"Alba Market" and Let There Be Light

"Alba Market," oil on linen, 36"h x 48"w, ©Jill Banks 2014

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

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

Thanks for reading!

Jill

Phone: 703.403.7435
Email: jill@jillbanks.com
Web: www.JillBanks.com
Blog: jillbanks.blogspot.com

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