A-RTS @ Rockville Town Square This Weekend, May 2 & 3

"The Colorful One," oil, 12"h x 16"w, ©Jill Banks 2015 -- Painted plein air in Pacific Grove, CA

"The Colorful One," one of my most recent paintings will be hanging in my Booth #209 this weekend, May 2 & 3 at the A-RTS @ Rockville Town Square in Rockville, MD.  I hope you get a chance to come for a visit.

Saturday, May 2: 11am to 6pm
Sunday, May 3: 11am to 5pm

A-RTS @ Rockville Town Square in located on Maryland Avenue, Gibbs Street and Middle Streets. #209 is on E. Middle Street.

See more info on my web site's Events page about it and other upcoming art happenings. (LOTS!)

And for more paintings from my California trip to Monterey, go to the Places Gallery on my web site.  Please.

Mystic Seaport Outdoor Arts Festival: I'm In!
Speaking of events ... I just heard "Congratulations, you have been accepted..." from the Mystic Seaport Outdoor Arts Festival being held on August 8 & 9 in Mystic, CT. Yea!!!

Call for Artists
Plus, if you enjoy plein air painting, consider registering for Paint Great Falls! (Great Falls VA) to capture the town from May 28 to 30 with a Quick Draw event on May 31, 10am to noon.  Registration is now open at www.greatfallsart.org/plein-air.

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

See the Events page for more info/updates

May 2 & 3: A-RTS @ Rockville Town Square, Rockville, MD, booth #209. Saturday, 11am to 6pm. Sunday, 1oam to 5pm. Maryland Ave, Middle St, Gibbs St in Rockville, MD. 175 master artists in outdoor juried arts festival.

May 8: Grand Opening at the Artists' Atelier and School of Art, 7 to 9pm at our new location in the Village Centre -- the heart of Great Falls -- at 756 Walker Road, Great Falls, VA.

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

May 30-31: Art on the Green and Paint Great Falls, Outdoor Art Show (under a tent) and plein air competition and exhibit, Great Falls, VA

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

August 8-9: Mystic Seaport Outdoor Art Festival, Mystic, CT

August 29-30: Shadyside... The Art Festival on Walnut Street Pittsburgh, PA

December 3-6: One Of A Kind Show & Sale, Merchandise Mart, Chicago, IL

Artists' Atelier Grand Opening at 756 Walker Road, Great Falls VA on May 8, 7 to 9pm

Visit us May 8, 7 to 9pm for our Grand Opening for the Newly Relocated Artists' Atelier

You're Invited ...

Our new working studios are located in the Great Falls Village Centre (near the corner of Walker Road and Georgetown Pike in Great Falls, VA. We're thrilled even though the moving out (of our Colvin Run/Walker Road) location and moving in has been a lot of work for all. The Great Falls School of Art (where students of all ages and levels are offered classes taught by fine art professional artists) is separated from the studios by a hallway ... and the whole space is surrounded by porches and the Green.

"Pacific Pier," oil, 10"h x 8"w, ©Jill Banks 2015 was the last painting created during my Monterey CA trip

LOTS of art events are coming up and I hope to see you at one or more of them this month. I'll be under a tent at the A-RTS @ Rockville Town Square, Rockville, MD on Saturday, May 2, 11am to 6pm and on Sunday, May 3, 11am to 5pm.

Then the GRAND OPENING on Friday, May 8, 7 to 9pm at the Atelier at 756 Walker Road.

My studio at 756 Walker Road, Great Falls, VA -- getting settled in. (Lousy photo -- Sorry!)

And, at the end of the month, join us for a whole weekend of art on the Village Green. More on that to come in another day's post ... or follow the links below. (May 30-31: Art on the Green and Paint Great Falls, Outdoor Art Show (under a tent) and plein air competition and exhibit, Great Falls, VA)

Call for Artists
Plus, if you enjoy plein air painting, consider registering for Paint Great Falls! (Great Falls VA) to capture the town from May 28 to 30 with a Quick Draw event on May 31, 10am to noon.  Registration is now open at www.greatfallsart.org/plein-air.

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

See the Events page for more info/updates

April 10 to May 1: Women Painters of the Southeast Juried Exhibition, Blue Ridge, GA

May 2 & 3: A-RTS @ Rockville Town Square, Rockville, MD
May 8, 7 to 9pm GRAND OPENING, Artists' Atelier, 756 Walker Road, Great Falls, VA

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

May 30-31: Art on the Green and Paint Great Falls, Outdoor Art Show (under a tent) and plein air competition and exhibit, Great Falls, VA

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.

December 3-6: One Of A Kind Show & Sale, Merchandise Mart, Chicago, IL

17 Mile Drive and Painting at Pebble Beach

"Pebble Beach Promontory," oil, 5.75"h x 16"w, ©Jill Banks 2015

We took a friend's suggestion and headed down 17 Mile Drive between Pacific Grove and Carmel, California. I thought my painting subjects might be some sea lions on a rock ... but they are sequestered on a beach until June. Actually, I'd been eyeing this one strip of land that reaches out to the sea and finally found my view, following a sign for coastal beach access adjacent or right in the middle of the Pebble Beach Golf Club.  Shared my view with dog walkers, fishermen, and some golfers.

The Start: Transparent Red Oxide and Ultramarine Blue drawing on Yellow Ochre ground

Take a look back at a week and a half of paintings at jillbanks.blogspot.com.

Stage 2: Color shapes

It was the perfect afternoon. I've loved every minute of these past 11 days.

Believe it or not, there have been many more paintings than shown on my blog. Some will be making appearances here soon, others later.

My Plein Air Landscape class starts this coming Thursday, April 23 in Northern Virginia. Are you registered yet? (I think there are two spots left. The Evening Paint class on Tuesdays is full.)

Stage 3: More color and smaller shapes.

Would You Want to Come to Monterey?
I am thinking about teaching a workshop here in Monterey.  Are any of you interested?

Showing Soon
Paintings created on these trips will be showcased soon on my next email newsletter that I hope to get out in the next couple of days ... and at A-RTS@Rockville Town Center, a fine art juried outdoor festival held May 2 & 3, where you'll find me at tent #209. And, I hope you can join us at the Artists' Atelier Grand Opening on Friday, May 8, 7 to 9:00pm in our new space at 759 Walker Road, Great Falls, VA.  I'll be moving in there as soon as I return to Virginia. Come see! Maybe you could snatch up a piece of Spain or Monterey...

Sign Up for Classes -- In Virgina
Registration is going on now for Spring classes -- Tuesday nights, 6:30pm to 9:30pm for Evening Paint (starting April 28) and Thursdays, 10am to 2pm for Painting the Plein Air Landscape starting April 23 (Hurry!). Take a look at my Classes page and I hope you'll join us. Spots are still open in both... but only a couple of them.

Call for Artists
Plus, if you enjoy plein air painting, consider registering for Paint Great Falls! (Great Falls VA) to capture the town from May 28 to 30 with a Quick Draw event on May 31, 10am to noon.  Registration is now open at www.greatfallsart.org/plein-air.

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

See the Events page for more info/updates

April 10 to May 1: Women Painters of the Southeast Juried Exhibition, Blue Ridge, GA

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.

May 30-31: Art on the Green and Paint Great Falls, Outdoor Art Show (under a tent) and plein air competition and exhibit, Great Falls, VA

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.

December 3-6: One Of A Kind Show & Sale, Merchandise Mart, Chicago, IL

Painting at Lover's Point Beach

"On the Rocks," oil, 8"h x 10"w, ©Jill Banks 2015

When hordes of Plein Air Convention and Expo painters headed to Lover's Point as the official location for the afternoon, I went in a different direction deciding to wait until my easel would be a little lonelier there. As much as I enjoy being with other painters, it's a whole lot more difficult to find "my" perfect view when so many spots are already taken.

So, today was my chance to capture the beach. I thought about doing several small ones in a row, pretty much realizing as soon as that thought entered my head that it wasn't going to happen. For the first time, the light was pretty flat and spotty meaning that even if I was ready to just turn my easel for another view, clouds, sun, shadows were not in a cooperative mood.

This afternoon I painted in the beautiful garden of the Pacific House ... a spot that strongly suggested those magnificent sunwashed gardens depicted in Joaquin Sorolla's studio in Madrid. My efforts there weren't successful but carry with them three hours of really seeing it. I'll see what can be done in my own studio with that memory once home.

One of the fine pieces of advice that C.W. Mundy gave at the convention is that as ARTISTS (vs. Painters), we are DIRECTORS of our pieces. The flowers, arches, limbs of the tree, dappled shadows need to be bent to my will. And they will.

That's it for now. This particular adventure's close to ending. You'll see some continuing evidence here but I'll be homeward bound.  Matter of fact, my Plein Air Landscape class starts this coming Thursday, April 23 in Northern Virginia. Are you registered yet? (I think there are two spots left. The Evening Paint class on Tuesdays is full.)

Would You Want to Come to Monterey?
I am thinking about teaching a workshop here in Monterey.  Are any of you interested?

Showing Soon
Paintings created on these trips will be showcased soon on my next email newsletter that I hope to get out in the next couple of days ... and at A-RTS@Rockville Town Center, a fine art juried outdoor festival held May 2 & 3, where you'll find me at tent #209. And, I hope you can join us at the Artists' Atelier Grand Opening on Friday, May 8, 7 to 9:00pm in our new space at 759 Walker Road, Great Falls, VA.  I'll be moving in there as soon as I return to Virginia. Come see! Maybe you could snatch up a piece of Spain or Monterey...

Sign Up for Classes -- In Virgina
Registration is going on now for Spring classes -- Tuesday nights, 6:30pm to 9:30pm for Evening Paint (starting April 28) and Thursdays, 10am to 2pm for Painting the Plein Air Landscape starting April 23 (Hurry!). Take a look at my Classes page and I hope you'll join us. Spots are still open in both... but only a couple of them.

Call for Artists
Plus, if you enjoy plein air painting, consider registering for Paint Great Falls! (Great Falls VA) to capture the town from May 28 to 30 with a Quick Draw event on May 31, 10am to noon.  Registration is now open at www.greatfallsart.org/plein-air.

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

See the Events page for more info/updates

April 10 to May 1: Women Painters of the Southeast Juried Exhibition, Blue Ridge, GA

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.

May 30-31: Art on the Green and Paint Great Falls, Outdoor Art Show (under a tent) and plein air competition and exhibit, Great Falls, VA

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.

December 3-6: One Of A Kind Show & Sale, Merchandise Mart, Chicago, IL

Plein Air Painters Catching the Carmel Sunset at PACE

"Carmel by the Sea," oil, 12"h x 16"w, ©Jill Banks 2015

While most of my outings at the Plein Air Convention and Expo have been close to solo, I did join the huge group at Carmel by the Sea to revel in the waves, stunning light and poetic trees.  In a moment, I'll head to Fisherman's Wharf to paint.

What a remarkable week it has been. I've listened to, been inspired by Quang Ho, Len Chmiel, George Carlson, C.W. Mundy, T. Allen Lawson and many more artist greats. Having this follow right on the heels of two weeks painting plein air and exploring masterpieces in Madrid, Spain has my head brimming with ideas and heart full of the courage needed to push myself.

Painting at Carmel-by-the-Sea. Tough job.

Paintings created on these trips will be showcased soon on my next email newsletter that I hope to get out in the next couple of days ... and at A-RTS@Rockville Town Center, a fine art juried outdoor festival held May 2 & 3, where you'll find me at tent #209. And, I hope you can join us at the Artists' Atelier Grand Opening on Friday, May 8, 7 to 9:00pm in our new space at 759 Walker Road, Great Falls, VA.  I'll be moving in there as soon as I return to Virginia. Come see! Maybe you could snatch up a piece of Spain or Monterey...

Sign Up for Classes -- In Virgina
Registration is going on now for Spring classes -- Tuesday nights, 6:30pm to 9:30pm for Evening Paint (starting April 28) and Thursdays, 10am to 2pm for Painting the Plein Air Landscape starting April 23 (Hurry!). Take a look at my Classes page and I hope you'll join us. Spots are still open in both... but only a couple of them.

Call for Artists
Plus, if you enjoy plein air painting, consider registering for Paint Great Falls! (Great Falls VA) to capture the town from May 28 to 30 with a Quick Draw event on May 31, 10am to noon.  Registration is now open at www.greatfallsart.org/plein-air.

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

See the Events page for more info/updates

April 10 to May 1: Women Painters of the Southeast Juried Exhibition, Blue Ridge, GA

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.

May 30-31: Art on the Green and Paint Great Falls, Outdoor Art Show (under a tent) and plein air competition and exhibit, Great Falls, VA

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.

December 3-6: One Of A Kind Show & Sale, Merchandise Mart, Chicago, IL

Painting "Fisherman's Wharf"

"Fisherman's Wharf," (Monterey, CA), oil, 12"h x16"w, ©Jill Banks 2015

One of the real difficulties of figuring out what to paint around here (the Monterey Bay area in California that I'm visiting and painting my way around for a week and a half) is that there are potential paintings everywhere. Even when I'm trying to choose a place to paint -- my view -- in a highly defined area, Fisherman's Wharf, it's still a struggle.

The good news is I know that there will be a chance to return to try out some of those other contenders.

Even though the choice was tough, after spotting this trio of red, white and almost blue, I knew this was it.

The last three weeks plus -- painting plein air almost every day in Madrid, Spain and now Monterey, California -- have been so amazing. I've cherished each opportunity, learned and benefitted from each time there's been a blank canvas, new subject to address.

Sign Up for Classes -- In Virgina
Registration is going on now for Spring classes -- Tuesday nights, 6:30pm to 9:30pm for Evening Paint (starting April 28) and Thursdays, 10am to 2pm for Painting the Plein Air Landscape starting April 23 (Hurry!). Take a look at my Classes page and I hope you'll join us. Spots are still open in both... but only a couple of them.

Call for Artists
Plus, if you enjoy plein air painting, consider registering for Paint Great Falls! (Great Falls VA) to capture the town from May 28 to 30 with a Quick Draw event on May 31, 10am to noon.  Registration is now open at www.greatfallsart.org/plein-air.

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

See the Events page for more info/updates

April 10 to May 1: Women Painters of the Southeast Juried Exhibition, Blue Ridge, GA

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.

May 30-31: Art on the Green and Paint Great Falls, Outdoor Art Show (under a tent) and plein air competition and exhibit, Great Falls, VA

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.

December 3-6: One Of A Kind Show & Sale, Merchandise Mart, Chicago, IL

Plein Air Convention and Expo: Painting in Pacific Grove

"Point Pinos Lighthouse," (Pacific Grove, CA), oil, 16"h x 12"h, ©Jill Banks 2015

Yesterday afternoon, after a full slate of inspirational talks and demos, a huge group of attendees headed out to a wild, windy, wave-crashing coast in Pacific Grove to at least try to paint. Easels were everywhere, weighted down. Folks were holding onto their hats. Painting in cars or under their hatchbacks.  I headed to a much calmer site across the street and a little ways North of Asilomar State Beach Park with the waves crashing behind my back.  It was COLD. As advised, I dressed in layers. Four of them. And kept on painting and painting a lighthouse that I couldn't previously pull into view.

Anyway ... I'm heading back into the convention and then out to paint.  Talk to you tomorrow!

Out painting yesterday in Pacific Grove, CA

Oh, and Berthed isn't the right word for yesterday's boats. Dry docked.

Sign Up for Classes -- In Virgina
Registration is going on now for Spring classes -- Tuesday nights, 6:30pm to 9:30pm for Evening Paint (starting April 28) and Thursdays, 10am to 2pm for Painting the Plein Air Landscape starting April 23 (Hurry!). Take a look at my Classes page and I hope you'll join us. Spots are still open in both... but only a couple of them.

Call for Artists
Plus, if you enjoy plein air painting, consider registering for Paint Great Falls! (Great Falls VA) to capture the town from May 28 to 30 with a Quick Draw event on May 31, 10am to noon.  Registration is now open at www.greatfallsart.org/plein-air.

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

See the Events page for more info/updates

April 10 to May 1: Women Painters of the Southeast Juried Exhibition, Blue Ridge, GA

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.

May 30-31: Art on the Green and Paint Great Falls, Outdoor Art Show (under a tent) and plein air competition and exhibit, Great Falls, VA

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.

December 3-6: One Of A Kind Show & Sale, Merchandise Mart, Chicago, IL

Painting Berthed Boats in Monterey Bay

"Out of Water," (Monterey Bay, California), oil, 16"h x 12"w, ©Jill Banks 2015

Berthed? Is that the right word.

This strip of land has provided inspiration for "Down by the Seashore," "Rocky Shores" and now "Out of Water." Fertile place.

I'm painting in and around Monterey, CA while attending the #PACE15 Plein Air Convention and Expo 2015.  "Out of Water" was inspired by watching a demo by C.W. Mundy.

"Out of Water" is on display and for sale with other paintings through Thursday morning, April 16 at the Monterey Convention Center. (Actually, I can't promise that "Out of Water" will be the painting on view until then ... but one of mine will be.

Sign Up for Classes -- In Virgina
Registration is going on now for Spring classes -- Tuesday nights, 6:30pm to 9:30pm for Evening Paint (starting April 28) and Thursdays, 10am to 2pm for Painting the Plein Air Landscape starting April 23 (Hurry!). Take a look at my Classes page and I hope you'll join us. Spots are still open in both... but only a couple of them.

Call for Artists
Plus, if you enjoy plein air painting, consider registering for Paint Great Falls! (Great Falls VA) to capture the town from May 28 to 30 with a Quick Draw event on May 31, 10am to noon.  Registration is now open at www.greatfallsart.org/plein-air.

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

See the Events page for more info/updates

April 10 to May 1: Women Painters of the Southeast Juried Exhibition, Blue Ridge, GA

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.

May 30-31: Art on the Green and Paint Great Falls, Outdoor Art Show (under a tent) and plein air competition and exhibit, Great Falls, VA

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.

December 3-6: One Of A Kind Show & Sale, Merchandise Mart, Chicago, IL

Channeling My Inner Sorolla at the Beach

"Down by the Seashore," oil, 8"h x 10"w, ©Jill Banks 2014

After studying the beach paintings and sketches of Joaquin Sorolla in the special exhibit at the Sorolla Museum in Madrid just a couple weeks ago, I had the perfect muse ready when approaching a quick painting at the beach in Monterey, California. Similar beautiful, brilliant sun. What was so amazing about Sorolla's sketches was how little had to be spelled out. A suggestion goes a long way. Thank goodness.

See "Down by the Seashore" and other paintings from Madrid and California (more to come) on my web site's Places gallery.

I couldn't be happier. Being at the beach painting live. Love the results. Hope you enjoy them too!

I'm at the Plein Air Convention in Monterey this week. More beaches, boats, coastal scenes coming soon.

Thanks for stopping by!

Sign Up for Classes -- In Virgina
Registration is going on now for Spring classes -- Tuesday nights, 6:30pm to 9:30pm for Evening Paint (starting April 28) and Thursdays, 10am to 2pm for Painting the Plein Air Landscape starting April 23 (Hurry!). Take a look at my Classes page and I hope you'll join us. Spots are still open in both.

Call for Artists
Plus, if you enjoy plein air painting, consider registering for Paint Great Falls! (Great Falls VA) to capture the town from May 28 to 30 with a Quick Draw event on May 31, 10am to noon.  Registration is now open at www.greatfallsart.org/plein-air.

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

See the Events page for more info/updates

April 10 to May 1: Women Painters of the Southeast Juried Exhibition, Blue Ridge, GA

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.

May 30-31: Art on the Green and Paint Great Falls, Outdoor Art Show (under a tent) and plein air competition and exhibit, Great Falls, VA

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.

December 3-6: One Of A Kind Show & Sale, Merchandise Mart, Chicago, IL

Fisherman's Wharf

"Rocky Shores," (Fisherman's Wharf, Monterey, CA) oil, 12"h x 16"w, ©Jill Banks 2015

Even though this isn't my first time visit to the Monterey Peninsula in California, I'm simply shocked at how gorgeous it is. I spent the morning painting at a picnic area looking out over the rocky shores at a bay of boats and Fisherman's Wharf, listening to sea gulls and sea lions. The conversation with myself went something like this.

"Can you believe that standing here, looking at this view, capturing the boat as it spins around on its mooring could possibly be part of your job?"
"No, that's simply ridiculous."
"Have you SEEN this view?
"Pinch me."

Really.  I'm in awe of everything. Blue skies. Interesting air -- part clear, part mist.  Waves rippling or crashing against rocks formed by nature's artist. The sea gulls that come and check out progress. Beauty all around.

It was really nice to be able to converse with visitors in English (after two weeks painting in Madrid). Now they know I appreciate the compliments and comments ... and that I'm friendly.

More tomorrow. Stay tuned!

Sign Up for Classes -- In Virgina and Italy!
Registration is going on now for Spring classes -- Tuesday nights, 6:30pm to 9:30pm for Evening Paint (starting April 28) and Thursdays, 10am to 2pm for Painting the Plein Air Landscape starting April 23 (Hurry!). Take a look at my Classes page and I hope you'll join us. Spots are still open in both.

Call for Artists
Plus, if you enjoy plein air painting, consider registering for Paint Great Falls! (Great Falls VA) to capture the town from May 28 to 30 with a Quick Draw event on May 31, 10am to noon.  Registration is now open at www.greatfallsart.org/plein-air.

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

See the Events page for more info/updates

April 10 to May 1: Women Painters of the Southeast Juried Exhibition, Blue Ridge, GA

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.

May 30-31: Art on the Green and Paint Great Falls, Outdoor Art Show (under a tent) and plein air competition and exhibit, Great Falls, VA

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.

December 3-6: One Of A Kind Show & Sale, Merchandise Mart, Chicago, IL

"Cervantes View" Look at Madrid

"Cervantes View," (Madrid, Spain) oil, 16"h x 12"w, ©Jill Banks 2o15

Cervantes has managed to show up all over Madrid. He presided, although out of view that time, in "Shadow of Cervantes" right above my protagonists, Don Quixote and Pancho.

And now, I painted his back side -- pointing the way down the hill. I didn't have quite as much time as I'd like. From there, Randy and I were rushing off to catch a Flamenco show. A person or two might appear in this as well. After the fact.

While painting "Cervantes View," I met two artists -- one on his way to sketch and another who is a writer, sculptor, painter plus some other creative title.  Madrid is such an incredibly welcoming, beautiful place.

I'll have to return.

I'm now in another breathtaking spot. Look for new paintings in the days to come. (Please.)

In only a week and a half, my Painting the Plein Air Landscape class begins in Great Falls, VA. Find out more on my web site's Classes page. There are a few spots left in it and my Evening Paint class that starts the following week. But hurry!  I'd love to have you join us!

 Sign Up for Classes -- In Virgina
Registration is going on now for Spring classes -- Tuesday nights, 6:30pm to 9:30pm for Evening Paint and Thursdays, 10am to 2pm for Painting the Plein Air Landscape.  Take a look at my Classes page and I hope you'll join us.

Call for Artists
Plus, if you enjoy plein air painting, consider registering for Paint Great Falls! (Great Falls VA) to capture the town from May 28 to 30 with a Quick Draw event on May 31, 10am to noon.  Registration is now open at www.greatfallsart.org/plein-air.

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

See the Events page for more info/updates

April 10 to May 1: Women Painters of the Southeast Juried Exhibition, Blue Ridge, GA

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.

May 30-31: Art on the Green and Paint Great Falls, Outdoor Art Show (under a tent) and plein air competition and exhibit, Great Falls, VA

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.

December 3-6: One Of A Kind Show & Sale, Merchandise Mart, Chicago, IL

Last Days in Madrid

"Spanish Garden," oil, 16"h x 12"w, ©Jill Banks 2015

To say that days were full here in Madrid is to be putting it mildly. There's so much to see! And do. We arrive back at the hotel with about 10 minutes of energy left. Maybe.

I think we were the only ones left from the group taking in a whole last day in Madrid. For Randy and I, that meant a late breakfast -- then off to find a place to paint. Crammed in a little bit before the venture out was locating a flamenco show -- the one thing on the agenda that hadn't yet been taken care of. So, today included three meals, two paintings, one wonderful flamenco show, packing and this post.

Although this doesn't sum up the trip, our suitcases are packed with lots of dirty laundry, ten paintings, three or four drawings (more done, this many "keepable"), too few other physical mementos of the trip.



Museums were amazing. Yesterday we went to the Cerralbo Museum and the Museo Thyssen-Bornemisza. The Thyssen Collection was unbelievable -- covering centuries of art beautifully.  How in the world could one family amass, collect such a fortune of works? They had pieces by Van Gogh that surprised me, "Venetian Onion Seller" by John Singer Sargent, "Hotel Room" (and others) by Edward Hopper, two of the first oil paintings, ever, by Jan Van Eyck (c. 1435-1441) "Diptych of the Annunciation." Interesting that the first oil paintings could rival any others.

Right image of Van Eyck's diptych

Left image of Van Eyck's diptych

Given all the paintings that have made their way onto my easel and all the inspiration that has surrounded me for the  past two weeks, expect more on the blog about this incredible trip.  Drawings and paintings will work their way onto my web site as well. Some require finishing, others good photographs.

It's been one heck of a trip. Thanks for sharing it with me!

Sign Up for Classes -- In Virginia
Registration is going on now for Spring classes -- Tuesday nights, 6:30pm to 9:30pm for Evening Paint and Thursdays, 10am to 2pm for Painting the Plein Air Landscape.  Take a look at my Classes page and I hope you'll join us.


Call for Artists
Plus, if you enjoy plein air painting, consider registering for Paint Great Falls! (Great Falls VA) to capture the town from May 28 to 30 with a Quick Draw event on May 31, 10am to noon.  Registration is now open at www.greatfallsart.org/plein-air.

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

See the Events page for more info/updates

April 10 to May 1: Women Painters of the Southeast Juried Exhibition, Blue Ridge, GA

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.

May 30-31: Art on the Green and Paint Great Falls, Outdoor Art Show (under a tent) and plein air competition and exhibit, Great Falls, VA

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.

December 3-6: One Of A Kind Show & Sale, Merchandise Mart, Chicago, IL