Pinch Me in La Morra, Italy

"Bend in the Road" (La Morra, Italy), oil, 16"h x 7"w, copyright Jill Banks 2014

I must be dreaming.

In two days, my workshop "Paint with Me in Italy" begins ... when I'll be leading a very nice crew of students through an adventure in the Piemonte wine region of Italy. Yet, before they arrive ... I'm checking it out ... exploring the streets, osterias, pizzerias, views of La Morra yesterday and today. Heading to Nieve tomorrow.

This place is ridiculously gorgeous. I'd been warned. It's also the first time I've been someplace in Italy that wasn't packed with tourists. The views, the streets are filled with some visitors -- but mainly residents and some Italians on holiday. It feels like having been let in on a very nice secret.

Last night I ate pizza and sipped a local Barbera wine overlooking dusk and nightfall in the valley. A breathtaking view. One that made me count that lucky star.

Tonight, after dinner, we wandered to the main piazza I'd been painting a few hours before. It sparkled with small towns all through the valley set against an inky blue sky.

"Bend in the Road" was one of four paintings worked on today. Three will see the light of day. Not so sure about the fourth.  Another was completed yesterday too late for a photo to appear yet. I'll try to catch you up on this slice of heaven, feet and eyes willing.

Check out more of my paintings from this past Spring's trip to paths more frequently taken (Venice and Florence) in the Places Gallery on my web site: www.JillBanks.com, under Works.

Coming Up (in addition to the Workshop)

• 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 13 & 14: Alexandria (King Street) Art Festival, Alexandria, VA
• 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.)

At Home. "Duck Soup"

"Duck Soup," oil, 30"h x 24"w, ©Jill Banks 2014

Phew. Three weekends have been spent traveling to the Hamptons (Amagansett Fine Art Festival) and back, to Wickford Rhode Island (the Wickford Fine Art Festival) and back, and this past weekend -- Westport Connecticut (the Westport Fine Arts Festival) and back. Added to the travel were lots of fine conversations, connections, some paintings going to new homes, tent set-up, arranging paintings and packing them up again, dinners looking out at the water/harbor/river -- all thrown into the mix in the days away.

Before I left to head to Westport, "Duck Soup" was the painting on my easel. It was great to return to it today.

The scene is one I passed by over and over again this Spring in Florence, Italy. This street-side shop fascinated me -- with objects oddly combined -- being arranged but also tempting an avalanche.  I'll let this settle for a bit. It may be finished or maybe not. An objective look later will let me know.

We're moving soon.  The walls are getting more bare (thanks to Randy) and it's time to empty cupboards, desks, studio, sort.  Actually, past time, as the recent bustle has made this effort, well, late. Packers will come but there's much we'd prefer to handle ourselves. (I don't want to spend a month figuring out where the salt shaker is. Or lose a one-of-a-kind piece from my year sculpting.)

"The Dock Shop," oil, ©Jill Banks 2014 went to a new home via the Westport Fine Arts Festival

We'll soon be in a new neighborhood, a short distance away, where I'm looking forward to figuring out how to make this new home our own. There will be much I'll miss ... and yet I'm ready to enjoy the change! The boxes, packing, etc. ... in between stuff is but a hurdle.

Coming up very soon is ... Italy, Part 2 (in the wine region of Piemonte).  I don't know how reliable my Internet connection will be for the next few weeks -- with the move, B&Bs in Italy, travel, etc. but will try to keep you posted on the great adventure and workshop that awaits.

Coming Up

• 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 13 & 14: Alexandria (King Street) Art Festival, Alexandria, VA
• 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! 

Westport, Connecticut "Heroes"

"Heroes," oil, 12"h x 16"w, Westport CT veterans memorial, ©Jill Banks 2014

If you receive my posts via email (as a subscriber), this message is one day delayed. This Saturday and Sunday, July 19 & 20, I'll be in Booth #85 in the Westport Fine Arts Festival in Westport, Connecticut.

Pre-setting up my tent, it was painting time on the  lawn of the Westport Historical Society, a park to honor World War Veterans. Heroes. So here's at least one of the paintings that will hanging under a tent this weekend. Wet paint warning.

I did need to pack up as a wedding rehearsal dinner would soon be taking place right behind this view.  Didn't want to crash the party.

Looks like gorgeous weather is ahead. The tent's ready for art.  Let's see.

Coming Up

• 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 13 & 14: Alexandria (King Street) Art Festival, Alexandria, VA
• 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! 

Time in Wickford, Rhode Island

"Wickford Harbor (Logan's View)," oil, 12"h x 16"h, ©Jill Banks 2014, private collection

Since I'm a bit zonked from a full, exciting weekend (and life), here's again a quick post. My debut at the Wickford Fine Art Festival (its 52nd year) was a thrilling success. I LOVE it here!! Four folks have officially become new collectors of my work and I'd bet many, many more will at least be great enthusiasts. What an amazing weekend.

Wonderful visitors.

As a tradition to continue, on Friday, pre-tent setup I painted in Wickford Harbor. Painting, discovery, meeting you is what this is all about.

Among stiff competition, those hours were my favorites. "Wickford Harbor (Logan's View)" was one of the four paintings that headed to new homes with happy owners.  Pretty darn cool.

What an amazing place. Wonderful  people. Wonderful memories.  Great fellow artists. Thank you!

Westport Fine Arts Festival is next weekend. Can it hold a candle to this?

Coming Up

• 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 13 & 14: Alexandria (King Street) Art Festival, Alexandria, VA
• 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!

"Il Gatto II" and Wickford Bound

"Il Gatto II," cat from Venice, oil, 16"h x 20"w, ©Jill Banks 2014

This is the cat that greeted me as Randy and I wandered around searching for our hotel this April in Venice. (iPhone GPS does not work on those canalside paths.)

He/she was hunting and putting on quite a show.

"Tavern Shops," oil, 16"h x 20"w, ©Jill Banks 2014 painted during Paint the Shenandoah in Washington, VA

Speaking of shows, I'm heading off to Wickford, Rhode Island for the Wickford Arts Festival being held this weekend, Saturday and Sunday, July 12 (10am to 6pm) and July 13 (10am to 5pm).  In my previous travels, I've heard great things about this event and town.  Have any friends near? Tell them about it. My work and I can be found in Booth #85.

Time to finish packing and hit the road.

Coming Up

• 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 13 & 14: Alexandria (King Street) Art Festival, Alexandria, VA
• 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!

Day in Alexandria

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

Quick post. No time ... but I will be putting up a more substantial entry tomorrow. Check back at jillbanks.blogspot.com ... okay?

Two paintings.

Today's was painted in a park sort of near the Art League in Alexandria, VA. It was good for my soul as passersbys ... loved it. Commented. Loved my being there.

The photo is pretty awful ... but I hope you get the gist.

The Hamptons
I created two but one is framed and buried in the van that is still packed to head up to Wickford, Rhode Island for this weekend's upcoming show. The photo for this is worse than that for "Shoreline." Apologies. I am either painting or in the dark.

I met and talked to the folks who are ... sort of ... in my painting. They were enjoying ice cream before gaining more company ... before chatting with me. If I'm painting, I'm happy.

"Night in East Hampton," oil, 12"h x 16"w, ©Jill Banks 2014

That's it.

Coming Up

• 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 13 & 14: Alexandria (King Street) Art Festival, Alexandria, VA
• 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!

Saturday and Sunday: Sunny in Amagansett

The back wall of my booth at Amagansett -- temporarily before packing it back up again

But today (Friday, July 4) was rained ... (and winded) out. We set up a good portion of the tent bright and early, deciding on a much scaled back display, but packed it all back up again when it looked like the next opportunity to do so would be the late pm.

One of my neighbors taking a brief nap ... hoping for better weather

I'm assuming that no one came today -- but hope like heck lots of folks eager to enjoy this holiday weekend looking at some fantastic art.

I only got little glimpses of the work around me as most of us seal up the tents as they are being assembled to protect the art. There are only 30 artists in the show ... quality vs. quantity ... waiting to greet visitors:

Saturday, July 5, 10am to 6pm
Sunday, July 6, 10am to 5pm

15 Montauk Highway (at the American Legion), Amagansett, NY in the Hamptons. Free to the public. Free parking.
 
Despite an inauspicious start, we've been thoroughly enjoying this gorgeous spot. The nurseries are competing feverishly for the prettiest display. Houses are definitely New England beach, high contrast, white trim. Windmills. Fantastic seafood. Tons to do and see.

Looking forward to the rest of the weekend.

Alexandria King Street Art Festival

I'm extremely excited to be participating in the Alexandria King Street Art Festival this September. This is one of the top art festivals in the country -- rated by many artists as the favorite they do all year -- extremely competitive to be juried into AND in my home area.   Yea!!!! I hope you'll join me September 13 & 14 in Alexandria, VA for what promises to be an outstanding show.

Funny Life

As shown in the rained out pictures above and probably as an idea floating around in your head, taking one's art on the road has its unglamorous, bumps in the road side -- for sure. Still, as I look around me here in the Hamptons (if it hadn't poured, I wouldn't have had the chance to explore as much) -- there is confidence that those visiting this weekend will embrace my art as they have this spot. Just as I passed a house whose woodworking adorning its front porch made me say "Wow. Wow. Wow" -- those same words may also be uttered by someone stepping into my mini gallery under a tent. Then, I'll forget about the rain and when parts of the tent wouldn't come together ... and how I couldn't include any of my extra paintings in packing the van that is still filled to the gills.

Coming Up

• 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 13 & 14: Alexandria (King Street) Art Festival, Alexandria, VA
• 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!

Kickin' and Screamin'

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"The Inn," oil on linen-lined panel, 18"h x 24"w, ©Jill Banks 2014: painted on Friday, June 27 as part of the Paint the Shenandoah Plein Air Invitational sponsored by River City Arts in Sperryville, VA

Well, I wasn’t really (kickin' and screamin') – but husband Randy did have his hands full getting me to see the wisdom in putting our house on the market and embracing a move to a turnkey  (as in say bye, turn the key, and worry not) homestead.

My New Neighbor ... Photo taken through the window

I also wouldn’t have called that move full of wisdom if I wasn’t typing this in our ready to be inhabited, really terrific townhouse – just 20+ minutes away from our current gorgeous home. I’m thrilled about this new chapter. My new studio is unbelievably terrific, easy on the feet, huge and waiting for me to paint in it. Randy’s office-to-be is wonderful. Such a pretty room. Best of all, to me – is the townhouse feels just like all the other homes we've owned and loved before. All I have are great views of woods, long expanses of grass, beautiful light, plenty of parking. Privacy.

A house that feels like a home, already. There was even a rabbit welcoming me from our patio in the first few hours in the space.

So, that’s way cool. And, I'm as happy as can be.

Fantastic Home Studio Open House

Perhaps I should have started with that.  On Sunday, June 29 – we held a Home Studio Open House, Summer edition for the 45+ folks – collectors, current students, Paint with Me in Italy workshoppers, art enthusiasts – who were invited for one last look (and art-shopping opportunity) at my work hanging in the gorgeous Reston home not many people want me to leave.

Nine pieces were purchased (plus two more purchased and picked up) at the Open House. Everyone had a fantastic time. Workshoppers met their fellow adventurers.

I have plenty more to say ... lots of great news ... but will save some of it for this month's email newsletter which will hopefully be sent on its way to your mailboxes tomorrow. If you're not a subscriber (to the newsletter vs. my blog) -- I hope you sign up now at www.jillbanks.com. (I bet you'll love it.)

Tomorrow we're off to the Hamptons! At least part way ... to put up a tent full of art at the Amagansett Fine Art Festival open July 4, 5 & 6.  Can't wait!!!!! 

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 13 & 14: Alexandria (King Street) Art Festival, Alexandria, VA
• 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!