Tuesday, June 30, 2015

Three More From Telluride

"Little Red," oil, 8"h x 10"w, ©Jill Banks 2015 ($650)



Painting the fire truck was the most challenging of these three ... with vehicles regularly parking in the median between it and my easel. Finally, the fire truck departed but not until after giving me an extra 15 minutes of modeling time. I needed it.

"Grilled Cheese," oil, 16"h x 12"w, ©Jill Banks 2015 ($1250)

"Grilled Cheese" was painted yesterday in the park in the heart of Telluride. Great sandwiches ... and apparently everyone knows it. I even had the benefit of a young boy sitting at the end of the bench. He kept trying out different poses. Not many of my portrait class models can come up with such a variety.

"Sheridan Stage Door," oil, 8"h x 10"w, ©Jill Banks 2015 ($650)
I painted "Sheridan Stage Door" yesterday afternoon. Telluride Plein Air benefits the Sheridan Opera House and this is its backside view. I loved the little peek inside the open stage door. An hour after finishing this, all the participating artists met inside that room to get acquainted and learn more about the week ahead.

All paintings I've been posting here from Telluride can be purchased any time this week.  Contact me via email or phone (see below) and I'll lead you through the purchasing process. Not sure yet? I'd be glad to show you any of the pieces framed in and around Telluride.

Official sale days happen in the park (where I painted the Grilled Cheese truck) on Friday through Sunday.

Hopefully, that's clearer than mud.

Talk to you soon!

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
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
Working on a late afternoon painting yesterday in Telluride, CO
July 18-19: Westport Fine Art Festival, Westport, CT
September 19-20: Alexandria King Street Festival, Old Town Alexandria, VA
October 4: McLean MPA Artfest, McLean, VA
October 16-18: Great Falls Studio Annual Studio Tour, Great Falls, VA (I'll be at the Artists' Atelier, 756 Walker Road, Great Falls, VA)
December 3-6: One Of A Kind Show & Sale, Merchandise Mart, Chicago, IL

Sunday, June 28, 2015

Gondola, Gondola ... "Riding High" from Telluride

"Riding High," oil, 24"h x 12"w, ©Jill Banks 2015 (Telluride, CO)
After talking with lots of folks visiting me yesterday while painting, it seems that might trip here would not be complete without at least one view of the gondolas passing overhead. Young ones gave me high marks on works in progress but still asked, "Are you painting the gondola?"

Up I rode today and then found a spot to paint just past the station ... sitting on rocks for the best view. It sprinkled through about half the session. Randy borrowed an umbrella from the inn to protect my palette and painting, then made ponchos out of trash bags for the both of us. Quite a sight.

There were cheers from up above from gondola riders who told me that I was "very cool" and my painting was "AWESOME." Hope they are right.

Got to go to try to finish the painting started yesterday.

Talk to you soon!

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
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
Working on a late afternoon painting yesterday in Telluride, CO
July 18-19: Westport Fine Art Festival, Westport, CT
September 19-20: Alexandria King Street Festival, Old Town Alexandria, VA
October 4: McLean MPA Artfest, McLean, VA
October 16-18: Great Falls Studio Annual Studio Tour, Great Falls, VA (I'll be at the Artists' Atelier, 756 Walker Road, Great Falls, VA)
December 3-6: One Of A Kind Show & Sale, Merchandise Mart, Chicago, IL

Saturday, June 27, 2015

Two More from Telluride

"A Little Rusty," oil, 12"h x 16"w, ©Jill Banks 2015.  I stumbled upon this scene on my way to what I thought would be my first painting site of the day. Glad I did.
In a few minutes I'm off to find my next painting subject ... but here are two to enjoy. Which one's your favorite?

"Morning in Telluride," oil, 8"h x 10"w, ©Jill Banks 2015. Blue mountain backdrop for some early morning strolls.

I put both "A Little Rusty" and "Morning in Telluride" on my web site. Click on the titles for more info on each or go to the Places Gallery under Works.

Off to paint.

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
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 Art Festival, Westport, CT
September 19-20: Alexandria King Street Festival, Old Town Alexandria, VA
October 4: McLean MPA Artfest, McLean, VA
October 16-18: Great Falls Studio Annual Studio Tour, Great Falls, VA (I'll be at the Artists' Atelier, 756 Walker Road, Great Falls, VA)
December 3-6: One Of A Kind Show & Sale, Merchandise Mart, Chicago, IL

Friday, June 26, 2015

Visions of "America the Beautiful" and "Home on the Range"

"Mountain Market," oil, 12"h x 16"w, ©Jill Banks 2015 painted this afternoon at the Farmer's Market in Telluride, Colorado
Since April, my life as an artist has brought me to the Pacific Coast (Monterey, Carmel, Pacific Grove for the Plein Air Convention), Virginia Beach (for the Boardwalk Fine Art Show last week), on a driving trip through the heartland between Northern Virginia and Chicago (for the Old Town Art Fair two weeks ago) ... and now to Telluride, Colorado for the Telluride Plein Air competition. Yesterday, en route to Telluride from Montrose, a field was filled with relaxing elk ... a new sight for me.

"Shimmering Sea," oil, 5"h x 5"w, ©Jill Banks 2015: Painted at the Boardwalk show
Each journey has reinforced just how grand, how beautiful this country of ours is. Telluride is breathtaking. (It's so pretty in every direction, I'm having a heck of a time choosing what to paint.) So were the farms I passed throughout Pennsylvania, Ohio, Indiana.

Out the window and all around have been spacious skies, amber waves of grain, purple mountain majesties, fruited plains, ... and sea to shining sea.

Plus those "antelopes" from "Home on the Range."

So here are the first two verses of "America the Beautiful" by Katherine Lee Bates.

America the Beautiful

O beautiful for spacious skies,
For amber waves of grain,
For purple mountain majesties
Above the fruited plain!

America! America!
God shed His grace on thee,
And crown thy good with brotherhood
From sea to shining sea!
O beautiful for pilgrim feet
Whose stern impassion'd stress
A thoroughfare for freedom beat
Across the wilderness.
I painted at the Farmer's Market in Telluride today.  A further reminder of the bounty we enjoy. This is my third painting here. If painting #1 and #2 look okay to me later, you just might see them soon.

I'm here early for the Plein Air event, working to get used to the high altitudes and surroundings before the competition begins.  Good thing, too. A couple of factors make painting here a challenge. While I'm accustomed to changing light and shadows outdoors, here it seems to be a new pattern every minute. Mountains get in the way of mountains casting their presence every which way. Challenge number two is the intensity of the light. It's so strong that my eyes "wear out" quickly and all darks seem to disappear. Hopefully, each day will be an improvement over the one prior. In any case, I'm very happy to be painting.  And, in such a beautiful place. Yea!!!!!!

Two More Pieces of News
1) I was interviewed by Bettina Lanyi from the Washington Post for an article on adult art classes. She wrote a really nice article that was slated for publication on June 26 in the Arlington/Alexandria (possibly Fairfax) Local Living Sections.  You can read it here: http://www.washingtonpost.com/local/this-time-its-the-adults-going-to-camp/2015/06/23/c7d9c2b0-19b8-11e5-ab92-c75ae6ab94b5_story.html
2) Sunday, October 4, 10am to 5pm: meet me at my booth at the MPA McLean Artfest. I'm not sure exactly how many years this annual outdoor juried art festival has been going on ... but they have nicely said yes to my application for all but one of them.  And, I've said yes back.

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
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 Art Festival, Westport, CT
September 19-20: Alexandria King Street Festival, Old Town Alexandria, VA
October 4: McLean MPA Artfest, McLean, VA
October 16-18: Great Falls Studio Annual Studio Tour, Great Falls, VA (I'll be at the Artists' Atelier, 756 Walker Road, Great Falls, VA)
December 3-6: One Of A Kind Show & Sale, Merchandise Mart, Chicago, IL



Thursday, June 18, 2015

Oceanside View ... Up for Judging at the Boardwalk Art Show

"Guard Duty," oil, 6"h x 6"w, ©Jill Banks 2015
Each weekend's been bringing me to a new spot. Last night Randy and I set up the tent while the waves lapped against the shore in Virginia Beach.  Sunset cast its glow on faces and beach. Really pretty.

"Crosswalk," 40"h x 30"w, oil, ©Jill Banks 2014
As this is my first time here, I have no expectations. It's a four day show at the beach, hot, highly competitive (high quality art), well run.  Tents line the entire beach.

I painted this morning before opening the tent at noon. My photos of "Shimmering Sea" are eluding me at the moment.

"Guard Duty" was painted tonight.

I was selected today for judging meaning that it's possible that I'll win an award for "Crosswalk" on Saturday night. Fingers crossed. That would be really neat! I kept receiving congratulations for making it through to the judging round.

A report is due on Chicago ... just not yet.

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
June 18-21: VA Beach Boardwalk Art Show, Virginia Beach, VA. Visit my booth right on the boardwalk. #2302 between 23rd and 24th Streets 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 Art Festival, Westport, CT
September 19-20: Alexandria King Street Festival, Old Town Alexandria, VA
December 3-6: One Of A Kind Show & Sale, Merchandise Mart, Chicago, IL



Thursday, June 11, 2015

Heading to Chicago

"Tents in the Square," oil, 10"h x 8"w, ©Jill Banks 2014 was painted at Rittenhouse last weekend.
There was going to be a two-week break between shows ... but yesterday I received a call inviting me to the Old Town Art Fair (in the Old Town Triangle District) in Chicago, IL this weekend, June 13 & 14 ... so I'm en route.

Hours are 10am to 6pm both Saturday and Sunday, rain or shine.  Suggested adult donation of $7 for the show.

For more info, click here.

Last minute notice isn't easy and I'd pass but this is a remarkable show.

If you know folks in Chicago, please send them my way.  Booth #2 on Menomonee Street in Old Town Chicago. Considering my booth information will be missing from the maps ... I could use some help.

Fellow studiomate Cindy Grisdela will be there, too. (This is her second year.) Two Artists' Atelier members from Great Falls, VA in Chicago at the same show. Pretty neat!

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 17-June 26:  Wayne Plein Air Exhibition of art (245 pieces) created by  30 artists chosen nationwide to paint in and around Wayne and Philadelphia, PA in mid-May. Exhibit continues through June 26 at the Wayne Art Center. Nine of my paintings are on exhibit.
June 13-14: Old Town Art Fair Booth #2 on Menomonee in Chicago's Old Town Triangle Historical District, Chicago, IL, 10am to 6pm both days
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 Art Festival, Westport, CT
September 19-20: Alexandria King Street Festival, Old Town Alexandria, VA
December 3-6: One Of A Kind Show & Sale, Merchandise Mart, Chicago, IL

Monday, June 8, 2015

The Art Collector's Labor of Love

"Garden Lion," oil, 8"h x 10"h, ©Jill Banks 2015 was my demo painting at Rittenhouse Square on Sunday
After three days spent at the Rittenhouse Square Fine Art show, I've witnessed (and participated in)  all the care artists take to select what to show, pack, put up tents to house our mini-galleries, present, introduce, and entice others to view and hopefully invest in our artwork -- this extension of ourselves. I was surrounded by extraordinary artists, beautiful art, professionally offered. Kudos to all my talented, hard-working neighbors!
What's not so obvious to us sitting inside the booths is the thought, time, energy that collectors spend looking at and selecting work that will then intertwine with their lives.

I saw people out on the search. Remember: none of us know what our visitors want and none of our visitors know what we are going to bring. It's a dance. We're finding our partners.

"Reverence," oil, 36"h x 36"w, ©Jill Banks 2015 found a great home.
I care about where my artwork arrives in perhaps a different way than a gallery might. It's not the prestige of a collection, it's the heart and soul that goes into it. Where someone hangs a painting ... and why.

"Reverence," my painting of a church in La Morra, Italy, went to the best of homes yesterday. The painting speaks. It has power and beauty both. 

The new owner of "Reverence" saw that. I couldn't imagine a better match. My painting is backed by exposed brick in a beautiful loft where it finds pride of place ... rather perfectly. As much as I care where it's going, John, the new owner of "Reverence" showed me how much care he took in its
John beside "Reverence" in his loft. Lights, more to follow.
acquisition and placement. Special lighting will follow shortly. A leather armchair will fall below. Draperies will leave a little more room. "Reverence" found a most gracious, welcoming home.

So many of you have provided the same for more of my "kids." I love how paintings find their way to where they will catch your eye most often. Within eyesight of a favorite chair or kitchen counter. On the stairway to start or end your day.

Before finding that perfect place, you figured out what should go there. Walking around the square at Rittenhouse, I realized just how difficult that decision must be.

I came home thankful for all those who visited my booth, who watched my demo on Sunday (many), who took home (or hope to acquire) the work they saw throughout the show. I can't tell you how many thank yous were received by guests over the weekend for just being there. Wholeheartedly, I offer the same thank you back.

"Ebony and Ivory," oil, 16"h x 12"w, ©Jill Banks 2014
Past the Last Minute Purchase
Randy and I were always slow to shut down the booth. On Sunday, shoppers seemed to linger, hoping to find "the one." We did pack up ... about an hour late. When only five pieces were left unboxed, still hanging in my booth ... "Ebony and Ivory," my painting of ballerinas was purchased by Steve,  President of a company that manufactures tutus and dance costumes. Another perfect, happy fit.

Demo'ing in the Square
On Sunday at 1pm, I was giving the official Rittenhouse Square demonstration ... supposedly in the center of the square. On Friday and Saturday, I walked around the area at 1pm, checking out my light and possibilities. I was trying to stay as close to the center as possible, paint what intrigued me, leave room for some onlookers, stay in the shade. Tough assignment.

I decided to approach the demo just as I would almost any other painting day. Follow my heart. Find a painting. It was slightly off the beaten path.

The group that accompanied me were terrific. They watched "Garden Lion" take shape, learned why I chose the subject, asked questions, cared about the answers. One man there commented that it has to take a great deal of courage to stand there and paint. It becomes easier and easier through the
My Booth at Rittenhouse Square. Every painting had an admirer.
kindness of strangers, regularity of practice and sprinkling of intended results realized. We weren't born courageous but can opt to adopt the trait.

Words escape me. I'm humbled in a million ways today.

"Italian Vines," oil, 8"h x 10"w, ©Jill Banks 2014 found a new home, too.
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 17-June 26:  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
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
September 20 & 21: Alexandria King Street Festival, Alexandria, VA
December 3-6: One Of A Kind Show & Sale, Merchandise Mart, Chicago, IL





Thursday, June 4, 2015

"Crow and the Pitcher" Heading to Rittenhouse Square Art Show

"Crow and the Pitcher," oil, 14"h x 11"w, ©Jill Banks 2015
The van's packed with paintings and show gear and heading along its way to Philadelphia, PA for this weekend's Rittenhouse Square 84th Annual Art Show.

The "wet paint" award of the bunch goes to "Crow & the Pitcher" -- a painting almost completed on site a couple of weeks ago after finishing up Wayne Plein Air. While Randy was checking out the parking situation, I was looking for possible subjects for my Sunday, June 7, 1pm demo at the art show. Lots of possibilities but for that afternoon I chose this scene within viewing distance of the Park.

I finished it up in my studio in Great Falls, VA last night. You'll find it in Booth #26 in the Rittenhouse Square Art Show this weekend.

Friday, June 5, 11am to 7pm
Saturday, June 6, 11am to 7pm
Sunday, June 7, 11am to 5pm
Rain or shine ... but I'm hoping for shine!

I'll be in Booth #26 on Walnut Street. Come say hello! (Please pass the word, too.)
Map of Booth Numbers Around the Square
Rittenhouse Square Artists & Booth Numbers
Parking Info

Most of the paintings I'll be bringing are in the Places Gallery on my web site, but here are some additional direct links for a pre-booth look...

 Italy Landscapes (with people)
"Market Day," oil, 36"h x 48"w, ©Jill Banks 2014
Sitting with Statues, 30"h x 40"w -- view from the steps around the corner from the Uffizi in Florence, Italy
Reverence, 36"h x 36"w -- church in La Morra, Italy
Italian Time, 30"h x 30"w -- view from the farmhouse in the Piemonte wine region of Northern Italy
Campo Santa Maria del Giglio, 12"h x 16"w -- the gondolier station around the corner from our hotel in Venice
Market Day, 36"h x 48"w -- fruit and vegetable market in Alba, Italy
La Morra View, 12"h x 16"w -- top of the hilltown of La Morra, Italy

Ballerinas
"Ebony and Ivory,"oil, 16"h x 12"w,  ©Jill Banks 2014
Ebony and Ivory, 16"h x 12"w

California Coast (boats, water, beach)
Colorful One, 12"h x 16"w
Down by the Seashore, 8"h x 10"w
Rocky Shores, 12"h x 16"
Carmel by the Sea, 12"h x 16"w

Paris, Montmartre
Cafe Break, 24"h x 30"w
Jardins de Montmartre, 24"h x 36"w

Bar Scene
The Snuggery, 18"h x 24"w
Irish Pub, 18"h x 24"w

Horses, Chickens
Sticking Together, 18"h x 24"w
Chicken Chat, 16"h x 20"w





I hope to see you, friends, relatives there!

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 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
September 20 & 21: Alexandria King Street Festival, Alexandria, VA
December 3-6: One Of A Kind Show & Sale, Merchandise Mart, Chicago, IL
 

Tuesday, June 2, 2015

"Moon Glow" Nocturne of Great Falls VA

"Moon Glow," oil, 16"h x 12"w, ©Jill Banks 2015
Most of today has been spent figuring out what to bring/how to hang my booth for this weekend's Rittenhouse Square Art Show in Philadelphia. I have two alternative setups planned and now will see just how much husband Randy can fit into the van along with some clothes and painting supplies.

I'm giving a demo in the center of Rittenhouse Square on Sunday, June 7 at 1pm. Not sure what I'll be painting exactly but there are two days on site beforehand in which to figure that out.

Rittenhouse Square Show hours are
Friday, June 5, 11am to 7pm
Saturday, June 6, 11am to 7pm
Sunday, 11am to 5pm
Rain or shine ... but I'm hoping for shine!

I'll be in Booth #26 on Walnut Street. Come say hello! (Please pass the word, too.)
Map of Booth Numbers Around the Square
Rittenhouse Square Artists & Booth Numbers
Parking Info

Making Good Use of My Tent
"Moon Glow" was painted on Thursday night, right after Randy and I had set up the tent and turned on the lights. I've never before had quite that much illumination on my easel and palette for a nocturne. It was actually kind of strange to be capturing the little light on my subject with it so bright around me.  Eye confusion.

One of four "planned" walls for Rittenhouse. I adjust on site but these layouts sure help.
It was one of my two entries for Paint Great Falls turned in on Saturday. (The other was "Too Hot to Trot" which you can see on yesterday's post.) While my schedule was jam-packed with the plein air event and a weekend arts festival ... it was nice to have "mandatory" painting time on Thursday, Friday and Sunday (the Quick Draw).

Speaking of Paint Great Falls, Armand Cabrera put up a post "In the Judge's Seat" on his popular blog "Art and Influence" about what he looks for when judging an event -- prompted by having just performed that duty during last weekend's event. You can read it here. 

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


Another planned "wall." Two paintings debut here: "Rocky Shores" and "Carmel by the Sea"
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 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
September 20 & 21: Alexandria King Street Festival, Alexandria, VA
December 3-6: One Of A Kind Show & Sale, Merchandise Mart, Chicago, IL



Monday, June 1, 2015

Paint Great Falls Quick Draw Award

"What About Bob," oil, 10"h x 8"w, ©Jill Banks 2015 awarded First Place in the Quick Draw
Paint Great Falls, a first-year plein air competition held these past few days in and around Great Falls, VA brought painters from around the region to capture the charms of the Village Centre, local restaurants, and Great Falls parks from Thursday, May 28 to Saturday, May 30. On Sunday, May 31, there was a Quick Draw from 10am to noon.

"Too Hot to Trot," oil, 16"h x 20"w, ©Jill Banks 2015 awarded "People's Choice"
My painting, "What About Bob," was awarded First Place in the Adult Division at Sunday's Quick Draw by judge Armand Cabrera.

In the regular plein air competition, the awards went to:
First Place: Ted Reed, "Afternoon Falls"
Second Place: Christine Lashley, "Cool Stream"
Third Place: Lorrie Herman, "The Old Brogue"
People's Choice: Jill Banks, "Too Hot to Trot"

First through Third Place were chosen by Armand Cabrera.

I've got to tell you about "Too Hot to Trot." Participating in Paint Great Falls and this weekend's Artfest on the Green (an outdoor arts festival in the Village Centre in Great Falls, VA) involved a lot of juggling and compromise. Canvases were stamped for Paint Great Falls on Thursday between 5 and 7pm. That's also the night Randy and I set up my booth on the Green. Painters were to turn in their paintings at 3pm on Saturday but I'd be at my booth (and hanging paintings in it) from 8am to 5pm. That left Thursday night -- post booth setup and Friday as possible painting times.  Thursday night -- very late -- I painted a nocturne from inside my now lit tent of the Village Centre. Friday, figuring what to hang, where, took until about 3:30 in the afternoon so around 4:00pm I was in my spot to set up. Way late. There to paint horses. No horses.

The brave souls of the Paint Great Falls Quick Draw Event 2015 with judge Armand Cabrera (middle, back)
I have passed this scene hundreds of times. Wanted to paint it every single time. Graciously received permission to paint from a neighbor's driveway (so I wasn't standing in the grass and could park my car out of the way). Who knew the horses would be tucked away out of the heat?

It was boiling out. No shade. I started painting the barn and outbuildings figuring that sooner or later my protagonists would make it out onto the stage. Sweated my way through an hour and a half. Decided that I could not take the heat. Set up in my car with the door open, window down, air conditioning blasting, supplies on the ground on the driveway. Horses appeared and I wiped down what I had and started again.

This is the result. Once the horses arrived the fun began. They were worth the heat, sweat, erased first attempt. But it was too hot to trot.

It's so easy for a blog post after too long a delay to turn into a treatise. I'm stopping this one here (almost) but not before thanking the Arts of Great Falls Director Julie Casso for making the whole event happen, Armand Cabrera for offering to judge the event, fellow (and some reluctant) artists for giving something new to them a shot this weekend. The results included some wonderful views into this great town. Thanks!!!!!!!

Want to know more about plein air competitions, what they are, what it is like to be a participant?  Read my post: "Plein Air Competitions and Quick Draws: A Primer for Artists and Collectors" here. Tell me about your experiences.

Thanks for reading!



Jill

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

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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 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
September 20 & 21: Alexandria King Street Festival, Alexandria, VA
December 3-6: One Of A Kind Show & Sale, Merchandise Mart, Chicago, IL