24"w, ©Jill Banks, private collection
Web: www.jillbanks.com
Blog: jillbanks.blogspot.com
 
Email
Phone: 703.403.7435

Artists Atelier, Great Falls VA website: GreatFallsAtelier.com  
Paint in Italy Workshop: August 3 - 10, 2014: Info

EXHIBITS AND WORKSHOP 

February 26-March 31: Spring Fever, Gallery in the Artists Atelier, 1144 Walker Road, Suite G, Great Falls, VA 22066. Open Wednesdays and Saturdays, noon-4pm.  I'll have one to four pieces in that exhibit. 


Sign up for Spring classes. Go to my Classes page for more info.

Paint with Me in Italy, August 3-10. See my Workshop page for details. I hope you can join us for one fantastic trip!

Wednesday, March 5, 2014

Spring Is Going to Come

"Warm Studio" work in progress, oil, 20"h x 16"w, ©Jill Banks 2014
But until then, this is the warm vision I needed to conjure up inside my home studio. Enjoy. Melt, snow, melt.

New classes starting soon are now up on my web site: www.JillBanks.com. Take a look and sign up as soon as you can. They fill quickly.

Other updates are on the site as well. Events, etc. The Richeson75 Still Life and Florals online exhibit is up with two of my pieces.

Great show at the Atelier.

Stay warm,

Jill

Check out my Paint In Italy workshop, held August 2-10 on my website's classes page: www.JillBanks.com.



More events coming soon.

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

Artists Atelier, Great Falls VA website: GreatFallsAtelier.com  
Paint in Italy Workshop: August 3 - 10, 2014: Info

EXHIBITS AND WORKSHOP 

February 26-March 31: Spring Fever, Gallery in the Artists Atelier, 1144 Walker Road, Suite G, Great Falls, VA 22066. Open Wednesdays and Saturdays, noon-4pm.  I'll have one to four pieces in that exhibit. 


Paint with Me in Italy, August 3-10. See my Workshop page for details. I hope you can join us for one fantastic trip!