Art At the Green, Sunday, June 1, 11am-8pm

Booth Set Up By Husband Randy at the Arts Festival in Great Falls, VA. Come see Sunday, June 1, 11am-8pm

Hope you can come by!

All the painting is through at Mountain Maryland Plein Air ... with one reception tonight to go and then I get to (wo)man the tent on the Village Green for the Great Falls Spring Art Festival, Sunday, June 1, 11am to 8pm in the grassy area surrounded by shops and restaurants at the corner of Georgetown Pike and Walker Road in Great Falls, VA. It's behind the Old Brogue Irish Pub. Speaking of which, enjoy brunch/dinner there before or after visiting the 25 artists displaying on the Green and stay for the Concert on the Green.  Sounds like a day to enjoy...

My paintings "Curtis' Famous Weiners" (on easel, top right) and "Full Steam Ahead" below

Mountain Maryland has been challenging but really great as well. I met some great people, enjoyed the company of artists and their spouses who are now more familiar. It's been like a great reunion and I bet as years go by, it will feel more like one.

Today I painted the front windows of Curtis' Famous Coney Island Weiners, a Cumberland institution since 1918, ranked 4 out of 5 on TripAdvisor. I'm assuming it was Curtis himself who was happy to see me set up in the parking lot across the street and offered me a large Coke with ice. The ice, in particular, was a great treat!  This is a town filled with warm welcomes. Lots and lots and lots of them.

"Burano Boats," oil, 8"h x 10"w, ©Jill Banks 2014 purchased today at the Great Falls Art Fair

I've learned some great painting tips that I can't wait to employ. Now I know, too, that next year schedule needs to include the Plein Air Convention -- an event that's been on the wishlist but not enough for me to make it happen.

Husband Randy has done a super job setting up and taking care of tent duties in Great Falls in my absence. Two paintings have gone to new homes (actually they'll be joining other Jill Banks' paintings on those walls). Another purchase was finalized from the Fairfax Fine Art Festival at the beginning of this month that was out on approval. An exciting week.

I sure hope to see you tomorrow in Great Falls.  Maybe I'll bring in a few new ones from this latest adventure. You might like them.

Luck of the Draw
One more bit of news.  As I've been preparing to embark on applying to arts festivals/fairs around the country (focusing on the Northeast for now), I've purchased books, subscribed to Sunshine Artist -- but the most useful information has come steadily from subscribing (free) to artfairinsiders.com. Managed by Connie Mettler, the site and blog are filled with art show veteran stories, reviews of shows, information on gear, tips on applying to shows, and on and on.

They currently are running a pledge drive and the days were ticking by to the deadline for their podcast. I pledged as a thank you for all the web site provides. It has helped me go from newbie to professional looking, gain acceptances to some great shows I wouldn't have known about without this source.

Well, the day of the podcast as I was resting between painting gigs ... my name was called as the winner of one of the 65 prizes sponsored for the drive. I was number 6. One through five chose their favorite prize in order ... picking what best helped them and I won my top pick ... mesh panels from Flourish that are perfect for hanging work in the new tent. An almost $900 award! Yea!

Phone: 703.403.7435
Email: jill@jillbanks.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 31 & June 1: Great Falls Studios Spring Outdoor Art on the Green 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!  

Great Falls Spring Art Fair on the Green, May 31 & June 1, Mountain Maryland and More

"Keeping Watch Over You," oil, 16"h x 20"w, copyright Jill Banks 2014 painted from behind Our Lady of the Mount

Long title ... but these have been long and exciting days.

"Every Which Way," oil, 16"h x 12"w, copyright Jill Banks 2014

As Randy prepares the tent and many paintings to hang in this weekend's Art Fair on the Village Green in Great Falls, VA, I'm getting ready to head to the Patron and Sponsor Reception for Mountain Maryland Plein Air in Cumberland, MD. The Quick Draw/Paint event is Saturday (tomorrow as I write) morning (May 31) from 10 to noon and then the public reception and awards ceremony that night. Then I'll head back for the second day of the Great Falls Art Fair.

Great Falls Spring Art Fair on the Green, May 31 & June 1, Great Falls, VA
If you're anywhere near Great Falls, VA this weekend, I really hope you'll get to the show. It's under two big tents in the Village Green tucked away at the intersection of Georgetown Pike and Walker Road.  Hours are: Saturday, 9am to 5pm and Sunday, 11am to 8pm. Considering Randy's been doing so much of the work, you would really make me more popular if you came and took a look. Tell him I sent you.

"City Lights," oil, 12"h x 16"w, copyright Jill Banks 2014

Spread the word. Tell a friend. Better yet, bring a friend!

Mountain Maryland Plein Air 2014
Back to Mountain Maryland. It's been a really tough week weatherwise. Sweating to death. High humidity. Starting to rain every time I set up my easel. Husband Randy was there again to the rescue figuring out all sorts of ways for me to finish those pieces. (I'll tell you more about that in another post.)

So here are the paintings. Two were turned in for jurying.  (No awards, but they were appreciated by many I talked with tonight.) The photos definitely look amiss as I have a new camera with no idea how to operate it ... but at least you get the idea.

MPA Artfest
And I just heard that my work was juried into McLean's MPA Artfest, an outdoor art festival that has been a part of my Fall schedule for a decade (or thereabouts). More info to come about this event that takes place Sunday, October 5, 10am to 5pm in McLean Central Park (McLean, VA). I'm happy to be returning!

"Full Steam Ahead," oil, 10"h x 8"w, copyright Jill Banks 2014 painted before steam engine 734 left the station this morning

"Carnival's In Town" Painting Plein Air in Vienna...

"Carnival's in Town," oil, 12"h x 16"w, ©Jill Banks 2014

Vienna, Virginia.

Before heading to Cumberland MD for next week's Mountain Maryland Plein Air competition, I've been painting on location in different spots each day.  Remembering last month's trip to Italy, it takes a good chunk of painting days in a row to loosen up, get comfortable and hone in on what you really want to capture. Hopefully practicing at home will spare me those four or so days at Mountain Maryland. Otherwise, I'll be finally warmed up just as the competition ends.

The Arts Club of Washington and an Unexpected Concert
Today took me on several adventures. Randy and I headed for DC to see studiomate Bobbie (Roberta) Beasley's exhibit at the Arts Club of Washington before it closes on May 31. We got there and lunch was about to be served in the rooms where Bobbie's work is on exhibit. That meant we could go wander through the rest of the club -- but not into the rooms we wanted to see. A little bit of coaxing gained us entrance. Phew! Bobbie's is a beautiful exhibit in an elegant space.

A step or two up from the dining space a free, open to the public concert was about to take place -- with an enthusiastic gentleman inviting us to stay and enjoy. Which we did, but only after asking how long it would be -- thinking about that parking meter. A half hour exactly. Well, turned out it was a long half hour... and Randy raced out to feed the meter inbetween the third and fourth (final) operatic "act."

Interesting and enjoyable way to spend the first part of the day.

Painting the Afternoon Away
So the rest of the day was spent painting in a park in Vienna, VA. I park and wander. The carnival was setting up in town for the Memorial Day Weekend. That was my colorful subject ... the carnival not yet sprung to life, but on its way. It perhaps looks a little wild. Hmmm. Complex subject and I was having fun experimenting with it.

Ignoring Omens

"Made in the Shade," oil, 16"h x 12"h,©Jill Banks 2013

A man was enjoying his art, playing the guitar and singing in one corner of the park as I was setting up to paint. There have been a few glitches in my plein air gear lately. This afternoon -- all sorts of stuff kept happening. One side of the easel seemed to be getting shorter, meaning my palette and canvas were now on a diagonal. I go to fix the leg of the tripod and stuff starts sliding off. Then the easel is falling over. Then I'm on the ground trying to hold what's left up. Good thing this was just the beginning. Set it up again. Then the back leg of the tripod is suddenly getting shorter. Two legs taped later, realizing that the guitarist must have thought this was my first time out painting -- and it was time to paint. Not a good, graceful start.

Still, it was a peaceful, enjoyable afternoon. As usual, I met some young art enthusiasts that make painting more fun than it already is.

Headed home.

By the way, the carnival was set up all around where I'd painted plein air last fall. I'm not sure exactly what will be on view in my booth for Art on the Green in Great Falls, VA for the outdoor festival May 31& June 1 -- but "Made in the Shade" painted footsteps from "Carnival's In Town" is a strong contender. (Are you coming to the show and want to see something in particular? It can be arranged... I'm always guessing what you want to see in my booth. Guidance is most welcome!)

Hope you can come enjoy the art that weekend. And this one!

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 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 on the Green 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!  

"Morning Glories" Work in Progress

"Morning Glories" work in progress, oil, 14"h x 11"w, ©Jill Banks 2014

That Anders Zorn portrait of his wife Emma ... seen Saturday in NYC at the National Academy Museum ... made me put a newspaper to work in this composition. Couldn't help myself. (See previous post for image.)

This isn't quite done.  The morning glory flowers and container moved to the Great Falls School of Art for today's still life class. Once they make a trip home, I'll finish it up.

The vine has been shouting for attention (paint me!!) with a profusion of gorgeous flowers in our backyard for the last few days. Wait too long and the opportunity is toast.

Not Nice News ... Stolen Art
Studiomate and friend Cindy Grisdela was one of 200 exhibitors at the Northern Virginia Fine Arts Festival this past weekend, May 17 and 18 in Reston, VA.  Sometime Saturday night, six of her pieces of fiber art were stolen from her booth. 

You can imagine how devastating this is for her. She needs your help. Read her blog posts ... keep a look out for those pieces and help get her work returned to her.

Amangansett (Hamptons area, NY)... Here We Come
in July!  I'll be joining other great artists at the Amagansett Fine Art Festival over the July 4 weekend. More details to come and hopefully, I'll learn how to pronounce it.

Lots of art shows, festivals, painting all sorts of places. It looks like quite a Spring and Summer. I hope to see you there!

Before I head off to all of these locations to show my work, if you're local DC... I really hope you'll come visit at the May 31&June 1 Outdoor (under the BIG Tent) Art Festival being held in Great Falls. 25 artists exhibiting. Husband Randy is in charge day one (Saturday, May 31, 9am to 5pm) and I'll be there Sunday, June 1, 11am to 8pm.

Right around the corner is the Great Falls Studio Art on the Green, an outdoor arts festival on May 31 and June 1 in Great Falls, VA ... and Mountain Maryland Plein Air. Lots to look forward to!


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 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 on the Green 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!  

Zorn Day

"Reveil,  Boulevard Clichy," Anders Zorn, 1892, watercolor. Private collection. On view at the National Academy Museum, NYC through May 18, 2014

One of Zorn's early oils, of his wife, Emma. Love that newspaper/composition!

Yesterday was spent on a bus to NYC to see the Anders Zorn (1860-1920) exhibit at the National Academy Museum the day before it closed (Sunday, May 18), taking in the beauty and inspiration of many of his masterpieces on view ... and riding the bus back home again. A full day ... but well worth it.

Plus there was a little bit of wandering around Central Park thrown in. Thinking about what I might paint on another day-or-two trip.

Inspiration was found aplenty.

Zorn IS a master ... too little known among his contemporaries of John Singer Sargent and Joaquin Sorolla. All three were so ridiculously amazing.

At the National Academy

Anders Zorn's oil painting, "Margit"

Museum were 90 Zorn originals including oils, extraordinary watercolors, etchings and even a couple of sculptures.

His watercolors were unbelievable ... as in, I can't imagine a human being able to paint them in this fairly unforgiving medium. Large, saturated, complex, complicated subjects and compositions ... incredible.

He's also a master at placing the figure in space. Then you'll look at his backgrounds, and there's seemingly nothing to it. I LOVE that when it happens. And when you recognize that almost nothing is better than sweating the small stuff for a week.

Pretty amazing, right?

Right around the corner is the Great Falls Studio Art on the Green, an outdoor arts festival on May 31 and June 1 in Great Falls, VA ... and Mountain Maryland Plein Air. Lots to look forward to!


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 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 on the Green 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!  

"Sitting with Statues" Inside the Loggia, Piazza della Signoria, Florence

"Sitting with Statues" work in progress, oil, 30"h x 40"w, ©Jill Banks 2014

When strolling the Piazza della Signoria in Florence, Italy during my first visit in 2006, I marveled over everyday life spent dining surrounded by the gorgeous, storied sculptures that were almost as numerous as cafe tables. Imagine!

One of my painting spots during visit three, the last day this April in Florence, was the steps inside the loggia, right near the Uffizi. There, I painted a 12"x 16" plein air piece. There's no way the guards were going to let me paint a larger piece as the loggia is considered museum grounds. A larger version of it was planned though ... once home. Like now.

I've been working on it for the last few days ... using my plein air painting as principal reference along with photos and memory. Such a great experience to relive.

See the post from my day there at the Loggia ... live here.

"Punta della Dogana, Venice, Italy," oil, 12"h x 16"w, ©Jill Banks 2014, private collection

New Home for a Venice Painting
Today I spent a little time bringing and trying out paintings in a collector's home. (I'd be glad to bring work to yours ... assuming you're relatively close.) And, a new Venetian plein air painting found its perfect spot ... accompanying the "Place des Vosges" Paris painting purchased earlier this year.

I'd previously misnamed it ... but that didn't stop it from looking stunning in its new home.  A dinner party was taking place there just a short time after Randy hung it in the dining room. Perfect timing!

This is the second painting from the April trip to Italy to find a new home. Yea!

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 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 on the Green 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!  

Back to Burano Italy

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

Well, not really. But my thoughts are revisiting the place.

This is the second painting worked on canal side in this fishing village/island filled with impossibly bright-colored buildings, boats, scenes, things everywhere you look. Here again, I tucked myself away from the bulk of the crowds, later in the afternoon when many visitors had already headed home.  Still, there were plenty of appreciative, enthusiastic onlookers happy with my take on the scene.

"Like Colors: Burano Italy," oil, 10"h x 8"w, ©Jill Banks 2014

The first painting from the one-day visit was "Like Colors." The smaller paintings were done as multiples on an unmounted piece of linen (Centurion Deluxe Oil-Primed linen available in pads)... necessitating cropping and mounting the paintings once back home (as in now). 

That's what's been going on in my kitchen over the last week.

Both of these paintings, along with more, will most likely be found under a tent on May 31 and June 1 for "Art on the Green" in Great Falls, VA.

I'll be missing from there on May 31 -- still painting and participating in festivities at Mountain Maryland Plein Air, held in Cumberland, MD from May 27 to May 31. There I will be one of 30 artists chosen from around the country: painting, competing and exhibiting in this plein air event.

Husband Randy will be setting up the display and hoping you'll visit in Great Falls on May 31. Then, I'll be there, too or instead ... on June 1.

I hope you had a wonderful Mothers' Day! I sure enjoyed spending time with our kids, son Sam's in-laws, the Anonicks and my Mom and Dad. Couldn't be better!!!

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 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 on the Green 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 on the Torpedo Factory Dock

"Hot Dogs on the Dock," oil, 12"h x 16"w,©Jill Banks 2014

Mid-afternoon to dusk in Old Town Alexandria, VA. Ran into many artist friends. Talked to onlookers. Earned a few "WOWs!"

Good day.

Thanks for checking in!

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 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! 

A Still Life for a Change...

"Lemon, Melon, Sunflowers," oil, 16"h x 12"w, ©Jill Banks 2014

Inspired by today's Still Life class, after teaching and a nice lunch ... I returned to the classroom to capture this scene. A joy.

I'm a tired puppy with class to teach tomorrow. Still glad to have spent time painting this afternoon.

I will report on this past weekend's show and other news. But not today.

I was also accepted to show in the Armonk Art Festival in New York in September. Exciting stuff! Yea!

More folks signed up to paint with me in Italy. Thinking about it? See my web site. Now or soon is the time...

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 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!

Fairfax Fine Art Festival: Saturday and Sunday, May 3 & May 4

View number 1 of what might be in my (Jill Banks) booth at the Fairfax Fine Art Festival 2014

Tonight (Friday, May 2) the tent will move from my driveway to become Booth #19 in this weekend's Fairfax Fine Art Festival.

Another view ... this time of the inner corner

Both Randy and I are moving a little more slowly. It's been quite a day setting up a rather complicated booth for the first time. Thank goodness we weren't doing it first ... in the dark ... or on the day of the festival.

The payoff for the effort is one great-looking booth ready to welcome visitors -- best of all, You!

While there are no final yeas/nays yet as to what will be hanging there ... here's another sneak peek of what you might find there. What do you think?

Join me there if you can:
Saturday, May 3, 10am to 6pm (maybe 7?)
Sunday, May 4, 11am to 5pm
Rain or shine
Fairfax Corners Shopping/Restaurant area in Fairfax, VA.  See my web site event page for more details.

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

It's really nice that the  booth setup has been moved out of the family room onto the driveway. Wonder what the neighbors think of our new addition?

Just heard word, too, that I was accepted into the 41st Annual Westport Fine Art Festival (art festival #5 for me in 2014), being held July 19 & 20 in Westport, Connecticut.


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!