Life as an Artist- Jill Banks: October 2014

Sunday, October 26, 2014

New NYC Painting: Urban Colors

"Crosswalk," (New York City), oil, 40"h x 30"w, ©Jill Banks 2014

Currently, my latest NYC painting is called "Crosswalk" but perhaps the title in my blog post (Urban Colors) is a better description. Any suggestions are most welcome.

"Crosswalk" is a different view of the city, focusing on the brilliant, jewel tones under an clouded sky still working to cast the spell of sunset. (I hope that's at least sort of a sentence.)

It is one of many paintings destined for my "In Focus: People and Places" solo exhibition being held at Herndon ArtSpace from January 13 to February 22, 2015. For now, it will go in the Places collection of my web site ... but closer to the exhibition install date, I'll put up a preview including all the pieces that will hang in the show.

Tonight is "tame my brushes" time -- as they've been extremely used and abused of late. Then, I'll be selecting pieces to gather and bring to the Chastain Park Fine Art Festival next weekend being held in Atlanta. Saturday and Sunday, November 1&2, I'll be in Booth #113, 10am to 6pm on Saturday and 11am to 5pm on Sunday.

Time to go...

Events and Exhibits

November 1&2: Chastain Park Arts Festival, Atlanta GA
November 3-December 1: Large Works Show, Art League, Alexandria, VA. "Garden Girl" chosen as one of 16 works for this exhibit (out of 80 entries)
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.)

Saturday, October 25, 2014

"Pumpkin": Surrounded by Gourds

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

Each shopping trip for my still life class -- for weeks -- has resulted in a growing collection of gourds. They are piled in the kitchen, in the back seat of my car, in my studio. Obviously, at least one was meant to make it onto the canvas. And, other vestiges of still life class -- brilliant, curly-petaled orange tulips in a favorite vase (made by Laura Nichols of PigPen Pottery), purple grapes and an old school chair joined the scene. I'd mentioned to my students on Tuesday that they would probably find me there late that night, painting away, since this view called pretty loudly. They could have.

This is a painting that deserves a close-up, since a great deal of the action is in the brushstrokes.


Close-up of "Pumpkin," oil, ©Jill Banks 2014

A trip to the Chastain Park Art Festival in Atlanta lies ahead this week -- where my art makes its last appearance under a tent for 2014.

Lots of paintings are underway and planned for my solo show at ArtSpace Herndon which opens mid-January. Each solo show involves a countdown and checklist as I figure out the exhibit's story, what to show, what to paint, and then paint, contemplate, frame, present. Sounds simple and straightforward. Nope. But each time I really think about where my art is presently, where I want it to go, contemplate my own personal story ... the work itself takes a giant leap forward. Worth every minute, hour, week, month.

Events and Exhibits

November 1&2: Chastain Park Arts Festival, Atlanta GA
November 3-December 1: Large Works Show, Art League, Alexandria, VA. "Garden Girl" chosen as one of 16 works for this exhibit (out of 80 entries)
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

Friday, October 24, 2014

"Clifton Caboose" Plein Air Painting Today

"Clifton Caboose," oil, 16"h x 20"w, ©Jill Banks 2014

I've been wanting to return to Clifton, VA ... this time to paint (previously I was delivering a painting) ... for a few weeks.

Once is not enough as there are so many views to take in, so different from the top of the hill or down at street level. Beautiful shadows playing upon the faces of brightly-painted buildings. Plenty of people flooding the town, enjoying the day.

Hopefully, I'll make it back before all the leaves fall. Today was gorgeous. Perfect weather. Blue skies. I was VERY glad to be at my easel.

"Crossword and Quince," oil, 20"h x 16"w, ©Jill Banks 2014

There have been many paintings completed this past week and others started. Here's the finished version of last Friday and Saturday's Studio Tour demo: "Crossword and Quince." A better photo will follow on my web site ... but this gives you a pretty good idea of what it looks like.

More to come in the next few days. I'm thoroughly enjoying LOTS of painting hours. Yay!!!

Events and Exhibits

November 1&2: Chastain Park Arts Festival, Atlanta GA
November 3-December 1: Large Works Show, Art League, Alexandria, VA. "Garden Girl" chosen as one of 16 works for this exhibit (out of 80 entries)
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

Sunday, October 19, 2014

Impromptu Portrait Sitting for Studio Tour Day 3

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

Well, this is my idea of a great day. Despite a slightly hoarse voice, I'm better for wear -- having enjoyed visitors, a quiet morning working a bit on the previous two days' still life and then the fun of meeting a game spirit/willing model for a portrait demo this afternoon. Plus, more art talk. Another painting going to a new home. Visitors excited about signing up for next year's adventure to Italy and Winter classes. I met a whole lot of folks (of all ages) unfamiliar but very enthusiastic about my work and visited with old friends, plus had fun spending the weekend with my studiomates. What more could you ask for?

So, Stephanie arrives in my studio space around 12:45pm hoping to catch the end of my painting demonstration and fearing she was too late. (I wasn't painting at the time, since unlike on Friday and Saturday, no one else had showed up to watch.) Stephanie was wearing a great outfit, with a black knit headband with flower ... and I asked her if she'd be willing to sit for me to paint her. She couldn't watch the demo and be in it ... but her friend recorded the painting in progress on her iPhone and Randy took some photos as well. The portrait in progress is shown in pics below ... along with scenes from the day. Enjoy!

Thank you so much to all of you who visited the studios throughout Great Falls these three days ... and particularly those who made the trek to the Artists' Atelier.

Full Steam Ahead
My painting of the steam engine, captured while it was in the station (for 45 minutes) in Cumberland, MD before taking off on its scenic route to Frostburg was purchased today. This is one of those paintings that almost was chosen countless times over the last five months. I mean, incredibly close.

I Hope You Sell All But One
I'm often wished luck in my art shows, with a caveat. Guess why? I heard these words a couple

Grisaille sketch: Transparent Earth Red & Ultramarine Blue for darks on yellow ochre ground

of times in the last few days.

Adding color to the lights

Finishing up ... with the paparazzi

Events and Exhibits

November 1&2: Chastain Park Arts Festival, Atlanta GA
November 3-December 1: Large Works Show, Art League, Alexandria, VA. "Garden Girl" chosen as one of 16 works for this exhibit (out of 80 entries)
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

One of our younger visitors enjoying the Great Falls Art Studio Tour 2014

Saturday, October 18, 2014

"Italian Time": Worth the Wait and Studio Tour Day Two


"Italian Time," (take four), oil, 30"h x 30"w, ©Jill Banks 2014

I've written a couple of blog posts about this painting, hoping it would be ready to debut at my next art showing, and then the next. It had a difficult time living up to an initial sketch created just after my feet landed at the vineyard in Piemonte, Italy that my workshop students would call home base for seven glorious days in August. The thought of the scene, along with its sketch traveled home and I worked diligently to recreate the place in Virginia. Turns out the sunflowers were my main culprits -- gorgeous they were in the market at Alba, not so much past the tail end of summer stateside.

Finally, this great, deluxe bunch appeared. Different type than the first, second and third ... but perfect in their imperfections, unruliness, spirit and size.

So, it is done, beautifully framed and hanging in my studio for the Great Falls Art Studio Tour. Come for a visit tomorrow ... Sunday, October 19, 10am to 5pm at the Artists' Atelier, Studio #19, upstairs from the Great Falls School of Art (where I teach) at 1144 Walker Road, Suite G, Great Falls, VA.

Two of my paintings from those August days in Italy went home with a new owner today. "Bend in the Road" and "Hill Town Stroll" -- both from the hill town of La Morra, Italy were purchased this morning. I'll bring at least one more piece, "La Morra View" for the walls still full of art. See my website: www.JillBanks.com, go to Works and click on Places to see those paintings and others from Italy and other spots, near and far.

Plenty of folks are coming each day for my noon to 1pm demo given in the studio. Today was a continuation of yesterday's painting. Not sure what I'll decide to do tomorrow. There's plenty of time left to figure that out, right? Know that you're invited!

For more information on the Great Falls Art Studio Tour event, go to www.GreatFallsStudios.com.

Events and Exhibits

Oct. 17-19: Great Falls Annual Studio Tour, Artists’ Atelier, 1144 Walker Road, Suite G, Great Falls, VA
November 1&2: Chastain Park Arts Festival, Atlanta GA
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

Friday, October 17, 2014

Studio Tour Day One

Giving a short painting demo today in my studio for the Great Falls Annual Art Studio Tour. More tomorrow!

Lots of visitors enjoyed a Friday full of art ... and we loved having them there. Thank you for coming!

While most of my time was spent visiting, "Quince and Crossword" was at least started today

I'm looking forward, too, to tomorrow (Saturday, October 18) and Sunday, as the Studio Tour continues, 10am to 5pm, both days. I hope you can stop by and kick off or continue your Great Falls Art Studio Tour. I'll be at the Artists' Atelier in Studio #19 at 1144 Walker Road, Suite G, Great Falls, VA. Don't miss two floors included in stop #19. The School space (where I teach) in Suite D includes guest artists Donna Barnako, Ronni Jolles and Yeggy Heygazi. Upstairs from there is the Artists' Atelier in Suite G with resident artists: Carol Howard, Cindy Grisdela, Elaine Elinsky, Terri Parent, Me, Walt Lawrence, Lisa Tureson, Tracie Weir, Tina Learned, Bobbie Beasley, Judith St. Ledger-Roty and John Francis McCabe exhibiting for Studio Tour.

For more information on the Great Falls Art Studio Tour event, go to www.GreatFallsStudios.com.

Events and Exhibits

Oct. 17-19: Great Falls Annual Studio Tour, Artists’ Atelier, 1144 Walker Road, Suite G, Great Falls, VA
November 1&2: Chastain Park Arts Festival, Atlanta GA
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

Thursday, October 16, 2014

"Preparation is Overrated"

Scene from before the reception at my "100 Faces in 100 Days" Exhibit at the Great Falls Library in May 2011

That was one of my messages from the talk I gave today to the Women's Group of Greater Reston on my "100 Faces in 100 Days" Project. I believe it wholeheartedly ... especially if you get so caught up in getting ready, that you never take the leap to do/try something.

More photos from the library reception back in 2011

Although my "100 Faces in 100 Days" Project was completed over three years ago, it's still fresh in my mind. (My talk is, too, as I've continued to give it all through the day ... in my head ... although the audience has long since left.) Nothing could have prepared me for that project ... which was great. Better than trying to figure out how to deal with what might happen in advance was learning how to deal with what actually transpires when it does. (This advice doesn't cut it for everything.) What a set of problem-solving, go with the flow skills I have acquired having talked with, tried and actually painted the 100 moving, talking, animated faces of all the volunteers who came through my studio doors from January 1 to April 10, 2011.

The group of 60 or so women who attended the talk this morning couldn't have been more gracious, fun, interested. I also benefited from an introduction by Sharon Pound, who has taken on the role as Programs lead. She'd make me want to come to my own talk. Thank you, Sharon!

"Garden Girl," oil, 42"h x 36"w, ©Jill Banks 2012

Accepted in the Art League's "Large Works" November Exhibit
I received word today that "Garden Girl" was one of 16 pieces (out of 80 submitted) for the Art League's "Large Works" exhibit that opens on November 4. Can't wait to see her ... along with the other 15 pieces in the gallery that month.

Great Falls Art Studio Tour, October 17-19, 10am to 5pm each Day
Please join us. I'll be at the Artists' Atelier, 1144 Walker Road, Suite G, Great Falls, VA ... along with most of my studiomates, hoping you'll visit us. Each day I'll be giving a demo, too, from noon to 1pm.

For more information on the Great Falls Art Studio Tour event, go to www.GreatFallsStudios.com.

Events and Exhibits

Oct. 17-19: Great Falls Annual Studio Tour, Artists’ Atelier, 1144 Walker Road, Suite G, Great Falls, VA
November 1&2: Chastain Park Arts Festival, Atlanta GA
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

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

Wednesday, October 15, 2014

"The Apple and The Rose" Still Life Today

"The Apple and the Rose," oil, 10"h x 8"w, ©Jill Banks 2014

This Friday through Sunday, I'll be giving one short demo per day (from noon to 1pm) during the Great Falls Art Studio Tour. You are MORE than welcome to come by ... for the demo, or during any of our open hours from 10am to 5pm, October 17-19. Come one, come all.

I'll be in Studio #19, the Artists' Atelier, 1144 Walker Road, Suite G, Great Falls, VA ... along with most of my studiomates.

For more information on the Great Falls Art Studio Tour event, go to www.GreatFallsStudios.com.

Events and Exhibits

Oct. 17-19: Great Falls Annual Studio Tour, Artists’ Atelier, 1144 Walker Road, Suite G, Great Falls, VA
November 1&2: Chastain Park Arts Festival, Atlanta GA
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

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

Monday, October 13, 2014

Painting the Rain

"Stormy Weather," oil, 14"h x 11'w, ©Jill Banks 2014

This one's from last week when I set my easel up in the new garage and "painted up a storm." A few neighbors stopped by ... I appeared a quite curious sight.

Lightning and thunder filled the night and it poured. Amazing just to watch the rain. The townhouses at the end of the lane all but disappeared at one point in the mist and downpour. That was for just a few minutes. I'll capture that another time. Also, not in this painting but now in my head ... was the view of a car turning my way. Beautiful reflections of he headlights on the soaking wet pavement.

It's highly unlikely you'll see this one at this weekend's Studio Tour (October 17-19, 10am to 5pm -- visit me at the Artists' Atelier, 1144 Walker Road, Suite G, Great Falls, VA to kick off your self-guided tour of home and group studios held open throughout Great Falls), but there are some other nocturnes and plenty of plein air pieces, works from two trips to Italy, still lifes, animals and more...

Come for a visit.

I'm posting this since time is running out ... but I have additional news and a painting to follow to check out at jillbanks.blogspot.com.

This morning I ordered two new art books ... one on Joaquin Sorolla and another on Anders Zorn. (Can't wait 'til they arrive!) A review to follow. Those two will definitely make travel time to Chastain Park (in Atlanta, GA) a whole lot more inspirational. Sorolla (Spain) and Zorn (Sweden) are two of my favorite artists. Randy and I visited a Zorn retrospective show not too long ago in NYC and Zorn's work is still haunting me. Amazing!

A good bit of the afternoon was spent putting up tags in the Atelier Gallery and my studio space there ... ready for your arrival. There are stories that go with pretty much all of my art ... thus the tags.

The reason "Stormy Weather" probably won't make it in is that art is already hung floor to ceiling.

Another gem, "Hampton Fourth of July" has caught my eye. It was painted during the Amagansett Fine Art Festival I participated in over the Fourth of July weekend in the Hamptons, New York. Actually, on the 4th ... it poured. This was the scene across the street from our field of tents: a gorgeous nursery full of plants, decked out also with outdoor sculpture (a cement lion controlling a globe) and plenty of patriotic decorations. The painting will come out to play sometime soon ... once it gets donned with a frame and space opens up on a wall.

Three Views of My Space at the Atelier ... Getting Ready for Studio Tour

Paintings hung with care for the Great Falls Art Studio Tour, October17-19, 2014

Here are pictures ... not perfect but hopefully helpful from today's tag and painting hanging. More sprucing to come. Plus today I bought very nice sunflowers that just might get added to "Italian Time."

Gradually this year, I've become more difficult to please. Paintings take longer to make it to display, or up on the blog ... and some just stay in hiding until/unless some brilliant solution or inspiration helps them along. Others I'm thrilled about ... those are the ones you can collect and hang on your walls. (If you see them in my tent, or on the Atelier walls ... with a tag,

The Still Life wall on left. If I'm lucky, "Italian Time" will hang over the window.

they've gotten my hard-won stamp of approval.)

I really hope to see you this coming weekend. It's a great event and well worth the visit. I will be demo'ing each day, Friday through Sunday from noon to 1pm. The rest of the time you'll see me in my studio.

For more information on the Great Falls Art Studio Tour event, go to www.GreatFallsStudios.com.

Events and Exhibits

Oct. 17-19: Great Falls Annual Studio Tour, Artists’ Atelier, 1144 Walker Road, Suite G, Great Falls, VA
November 1&2: Chastain Park Arts Festival, Atlanta GA
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

Saturday, October 11, 2014

"Alba Market" and Let There Be Light

Okay, the title of this post could have been that ... and Artfest ... and Studio Tour Ahead and ...

Apparently, I'm dying to write just haven't had the time to do so.

Up on my easel for many days has been the "papa bear" version of "Alba Market" with the oil "sketch" created live on the last full day of my Paint with Me in Italy workshop in Alba, Italy. I will have to let this one sit a bit to know what else needs attention. I know the photo does.

Let There Be Light
My highest priority for our new abode is fixing the studio so I can paint. That means plenty of light (and a few other things)... just in case daylight hours are short or dim or I'm on a roll past dusk. (Frequent.) So now the studio is almost fully lit ... wattage is high. I barely know when the sun goes down. Yea, Randy!!!

I am about a million times happier.

"New York Yellow and Blues" -- another favorite off to a new home

McLean's MPA Artfest ... "I Have to Have It"
I am losing track how many times my work has been under a tent at this juried outdoor arts festival ... but do know that this year was my most successful event yet. There were plenty of new faces along with familiar friends at Sunday's event. Two new collectors selected "Primary Colors" and "New York Yellow and Blues" -- one at 4:57pm and another in an email that evening. (The event ended at 5pm.) The first purchaser had decided if "Primary Colors" was in my tent, it was going home with her. The second had gone home after visiting and seeing "New York Yellow and Blues" and then decided that she had to have it.

That day was full of wonderful conversations, great visits ... kind of like my whole year. A one-day event seemed amazingly short, and easy ... until right after finishing up the day when Randy and I were feeling well worn, yet again.

Part of the Gallery decked out for the Great Falls Studio Tour 2014

Great Falls Annual Studio Tour, October 17-19, 10am-5pm each Day
Come visit me in the studio I share with 13 other artists at the Artists' Atelier, 1144 Walker Road, Suite G, Great Falls, VA, Friday through Sunday, October 17-19, 10am to 5pm each day. There are about 50 artists participating in this free self-guided tour through Great Falls to see home and group studios open to the public for its 11th year.

Randy and I hung art in the Atelier gallery for Studio Tour. More to come as we spiff up our working spaces for three days -- hoping you'll come by. This is a great family event, super way to entertain guests, get inspired and perhaps, find an original piece or two to enjoy for a lifetime. For a guide to the whole tour, go to www.GreatFallsStudios.com. I'm in Studio #19 near the intersection of Walker Road and Colvin Run Road in Great Falls.

View Two of the Gallery set for Studio Tour

One collector wrote to ask if I'd have a specific piece in my studio during the Tour. Smart move! Each time I select work ... whether for an arts festival or tour, some favorite pieces are not selected due to limited space. So ... if you want to take a closer look at a painting in particular, please let me know.

Events and Exhibits

Aug. 16-Oct. 12: Paint the Shenandoah Exhibition, River District Arts, Sperryville, VA
Oct. 17-19: Great Falls Annual Studio Tour, Artists’ Atelier, 1144 Walker Road, Suite G, Great Falls, VA
November 1&2: Chastain Park Arts Festival, Atlanta GA
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

Saturday, October 4, 2014

MPA McLean Artfest -- Sunday, October 5, 10am - 5pm

I hope you'll come by for a visit.

"Primary Colors," oil, 20"h x 16"w, by Jill Banks

Artfest features 50 artists juried for this one day, free, outdoor fine arts festival. The weather should be beautiful ... but it takes place rain or shine.

What You'll See
Randy is loading the car right now with the 26 oil paintings I picked for tomorrow's show. Paintings from two trips to Italy, interiors of the Old Brogue Irish Pub, the playground there at McLean Central Park ("Primary Colors" shown left), a plein air scene from Old Town Alexandria, a variety of still lifes including one fresh off the easel, a bit of NYC, Cumberland MD, Vienna's Meadowlark Gardens and animals from Kidwell Farm round out the mix.

Can't wait to see you!

McLean Central Park at the intersection of Route 123 (Dolley Madison Blvd.) and Old Dominion Drive in McLean VA. Sunday, October 5, 10am to 5pm.

Events and Exhibits

October 5: McLean MPA Artfest, Sunday, October 5, McLean, VA. 52 artists in McLean Central Park
Aug. 16-Oct. 12: Paint the Shenandoah Exhibition, River District Arts, Sperryville, VA
Oct. 17-19: Great Falls Annual Studio Tour, Artists’ Atelier, 1144 Walker Road, Suite G, Great Falls, VA
November 1&2: Chastain Park Arts Festival, Atlanta GA
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

Pages

Sunday, October 26, 2014

Saturday, October 25, 2014

Friday, October 24, 2014

Sunday, October 19, 2014

Saturday, October 18, 2014

Friday, October 17, 2014

Thursday, October 16, 2014

Wednesday, October 15, 2014

Monday, October 13, 2014

Saturday, October 11, 2014

Saturday, October 4, 2014