I'm In, I'm In, I'm In! Telluride Plein Air

"Estes Park," oil, 8"h x 10"w, ©Jill Banks 2013 -- painted plein air during a family reunion in Estes Park. Gorgeous, changing view and the only Colorado painting I have to post ... that sort of fits the theme here.

"Antiques on Middle Street," oil, 16"h x 12"w, painted plein air, sold

Yippee!!!!!

You probably can't tell I'm excited.

(So well hidden.)

This morning, I received my "Congratulations" letter to join the 25 to 30 artists selected for Telluride Plein Air, one of the nation's most prestigious plein air events. Yea!!! Wow.

Telluride Plein Air is a paint the place juried competition taking place in the gorgeous town of Telluride, Colorado, June 27 to July 5, 2015 ... and that's where I'll be, capturing Victorian homes against the backdrop of mountains, EXACTLY my cup of tea.

Having my painting "Piemonte Lunch" on the cover of élan led to new collectors

"Each summer, the Sheridan Arts Foundation host 25-30 nationally renowned Plein Air artists in beautiful Telluride, Colorado." Those are their words, not mine. Cool beans.

I've been so intrigued with this place, seeing it pop up in plein air paintings of other artists, watching an episode of "House Hunters" in which a family selected a historic home there.  It's going to be so much fun to just be there ... and then to be painting it! I may go into happy overload.

To apply to Telluride, artists submitted three to five images and a bio/resume with past art shows and awards.  One of the pieces I submitted was "Antiques on Middle Street," the painting created last summer of the next door neighbor of the Inn at Little Washington (VA). "Antiques on Middle Street" is also one of the 48 paintings currently hanging in my "Warm Observations: People and Places" Exhibit at ArtSpace Herndon, 750 Center Street, Herndon, VA.  It is also the first painting purchased from the show ... by new collectors who had seen "Piemonte Lunch" on the cover of élan Magazine this month. Since that piece was previously purchased, it was nice to be able to have such a great show/great gallery to point them to for art shopping.

I love "Antiques on Middle Street." It's as happy to look at as a vase of sunflowers ... or peonies. I'm very glad it found a new home.

(For any of you wishing you were the purchasers of "Antiques on Middle Street," there is another painting created the same day in Washington VA in my "Warm Observations" exhibit.  Take a look at "Tavern Shops.")

"Circle of Truth," oil, 8"h x 10"w, ©Jill Banks 2014, purchased by a wonderful friend, sold

It's been a day full of good news.  Another favorite piece in the show "Circle of Truth," a nocturne painted from my deck in our former home in Reston, VA was purchased this afternoon by a favorite person, Joan Bell-Haynes, friend and my parents' pastor.  I'm often asked if it is difficult to "let go" of some of my pieces. Sometimes it is.  I'm a little sentimental about "Circle of Truth." Still, I'm very glad that someone I love chose it for her home. Thanks, Joan! Enjoy!

I do hope that all of you able to go see my "Warm Observations: People and Places" exhibit, take the opportunity to go.  It's colorful, warm, full of beautiful places filled with interesting people. As much as I look forward to the places, adventures, excitement, enjoyment, learning ahead in 2015, 2014 and prior were filled with glorious days spent capturing magical places -- and it's there for you to enjoy, hanging on the walls at ArtSpace. The show continues until February 22 ... and I will be giving a free painting demonstration in the gallery on Saturday, January 31, 2 to 5pm.  (Don't wait until then to go see.)

ArtSpace Gallery Hours are:
Monday: Closed
Tuesday thru Thursday: 10am to 2pm
Friday through Saturday: 10am to 5pm
Sunday: 1pm to 5pm

ArtSpace Herndon is closed due to inclement weather whenever Fairfax County cancels school.

If in doubt, you can contact the gallery at http://www.artspaceherndon.com/  or call:
703-956-6590.

Opening reception for "Warm Observations: People and Places" at ArtSpace Herndon

Events and Exhibits

• January 13-February 22, 2015: "Warm Observations: People and Places" Solo Exhibit, ArtSpace Herndon, Herndon, VA. Painting demonstration: Saturday, January 31, 2 to 5pm. RSVP for painting demo.
• January 14 - 28: Great Falls School of Art Annual Student Exhibition, Atelier Gallery, 1144 Walker Road, Suite G, Great
  Falls, VA.
• Paint with Me in Italy Plein Air Workshop: July 27 to August 2, 2015. Registration is now open. (This is where "Piemonte Lunch" was "born"!)
• See the Events page for more info/updates
• Ongoing: Visit the studio I share with 14 other artists at the Artists’ Atelier, Great Falls, VA open Wed. and Sat.,
  12- 4pm

Thanks for reading!

Jill

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

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