"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

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.)