Painting the Shenandoah, Day One in (Little) Washington, Virginia

"Antiques on Middle Street," oil, 16"h x 12"w, ©Jill Banks 2014

Not sure what I'm going to do tomorrow as the artists participating in Paint the Shenandoah are heading off to the Shenandoah National Park. That sounds great as long as I can paint from inside my car. Too many dreaded critters and creatures might be keeping me company.

Pretty likely I'll head in the Sperryville/Flint Hill/Washington VA vicinity but stick to pavement, bugs, humans, architecture for companions and inspiration.

Plein Air in Washington VA
Today was a terrific, although long one painting in Washington, VA ... about an hour and a half's drive from the DC area. It's home to the famous Inn at Little Washington and my painting spot was right next door -- in the parking lot of Antiques on Middle Street.

Two pieces I'm happy with emerged. (That's pretty amazing!) One in the morning of the Ballroom Shops (associated with the Inn, I think) and beyond. Plus, this one in the afternoon of the Antique shop. I loved the statue of the golfer (shown lower right) with well-worn paint. He's why I chose this scene in the first place.

Both pieces landed face down in the gravel once finished. So there's some scraping to do.

The Wow House
Randy and my house is on the market ... and I know it's beautiful ... and evidently the Patch Editor agrees. It was chosen as the Wow House for Reston, VA. But, since I've been busy recently, that article is buried in my email somewhere. So instead, check out the listing on Redfin ... see what you think. Lots of artwork (my own) is shown in those photos. A nice view in situ. No, they don't convey.

Events
Full days ahead this Summer. Pretty exciting, though.

• June 26-29: Paint the Shenandoah Plein Air Paintout, Sperryville, VA and vicinity
• July 4, 5, 6: Amagansett Fine Art Festival, Amagansett, New York (just east of East Hampton)
• July 12 & 13: the 52nd Wickford Art Festival, Wickford, RI. Over 200 artists from New England, US and beyond.
• July 19 & 20: the 41st Annual Westport Fine Art Festival, Westport, CT.
• Aug. 16-Oct. 12: Paint the Shenandoah Exhibition, River District Arts, Sperryville, VA
• Aug. 23-24: Shadyside: The Art Festival on Walnut Street, Pittsburgh, PA
• September 20 & 21: Armonk Outdoor Art Show, Armonk, New York
• October 5: McLean MPA Artfest, Sunday, October 5, McLean, VA. 52 artists in McLean Central Park
• Oct. 17-19: Great Falls Annual Studio Tour, Artists’ Atelier, 1144 Walker Road, Suite G, Great Falls, VA
• Ongoing: Visit the studio I share with 14 other artists at the Artists’ Atelier, Great Falls, VA open Wed. and Sat., 12- 4pm
• Jan.-Feb. 2015: Solo Exhibit, ArtSpace Herndon, Herndon, VA
• See the Events page for more info/updates

Thanks for reading,

Jill

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.)


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!

"Summer Bounty" Market Basket

"Summer Bounty," oil, 20"h x 16"w, ©Jill Banks 2014

My shopping basket always looks great. Perhaps that's because I plan on painting, not eating the contents. The sunflowers are ridiculously gorgeous. No way to resist. Plus, white carrots. Promise that I wasn't just missing some orange paint.

The photo isn't true. I'll try to fix that tomorrow during daylight hours.

Lots ...

Coming Up

• June 26-29: Paint the Shenandoah Plein Air Paintout, Sperryville, VA and vicinity
• July 4, 5, 6: Amagansett Fine Art Festival, Amagansett, New York (just east of East Hampton)
• July 12 & 13: the 52nd Wickford Art Festival, Wickford, RI. Over 200 artists from New England, US and beyond.
• July 19 & 20: the 41st Annual Westport Fine Art Festival, Westport, CT.
• Aug. 16-Oct. 12: Paint the Shenandoah Exhibition, River District Arts, Sperryville, VA
• Aug. 23-24: Shadyside: The Art Festival on Walnut Street, Pittsburgh, PA
• September 20 & 21: Armonk Outdoor Art Show, Armonk, New York
• October 5: McLean MPA Artfest, Sunday, October 5, McLean, VA. 52 artists in McLean Central Park
• Oct. 17-19: Great Falls Annual Studio Tour, Artists’ Atelier, 1144 Walker Road, Suite G, Great Falls, VA
• Ongoing: Visit the studio I share with 14 other artists at the Artists’ Atelier, Great Falls, VA open Wed. and Sat., 12- 4pm
• Jan.-Feb. 2015: Solo Exhibit, ArtSpace Herndon, Herndon, VA
• See the Events page for more info/updates

Thanks for reading,

Jill

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.)


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 ... Finished

"Sitting with Statues," Florence, Italy, oil, 30"h x 40"w, ©Jill Banks 2014

Finally.  I've been wanting to finish this painting ... based on a plein air piece created at this spot in April. Read about "Sitting with Statues' in progress and its inspiration on my earlier post here.

Today was spent working away in the Artists' Atelier, the studio I share with 14 other artists. With a full schedule recently it's been awhile since painting there, enjoying the company of many of my studiomates. We caught up some, and then settled in to work at our own easels. It was a pretty wonderful day.

If you read my last post, you know that Randy and I have put our home on the market, ready to move into a townhouse condo (still local, with a fantastic home studio space) to make it easy to take my art on the road -- with workshops, painting trips, juried art festivals. Getting ready has slimmed down my painting escapades and made me cranky. Two full days of painting exactly what I wanted have provided the cure.

Later this week I'll be participating in the Paint the Shenandoah invitational paint-out. That means painting the town of Washington, VA (where the Inn of Little Washington stands), and vineyards, mountains ...

Sooner or later I'll put up the posts from those days.

Check out my website's events page for more info on what else is ahead... like the Amagansett Fine Art Festival with a fantastic roster of artists in the Hamptons July 4, 5 & 6.

Coming Up

• June 26-29: Paint the Shenandoah Plein Air Paintout, Sperryville, VA and vicinity
• July 4, 5, 6: Amagansett Fine Art Festival, Amagansett, New York (just east of East Hampton)
• July 12 & 13: the 52nd Wickford Art Festival, Wickford, RI. Over 200 artists from New England, US and beyond.
• July 19 & 20: the 41st Annual Westport Fine Art Festival, Westport, CT.
• Aug. 16-Oct. 12: Paint the Shenandoah Exhibition, River District Arts, Sperryville, VA
• Aug. 23-24: Shadyside: The Art Festival on Walnut Street, Pittsburgh, PA
• September 20 & 21: Armonk Outdoor Art Show, Armonk, New York
• October 5: McLean MPA Artfest, Sunday, October 5, McLean, VA. 52 artists in McLean Central Park
• Oct. 17-19: Great Falls Annual Studio Tour, Artists’ Atelier, 1144 Walker Road, Suite G, Great Falls, VA
• Ongoing: Visit the studio I share with 14 other artists at the Artists’ Atelier, Great Falls, VA open Wed. and Sat., 12- 4pm
• Jan.-Feb. 2015: Solo Exhibit, ArtSpace Herndon, Herndon, VA
• See the Events page for more info/updates

Thanks for reading,

Jill

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.)


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!

"Swan Lake" Painting from Columbia

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

There's much to write but no time to do so. I promise to get back into the swing of things shortly. Just not yet.

The Columbia Festival of Arts weekend was stressful, grueling. Yet, the people I met were great, appreciative of my art... and me, the music was wonderful and I had the prettiest spot in the place to perch my tent. "Swan Lake" was my view. Paddleboats. Swans and pirate ships. Nice restaurants. About as idyllic a place as you can imagine.

Best news, I did have a chance to paint.

Our beautiful home is being readied for sale as we move onto write a different chapter. I'm slightly reluctant. I cannot imagine any place as gorgeous as this home, this neighborhood and its surrounds. Home base will stay local -- keeping near to so many of my neat collectors, friends, fellow artists ... but free to do lots of traveling, discovering, exploring.

Although I love this home, I'm looking forward to what is ahead, too. In case you know someone in the market for a remarkable house in Virginia, please pass it on. (A link to the listing will come tomorrow.) I know just what art would be perfect for it. (Really.)

I'm in charge of open hours at the Artists' Atelier this Saturday, June 21, noon to 4pm at 1144 Walker Road, Suite G, Great Falls, VA. Stop by and say hi!

Coming Up

• June 26-29: Paint the Shenandoah Plein Air Paintout, Sperryville, VA and vicinity
• July 4, 5, 6: Amagansett Fine Art Festival, Amagansett, New York (just east of East Hampton)
• July 12 & 13: the 52nd Wickford Art Festival, Wickford, RI. Over 200 artists from New England, US and beyond.
• July 19 & 20: the 41st Annual Westport Fine Art Festival, Westport, CT.
• Aug. 16-Oct. 12: Paint the Shenandoah Exhibition, River District Arts, Sperryville, VA
• Aug. 23-24: Shadyside: The Art Festival on Walnut Street, Pittsburgh, PA
• September 20 & 21: Armonk Outdoor Art Show, Armonk, New York
• October 5: McLean MPA Artfest, Sunday, October 5, McLean, VA. 52 artists in McLean Central Park
• Oct. 17-19: Great Falls Annual Studio Tour, Artists’ Atelier, 1144 Walker Road, Suite G, Great Falls, VA
• Ongoing: Visit the studio I share with 14 other artists at the Artists’ Atelier, Great Falls, VA open Wed. and Sat., 12- 4pm
• Jan.-Feb. 2015: Solo Exhibit, ArtSpace Herndon, Herndon, VA
• See the Events page for more info/updates

Thanks for reading,

Jill

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.)


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!  

Packing Up for the Columbia Festival of Art

And hoping you can join me for a jam-packed three days during the Columbia Festival of Art Free Weekend.

"Sticking Together," oil, 18"h x 24"w, ©Jill Banks 2014

Today, besides getting ready -- I pulled out three paintings among many to finish up ... with at least one heading to the Columbia show. Yesterday was the last day of my Spring Plein Air landscape class, and we managed to eke out one more beautiful day at Kidwell Farm (in Herndon, VA) before the skies opened up in the evening. I'd brought with me "Sticking Together," hoping to finish it on site but hunger and worn out feet made me head for home.

Now finished, I couldn't be more pleased. Some of my plein air students were hoping like heck I wouldn't mess it up. They'd have to trust me. I knew what I loved about the start, what few parts needed final touches. It was a safe operation.

"Purple Clematis," oil, 14"h x 11"w, ©Jill Banks 2014

Another painting getting attention is "Purple Clematis" previously named "Morning Glories." I hadn't been quite finished. Most of the setup was still tucked into the corner of my home studio but the clematis had stopped blooming, replacements were missing. Then, they bloomed anew. Not many. Time to go to work. This one's staying home for now.

A partial list of what you may find under my tent this weekend includes: "Full Steam Ahead" (steam engine from Cumberland MD), "Tomatoes (with Pink Peonies)," "Antiques," "New York Yellow and Blues," "Gone Fishin'" (something for Dad?) and "Ice Cold Lemonade."

The Arts and Crafts Show Schedule (When You'll Find Me Under a Tent)
Friday, June 13, 5-9pm
Saturday, June 14, Noon-9pm
Sunday, June 15, Noon-7pm

"Tomatoes (with Pink Peonies)," oil, 12"h x 16"w, ©Jill Banks 2014

What:
Juried, invitational fine arts and crafts show with 60 extraordinary artists and artisans working in a breadth of media.
(I'll be in Booth #44 -- booths are located throughout the Festival grounds... intermingled with shows, music, strolling performers, activities, kids' entertainment.)

Who:
Check out the artists pre-visit here.

Where?
10221 Wincopin Circle
Columbia MD 21044

Free shuttle buses run every 15 minutes between the Howard Community College campus and the Columbia Town Center Lakefront.

Get more info at the Columbia Festival of Arts website.

Thanks for reading,

Jill

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

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.) A new ... newsletter is coming out soon. Sign up if you'd like to see it in your email box.



FULL SCHEDULE

Friday, June 13
5:00 p.m. – 6:15 p.m.
LakeStage:  Kenny Kohlhaas

5:00 p.m. – 8:30 p.m.
Friends Night Out

5:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.
Fine Arts and Crafts Show & Sale

5:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.
ManneqART Exhibit

5:30 p.m. – 8:30 p.m.
Artists’ Gallery Fine Art Exhibit & Reception

6:30 p.m. – 7:30 p.m.
LakeStage:  Donegal X-Press

7:30 p.m. – 7:45 p.m.
Super Hero or Super Villain Contest

7:45 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.
LakeStage:  Ocho de Bastos

 9:00 p.m. – 9:30 p.m.
Australia’s Strange Fruit – The Spheres

9:30 p.m. – 10:30 p.m.
LakeStage:  The Bullbuckers

10:30 p.m. – 11:00 p.m.
Australia’s Strange Fruit – The Spheres

Saturday, June 14
10:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m.
Chalk-It-Up Contest

10:00 a.m. – Dusk
Artists’ Gallery Fine Art Exhibit & Demos

11:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.
BOOKAPALOOZA:  Meet the Authors

Noon – 1:15 p.m.
LakeStage:  Ultra Faux

Noon – 1:55 p.m.
Get Fit with CA

Noon – 3:00 p.m.
The Thrill of Victory Model Yacht Races

Noon – 8:00 p.m.
Circus Juggle Zone!

Noon – 9:00 p.m.
Fine Arts and Crafts Show & Sale

Noon – 9:00 p.m.
ManneqART Exhibit

12:30 p.m. – 5:30 p.m.
KidzArt – Arts & Crafts Activities

1:30 p.m. – 2:30 p.m.
LakeStage:  Andy Poxon

2:45 p.m. – 3:45 p.m.
LakeStage:  The Muddy Crows

4:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.
LakeStage:  If Birds Could Fly

5:00 p.m. – 8:30 p.m.
Friends Night Out

5:15 p.m. – 6:15 p.m.
LakeStage:  The Herd of Main Street

6:30 p.m. – 7:30 p.m.
LakeStage:  Alma Tropicália

7:30 p.m. – 7:45 p.m.
Chalk-It-Up Best of Day Awards

7:45 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.
LakeStage:  Melodime

9:00 p.m. – 9:30 p.m.
Australia’s Strange Fruit – The Sphere

9:30 p.m. – 10:30 p.m.
LakeStage:  Empresarios

10:30 p.m. – 11:00 p.m.
Australia’s Strange Fruit – The Sphere

Sunday, June 15

10:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.
Artists’ Gallery Fine Art Exhibit & Demos

10:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
Chalk-It-Up Contest

Noon – 12:45 p.m.
LakeStage:  Luke Brindley

Noon – 2:00 p.m.
Get Fit with CA

Noon – 7:00 p.m.
Circus Juggle Zone

Noon – 7:00 p.m.
Fine Arts and Crafts Show & Sale

Noon – 7:00 p.m.
ManneqART Exhibit

12:30 p.m. – 4:30 p.m.
KidzArt – Arts & Crafts Activities

1:00 p.m. – 2:00 p.m.
LakeStage:  Speakers of the House

2:15 p.m. – 3:15 p.m.
LakeStage:  Nelly’s Echo

3:30 p.m. – 4:30 p.m.
LakeStage:  Sung for Streetlights

4:30 p.m. – 5:30 p.m.
Chalk-It-Up Contest Judging

4:45 p.m. – 5:45 p.m.
LakeStage:  Glenelg Jazz Ensemble

5:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.
Friends Night Out Silky Summer Sensation

5:45 p.m. – 6:00 p.m.
Chalk-It-Up Contest Winners Announced

6:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.
LakeStage:  Deanna Bogart

"Tomatoes": Slow Post

"Tomatoes," oil, 12"h x 16"w, ©Jill Banks 2014

Life moves a bit too quickly sometimes for me to keep up in the typing, writing, blogging department. As in this week.

On Tuesday, my next to last Still Life class of the Spring session, the classroom was filled (as usual)with inspirational setups to paint. So inspirational that after class is over, often, I pick one, pull out my brushes and capture it.

Thus, "Tomatoes."

Fewer still lifes have made it onto my easel this year. It was time. If I stay away from one subject for too long, I miss it. A lot!

Columbia Festival of the Arts (in Columbia, MD) is coming up at the end of this week. I'll be in Booth #44, Friday, Saturday and Sunday, June 13-15, 2014 and would REALLY love to see you there. My hope is to include some new work in this weekend's booth. As in, you may have seen it on my blog .... but not in person.

See my web site's events page for more info.

Coming Up

• June 13, 14, 15: Columbia Festival of the Arts, Columbia, MD
• June 26-29: Paint the Shenandoah Plein Air Paintout, Sperryville, VA and vicinity
• July 4, 5, 6: Amagansett Fine Art Festival, Amagansett, New York (just east of East Hampton)
• July 12 & 13: the 52nd Wickford Art Festival, Wickford, RI. Over 200 artists from New England, US and beyond.
• July 19 & 20: the 41st Annual Westport Fine Art Festival, Westport, CT.
• Aug. 16-Oct. 12: Paint the Shenandoah Exhibition, River District Arts, Sperryville, VA
• Aug. 23-24: Shadyside: The Art Festival on Walnut Street, Pittsburgh, PA
• September 20 & 21: Armonk Outdoor Art Show, Armonk, New York
• October 5: McLean MPA Artfest, Sunday, October 5, McLean, VA. 52 artists in McLean Central Park
• Oct. 17-19: Great Falls Annual Studio Tour, Artists’ Atelier, 1144 Walker Road, Suite G, Great Falls, VA
• Ongoing: Visit the studio I share with 14 other artists at the Artists’ Atelier, Great Falls, VA open Wed. and Sat., 12- 4pm
• Jan.-Feb. 2015: Solo Exhibit, ArtSpace Herndon, Herndon, VA
• See the Events page for more info/updates

With all these events happening in new places, and my being the "new tent" in many towns -- I really hope you can attend some or let me borrow your friends in these spots.  Please spread the word. Art fairs are a gamble of sorts. I foot the expense of tent, travel, accommodations, pack up what I hope visitors want to see, put up the tent, talk art, bring my very best attitude and work, cross my fingers.

Your help, advice, recommendation will be GREATLY appreciated.


Thanks for reading,

Jill
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.)


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!    

Horsing Around: Painting at the Paddock

"Sticking Together" work in progress, oil, 18"h x 24"w, ©Jill Banks 2014

--> It was a dream of a day. Gorgeous weather and I got to paint exactly what (horses) and where (Kidwell Farm in Herndon VA) my heart desired.

My Spring Plein Air class that I teach on Wednesdays has not been as charmed as in seasons past.  With only six sessions, it has rained for three of them -- so yesterday morning's sunshine seemed particularly blessed. All were grateful to be outside. The spot was Kidwell Farm where students painted the chicken coop, outbuildings, a Chevy truck, the merry-go-round, the farmer's market and expansive scenes up and down the farm's lanes. And, horses.

"Stepping Out," 30"h x 24"w, ©Jill Banks 2012, private collection

Right beyond Kidwell Farm is a field full of equines, snacking on hay, rolling in the mud, grazing on grass, hanging out together.  I would never have known they were there ... if Bob Gilbert hadn't explored and set up overlooking them the day before. There was no question that I'd go back.

One of the few problems with Kidwell Farm is its sparse bit of shade. It's farmland and pasture, not forest. But today I found shade, a perfect fairly close up view of these beautiful creatures, and a painting heading constantly in the right direction.

Another Warm Welcome
Even though my painting spot was far from out in the open, there were many who saw me at the easel and extended their hand and spirit in welcoming me. It's an amazing feeling to know that just as you're doing what you love, someone else is inspired, uplifted that you're creating right in front of them. Today, I was appreciated by the Kidwell Farm staff, and the volunteers and participants in the SPIRIT Open Equestrian Program.

SPIRIT Open Equestrian Program
Turns out those horses I was painting are a mix of rescues and donations trained to provide therapeutic riding programs for children and adults. So, they are beautiful inside and out.

"Horsepower," oil, 30"h x 24"w, ©Jill Banks 2013, private collection

Coming to Pittsburgh, PA
Perhaps I'm a bit worried about a busy schedule -- but still looking forward to a summer of adventures, now with one more on the calendar. I will be participating in Shadyside: The Art Festival on Walnut Street (Pittsburgh, PA) on August 23 & 24, 2014. This is one of the top 100 art festivals as ranked by Sunshine Artist Magazine. Can't wait. My plan is to paint in many of these art festival locations -- along with attending the booth. I so hope that the plan works!

Coming Up

• June 13, 14, 15: Columbia Festival of the Arts, Columbia, MD
• June 26-29: Paint the Shenandoah Plein Air Paintout, Sperryville, VA and vicinity
• July 4, 5, 6: Amagansett Fine Art Festival, Amagansett, New York (just east of East Hampton)
• July 12 & 13: the 52nd Wickford Art Festival, Wickford, RI. Over 200 artists from New England, US and beyond.
• July 19 & 20: the 41st Annual Westport Fine Art Festival, Westport, CT.
• Aug. 16-Oct. 12: Paint the Shenandoah Exhibition, River District Arts, Sperryville, VA
• Aug. 23-24: Shadyside: The Art Festival on Walnut Street, Pittsburgh, PA
• September 20 & 21: Armonk Outdoor Art Show, Armonk, New York
• October 5: McLean MPA Artfest, Sunday, October 5, McLean, VA. 52 artists in McLean Central Park
• Oct. 17-19: Great Falls Annual Studio Tour, Artists’ Atelier, 1144 Walker Road, Suite G, Great Falls, VA
• Ongoing: Visit the studio I share with 14 other artists at the Artists’ Atelier, Great Falls, VA open Wed. and Sat., 12- 4pm
• Jan.-Feb. 2015: Solo Exhibit, ArtSpace Herndon, Herndon, VA
• See the Events page for more info/updates

With all these events happening in new places, and my being the "new tent" in many towns -- I really hope you can attend some or let me borrow your friends in these spots.  Please spread the word. Art fairs are a gamble of sorts. I foot the expense of tent, travel, accommodations, pack up what I hope visitors want to see, put up the tent, talk art, bring my very best attitude and work, cross my fingers.  Your help, advice, recommendation will be GREATLY appreciated.

See more of my paintings of Furry and Feathered Friends in the Bird, Animal and Wildlife Collection on my web site.



Thanks for reading,

Jill

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.)


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!    

An Amazing Weekend on the Green

Although I missed half of the fun (because you can't be two places at once), Great Falls Studios first Spring Art Fair under a tent in the Village Green in Great Falls, VA was a roaring success!  It made me realize just how lucky I am to have lived, shared a studio and made great friends with the artists and patrons/art enthusiasts in this town.

There were 25 artist members of Great Falls Studios situated under two huge tents participating in the show this past weekend, May 31 and June 1.

Saturday, while husband Randy set up and manned the tent in my absence, crowds came from Cars & Coffee, a weekly gathering of very cool automobiles and their owners and the Farmers Market held right nearby.

"Keeping Watch Over You," oil, 16"h x 20"w, private collection

On Sunday, browsers joined us after and before lunch/brunch/dinner at the Old Brogue, made us their sole destination, or visited before and during a great free Sunday Concert on the Green from 6 to 8pm. There were happy faces everywhere, enjoying the music, comraderie, fresh breeze, artwork, gorgeous weather. What a fantastic event!

In the last five days, the following paintings have been finding new homes:
1)  "White Rabbit"
2) "Burano Boats"
3) "Santa Maria della Salute" (nocturne from Venice, Italy)
4) "Two Boats"
5) "Lemon, Melon, Sunflowers"
6) "Ballerina Break"
and moments before I left Cumberland MD (from the Mountain Maryland Plein Air reception), paintings in hand to return home:
7) "Keeping Watch Over You"

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

More purchases are brewing. A huge thank you to all who visited -- came and said hello to Randy on Saturday and both of us on Sunday.  You are amazing!

While all the purchases have stories of their own, briefly, I want to tell you about "Keeping Watch Over You." It's telling of my whole Mountain Maryland experience.

Many visitors to the exhibition/opening commented about and stood in front of "Keeping Watch." To each, it meant something deeply personal, different with each individual. Sometimes, if you're lucky, a painting speaks. This one does for those who have called Cumberland home.

I was asked by one woman what drew me to this place, tucked behind one of the many churches that dot the mountains there. This place drew me to this place ... like a magnet. I followed a

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

trail and was enchanted by the spot. The viewpoint.

The Saturday reception was to end at 8pm and we were to take our paintings home at that time. I hung around awhile not wanting to head away too quickly. When I did pick up my three and was about to head out the door ... I heard "Stop! Don't Leave."  A couple claimed it ... having been helped to the decision by a whole lot of their and my friends.

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.)


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!