Plein Air Competitions and Quick Draws: A Primer

"Wayne Feed," oil, 16"h x 12"w, ©Jill Banks 2015 painted in Wayne Plein Air ($1250)

Plein Air Competitions and Quick Draws: What are they? What's it like competing in one?

Now seems like the perfect time for this post.

Wayne Plein Air 2015
I'm just back home from a week of painting the town in Wayne Plein Air as one of 30 artists chosen from around the country to find inspiration, create finished works and turn in a total (between us) of 245 pieces of art to be hung with care, ready for the opening gala reception at the end of the week on Saturday, May 16. What's astounding is that none of those beautiful pieces of art existed the week before. I'll give you an insiders look into life at one of these multi-day events.

Call for Artists and Collectors to Great Falls, VA
There's also the first annual Paint Great Falls (Great Falls, VA) plein air competition (May 28-30) and quick draw (Sunday, May 31, 10am to noon) coming up and I'm hoping to entice more folks to come participate (register) and watch as artists of all ages come out to paint (or draw) the town. Find out more about it at and register at the Art of Great Falls.

"Flowers To Go," oil, 12"h x 24"w, ©Jill Banks 2015. I painted this over two consecutive mornings during Wayne Plein Air. The first day, they happened to be paving this little stretch of road that morning. I had to tuck my painting and supplies away while they cleaned off the road. Luckily, one of the foreman warned me. ($1750)

"Painted Ladies," oil, 12"h x 16"w, ©Jill Banks 2015. Painted the last day of Wayne Plein Air ($1250)

What is plein air?
"Plein air" means "in the open air." Artists since the 1800s with John Constable in England and the Impressionists in France painted outside, creating what was in front of them, live -- under Mother Nature's changing conditions -- lighting, movements, weather, wind. This move outdoors was facilitated by the ability to put artists' oil colors into paint tubes and the invention of the French easel. Yea! Life got easier outside the studio. (It's still not easy.) Read a short history of plein air painting here.

"League Shop," oil, 16"h x 12"w,©Jill Banks 2015 painted in the town of Wayne PA. ($1250)

What are the Plein Air Competitions all about?
Fundraising, involving the community in art, art collecting, fun and hard work. There are many plein air competitions springing up all around the country (and beyond). Some are very low key ... you just show up on a given day (or days) and share in the fun of trying to capture your surroundings live. Others require you to register and the first ones to do so can participate. Both of these varieties are unjuried or open events -- no one chooses who participates. The Paint Great Falls event is first come, first served for the plein air competition that takes place May 28 to May 30. (There are still plenty of spots. Registration is open at Art of Great Falls.

"Hung Out to Dry," oil, 20"h x 16"w, ©Jill Banks. Found this location en route to a pizza place. ($1950)

For most of these competitions, participants are asked to paint in certain locations (within a specified radius or a particular place, like St. David's Church) on certain days. As the competition begins, blank paper or canvases are stamped. There are turn-in dates and times when work is delivered, usually framed and ready to hang or on easels ready for judging. In between canvas stamping and delivery, artists search for the places within the competition's allowed locations that best appeals to their tastes. (This might just be the

"Red Barn (Garrett Mill Farm)," oil, 16"h x 20"w, ©Jill Banks 2015. My first clear success for the week. ($1950)

toughest part. It is VERY easy to just search and search for the perfect spot and not leave yourself enough time to paint.)

Because these are competitions, prizes are awarded -- even when participation was not juried. Everyone should give themselves a hand for surviving the search/creation/framing aspects of

"Cooped Up," oil, 12"h x 16"w, ©Jill Banks 2015. Fun with the chicks at Willowbrook Farm (Sold)

the plein air competition. If you happen to be in the lucky few who win an award in a competition, wow! You really are lucky! (And you've put in a ton of hard work and time behind the easel en plein air in preparation.)



How Do Juried Plein Air Competitions Select Artists?

"Snowballs at Strafford," oil, 10"h x 8"w, ©Jill Banks 2015. Found my view by looking up. ($650)

Wayne Plein Air was a juried competition. Artists were asked to submit photographs of their work (online or on a CD) they created en plein air (vs. a studio piece or one created with the use of photography). A juror then selected from the pool of applicants the 30 artists accepted to compete. The artists chosen were phenomenal. What a great group! Proof was everywhere in the gallery (the exhibition continues at the Wayne Art Center through June 27).

How Do Groups Raise Funds through Plein Air Events?

• Sales of artwork
• Ticket Sales for receptions/openings 
• Sponsorships (These events are great for the community at large.)

Plein Air Easton, coming up on its eleventh year in 2015, is the largest and most prestigious juried plein air competition in the United States. In 2013, Plein Air Easton art sales totalled $325,000 with 313 paintings sold in 2.5 days. At the Collector's Preview Party they sold a painting every 45 seconds. Incredible! All that success means that competition is fierce for an artist trying to jury into Easton.

A report from Wayne Plein Air folks is that over 50 paintings were purchased during the opening weekend of the 245 we painted and turned in.  With over a month to go for the exhibit, the Wayne Art Center and the artists may just have a very successful event to celebrate. For Wayne Plein Air, the Wayne Art Center receives 40% of each sale.

What is the Quick Draw?
$10 and a Little Ambition (The Quick Draw)
I LOVE the quick draw -- a timed event generally in a very specific spot. Many plein air competitions include a quick draw that is open to the competition artists and anyone else who would like to join them in creating artwork on the spot.

Paint Great Falls has a Quick Draw component on Sunday, May 31 in the Great Falls Village Centre The Village Green is one of the most popular areas for the townspeople to gather for events.  A Quick Draw Competition for a $10 fee will take place on the Village Green on Sunday, May 31^st from 10am-noon, registration opens at 9am.  Artists will paint anywhere within the loop of the Village Green starting at 10am.  Artists will display their completed paintings on easels promptly at noon for judging and selling at the Gazebo through Sunday evening.  Any paintings sold will contribute 25% to The Arts of Great Falls.  Awards for the Quick Draw is $300 for the adult winner and two $50 awards to youth. 

Come Be a Spectator, May 31, 10am to Noon
For those not participating as artists, for two hours you get to see artwork take shape and potentially purchase a piece of the town after Armand Cabrera chooses an adult winner and the two youth awardees. And here's a hint: watch but don't talk or stand too close to the artists during those two hours. They are concentrating!

I've participated in a lot of these quick draws and they are just plain fun for artists and spectators. Wet paintings and drawings are set up on easels right away ... all in a row. For the adult division, you should have frames ready, wired and ready to pop in your art to set on the easel and be hung. For the young ones, framing is not expected.

Hints for Participating in a Quick Draw
Even though you'll be starting with a blank stamped canvas or piece of paper at the allotted time, that doesn't mean you have to start thinking about what you'll do at 10am. I will have picked out my place, area of interest, created a very rough sketch to place by my side, have my palette (or tools ready) and might mix up some of the main colors to use in the scene.

"Two Tents," oil, 10"h x 8"w, ©Jill Banks 2013 created during Mountain Maryland's Quick Draw

Choose your canvas size. Paint or draw in a size that you are comfortable completing in two hours or less. If framing is necessary, have a frame ready for either orientation (portrait or landscape) you might choose. (A square canvas could make this easier.)

Check out the site beforehand. Even sketch there at the same time of day. (I don't do this but you can.) The

A scene from the Mountain Maryland Plein Air quick draw event. All pieces were completed in two hours and then immediately set up on easels for judging.

caveat is that what a place looks like one day doesn't tell you what it will be like another. During the Quick Draw for Mountain Maryland Plein Air during my first year there, I'd selected a kiosk as my focal point and for my sketch getting ready during the hour before the horn blew to start. As I sat there, a tent went up blocking my view ... and my painting became "Two Tents." Stuff always happens.

Have fun!

Look up, down, in front of you, behind you ... a step away left or right, standing up or sitting down to choose your spot. It's a funny dance but the view sure changes with each shift.  It's worth the effort.

What's It Like to Compete in Multi-Day Plein Air Events?

Painting "Hung Out to Dry" during Wayne Plein Air

Everyone reacts differently. Some hate it, some love it. In between moments of frustration and jangled nerves, are opportunities to enjoy and capture fresh views, meet fellow artists, be appreciated for your talent and presence by townspeople, get inside looks at properties that wouldn't be afforded otherwise. It's celebratory. Places are appreciated differently because you were there.

Coming back from Wayne, my head is so full of all the neat moments and memories of six jam-packed days. I painted there the first night ("Wayne Feed") aided by a homeowner who turned on the lights on the gas pump, requested the Christmas lights be turned on, set up a ladder with a Coleman lantern so I could see my palette and painting in progress under the night's sky and offered all the enthusiasm over my progress that one could ever hope for. Days were filled with lots of such positive encounters, reactions.

I spent days around a pregnant sheep, an ornery goose, friendly dogs, chickens, gracious people. I LOVED the view, was grateful that this is what I get to do. One invitation led to another place to paint. While I was working at my easel, Randy took a walk around a gorgeous farm led by a young boy ... who introduced him to the resident donkeys. Watching the two of them was one of the highlights.

The downside is that it is really difficult to choose what to paint -- every day, every part of the every day. Paintings don't always cooperate. I take awhile to settle in to a place, to "get it" and to start painting well. Not everything turns out. (Odds of success are small in plein air painting.) I worry that there will be enough successful paintings to turn in during each receiving date. (For Wayne, we could paint from Monday night to Thursday and had to turn in that work by Thursday at 8pm, framed and ready to hang. Then paint on Friday and turn in work again by 8pm. Then paint on Saturday and turn in that painting by 3pm and get back by 6pm for the opening of the Gala.) It's intense but in the end, I was proud of the paintings ... and happy.

I stayed with a host family (Wendy and Larry Liss) who helped in every way possible including offering great coffee, homemade granola, a comfy room, an easel to put on finishing touches or look at my paintings at days' end and a table for framing. Great company too when I wasn't out painting!

There were bugs. I was covered with paint for days. It was very tiring!

Expenses are few. We met wonderful people who are great supporters. Artwork sells and new collectors added. I'd do it all over again in a heartbeat.  (I'll be going to Telluride Colorado in June for Telluride Plein Air. Can't wait!)

Excuse this very long post. Any questions about the Paint Great Falls and Quick Draw events, please email me at jill@jillbanks.com. I'd be happy to help!

Paintings shown here from Wayne are available for purchase at the Wayne Art Center in Wayne, PA through June 27.

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 12-16:  Wayne Plein Air, Wayne and Philadelphia, PA. Juried as one of 30 artists nationwide to paint the area. Exhibit continues through June 26 at the Wayne Art Center

 May 30-31: Art on the Green and Paint Great Falls, Outdoor Art Show (under a tent) and plein air competition and exhibit, 756 Walker Road, Great Falls, VA. Art Show on the Green: Saturday, 9am to 5pm and Sunday, 11am to 8pm. Quick Draw (watch me paint or participate too): Sunday, May 31, 10am to Noon

May 26 - June 5: Salmagundi Club Non-Member Painting and Sculpture Exhibition, Salmagundi Club, 47 Fifth Avenue, NYC. "Green Pastures" accepted into the exhibition.

June 5-7: Rittenhouse Square: The Original Art Show, Philadelphia, PA. Sunday, June 7: I'll be the official demoist at the show at 1pm.

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
July 18-19: Westport Fine Arts Festival, Westport, CT

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

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

September 20 & 21: Alexandria King Street Festival, Alexandria, VA

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

"Painted Ladies" Painting Victorians in Wayne

"Painted Ladies," oil, 12"h x 16"w, ©Jill Banks 2015 -- available for purchase through the Wayne Art Center (Wayne, PA) through June 27, 2015

Not much time for this post ... but someday I'm REALLY going to let you in on my life as an artist.  It's full/interesting/varied.

"Painted Ladies" was created Saturday morning, the last official painting day of Wayne Plein Air 2015.  By then I had a history with both of these houses and their owners. Hopefully, my future posts will reveal that.  Otherwise, this would be like a bad novel, moving forward in time and forgetting to backtrack.

Painting affords me the luxury, privilege of learning all the time. So many lessons, many from just the day before went into this one. I love it.  It's also not in the main gallery at the Wayne Center, due to when it was turned in ... but if you go there, this one is definitely worth seeking out. Right?

There are lots of art events coming up ... right around the corner and I don't want you to miss out. If you are a painter, sign up for Paint Great Falls (see below for details). If you are a collector, May 30 & 31 in Great Falls, VA is the weekend for you. I'll be under a tent with 20 other artists in the Village Centre. More of my work is in the gallery and my studio a stone throw away. And, I'll be participating in the Quick Draw right there on Sunday morning, 10am to noon -- where you can watch the work develop. Please email me jill@jillbanks.comjill@jillbanks.com if you need info. Sign up for my newsletter on my website for the next issue (tomorrow?).

Call for Artists
So if you, too, enjoy plein air painting, consider registering for Paint Great Falls! (Great Falls VA) to capture the town from May 28 to 30.  Registration is now open at www.greatfallsart.org/plein-air. (This is in addition to the Quick Draw on May 31.)

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 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. Sunday, June 7: I'll be the official demoist at the show at 1pm.

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
July 18-19: Westport Fine Arts Festival, Westport, CT

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

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

September 20 & 21: Alexandria King Street Festival, Alexandria, VA

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

Posted by Jill Banks at 5:12 PM No comments: Links to this post

"Snowballs at Strafford" Plein Air Painting at the Strafford Train Station

"Snowballs at Strafford," oil, 10"h x 8"w, copyright Jill Banks 2015 ($650)

I think it's a good sign that it's been tough to choose which painting from my week at Wayne Plein Air 2015 to spotlight on each day's post. Ten were painted over the course of five days and nine of those are on view (and available for purchase) at the Wayne Art Center in Wayne, PA through June 27.

"Snowballs at Strafford" was an accomplishment. I took a very unusual view -- a challenge to draw and paint and a little tough on my neck (and brain).

I chose the composition because the world surprises us when we look up, down, behind us, around corners -- in a good way. I loved the juxtaposition of the aged, worn look of the station against the fresh color of the snowball flowers in front of it.

This is one of those paintings that looked great from start to finish. A pleasure to paint and I didn't really want to stop ... but it was finished and time to move on to the next subject.

Me with five of my entries at the Wayne Plein Air gala at the Wayne Art Center

Call for Artists
So if you, too, enjoy plein air painting, consider registering for Paint Great Falls! (Great Falls VA) to capture the town from May 28 to 30.  Registration is now open at www.greatfallsart.org/plein-air. (This is in addition to the Quick Draw on May 31.)

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 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. Sunday, June 7: I'll be the official demoist at the show at 1pm.

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
July 18-19: Westport Fine Arts Festival, Westport, CT

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

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

September 20 & 21: Alexandria King Street Festival, Alexandria, VA

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

"Tulips and the Pepsi Truck"

"Tulips and the Pepsi Truck," oil, 36"h x 36"w, ©Jill Banks 2015

Well, this isn't about Wayne Plein Air ... but instead here's the painting I finished today. Enjoy!

See "Tulips and the Pepsi Truck" and others in the Still Life gallery on my web site.

"Tulips and the Pepsi Truck" was renamed (from "Pink Tulips Plus") and reworked today. Most of the setup had been kept in place in my studio since  before leaving for Madrid and California. It was waiting for me.  New tulips and sunflowers purchased today brought it back to life and it was an absolute joy to paint.  Great to look at, too!

Call for Artists
So if you, too, enjoy plein air painting, consider registering for Paint Great Falls! (Great Falls VA) to capture the town from May 28 to 30.  Registration is now open at www.greatfallsart.org/plein-air. (This is in addition to the Quick Draw on May 31.)

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 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. Sunday, June 7: I'll be the official demoist at the show at 1pm.

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
July 18-19: Westport Fine Arts Festival, Westport, CT

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

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

September 20 & 21: Alexandria King Street Festival, Alexandria, VA

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

"Cooped Up" in Pennsylvania

"Cooped Up," oil, 12"h x 16"w, ©Jill Banks 2015. On view at the Wayne Art Center in Wayne, PA thru June 26

Summing up this past week at Wayne Plein Air 2015 is going to occur over the next couple of days’ posts. I’m backtracking because when stuck in the middle of the event, I literally woke up, figured out where to paint, painted, ate, figured out where to paint, painted, ate, might have painted more or handed in work at the Wayne Art Center … and then went to sleep. Plus, I didn’t want to give away all my secret locations.

Looking back, all the days were good, full, productive  but I didn’t feel truly okay until I had a couple of paintings that were clearly successful under my belt. One of the really tough things about plein air competitions is that the odds of successful paintings vs. duds must lean unusually in your favor.  I don’t expect to love every painting that pops up on my easel under any circumstances. I REALLY don’t expect to when dealing not just with my own abilities that day – but also the whims of  Mother Nature, changing light, moving subjects. Yet, for these events there are only so many days to make something happen.

A further complication is not knowing the area. In a new location (away from home), I don’t know those favorite places – the ones that will offer just the right light at that time of day, where I’ll be comfortable and something special is bound to happen. The folks at Wayne provided us with a list of suggested locations and a short blurb on what we might find there. That helped.

For “Cooped Up” I returned to the farm where we had our opening dinner and canvas stamping on Monday night – to visit the chicken coop. I was in search of a familiar subject to improve my odds.

See more of my animal and wildlife paintings in that gallery of my web site: www.jillbanks.com under Works.

I am happy with the results but it wasn’t a simple trek to that end. Sure was peaceful there, though. Always worth the effort regardless of the outcome.

More to come tomorrow and to follow.

Call for Artists
So if you, too, enjoy plein air painting, consider registering for Paint Great Falls! (Great Falls VA) to capture the town from May 28 to 30.  Registration is now open at www.greatfallsart.org/plein-air. (This is in addition to the Quick Draw on May 31.)

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 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. Sunday, June 7: I'll be the official demoist at the show at 1pm.

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
July 18-19: Westport Fine Arts Festival, Westport, CT

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

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

September 20 & 21: Alexandria King Street Festival, Alexandria, VA

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

Don't Say You'd Like to Paint Their House

"Hung Out To Dry," oil, 20"h x 16"w, copyright Jill Banks 2015

Part of today (Friday)was spent clearing up a misconception. Wanting to paint his/her house didn't mean I was getting out the scaffolding. My inquiry wasn't helped by being preceded by a man from Honduras who DID want to get out the paint and rollers and brushes and go to town on the facade.

Painting "Hung Out to Dry" in Wayne Plein Air

I did get the okay. The house was a supporting actress (or actor) to the colorful laundry that caught my eye from the street. Added to that was a girl relaxing in a hammock. Another long, grueling, perfect day listening to rooster "music" while I painted away. Tomorrow am is the last official painting portion of Wayne Plein Air and then there's the Gala Reception Saturday night. By then, five paintings of mine will hang in the main gallery, three more were added today for the hallway galleries and one or two more will join them by early afternoon. My collection is an eclectic bunch -- a sign of being torn in many different directions. To repeat one of my own quotes, "I paint what I love. I just love a lot."

I sure appreciate all the folks who invited or allowed me to paint on their beautiful properties this week. A huge special thanks to my host family, Wendy and Larry Liss, who offered bedroom, bathroom, a house filled with art for inspiration, wonderful coffee, homemade granola, an easel and table to use for finishing touches and tons more! Thanks!!!!!

Again, more later. Time to wind down.

Call for Artists
So if you, too, enjoy plein air painting, consider registering for Paint Great Falls! (Great Falls VA) to capture the town from May 28 to 30.  Registration is now open at www.greatfallsart.org/plein-air. (This is in addition to the Quick Draw on May 31.)

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 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. Sunday, June 7: I'll be the official demoist at the show at 1pm.

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
July 18-19: Westport Fine Arts Festival, Westport, CT

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

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

September 20 & 21: Alexandria King Street Festival, Alexandria, VA

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

Painting Like Crazy in Wayne, PA

"Red Barn" (Garrett Mill Farm), oil, 16"h x 20"w, ©Jill Banks 2015 -- poor photo, great day!

I'm about to embark on official day 4 of Wayne Plein Air ... having handed in five paintings last night with more to come tonight and during the in town paint tomorrow.

There's no time to do anything but paint and sleep but here's one view -- a poor photo of it yet still a favorite day and work of the week so far.

I did get accepted for the Alexandria King Street Art Festival being held September 20&21 in Alexandria, VA. Yay!!! It's quite a line-up of great events to HOPEFULLY see you at!

Much more to come ... I just don't know when.

Off to paint.

Call for Artists
So if you, too, enjoy plein air painting, consider registering for Paint Great Falls! (Great Falls VA) to capture the town from May 28 to 30.  Registration is now open at www.greatfallsart.org/plein-air. (This is in addition to the Quick Draw on May 31.)

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 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. Sunday, June 7: I'll be the official demoist at the show at 1pm.

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
July 18-19: Westport Fine Arts Festival, Westport, CT

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

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

September 20 & 21: Alexandria King Street Festival, Alexandria, VA

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

"Apple, Tea and Tulips" and Quite a Party!

"Apple, Tea and Tulips," oil, 20"h x 16"w, ©Jill Banks 2015

"Apple, Tea and Tulips" is the first painting officially started in my new studio space at the Artists' Atelier newly located at 756 Walker Road, Great Falls, VA. Looks pretty content, right?

Grand Opening Was Truly Grand
Thank you to so many of you who showed up last night to help us celebrate our move into the Village Centre. We loved seeing you!

The space looked gorgeous and it was so much fun to show it off. The studios and school/gallery space are connected by a hallway -- one flowing into another and both spill onto porches of their own. From all the comments received, guest loved it just as much as we do.

The biggest thrill is being right in the heart of Great Falls. There's an energy here that keeps each  day spent in the studio interesting! I love seeing picnics happening on the Green, the coming and goings right out the window. And, we get visitors -- regularly. Not just on opening night.

My studio space at the Atelier in Great Falls as seen through the window after guests had dwindled

Cars and Coffee

Grand Opening: blurry photo ... but you get the idea

This morning I headed back to the Village Centre to try to capture in paint Cars and Coffee, an amazing Great Falls Saturday a.m. ritual that brings antique cars, their owners and a huge appreciative audience to hang out for a few hours. Because of the complexity of the scene -- all the people and cars appearing and disappearing -- my sketch there will need to be worked on some more ... but it's a very cool start.

Today's outing was sparked in part because  Wayne Plein Air is just ahead. I need continuous practice to handle the challenge of painting in changing conditions. Cars and Coffee seemed sufficiently difficult -- and it was.

Randy fixing up crostinis on my window seat.  We're kitchen-less.

Join Us for Artfest: Art on the Green and Paint Great Falls, May 30 & 31
May 30 and 31: I'll be under a tent on the Village Green in the heart of Great Falls, Va (just use our new studio address: 756 Walker Road, Great Falls, VA for GPS directions) AND I'll be painting in Paint Great Falls and the Quick Draw on Sunday, May 31, 10am to Noon.  For the quick draw, all are invited to come draw or paint around the Village Centre. Registration is $10 that morning. There's a youth and adult category for prizes to be awarded by Armand Cabrera. At 10am you start. At noon, that's it. Artwork then should be brought to a viewing area for judging. Spectators are invited, too!

Mark your calendars. This is going to be a great weekend chock full of art!

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.  Registration is now open at www.greatfallsart.org/plein-air. (This is in addition to the Quick Draw on May 31.)

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 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. Sunday, June 7: I'll be the official demoist at the show at 1pm.

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
July 18-19: Westport Fine Arts Festival, Westport, CT

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

Continuing the Conversation and Grand Opening At the Atelier, May 8, 7 to 9pm

Part of my booth at setup time at the Rockville Arts Festival

Oh, I wish ... I'd said.

This past weekend was spent exhibiting at A-RTS, the Arts Festival at Rockville Town Square in Maryland. It was my first time there and, with the clear exception of one visitor/collector ... almost all my visitors were seeing my work, meeting me for the first time.

Conversations move all over the place, and lingually, on the spot ... I'm just not that good at going with the flow. Half my ideas happen 24 hours later. Heck, that's not good.

One couple enthusiastically made the comment that they would love to see me paint sometime. Stuck in my brain was ... " do so many public demos, why can't I tell them when they could do this."

Out there on the immediate horizon for seeing me paint is:

• May 31: the Quick Draw at Paint Great Falls, 10am to noon in the Village Centre in Great Falls.
• May 16 : Painting in the town of Wayne PA at the culmination of Wayne Plein Air
• June 7: I'm giving a demo on the Sunday of the Rittenhouse Square Show in Philadelphia at 1pm

But none of those responses pop into my brain when summoned.

Please let me know what your interests are and I will be in touch. All that's needed is an email (to jill@jillbanks.com). What you'd like to know. Subscribe to either my blog or email newsletter or both.

I WANT to connect you to the arts and me, if you'll let me.

You're Invited!

Grand Opening at the Artists' Atelier: Friday, May 8, 7 to 9pm
You're Invited! The Atelier has moved and we are really looking forward to introducing you to our new working studios, and beautiful new gallery and teaching space (the Great Falls School of Art is right across the hall) in the heart of Great Falls at 756 Walker Road, Great Falls, VA 22066. Join us Friday night, May 8, 7 to 9pm for the party. Refreshments while they last. Beautiful art you can take home if you'd like. Come alone or bring along some art-loving friends. Celebrate. Plenty of restaurants around, too to make it a full evening affair. The Old Brogue Irish Pub is two doors down.

I REALLY hope to see you!

"Green Pastures," oil on linen-lined panel, 18"h x 24"w, ©Jill Banks 2014 accepted to the Salmagundi Club's Non-Member Painting and Sculpture Exhibition, May 26 - June 5, 2015 at the Salmagundi Club, 47 Fifth Avenue in NYC

New Invitations from Westport and the Salmagundi Club
I'll be returning to Westport Connecticut for the Westport Fine Arts Festival
and "Green Pastures" was just accepted for the non-member Painting and Sculpture Exhibition at the Salmagundi Arts Club in New York City opening later this month. Good news!

So Much Going on This Month
You are Invited!  Grand Opening at the Artists' Atelier in our new exciting location at 756 Walker Road in Great Falls, VA. Celebrate with us on Friday, May 8 from 7 to 9pm. I'll have on view fresh new paintings from Madrid and the West Coast of Monterey, CA and many favorites from the last year or two.

Wayne Plein Air lies ahead ... in days. I'll be painting in and around Wayne and Philadelphia, Pa.

End of the month ... May 30 and 31: I'll be under a tent on the Village Green in the heart of Great Falls, Va (just use our new studio address: 756 Walker Road, Great Falls, VA for GPS directions) AND I'll be painting in Paint Great Falls and the Quick Draw on Sunday, May 31.

I sure hope to see you soon!

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 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. Sunday, June 7: I'll be the official demoist at the show at 1pm.

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
July 18-19: Westport Fine Arts Festival, Westport, CT

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