Sneak Preview: Fairfax Fine Arts Festival

One of the panels to be under the tent

Tops on my (and Randy's) to do list is preparing for this weekend's Fairfax Fine Art Festival. The job ahead is daunting. We purchased a tent ... and have to learn to put it up. I've been selecting paintings and trying them on the screens that take up 3/4 of our family room. It poured, poured, poured rain all day ... so the "dry run" in set up is postponed until tomorrow.

I'm having a heck of a time figuring out what's in/what's not.

Normal angst times three or four.

My favorite panel at the moment that will definitely be there this Saturday and Sunday, May 3 & 4 in Fairfax Corners, VA for the show includes three new, two week old or less painting from Florence and Venice, Italy. Here it is. My Italian wall.

Randy has been working on my display ... and it is outstanding. A gorgeous outdoor gallery in the making!

I hope to see you this weekend. Bring friends (if you want), spread the word ...

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.)

 
May 3 & 4: Fairfax Fine Art Festival  I'll be under a tent in Fairfax Corners ... surrounded by artwork. Come visit/shop for original art. More details to come on my web site's Events page.

May 27-May 31: Mountain Maryland Plein Air I join 29 other artists juried from around the country to capture Cumberland MD and surrounding areas in this plein air competition and exhibition. Second time around.

May 31 & June 1: Great Falls Studios Spring Outdoor Art Festival  Two days with my work under a tent in the Great Falls Village Centre, corner of Georgetown Pike and Walker Road,  Great Falls, VA. Husband Randy will hold down “the Fort” on Saturday while I finish up at Mountain Maryland and then I hope to see you on Sunday, June 1!
 
March 5 - December: Richeson75 Still Life and Floral 2014  Two of my paintings: "Honey Bunny" and "Garden Girl" were chosen as finalists in this online competition and exhibition. 75 total works were selected for this exhibition from entries/artists worldwide. See the exhibit at http://richeson75.com/stilllife/index.html

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. Great folks are signing up to join me on this wonderful adventure. I hope you can, too!

Burano, Italy: Every Day, Laundry Day

"Like Colors," oil, 11"h x 7"w, ©Jill Banks 2014

Maybe because they know how great it looks hanging there.

Short post because I'm back home. All messed up between Italian and US time. And, I teach tomorrow.

But, at the power of suggestion ... meeting up with the Selliers who were in my cafe nocturne scene in Venice (see previous post) ... unexpectedly ... we headed to Burano the next day. MANY paintings will follow but here is what I did that day, with my back against a very purple wall -- hoping like heck no one would clear the laundry line before I was done. Phew. Made it.

A new email newsletter will come out soon (so if you want to receive it ... subscribe through my web site). And, this coming weekend, May 3 & 4  -- I do hope you will come to see me at the Fairfax Fine Arts Festival being held in Fairfax Corners, VA. More info is on my web site. One more Italy trip blog post may come tomorrow -- depending on how productive the jet-lagged, time zone messed up version of me happens to be.

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.)

 
May 3 & 4: Fairfax Fine Art Festival  I'll be under a tent in Fairfax Corners ... surrounded by artwork. Come visit/shop for original art. More details to come on my web site's Events page.

May 27-May 31: Mountain Maryland Plein Air I join 29 other artists juried from around the country to capture Cumberland MD and surrounding areas in this plein air competition and exhibition. Second time around.

May 31 & June 1: Great Falls Studios Spring Outdoor Art Festival  Two days with my work under a tent in the Great Falls Village Centre, corner of Georgetown Pike and Walker Road,  Great Falls, VA. Husband Randy will hold down “the Fort” on Saturday while I finish up at Mountain Maryland and then I hope to see you on Sunday, June 1!
 
March 5 - December: Richeson75 Still Life and Floral 2014  Two of my paintings: "Honey Bunny" and "Garden Girl" were chosen as finalists in this online competition and exhibition. 75 total works were selected for this exhibition from entries/artists worldwide. See the exhibit at http://richeson75.com/stilllife/index.html

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. Great folks are signing up to join me on this wonderful adventure. I hope you can, too!

Venetian Nocturnes and a Surprise Encounter

"Santa Maria della Salute, Venice, Italy," oil, 8"h x 6"w, copyright Jill Banks 2014

Nocturnes have been making some waves in the art world, particularly in the plein air movement.

Now I've figured out why. Instead of chasing the sun with the inevitably constant changes in your subject, all you have to do is stay ahead of whoever is in charge of turning off the lights.

Venice Day/Night #3: Two Nocturnes
I mentioned being not completely pleased with my painting of San Giorgio Maggiore. Given this stage in my career, there are an awful lot of solutions to painting problems at the ready. Problem painting the Grand Canal? Go to Ca' Rezzonico and view how brilliant painters have dealt with the scene. My favorite ... Emma Ciardi who shares a room there on the third floor with her brother, father and a self portrait of Antonio Mancini. Her pieces shine. I've never found a book about her work ... but she deserves one. May have to author that one myself.

Troubles painting in general? Simplify. Painting just values (one or limited colors) gets rid of part of the challenges. Painting at night?  Mainly values. Great contrast. Powerful paintings. So here are mine from an inspired evening.

"Giglio Cafe, Venice Italy," oil, 6"h x 8"w, copyright Jill Banks 2014

The first was so much great to paint ... I had to set up to create another. Both are done just a few steps from our hotel. Comfort, easy commute.

Surprise Encounter
One of the few necessities for a nocturne is decent light on your palette and canvas. In picking spot number two ... I tried one, didn't like the light and moved to another.

The second subject was a cafe/restaurant right outside the hotel in the square. Randy helped me get going and then went back to our room for a minute. Came back and I heard him meeting/greeting people in the scene. Turned out to be Vic and Wendy Sellier, collectors, there with friends -- who had just arrived the day before. What an exciting coincidence!!!!

More to come ... tomorrow on day #4 in Venice. (Hint: Burano)

In the Area?
Come see me at the Fairfax Fine Arts Festival in Fairfax Corners, Fairfax, VA on May 3 & May 4. I'd love to see you!

Plus, I've been accepted into the 52nd Annual Wickford Fine Art Festival being held this July in Wickford, RI. I'm excited about going ... with my first trip to Rhode Island, a well-respected show ... all that!j

Ciao!
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.)

 
May 3 & 4: Fairfax Fine Art Festival  I'll be under a tent in Fairfax Corners ... surrounded by artwork. Come visit/shop for original art. More details to come on my web site's Events page.

May 27-May 31: Mountain Maryland Plein Air I join 29 other artists juried from around the country to capture Cumberland MD and surrounding areas in this plein air competition and exhibition. Second time around.

May 31 & June 1: Great Falls Studios Spring Outdoor Art Festival  Two days with my work under a tent in the Great Falls Village Centre, corner of Georgetown Pike and Walker Road,  Great Falls, VA. Husband Randy will hold down “the Fort” on Saturday while I finish up at Mountain Maryland and then I hope to see you on Sunday, June 1!
 
March 5 - December: Richeson75 Still Life and Floral 2014  Two of my paintings: "Honey Bunny" and "Garden Girl" were chosen as finalists in this online competition and exhibition. 75 total works were selected for this exhibition from entries/artists worldwide. See the exhibit at http://richeson75.com/stilllife/index.html

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. Great folks are signing up to join me on this wonderful adventure. I hope you can, too!

Venice: Canal Side

"Campo Santa Maria del Giglio: Venice/NoPicnic," oil, 12"h x 16"w, copyright Jill Banks 2014

Ciao Florence; Buongiorno Venice!
Florence wasn't the end to our Italy trip. As we bid "Ciao" to Firenze, Randy and I boarded the train, happily, on our way to Venezia for a few days.

Such a great and easy train trip! There is something about this city. Just approaching it is exciting. I was snapping photos every inch progressing into the station.

Sore Feet, Sore Shoulders
We did make one big mistake -- that meant I was zonked for the first day. Instead of getting our vaporetto passes right there at the station, I wanted to walk to our hotel -- figuring -- how bad can it be? Then, we'd figure out what pass was the right one later.

Ouch. Even though Randy had the brunt of carrying the two huge suitcases -- my littler one and laptop bag became massive burdens when every few feet brought a new bridge with steps to get to the other side. And, GPS has no idea where you are here. I'd about lost hope when the familiar sight of our hotel loomed like a mirage, finally, ahead.

The painful walk, though, DID give us an insider's glimpse of the city immediately and I did photograph and watch a Venetian cat hunting pigeon from its second story window that WILL make it into a painting -- for sure.

A nap and finally a vaporetto ride round the whole canal made me come to my senses. Wow. The sights, sounds, beauty of canals and alleyways, gondolas, vaporettos and water taxis crossing every which way ... ancient buildings, flowers and gardens makes you feel like you're stuck in a movie set.

It wasn't until day two that I brought out my paints.

(There are sounds of an accordian and gondoliers below my window as I type this. Tough.)

My first set-up was right in the hotel square ... painting the gondolier station.

Post Rest: Day #2
Painting in the middle of the action lets you be a cross between fly on the wall and street entertainer. Clearly, being dressed up in an old-fashioned smock set up at your easel grabs the attention of many, but here I am in a city where masks sell in every third shop and costumed actors promote the shows at the theatres.  Eventually, the regulars get used to me and I get to watch everyday life unfold.  My first painting's focus was the gondolier station here at Campo Santa Maria del Giglio. I will paint in the gondoliers resting/waiting in their striped red/white or black/white shirts and matching hats. But here was the perfect, well-used picnic spot with a big sign "No Picnic" in the background. I didn't paint it, but I did notice. Clearly, in Italy, "no photo" and  "no picnic" are temporary admonitions to be readily, steadily ignored.

"Punta della Dogana, Venice," oil,  12"h x 16"w, copyright Jill Banks 2014

Late, late afternoon -- I set up near San Marco, painting -- what I now know as the Punta della Dogana, right near the Santa Maria della Salute, as the sun slowly retired. That spot was idyllic for me and the mosquitos. Funny that one or two or three of them followed a straight path down my cheekbone.

My first pass at this painting left me unimpressed. Sometimes, you can enjoy the process but not the results. I returned to the subject on Day #3 after finding inspiration and tutelage from stellar artists of the past. Nothing like the right museum to help out.

We're heading home tomorrow. There will be at least two more posts to follow, maybe three, of our adventures here in Italy -- so check back. Next week is full. Classes are back in session and I've been thinking about still life setups (inspired by Morandi seen at a museum today) and spots for my plein air landscape class (want to meet here?). Plus, I'll be getting ready for my first two-day outdoor arts festival being held next Saturday and Sunday, May 3 & May 4 in Fairfax Corners (the Fairfax Fine Arts Festival in Fairfax, VA). See my web site for more details.

That sounds so businesslike. Although I have been working hard, I've been soaking up all there is to see and enjoy these past two weeks. I've loved the classy, tough as nails older women who gather and converse, traverse mountains like there's no tomorrow. I've loved the troupes of Italian boys who possess all the confidence in the world coming up to me with a a big "Buongiorno!!!!" I've loved seeing families, on travel or at home here -- on picnics, holiday or working together.

There's so much more ... and it will come. What a treasure these days have been.

And, there's more Art News ... but dinner and perhaps some painting awaits.

Ciao and thank you for reading!

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.)

 
May 3 & 4: Fairfax Fine Art Festival  I'll be under a tent in Fairfax Corners ... surrounded by artwork. Come visit/shop for original art. More details to come on my web site's Events page.

May 27-May 31: Mountain Maryland Plein Air I join 29 other artists juried from around the country to capture Cumberland MD and surrounding areas in this plein air competition and exhibition. Second time around.

May 31 & June 1: Great Falls Studios Spring Outdoor Art Festival  Two days with my work under a tent in the Great Falls Village Centre, corner of Georgetown Pike and Walker Road,  Great Falls, VA. Husband Randy will hold down “the Fort” on Saturday while I finish up at Mountain Maryland and then I hope to see you on Sunday, June 1!
 
March 5 - December: Richeson75 Still Life and Floral 2014  Two of my paintings: "Honey Bunny" and "Garden Girl" were chosen as finalists in this online competition and exhibition. 75 total works were selected for this exhibition from entries/artists worldwide. See the exhibit at http://richeson75.com/stilllife/index.html
 

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. Great folks are signing up to join me on this wonderful adventure. I hope you can, too!

Painting at the Loggia and Bellosguardo in Florence, Italy

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Our last full day in Florence – after the Robert Liberace Art Historical tour group left for home – was spent painting.  Big surprise. 

Choosing My Subjects

"Loggia, Piazza della Signoria, Florence, Italy" plein air painting, oil, 12"h x 16"w, copyright Jill Banks 2014

I'm such a bendable soul, open to all sorts of (good) influences. All of Florence is paintable. Exciting subjects abound. The problem is figuring out what I MOST want to paint ... and how.

Looking at the art in the Pitti Palace with scenes capturing so well the Florence we’d experienced this past week made me want to commit more of the whole of it to canvas.  While not there at the Pitti Palace (actually far away in Santa Barbara, California ... if I remember right) is a painting done by John Singer Sargent, a nocturne of the Perseus sculpture by Cellini in the loggia near the Uffizi -- yet another painting that awaits my answer. (As in ... "here I've provided great inspiration. What are you going to do about it?"] 

My choice of where to paint for at least part of the last day in Florence: The Loggia dei Lanzi near the Uffizi (following close in Sargent's footsteps). My subject: the backside view of:  The Rape of the Sabine Women by Giambologna – a sculpture created from a single block of marble from 1579 to 1583 -- with a view into the scene beyond of the Piazza della Signoria.

I ended up sitting in the back corner on the top step after husband Randy wrangled permission from the guard in charge. There was a sign with lists of no-nos including eating and drinking, AND suitcases. So, my handy-dandy rolling studio (en suitcase) needed to be disassembled, streamlined and hand-carried into the spot … with Randy lunching alone in the pizzeria joint right next door.  I’ve painted that scene/restaurant before ... years ago after my first trip to Florence. It now resides with a few more of my paintings in a collector’s home in the Midwest.

That was yet another fun aspect of this visit. I passed scenes previously captured and now dispersed, purchased and hanging elsewhere. It seemed like visiting old friends. Painting is always an experience. Relished, well-remembered. Hard to ever forget one.

Painting went great. It was solace, quiet amid the masses. The tripod that usually extends so I can stand was kept miniature, as short as it could be to take up little space.  

Eventually, the guard who agreed to Randy's request was replaced by a more rules-bound soul.  He came over, pointed, frowned, waved his hands, spoke to me in Italian. I stared back, blankly ... not knowing he was an official or what he had said. He brought over another cohort. They argued gently. In the end, I believe I was asked not to spill. Okay.

That was about quitting time for that spot anyway. (To move on to another that beckoned.) A woman who was watching behind me offered me two plastic bags that helped greatly in getting my pile from the loggia to Randy and the suitcase. Yea for a kind and thoughtful stranger!!!! Thoughtfulness has no language barriers.

The Trek to Bellosguardo

"View from Torre Di Bellesguardo," oil, 12"h x 16"w, copyright Jill Banks 2014

Before setting up to paint in the Loggia, I'd emailed Torre de Bellesguardo, a four-star hotel that overlooks Florence high on the hill  -- to ask permission to set up and paint there.  While I sat painting one, I heard my answer back. Yes, I could paint in the garden. So when the Loggia guard wanted me out of there, I had a plan for the next destination.

What a trek. And, yes, I've learned it is always worth it. But, whoa.  Jokingly, on the way up I pointed to a building way up high and said ... I bet that's it. Well, it was.

Randy and I ... mainly Randy rolled that suitcase full of painting supplies from the Uffizi up high on the hill to a place so gorgeous it's hard to believe it's here on earth.

I so appreciate the invitation to paint there. Guests are treated to this secluded, private paradise ... but still seemed happy to share this glorious view with me. As I was finishing, and Randy was off to catch better glimpses of the donkey and pony and streams and fountains on the ground, ... the city of Florence lit up like many precious golden jewels. Sunset, when the clouds aren't in the way, is simply unbelievably ... but I've never seen it quite as beautiful as in those few moments.

Arrividerci, Florence. On to another adventure (going on now ... stay tuned), and I will see you again.

Ciao and thank you for reading!

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.)

 
April 5 - April 27: Fine Art Professionals of Northern Virginia at Delaplaine, Frederick, MD  Reception on Saturday, April 5, 3 to 5pm at the Delaplaine Art Center, 40 Carroll Street, Frederick, MD. On exhibit: "Main Street USA," "Tony" and "Ice Cold Lemonade."

May 3 & 4: Fairfax Fine Art Festival  I'll be under a tent in Fairfax Corners ... surrounded by artwork. Come visit/shop for original art. More details to come on my web site's Events page.

May 27-May 31: Mountain Maryland Plein Air I join 29 other artists juried from around the country to capture Cumberland MD and surrounding areas in this plein air competition and exhibition. Second time around.

May 31 & June 1: Great Falls Studios Spring Outdoor Art Festival  Two days with my work under a tent in the Great Falls Village Centre, corner of Georgetown Pike and Walker Road,  Great Falls, VA. Husband Randy will hold down “the Fort” on Saturday while I finish up at Mountain Maryland and then I hope to see you on Sunday, June 1!
 
March 5 - December: Richeson75 Still Life and Floral 2014  Two of my paintings: "Honey Bunny" and "Garden Girl" were chosen as finalists in this online competition and exhibition. 75 total works were selected for this exhibition from entries/artists worldwide. See the exhibit at http://richeson75.com/stilllife/index.html
 

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. Great folks are signing up to join me on this wonderful adventure. I hope you can, too!

Pitti Palace and the Lion Fountain

Easter Sunday in Italy

"Courtyard Garden," oil, approx. 8"h x 6"w, copyright Jill Banks 2014

Since the group’s rendezvous time was set for 12:45 in the lobby – breakfast was leisurely and I was able to get a painting of the hotel courtyard in before heading off for the Pitti Palace.

Even in this contained scene, the view in front of me changed – considerably – between contemplation/sketch to the moment of setting up to paint. So much so that my choice of subject moved right … to catch the sun’s patterns.

Although this morning’s efforts were done quickly, I’m happy with the results.

The Pitti Palace
This was Randy and my second visit to the Pitti Palace under the tutelage of Rob Liberace on his art historical trips.  What an amazing collection that improves with my age. The museum is divided into two parts -- the Gallery of Modern Art and the Palatino. Both are terrific ... and really different from one another.  

I found the greatest inspiration from the Gallery of Modern Art -- loving the portraits, the complex and interesting work by Antonio Mancini, and seeing Florence through more recent artists' eyes. My personal favorite piece was by Giorgio Belloni (1861-1945): "Stutilo" painted in 1941. (There were LOTS of runners up and a case full of small painting gems -- not to be missed.) I can't find a photo of that painting -- so again I pass the research onto you.

But here are two fantastic paintings from the collection whose photos I could find:

 John Singer Sargent: Ritratto di Ambrogio Raffaele, c. 1911, Olio su tela, cm 56 x 70, Firenze, Galleria d'Arte Moderna di Palazzo Pitti

Antonio Ciseri
Ecce Homo - Pilate presenting a scourged Jesus to the people of Jerusalem
1871, photo from the Gallery of Modern Art web site

 Antonio Ciseri's "Ecce Homo" was a show-stopper, with every inch of this huge canvas well-considered and painted. Phenomenal.

As the museum shut down, I still wanted to paint. Boboli Gardens were closed, but right outside the Pitti Palace is a fountain of a lion that attracts an awful lot of attention. So that was my subject until the light faded away.

"Fontana Del Leone," oil, 16"h x 12"w, copyright Jill Banks 2014

Ciao! Thanks for reading!

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.)

 

April 5 - April 27: Fine Art Professionals of Northern Virginia at Delaplaine, Frederick, MD  Reception on Saturday, April 5, 3 to 5pm at the Delaplaine Art Center, 40 Carroll Street, Frederick, MD. On exhibit: "Main Street USA," "Tony" and "Ice Cold Lemonade."

May 3 & 4: Fairfax Fine Art Festival  I'll be under a tent in Fairfax Corners ... surrounded by artwork. Come visit/shop for original art. More details to come on my web site's Events page.

May 27-May 31: Mountain Maryland Plein Air I join 29 other artists juried from around the country to capture Cumberland MD and surrounding areas in this plein air competition and exhibition. Second time around.

May 31 & June 1: Great Falls Studios Spring Outdoor Art Festival  Two days with my work under a tent in the Great Falls Village Centre, corner of Georgetown Pike and Walker Road,  Great Falls, VA. Husband Randy will hold down “the Fort” on Saturday while I finish up at Mountain Maryland and then I hope to see you on Sunday, June 1!
 
March 5 - December: Richeson75 Still Life and Floral 2014  Two of my paintings: "Honey Bunny" and "Garden Girl" were chosen as finalists in this online competition and exhibition. 75 total works were selected for this exhibition from entries/artists worldwide. See the exhibit at http://richeson75.com/stilllife/index.html
 

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. Great folks are signing up to join me on this wonderful adventure. I hope you can, too!

Trip To Assisi

Assisi, photograph copyright Jill Banks 2014

Saturday we traveled to Assisi, Italy … a long, scenic bus trip from Florence. The forecast called for rain and there were sprinklings on and off en route and as we arrived.

After several posts about this trip to Florence, one message sent to me related that I “may just be stuck in Paradise.”  Could be true …  Paradise does include though sore feet (because there is so much to be seen), sore shoulders (because art supplies, cameras to capture Paradise must be carried to the destination) and an occasional need for an umbrella (because this grass had to get green somehow).

Assisi is beautiful, clean, stunning with unusual architecture, great shops (as seen from the doorway), incredible vistas at every turn, fountains, flowers, churches, an ornate carousel, celebratory atmosphere.

We saw frescos by Giotto at the Basilica di San Francesco … a visual narrative of the life of St. Francis. My only art-making on Saturday was a fairly quick sketch of a sculpture of St. Francis in the nave of the church.

Suddenly it was after 2pm with a bus departure of 3 – and a long uphill climb to get to the front gates. I don’t remember ever walking up a steep hill while consuming a sandwich before. It brings new meaning to “to go.”

Student to Teacher
As a traveler with the group as an attendee, I keep thinking about my own painting workshop in Italy ahead. (Nice thought. When I say “arrivederci” to this trip, the next beckons shortly.)

Each fellow traveler has their own agenda, own hopes, energy level. Some try to fill every moment – take advantage of every opportunity. Others follow the beat of their own drum … bowing out of a day’s activity if it doesn’t suit or some other  destination’s call is stronger. 

Taking care of all those wishes reminds me … though distantly … of my parents’ entertaining during family reunions … chatting with the early risers and being there, too, with the night owls.

I’ll set some friendly boundaries … giving it my all  for a large bit of the day with some leftover to rejuvenate for the next. At least, that’s the plan for now.

What I do know is that this country awaits a great adventure that I am so looking forward to co-leading (with Mary Beth Gaiarin as host, me as instructor). I’m  getting my Italian painting muscles in awfully great shape.

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.)

March 5 - December: Richeson75 Still Life and Floral 2014  Two of my paintings: "Honey Bunny" and "Garden Girl" were chosen as finalists in this online competition and exhibition. 75 total works were selected for this exhibition from entries/artists worldwide. See the exhibit at http://richeson75.com/stilllife/index.html
 
April 5 - April 27: Fine Art Professionals of Northern Virginia at Delaplaine, Frederick, MD  Reception on Saturday, April 5, 3 to 5pm at the Delaplaine Art Center, 40 Carroll Street, Frederick, MD. On exhibit: "Main Street USA," "Tony" and "Ice Cold Lemonade."

May 3 & 4: Fairfax Fine Art Festival  I'll be under a tent in Fairfax Corners ... surrounded by artwork. Come visit/shop for original art. More details to come on my web site's Events page.

May 27-May 31: Mountain Maryland Plein Air I join 29 other artists juried from 
around the country to capture Cumberland MD and surrounding areas in this plein air competition and exhibition. Second time around.

May 31 & June 1: Fairfax Great Falls Studios Spring Outdoor Art Festival  Two days with my work under a tent in the Great Falls Village Centre, corner of Georgetown Pike and Walker Road,  Great Falls, VA. Husband Randy will hold down “the Fort” on Saturday while I finish up at Mountain Maryland and then I hope to see you on Sunday, June !!
 
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. Great folks are signing up to join me on this wonderful adventure. I hope you can, too!

Museo Pietro Annigoni in Villa Bardini, Florence

Close-up of "Rossella Segreto" by Pietro Annigoni, lithographia

Friday was extraordinary. Hope you’re not tired of my saying that.

I’ve found that the further you climb and pant uphill – the better the reward. Friday proved it as we bravely made the, maybe 60-degree, ascent straight to the clouds it seemed with the planned destination of Museo Pietro Annigoni in the Villa Bardini.  What a place.

We were there to see the Annigoni’s.  Pietro Annigoni is a favorite son of Florence. He’s not very well known outside these city limits– but he taught/influenced a ton of artists and sprouted a major resurgence of painting Ateliers, including the Florence Academy of Art and Angel Academy (also in Florence).

At one time he taught Nelson Shanks who founded Studio Incamminati in Philadelphia.  I can see glimpses of that influence.

I’m into stating favorites lately. This day it was clearly Annigoni’s “Rossella Segreto” – what looks like a charcoal drawing and is labeled “litografia.” Probably the same thing?

What I love about it – beyond EVERYTHING – is the refined nature of her face and fluidity, painterly style defining her hair. How gorgeous, powerful is that?

I know this will be a source of inspiration for works to come.  So often I paint when happening upon a live model – as in McLean’s  Saturday open life. This drawing will make me reach for a different material to try my hand some day soon.

After touring the museum, we headed to the gardens that had been winking at us from terraces and windows each floor up. The gardens are filled with pathways, sculptures, waterways that show off another form of artistry … all with the backdrop of this beautiful city.

An arbor covered with wisteria in full bloom was the “Kodak Moment” spot. Except, my camera battery was blinking empty … and my camera card was full … and the back-up camera card was snugly tucked away in the hotel room.

There’s a restaurant there – where we had a great plate of salad, charcuterie, cheeses on a loggia with our friends overlooking this ridiculously beautiful scene.

View from Villa Bardini, Florence. Copyright Jill Banks 2014

Each outing provides inspiration to discover more.   This is a place begging for a return visit.

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.)

March 5 - December: Richeson75 Still Life and Floral 2014  Two of my paintings: "Honey Bunny" and "Garden Girl" were chosen as finalists in this online competition and exhibition. 75 total works were selected for this exhibition from entries/artists worldwide. See the exhibit at http://richeson75.com/stilllife/index.html
 
April 5 - April 27: Fine Art Professionals of Northern Virginia at Delaplaine, Frederick, MD  Reception on Saturday, April 5, 3 to 5pm at the Delaplaine Art Center, 40 Carroll Street, Frederick, MD. On exhibit: "Main Street USA," "Tony" and "Ice Cold Lemonade."
May 3 & 4: Fairfax Fine Art Festival  I'll be under a tent in Fairfax Corners ... surrounded by artwork. Come visit/shop for original art. More details to come on my web site's Events page.
May 27-May 31: Mountain Maryland Plein Air I join 29 other artists juried from around the country to capture Cumberland MD and surrounding areas in this plein air competition and exhibition. Second time around.
May 31 & June 1: Fairfax Great Falls Studios Spring Outdoor Art Festival  Two days with my work under a tent in the Great Falls Village Centre, corner of Georgetown Pike and Walker Road,  Great Falls, VA. Husband Randy will hold down “the Fort” on Saturday while I finish up at Mountain Maryland and then I hope to see you on Sunday, June !!
 
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. Great folks are signing up to join me on this wonderful adventure. I hope you can, too!

Day In San Gimignano

Set Up at My Easel in San Gimignano, Italy

On Thursday, early, we headed off to San Gimignano, Italy – via bus from Florence. The idea of a bus navigating those cobblestoned, narrow, people, scooter and motorcycle-filled streets is daunting. How the heck do they do it?

Randy and I have been off on an art tour led by Rob Liberace – and today is sort of a break from museums, art history, facts – to enjoy the glorious countryside of Tuscany.

I’ve never been to San Gimignano – though the landscapes of former studiomate Michela Mansuino made them familiar prior to this visit. She’d spent many summers painting the scenes right outside her mom’s villa there.

I chose to bring my paints – painting vs. shopping. A cost-saving measure, for sure – as all the shops and market held wonderful wares.  Picked a spot that was quiet and contained – though after finishing my first oil, I thought the scene might have been anywhere. (Except wisteria is beautiful here in Italy -- thriving for some reason everywhere we look.) There will be more works created from our one-day visit – of the scenes (including the markets, flower displays, cafes) I’d love to paint that didn’t afford room for my easel. So, more to come in the weeks and months to follow.

"Italian Garden," oil, approx. 11"h x 7"w, copyright Jill Banks 2014

Late afternoon was spent in Monteriggioni, an extremely small walled village. No paints this time – nor drawing supplies – but I do, fortunately, have better-equipped friends. We drew, purchasing a glass of wine to secure a seat (and rights to a rare restroom) while the wind blew and we froze our fingers off.  Well, not quite – but conditions weren’t quite ideal.  Thanks, Terry O’Day and Susan O’Neill for micron pens and red pencils and sharing in the freezing fun.

For this trip, I have managed to neaten up/condense my oil painting gear. It travels with a small, carry-on size rolling suitcase with the zipper done to expand it. Only one piece sticks out the top and that is an umbrella and the compact panel carrier that goes with my new Art Box and Panel (Coulter Painting System). It's pretty nifty -- and received compliments the whole trip ... including from a visitor interested in my painting from yesterday's post. The big challenge here is that there is not a smooth rolling surface to be found. Lots of cobblestones, bumps in the road.

And thanks to YOU for reading!

Happy Easter!

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.)


April 5 - April 27: Fine Art Professionals of Northern Virginia at Delaplaine, Frederick, MD  Reception on Saturday, April 5, 3 to 5pm at the Delaplaine Art Center, 40 Carroll Street, Frederick, MD. On exhibit: "Main Street USA," "Tony" and "Ice Cold Lemonade."

May 3 & 4: Fairfax Fine Art Festival  I'll be under a tent in Fairfax Corners ... surrounded by artwork. Come visit/shop for original art. More details to come on my web site's Events page.

May 27-May 31: Mountain Maryland Plein Air I join 29 other artists juried from around the country to capture Cumberland MD and surrounding areas in this plein air competition and exhibition. Second time around.

May 31 & June 1: Fairfax Great Falls Studios Spring Outdoor Art Festival  Two days with my work under a tent in the Great Falls Village Centre, corner of Georgetown Pike and Walker Road,  Great Falls, VA. Husband Randy will hold down “the Fort” on Saturday while I finish up at Mountain Maryland and then I hope to see you on Sunday, June 1!

March 5 - December: Richeson75 Still Life and Floral 2014  Two of my paintings: "Honey Bunny" and "Garden Girl" were chosen as finalists in this online competition and exhibition. 75 total works were selected for this exhibition from entries/artists worldwide. See the exhibit at http://richeson75.com/stilllife/index.html
 
 
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. Great folks are signing up to join me on this wonderful adventure. I hope you can, too!

Medici View, Vasari Corridor, Painting Outside the St. Regis

"Florentine Square," oil, 12"h x 16"w, copyright Jill Banks 2014

(Written two days ago -- but postponed by Internet troubles. It is almost impossible to post but I'll keep trying.)

Today was such a Florentine day.  It could not possibly have been more perfect. Okay, perhaps with some more time spent in the Uffizi.

While a trip down the Vasari Corridor, through the passage above the Ponte Vecchio attaching the Uffizi (once the offices of the Medici family) to the Pitti Palace across the Arno -- was supposed to begin first thing this morning -- instead we had to enjoy some time (short) pre-tour in the museum.  That meant a short tour of Anders Zorn etchings, Da Vincis, Michelangelos and Botticellis.

Then it was onto the Vasari Corridor -- probably my favorite art viewing experience of all time. Lining the hallway crossing the Arno from the Uffizi to the Pitti Palace (above the Ponte Vecchio) are self portraits by artists from the Renaissance to the almost present, starting with Vasari and passing through all sorts of favorite folks.

Top favorite went to a self portrait by Therese Schwartze, a Dutch artist (1851-1918) who looks out at us, shielding her eyes with her hand from the light, holding a monster-sized palette and a fistful of brushes. The woman could paint.  And, I’ve never heard of her before.  Hmmm. At the age of 36, she was summoned to submit work for the Uffizi.

There is something tremendously powerful about seeing these works – 127 self portraits by Italian and foreign artists, well known and unknown, on display. You see them --- the way they intended, painted in the style and psyche lone to that particular artist.

One artist, Nicola Van Houbroken (1663-1723) painted a wreath of beautiful flowers that fit the dimensions of the canvas. In the center, he appeared to break through the canvas to join the rest of the portrait subjects.

“Afternoon in Fiesole” by Baccio Maria Bacci intrigued me. It was full of the interesting relationships and stories I love to paint. You could stare at that painting forever and it would remain always fresh.

There were more to look up, new faces to get to know. If I had an Internet to rely upon – you’d have links to follow, photos to look at. Hopefully, I’ll be able to flesh it out when I get home. Enjoy doing your own homework in the meantime.

"Florentine Square" was painted that afternoon. After lunch instead of going straight to the Boboli Gardens, Randy and I returned to our hotel via the bus. It deposited us in this square that provided the perfect place to paint. Plenty of room to set up my easel with grand views across the Arno, bathed in Florentine light.  I was right outside the St. Regis hotel, wearing my now not-too-pristine but only days’ old artist’s smock from Zecchi’s. Great day!

Ciao for now! It's off to see some Pietro Annigonis.

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.)

March 5 - December: Richeson75 Still Life and Floral 2014  Two of my paintings: "Honey Bunny" and "Garden Girl" were chosen as finalists in this online competition and exhibition. 75 total works were selected for this exhibition from entries/artists worldwide. See the exhibit at http://richeson75.com/stilllife/index.html
 
April 5 - April 27: Fine Art Professionals of Northern Virginia at Delaplaine, Frederick, MD  Reception on Saturday, April 5, 3 to 5pm at the Delaplaine Art Center, 40 Carroll Street, Frederick, MD. On exhibit: "Main Street USA," "Tony" and "Ice Cold Lemonade."
May 3 & 4: Fairfax Fine Art Festival  I'll be under a tent in Fairfax Corners ... surrounded by artwork. Come visit/shop for original art. More details to come on my web site's Events page.
May 27-May 31: Mountain Maryland Plein Air I join 29 other artists juried from around the country to capture Cumberland MD and surrounding areas in this plein air competition and exhibition. Second time around.
May 31 & June 1: Fairfax Great Falls Studios Spring Outdoor Art Festival  Two days with my work under a tent in the Great Falls Village Centre, corner of Georgetown Pike and Walker Road,  Great Falls, VA. Husband Randy will hold down “the Fort” on Saturday while I finish up at Mountain Maryland and then I hope to see you on Sunday, June !!
 
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. Great folks are signing up to join me on this wonderful adventure. I hope you can, too!

 (Written two days ago -- but postponed by Internet troubles. It is almost impossible to post but I'll keep trying.)

Today was such a Florentine day.  It could not possibly have been more perfect. Okay, perhaps with some more time spent in the Uffizi.

While a trip down the Vasari Corridor, through the passage above the Ponte Vecchio attaching the Uffizi (once the offices of the Medici family) to the Pitti Palace across the Arno -- was supposed to begin first thing this morning -- instead we had to enjoy some time (short) pre-tour in the museum.  That meant a short tour of Anders Zorn etchings, Da Vincis, Michelangelos and Botticellis.

Then it was onto the Vasari Corridor -- probably my favorite art viewing experience of all time. Lining the hallway crossing the Arno from the Uffizi to the Pitti Palace (above the Ponte Vecchio) are self portraits by artists from the Renaissance to the almost present, starting with Vasari and passing through all sorts of favorite folks.

I'll write more ... and post/edit when I can. "Florentine Square" was painted that afternoon. I may return to it today for finishing touches.

Ciao for now! It's off to see some Pietro Aningonis.

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.)

March 5 - December: Richeson75 Still Life and Floral 2014  Two of my paintings: "Honey Bunny" and "Garden Girl" were chosen as finalists in this online competition and exhibition. 75 total works were selected for this exhibition from entries/artists worldwide. See the exhibit at http://richeson75.com/stilllife/index.html
 
March 28 - April 18: Women Painters of the Southeast Third Annual Juried Members Exhibition  "Ballerinas I" was juried into this beautiful exhibit at Magnolia Gallery in Greensboro, GA. See my web site's Events page for more info.
 
April 5 - April 27: Fine Art Professionals of Northern Virginia at Delaplaine, Frederick, MD  Reception on Saturday, April 5, 3 to 5pm at the Delaplaine Art Center, 40 Carroll Street, Frederick, MD. On exhibit: "Main Street USA," "Tony" and "Ice Cold Lemonade."
 
May 3 & 4: Fairfax Fine Art Festival  I'll be under a tent in Fairfax Corners ... surrounded by artwork. Come visit/shop for original art. More details to come on my web site's Events 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. Great folks are signing up to join me on this wonderful adventure. I hope you can, too!