Sunday, November 30, 2014

"Potomac Shores" Old Town Alexandria Painting

"Potomac Shores," oil, 30"h x 24"w, ©Jill Banks 2014
Perhaps another short warm spell influenced my putting "Potomac Shores" back up on the easel today.  I'd painted on it at the park in Old Town Alexandria (VA) two days toward the beginning of November, right before we were heading into a cold front.

Gorgeous day.

I was spooked, both days, by this one squirrel who was much too forward, friendly, nosy ... too close for comfort. At home, he made it into the painting. So this is sort of like "Where's Waldo?". Can you find the critter?

See "Potomac Shores" along with other landscapes in the Places Gallery on my website. (If you'd like.)
Events and Exhibits
  • 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). Small Works Show, same gallery ... "Circle of Truth."
  • December 13&14:  Great Falls Studios Holiday Show and Sale, 10am to 5pm both Saturday and Sunday, Wolftrap Education Center, 1645 Trap Road, Vienna, VA
  • Ongoing: Visit the studio I share with 14 other artists at the Artists’ Atelier, Great Falls, VA open Wed. and Sat., 12- 4pm
  • January 13-February 22, 2015: "With Easel, Will Travel" Solo Exhibit, ArtSpace Herndon, Herndon, VA. Reception: Saturday, January 17. Painting demonstration: Saturday, January 31. RSVP for painting demo.
  • See the Events page for more info/updates
Thanks for reading!

Jill

Sign Up for Winter Classes
I'll be teaching Portrait class on Sundays, 1:30 to 5:30pm starting January 25 for six sessions ... and Still Life on Tuesdays, 10am to 1pm starting January 13 for eight sessions.  Class size is limited ... sign up now. More info and a link to register is on my Classes page at www.JillBanks.com. Classes are filling rapidly ... REALLY rapidly.

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

Saturday, November 29, 2014

"Moo Two" To You

"Moo Two," oil, 20"h x 16"w, ©Jill Banks 2014
Short post ... since I'm running out of time.

I'm in tweaking mode although sometimes those tweaks are a full-day affair.  "Moo Two" is the result of two plein air outings to Kidwell Farm in Herndon, VA this Fall. Plus, some time in the studio.

I hope you had a wonderful Thanksgiving.

Gobble, gobble.

"Moo Two" just joined some other paintings of Furry and Feathered Friends in the Animal, Birds and Wildlife Gallery on my website: www.JillBanks.com.


Events and Exhibits
  • 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). Small Works Show, same gallery ... "Circle of Truth."
  • December 13&14:  Great Falls Studios Holiday Show and Sale, 10am to 5pm both Saturday and Sunday, Wolftrap Education Center, 1645 Trap Road, Vienna, VA
  • Ongoing: Visit the studio I share with 14 other artists at the Artists’ Atelier, Great Falls, VA open Wed. and Sat., 12- 4pm
  • January 13-February 22, 2015: "With Easel, Will Travel" Solo Exhibit, ArtSpace Herndon, Herndon, VA. Reception: Saturday, January 17. Painting demonstration: Saturday, January 31. RSVP for painting demo.
  • See the Events page for more info/updates
Thanks for reading!

Jill

Sign Up for Winter Classes
I'll be teaching Portrait class on Sundays, 1:30 to 5:30pm starting January 25 for six sessions ... and Still Life on Tuesdays, 10am to 1pm starting January 13 for eight sessions.  Class size is limited ... sign up now. More info and a link to register is on my Classes page at www.JillBanks.com. Classes are filling rapidly ... REALLY rapidly.

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

Wednesday, November 26, 2014

"Reverence" In Progress

"Reverence" work in progress, oil, 36"h x 36"w, ©Jill Banks 2014
I painted outside this church in La Morra, Italy this Summer never really thinking about taking a look inside until two of my workshop students told me I should.

Moral of the story: When in Italy, and probably most places, see a church ... go inside.

I am thankful for all of you!  Thank you for encouraging me on this art journey!

Happy Thanksgiving to you and your loved ones.

Events and Exhibits
  • 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). Small Works Show, same gallery ... "Circle of Truth."
  • December 13&14:  Great Falls Studios Holiday Show and Sale, 10am to 5pm both Saturday and Sunday, Wolftrap Education Center, 1645 Trap Road, Vienna, VA
  • Ongoing: Visit the studio I share with 14 other artists at the Artists’ Atelier, Great Falls, VA open Wed. and Sat., 12- 4pm
  • January 13-February 22, 2015: "With Easel, Will Travel" Solo Exhibit, ArtSpace Herndon, Herndon, VA. Reception: Saturday, January 17. Painting demonstration: Saturday, January 31. RSVP for painting demo.
  • See the Events page for more info/updates
Thanks for reading!

Jill



Sign Up for Winter Classes
I'll be teaching Portrait class on Sundays, 1:30 to 5:30pm starting January 25 for six sessions ... and Still Life on Tuesdays, 10am to 1pm starting January 13 for eight sessions.  Class size is limited ... sign up now. More info and a link to register is on my Classes page at www.JillBanks.com. Classes are filling rapidly ... REALLY rapidly.

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

Sunday, November 23, 2014

Two From Italy

"San Gimignano," oil, 11"h x 7"w, ©Jill Banks 2014
I'm finally heading toward humanhood, after a cold stuck me in lazy mode for a week.

"Piazza di Michelangelo," oil, 30"h x 24"w, ©Jill Banks 2014
Two Italian paintings returned to my easel -- one from San Gimignano and another from Florence. It's funny when I decide to make changes. First it is one part that bothers me ... the reason why I took it out of the frame for touch-ups in the first place. Then, magically, all sorts of other areas call out for attention, improvements. I will say that fortunately, both paintings turned out much better after "surgery."

That is a relief. You never know.

Sign Up for Winter Classes
I'll be teaching Portrait class on Sundays, 1:30 to 5:30pm starting January 25 for six sessions ... and Still Life on Tuesdays, 10am to 1pm starting January 13 for eight sessions.  Class size is limited ... sign up now. More info and a link to register is on my Classes page at www.JillBanks.com. Classes are filling rapidly ... REALLY rapidly.



Events and Exhibits
  • 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). Small Works Show, same gallery ... "Circle of Truth."
  • December 13&14:  Great Falls Studios Holiday Show and Sale, 10am to 5pm both Saturday and Sunday, Wolftrap Education Center, 1645 Trap Road, Vienna, VA
  • Ongoing: Visit the studio I share with 14 other artists at the Artists’ Atelier, Great Falls, VA open Wed. and Sat., 12- 4pm
  • January 13-February 22, 2015: "With Easel, Will Travel" Solo Exhibit, ArtSpace Herndon, Herndon, VA. Reception: Saturday, January 17. Painting demonstration: Saturday, January 31. RSVP for painting demo.
  • 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

    Saturday, November 15, 2014

    Something Else Instead

    "Old Wall, Italy," oil, 12"h x 16"w, ©Jill Banks 2014
    Despite having gone to Open Life at the McLean Community Center today (one of my rare appearances this year), my blog post is going to reveal one of my paintings from the August Paint With Me in Italy workshop instead.  (The painting from today might be a wiper ... as in, returning to a blank canvas. Oh well. It happens.)

    This was a familiar scene from the B&B that many of us stayed at in Treiso in the wine region of Italy. (Planning for the 2015 workshop is in progress.) I painted it there ... put did some touch-ups, needed or not, last week in the studio. I'll add it to my web site momentarily where you can find it in the Places Gallery under works.

    Sign Up for Winter Classes
    I'll be teaching Portrait class on Sundays, 1:30 to 5:30pm starting January 25 for six sessions ... and Still Life on Tuesdays, 10am to 1pm starting January 13 for eight sessions.  Class size is limited ... sign up now. More info and a link to register is on my Classes page at www.JillBanks.com. Classes are filling rapidly ... REALLy rapidly.


    Events and Exhibits
    • 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). Small Works Show, same gallery ... "Circle of Truth."
    • 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

    Thursday, November 13, 2014

    Night Painting In Old Town

    "Night Lights on King Street," oil, 24"h x 12"w,©Jill Banks 2014
    Two more paintings from Old Town ... from Tuesday night.  I couldn't see my palette or easel well ... but the view was great enough from this spot to give it a shot anyway.  Enjoy!

    Because I was taking the photos at night, with wet paintings, there's a huge glare to contend with. When I get a chance, I will replace the photos with better ones.

    I'm heading back to Old Town Alexandria (VA) in just a minute for the Awards Reception of the "Large Works, Small Works" exhibit at the Art League. "Garden Girl" won an Honorable Mention.

    So that's it for now.

    Sign Up for Winter Classes
    I'll be teaching Portrait class on Sundays, 1:30 to 5:30pm starting January 25 for six sessions ... and Still Life on Tuesdays, 10am to 1pm starting January 13 for eight sessions.  Class size is limited ... sign up now. More info and a link to register is on my Classes page at www.JillBanks.com.

    Events and Exhibits
    • 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). Small Works Show, same gallery ... "Circle of Truth."
    • 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
    "Night at the Pier," oil, 8"h x 10"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



    Monday, November 10, 2014

    Ahead of the Cold Front



    "Potomac Shores" work in progress, oil, 30"h x 24"w, ©Jill Banks 2014

    Soon, painting outside is going to involve lots of layers, earmuffs and handwarmers. The sky won't always be the pretty blue it was today. Autumn leaves of oranges, yellows and reds will be long gone.  With a few days of warm air preceding blasts of cold (from Alaska), I headed out with my easel ... and a larger than normal-sized canvas for plein air ... to capture the scene in Old Town Alexandria. Tomorrow I'll go back. Hopefully the ducks and gorgeous colors will be there to greet me. Perhaps I'll have time to capture other folks enjoying these special days as well.


    Because the canvas was larger, I brought with me an aluminum easel that could handle the height. Then, proceeded ... unusually to sit, not stand because that was the better view.

    It was gorgeous out. I LOVED being there on the shores of the Potomac. Seagulls were circling overhead. Visitors were great ... with many stopping back to check on my progress.

    I did have a conversation with Michelle, a visitor whose Mom painted. I mentioned ... as I have to many of you, that painting became an acquired passion. I had no idea how wonderful it was ... until after taking classes, having some successes (after working at it ... first attempts are almost always awful), falling in love with the notion that I could create something out of nothing.  Passion needs time and opportunity to grow.  You have to give it a chance.  Yours might not be painting ... might be rock-climbing, or sports, sewing, singing, writing, dancing, coin-collecting. Who knows? That's my lesson for now.

    In case classes might help you in your search (that's how I discovered my passion for painting), I'll be teaching Portrait class on Sundays, 1:30 to 5:30pm starting January 25 for six sessions ... and Still Life on Tuesdays, 10am to 1pm starting January 13 for eight sessions.  Class size is limited ... sign up now. More info and a link to register is on my Classes page at www.JillBanks.com.
    Events and Exhibits
    • 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). Small Works Show, same gallery ... "Circle of Truth."
    • 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



    Saturday, November 8, 2014

    "Market Day" Finished, Winter Classes

    "Market Day," (Alba, Italy), oil on linen, 36"h x 48"w, ©Jill Banks 2014
    I painted a smaller sketch of this painting (12" x 16") in the Alba Market in the Piemonte wine region of Italy on the day before workshop students were heading home.  That sketch and the memory of the market were my guides for this one ... until the sketch went home with one of my collectors days ago. 

    Francesco offered me watermelon slices for my painting efforts and got a kick out of being a subject.  Lots of others in the market loved it, too.  A great, great day ... fun to relive as this large piece gave me plenty of hours and days full of memories of Italy.

    Also, I was a bit rushed publishing yesterday's post.  If you're a subscriber (reading these as an email), you missed out on some pictures and the announcement that class info for the Winter term is up on my web site.  (See the full post here.) I'll be teaching Portrait class on Sundays, 1:30 to 5:30pm starting January 25 for six sessions ... and Still Life on Tuesdays, 10am to 1pm starting January 13 for eight sessions.  Class size is limited ... sign up now. More info and a link to register is on my Classes page at www.JillBanks.com.

    Events and Exhibits
    • 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). Small Works Show, same gallery ... "Circle of Truth."
    • 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



    Friday, November 7, 2014

    New Ballerina Painting: "Ebony and Ivory"

    "Ebony and Ivory," oil, 16"h x 12"w, ©Jill Banks 2014
    Couldn't resist. See more of my paintings of ballerinas in the Portrait and Figure gallery on my web site: www.JillBanks.com. Click on Works.

    "Garden Girl" won Honorable Mention in the Art League's Large Works Exhibit
    Also heard word that "Garden Girl" received an Honorable Mention in this month's Large Works exhibit at the Art League in Alexandria, VA. I also have another painting, "Circle of Truth" in the concurrent "Small Works" exhibit. Two reasons to visit the Art League Gallery this month!

    And, for those of you interested in signing up for classes, I'll be teaching Portrait classes on Sundays, 1:30 to 5:30pm and Still Life on Tuesdays, 10am to 1pm this Winter term ... starting in January. Info is up on my web site ... click on Classes. From there, you will be able to register online. I know folks are already registering. Class size is limited. I hope you'll join us!

    "Circle of Truth," oil, 8"h x 10"w, ©Jill Banks 2014 was juried into the Art League's Small Works Exhibit
    Events and Exhibits
    • 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). Small Works Show, same gallery ... "Circle of Truth."
    • 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

    Monday, November 3, 2014

    Top Ten Paintings ... For You?


    One thing I’ve realized in my now decade-plus artist career is that you collectors are a very astute bunch.  While I work hard to make sure that all the choices given – at every show, exhibit, on my web site – are sound, high quality art … you still manage to cull the best, pick my favorites.  How do you manage that?

    So many wonderful pieces have left the “nest” this year. It’s astounding. It’s been a real joy to welcome many new collectors this year. (Thank you!) Existing collectors keep careful track of my work and consistently add more “Jill Banks originals” to their walls. (Thank you!) Others have been a bit quieter lately – allowing others around the country their chance to keep me busy and the shelves full of paint and canvases, my travel and inspiration itinerary full while enjoying their new art acquisitions.

    "Warm Studio," one of the top ten
    Back to those favorites getting plucked.  I decided to compile my top ten list of paintings that are still available to be selected by you.  I think the designation of top ten is enough, too, so these aren’t ranked beyond that honor. All are in oil, either on stretched linen or linen-lined board.  Prices do not include tax … and are subject to change without notice. (Except, here is notice. Prices will be increasing in February 2015.)


       I love a whole lot more.
    "Garden Girl": another top ten, headed to the Art League tomorrow
    Okay, listing just ten was rough.

    I don’t really think about criteria when selecting my favorites. I’ve lived with each of these and know what it feels like to see them every day.  They are happy sights to wake up to, pass by, catch my glance over and over again. They demand attention, hold my interest, brighten my (already terrific) life.

    All that being said, I’d still love for YOU to have them. Since I have the benefit of being a LIVING artist, when one of my favorites leaves my home to bring joy to yours – I set off on a path to recreate that feeling in paint, wherever, whenever it can be found.

    More pictures may follow – check back on my blog (jillbanks.blogspot.com) a little later. And, take a look around my web site to see (or tell me) how you would modify this list. Would you?
    "Tomatoes"

    Events and Exhibits
    • 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

    PS. And since I'm into selecting the best today ... my favorite art book of all time is Richard Schmid's Alla Prima: Everything I Know About Painting -- And More.  The Second, Expanded Edition just was retrieved from my mailbox. (We're home!)  Can't wait to read and treasure it.  You can order your own copy from richardschmid.com.

    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

    Saturday, November 1, 2014

    Freezing Our Tootsies in Atlanta

    At the Chastain Park Art Festival this weekend, November 1 and 2.  But, thank goodness that we didn't blow away, the tent and artwork are fine, and despite very low turnout on Saturday, two of my paintings are off (or going) to new homes.
    "Sunlight, Sunflowers and Orange" off to a new home.

    "Shoreline" and "Sunlight, Sunflowers and Orange" are finding new homes. Plus, Randy and I enjoyed a wonderful, home-cooked meal at the daughter and son-in-law of my parents' best friends.  Great day despite the shivering.

    Again, despite the smaller crowds, my tent had its share of enthusiastic fans with their own list of top picks. Maybe a slightly warmer, less windy day tomorrow will bring them back.
    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.)