"Pink Pond" and New Studio

"Pink Pond," oil, 8"h x 10"w, ©Jill Banks 2015

I headed out today in search of a painting spot. Took a couple of detours. Walked around a lake. Ended here, at the side of a pond that marks the entry to a shopping center in Reston VA (Plaza America).

My family has shared many a meal within view of this pond. My dad shoo'd a family of geese (years ago) who kept crossing the street ... multiple times as it seemed clear they thought it was much better on the other side.

Around the pond are still piles of snow, dirty from the parking lot. A sure sign we're just now on the cusp of Spring. Yea!

So, this is my second plein air painting (I think) of 2015 after a snowbound, cold Winter. 

When I left home, it was dreary gray with cloudy skies. With flowers still waiting below ground and no buds on the tree, I was looking for color somewhere. The site for "Pink Pond" provided a red-orange bridge and eventually a golden light.

New Studio
It will take some time to move in, but the lease is signed, and soon ... I'll join nine of my studiomates from the Atelier in our new studio and gallery space on the green at the Great Falls Village Centre in Great Falls, VA.

New Studio Space at the Great Falls Village Centre. Imagine the walls filled with art. Coming soon!

The spot is what used to be Maison du Vin. We're steps away from the Old Brogue Irish Pub and will be enjoying two porches and beautiful windows, hardwood floors and beams with an easy one or two-step climb for guests.  There will definitely be a Grand Opening -- date to be announced. Plus, you'll see news on the move, get a peek into this wonderful space ... here.

More to come!

Sign Up ... Please
Spring Classes are up on my web site and registration is going on now. Sign up so we can have some plein air and other painting adventures together!
Plein Air Landscape Class Info 
Still Life Painting in Oils Info
and Paint with Me in Italy - July 27 to August 2 (Limited to only 10 students, sign up by March 27 or before to secure your spot!)

Events and Exhibits

See the Events page for more info/updates

Other Art Events:

February-March: The Art of Romance, Artists' Atelier, 1144 Walker Road, Suite G, Great Falls, VA.  In the gallery and around my studio, still lifes with lots of flowers, an indoor picnic, cozy interiors.   See the show through the month of February, Wednesdays and Saturdays, noon to 4pm.

May 2 & 3: A-RTS @ Rockville Town Square, Rockville, MD

May 12-16:  Wayne Plein Air, Wayne and Philadelphia, PA. Juried as one of 30 artists nationwide to paint the area.

June 5-7: Rittenhouse Square: The Original Art Show, Philadelphia, PA. 

June 18-21: VA Beach Boardwalk Art Show, Virginia Beach, VA. Visit my booth right on the boardwalk.

June 29-July 5: Telluride Plein Air, Telluride, CO.  Juried as one of 32 artists who will spend the week painting this very cool town lined with Victorian houses, bustling street against a gorgeous mountainous backdrop.

July 11-12: Wickford Art Festival, Wickford, RI.

• 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"!)
• Ongoing: Visit the studio I share with 14 other artists at the Artists’ Atelier, Great Falls, VA open Wed. and Sat., 12 to 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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