On the Cover of the Great Falls Connection

Cover of the Great Falls Connection Newspaper, October 21, 2015

Immediately after the Great Falls Studio Tour ... as in I left an hour and a half early on Sunday ... I headed to Delaware for Plein Air Brandywine Valley for a week of painting.

Yesterday was my first time back to my studio -- actually to teach my two Tuesday classes but in a quick stop in my area at the Artists' Atelier (756 Walker Road, Great Falls, VA), there I found this week's copy of the Great Falls Connection with a photo of me -- surrounded by my paintings on the cover. Nice!

The tour was a great success -- filled with enthusiastic visitors, returning friends, family (my Mom, Dad and brother Phil came to my Saturday demo).  It was a busy, fun weekend spent sharing our art and art-making.  Thank you to the Great Falls Connection for covering this signature event brought to the community by Great Falls Studios with a sponsorship from Sun Design Remodeling.

As classes wind down (one more full Tuesday) and my last two art events of the year (Collectors Home Show in Virginia and the One of a Kind Show in Chicago) lay ahead, I'm catching the last of the outdoors as painting subject, focusing on mini paintings to help you with gift-giving (collaborations welcome),  contemplating some major works and working on commissions.

"Pink Flamingo," oil, 6"h x 6"w, ©2015 Jill Banks. One of the Beanie Baby Series. Available.

In addition to encouraging you to think about commissioning or requesting a subject to help you with your holiday shopping ...
What about giving the gift of one of my art classes (to loved ones or yourself) coming up this January taught through the Great Falls School of Art (Great Falls, VA)? Check out my Winter Class offerings here -- with one night and Sunday afternoon class that would fit work/school schedules for teens and adults. Here's the link to my classes page for more info: http://jillbanks.com/workshops

"How Now, Cow?" finished, oil, 16"h x 12"w,©2015 Jill Banks

Well past time to get into the studio.  Off I go.

So what was on the easel today? A return to "Persimmons, Melon and a Cow" -- a painting started on Friday of the Studio Tour as a demo -- that's now renamed as "How Now, Cow?"

Thanks for reading!

Jill

Phone: 703.403.7435

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

See the Events page for more info/updates

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

Under the Wyeth Influence ... Sort Of

"Top Chicken," oil, 6"h x 6"w, ©2015 Jill Banks

I'm too fond of color to fit in the family ... but a visit to the Somerville-Manning Gallery in Greenville, Delaware on Friday surrounded me with enough Jamie Wyeth animal influence to decide what was on my easel for the last two days.

"Pretty Pig," oil, 6"h x 6"w, ©2015 Jill Banks -- from Coverdale Farm Preserve

Friends from the farm including the prettiest, cleanest, nicest-odored pig I've ever come across.

Plus, there are great chickens and cows to honor in paint. It was a field day ... just staged inside since post-plein air competition, I managed to acquire a cold. Par for the course.

"Cow," oil, 6"h x 6"w, ©2015 Jill Banks

 These small paintings ... along with many more ... will be heading to the  One Of A Kind Show and Sale unless you want to snatch them up first.  And, I have complimentary tickets to that show. Do you want them? Email me: jill@jillbanks.com with your snail mail address and I'd be glad to send them while they last.

Winter classes are now up, too, on my web site. Take a look!  I'll be teaching a Portrait Painting/Drawing class this January on Sunday afternoons. Class size is limited and if you want to join us, don't wait. As School Director Julie Casso mentioned today -- that is not a ploy to get you to sign up. The class will fill and I hope you'll be in it.

Thanks for reading!

Jill

Phone: 703.403.7435

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

See the Events page for more info/updates

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

That's a Wrap ... Plein Air Brandywine Valley 2015

"Barn at Granogue," oil, 12"h x 24"w, ©2015 Jill Banks. This is yesterday afternoon's (Thursday, October 22) painting at the private Granogue estate. By day's end, white-faced black cows wandered to the edge of the fence (on my right) to check out my progress. They were too late to star in this show.

Sometimes silence on my blog means I'm painting too much. By the time the painting sessions are done, there's not one ounce of energy left to type. You know how taxing that is.

"Painting the Pump House" (of painter Lisa Prinzo on the grounds at Winterthur), 10"h x 8"w,  ©2015 Jill Banks

"Scarecrow," oil, 10"h x 8"w, ©2015 Jill Banks.  Painted at Coverdale Farm Preserve. I was a late arrival to this fantastic property on our first day of the painting competition. One of the signs of a great event is that you just wish it would go on and on ... I would have loved to have been at this one spot for days. Most of my time here was spent painting the one piece that couldn't be finished on site.

I just handed in my last painting (It's the morning of Friday, October 23) being hung right now in time for tonight's Gala, Show and Sale for Plein Air Brandywine Valley at Winterthur (a $100 ticketed event benefiting Children's Beach House).  Since this past Monday, 75 painters and 75 photographers have been capturing the Brandywine Valley in designated spots, 7am to 5 or 6pm each day. I started eight and finished seven. You've seen two of those ("That's What I'm Squawking About" and "Janssen's Market") in my previous posts.

"Horse Ties" (Thayer Residence), oil, 12"h x 16"w, ©2015 Jill Banks. Even though ... as usual ... there were many subjects I was dying to paint, these two equine buddies held my attention the whole day. What beauties! Chickens, very free range, clucked happily behind me. My only complaint was that this painting and I were such undeniable gnat magnets. I took a sanity lunch break in my car for 20 minutes or so and came back to an almost completely gnat-covered canvas. Great.

"Piano Al Fresco," (Marshalton, PA) oil, 20"h x 16"w, ©2015 Jill Banks.

Winter classes are now up, too, on my web site. Take a look!  I'll be teaching a Portrait Painting/Drawing class this January on Sunday afternoons. Class size is limited and if you want to join us, don't wait. As School Director Julie Casso mentioned today -- that is not a ploy to get you to sign up. The class will fill and I hope you'll be in it.

Thanks for reading!

Jill

Phone: 703.403.7435

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

See the Events page for more info/updates

October 19-25:  Plein Air Brandywine Valley, Juried plein air competition, wet paint show and sale in Delaware.

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

Capturing the Merchant of Menace

Rooster day.

"That's What I'm Squawking About," oil, 16"h x 12"w, ©2015 Jill Banks

This guy was keeping watch outside of the Merchant of Menace store in Marshalton, PA.  Actually, I'm a little confused around here what state we're in. Pennsylvania and Delaware are close neighbors.

Another interesting scene occupied my afternoon.

Tomorrow's Unionville day. These full days are exhausting. Time to rest up.

Thanks for reading!

Jill

Phone: 703.403.7435

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

Winter classes are now up, too, on my web site. Take a look!  I'll be teaching a Portrait Painting/Drawing class this January on Sunday afternoons. Class size is limited and if you want to join us, don't wait. As School Director Julie Casso mentioned today -- that is not a ploy to get you to sign up. The class will fill and I hope you'll be in it.
 

See the Events page for more info/updates

October 19-25:  Plein Air Brandywine Valley, Juried plein air competition, wet paint show and sale in Delaware.

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

Plein Air Brandywine Valley: First Day

"Janssen's Market," oil, 12"h x 16"w, ©2015 Jill Banks

This week I join a bevy of painters and photographers selected to capture the Autumn scenery in and around Brandywine Valley. My first stop setting up my easel was at Janssen's Market in Wilmington, Delaware. Funny to know that of the 75-ish painters, I was the only one selecting to set up there this morning. Did I get the wrong memo?

Yesterday's demo -- painting Kurt Laubinger during Day 3 of the Great Falls Studio Tour.

In the afternoon, I found where many of them had gone ... the Coverdale Farm Reserve ... a really idyllic spot, right up my and apparently a lot of other painters' alley. I create two paintings there accompanied by pigs clinking pails and LOTS of chickens discussing something by my side. These two might require a second look before possible posting here.

At Plein Air Brandywine Valley, I'm one of the few newcomers at the event. With no time to wander around or ponder locations, each day is bound to come as a surprise. Hopefully, a happy one.

The event is organized so that each day we have a handful of potential locations -- with no options to set up again at the site. I'd love to go back to Coverdale Farm Reserve and try that again.

The opening gala where artworks are available for viewing and purchase is on Friday, October 23, 7 to 10pm at the Visitor Center of the Winterthur Museum and Garden located in Wilmington, Delaware. The works will remain on display for purchase and vieiwing throughout the remainder of the weekend and are free to the public. (Saturday, October 24, 2015 from 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. and Sunday, October 25, 2015 from noon - 3 p.m.)

A portion of the proceeds from the art sales will benefit Children’s Beach House.

Find out more about the event: http://www.pleinairbrandywinevalley.org/

Looking forward to more adventures tomorrow.

Thanks for reading!

Jill

Phone: 703.403.7435

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

Winter classes are now up, too, on my web site. Take a look!  I'll be teaching a Portrait Painting/Drawing class this January on Sunday afternoons. Class size is limited and if you want to join us, don't wait. As School Director Julie Casso mentioned today -- that is not a ploy to get you to sign up. The class will fill and I hope you'll be in it.
 

See the Events page for more info/updates

October 19-25:  Plein Air Brandywine Valley, Juried plein air competition, wet paint show and sale in Delaware.

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

"Robin" and Last Day of Studio Tour 2015 Coming Up

"Robin," oil, 14"h x 11"w, ©2015 Jill Banks. Great subject. Great day.

Something weird just happened to my post ... but thanks to all of you who joined in the fun at the Great Falls Studio Tour days 1 & 2.

Tomorrow -- Sunday, October 18, noon to 1pm -- for demo three I'll be painting a portrait again -- this time of Kurt who happened to show up at just the right time today to be hired. I'll have to save landscape painting for this coming week's Brandywine Valley Plein Air event.

I sure hope you can catch the last day of the Great Falls 12th Annual Studio Tour. The Artists' Atelier, stop #14 on the Tour will be open for visitors from noon to 5pm. (I'll be ducking out early to head to Delaware ... but my husband, Randy, will be in charge of my space should you need anything.)

Winter classes are now up, too, on my web site. Take a look!  I'll be teaching a Portrait Painting/Drawing class this January on Sunday afternoons. Class size is limited and if you want to join us, don't wait. As School Director Julie Casso mentioned today -- that is not a ploy to get you to sign up. The class will fill and I hope you'll be in it.

October 16-18:  Great Falls 12th Annual Studio Tour, (I'll be at the Artists' Atelier, 756 Walker Road, Great Falls, VA 22066). Self-guided tour of the home or group studios of 44 Great Falls artists. Last Day:  Sunday, October 18, Noon to 5pm.

Thanks for reading!

Jill

Phone: 703.403.7435

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

See the Events page for more info/updates

October 16-18:  Great Falls 12th Annual Studio Tour, (I'll be at the Artists' Atelier, 756 Walker Road, Great Falls, VA 22066). Self-guided tour of the home or group studios of 44 Great Falls artists. Hours: Friday and Sunday, Noon to 5pm. Saturday, 10am to 5pm. I'll be giving a painting demo from Noon to 1pm each day of the tour.

October 19-25:  Plein Air Brandywine Valley, Juried plein air competition, wet paint show and sale in Delaware.

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

First Day of the Great Falls Annual Studio Tour ... and a Cow

"Persimmons, Melon and a Cow" work in progress, oil, 16"h x 12"w, ©2015 Jill Banks

A big thank you to all who visited the Artists' Atelier ... and me in the studio today on the first (of three) days of the Great Falls 12th Annual Studio Tour. "Persimmons, Melon and a Cow" is what I was painted during my promised daily painting demonstration ... from noon to 1pm in the Great Falls School of Art space adjacent to the Atelier at 756 Walker Road, Great Falls, VA.  Come visit on Saturday, October 17, when we're open from 10am to 5pm. I'll be demo'ing again ... but instead of capturing a still life will be painting a very quick alla prima portrait. Stop in anytime but if you're there from noon to 1pm, you'll start to see a portrait emerge on the canvas.

For "Persimmons, Melon and a Cow" -- I incorporated a cast iron cow sculpture purchased yesterday at DePaul's Urban Farm in Vienna, VA. It was the last day of my Plein Air landscape class and the owners of DePaul's graciously allowed my class to set up throughout their beautiful property. While I wasn't painting, instead teaching, the setting was so inspiring, artful.  Turns out the owners are artists and pansies, mums, pumpkins, gourds, market stands and displays are their canvas.  If you are anywhere close, stop by and see Autumn at its best at DePaul's at 2499 Chain Bridge Road in Vienna, VA. Tell me what you think. Maybe this weekend? Farm market shopping and the Great Falls Annual Studio Tour ... what could be better?

Studio Tour hours:
Friday, October 16: noon to 5pm
Saturday, October 17: 10am to 5pm
Sunday, October 18: noon to 5pm.

Winter classes are now up, too, on my web site. Take a look!  Find out more during Studio Tour.

October 16-18:  Great Falls 12th Annual Studio Tour, (I'll be at the Artists' Atelier, 756 Walker Road, Great Falls, VA 22066). Self-guided tour of the home or group studios of 44 Great Falls artists. Hours: Friday and Sunday, Noon to 5pm. Saturday, 10am to 5pm. I'll be giving a painting demo from Noon to 1pm each day of the tour.

Pass the word. Invite your art-loving friends to join you... please.

Thanks for reading!

Jill

Phone: 703.403.7435

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

See the Events page for more info/updates

October 16-18:  Great Falls 12th Annual Studio Tour, (I'll be at the Artists' Atelier, 756 Walker Road, Great Falls, VA 22066). Self-guided tour of the home or group studios of 44 Great Falls artists. Hours: Friday and Sunday, Noon to 5pm. Saturday, 10am to 5pm. I'll be giving a painting demo from Noon to 1pm each day of the tour.

October 19-25:  Plein Air Brandywine Valley, Juried plein air competition, wet paint show and sale in Delaware.

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

You're Invited to Visit: The Great Falls Annual Studio Tour, October 16-18

A view of my studio tour ... just waiting for you!

My studio is ready for visitors ... and the whole Artists' Atelier looks amazing! We're ready for you.

It's the Great Falls Annual Studio Tour!!!!

Friday through Sunday, October 16-18, visit my studio at the Artists' Atelier, 756 Walker Road, Great Falls, VA

I'm giving a painting demonstration each studio tour day from noon to 1pm. Friday: still life. Saturday: portrait. Sunday: landscape.

Studio Tour hours:
Friday, October 16: noon to 5pm
Saturday, October 17: 10am to 5pm
Sunday, October 18: noon to 5pm.

Winter classes are now up, too, on my web site. Take a look!  Find out more during Studio Tour.

October 16-18:  Great Falls 12th Annual Studio Tour, (I'll be at the Artists' Atelier, 756 Walker Road, Great Falls, VA 22066). Self-guided tour of the home or group studios of 44 Great Falls artists. Hours: Friday and Sunday, Noon to 5pm. Saturday, 10am to 5pm. I'll be giving a painting demo from Noon to 1pm each day of the tour.

"Flowers to Go," oil, 12"h x 24"w, ©2015 Jill Banks --in my studio for the 2015 Tour

Pass the word. Invite your art-loving friends to join you... please.

Thanks for reading!

Jill

Phone: 703.403.7435

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

See the Events page for more info/updates

October 16-18:  Great Falls 12th Annual Studio Tour, (I'll be at the Artists' Atelier, 756 Walker Road, Great Falls, VA 22066). Self-guided tour of the home or group studios of 44 Great Falls artists. Hours: Friday and Sunday, Noon to 5pm. Saturday, 10am to 5pm. I'll be giving a painting demo from Noon to 1pm each day of the tour.

October 19-25:  Plein Air Brandywine Valley, Juried plein air competition, wet paint show and sale in Delaware.

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

Venice Fruit Market Painting Heading to McLean's Artfest this Monday

"Mercato," oil, 30"h x 24"w, ©2015 Jill Banks

Last year's trip to Venice awarded many visits to the Fish Market there. Not too keen on painting the fish, I chose the fruit market instead.

Beyond the market is the canal. Above are strings that hold bananas. We saw this everywhere. Bananas on high.

"Mercato" took many "takes" and is a combination of several sources and my memory of being there.

You're invited...

MPA McLean Artfest on Monday, October 12 and the Great Falls 12th Annual Studio Tour  on October 16-18... get more info following the links below.

Monday, October 12:  McLean MPA Artfest, McLean Central Park (at the intersection of Old Dominion Drive and Dolley Madison Boulevard, McLean, VA, 10am to 5pm. Free and open to the public. 

October 16-18:  Great Falls 12th Annual Studio Tour, (I'll be at the Artists' Atelier, 756 Walker Road, Great Falls, VA 22066). Self-guided tour of the home or group studios of 44 Great Falls artists. Hours: Friday and Sunday, Noon to 5pm. Saturday, 10am to 5pm. I'll be giving a painting demo from Noon to 1pm each day of the tour.

"Flowers to Go," oil, 12"h x 24"w, ©2015 Jill Banks -- another painting you'll see at my booth at McLean MPAartfest on Monday, October 12, 10am to 5pm at McLean Central Park.

Pass the word. Invite your art-loving friends to join you... please.

Thanks for reading!

Jill

Phone: 703.403.7435

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

See the Events page for more info/updates

Monday, October 12:  McLean MPA Artfest, McLean Central Park (at the intersection of Old Dominion Drive and Dolley Madison Boulevard, McLean, VA, 10am to 5pm. Free and open to the public. 

October 16-18:  Great Falls 12th Annual Studio Tour, (I'll be at the Artists' Atelier, 756 Walker Road, Great Falls, VA 22066). Self-guided tour of the home or group studios of 44 Great Falls artists. Hours: Friday and Sunday, Noon to 5pm. Saturday, 10am to 5pm. I'll be giving a painting demo from Noon to 1pm each day of the tour.

October 19-25:  Plein Air Brandywine Valley, Juried plein air competition, wet paint show and sale in Delaware.

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

Keeping Company

"Little Miss," oil on linen-lined panel, 10"h x 8"w, ©2015 Jill Banks

This afternoon and evening was spent painting this doll in my parents' family room at their condo -- nice for all of us as Dad is newly arrived out of rehab making an extra set of shoulders to lean on a fine idea. Plus, I was at least slightly entertaining in my impromptu garbage bag smock.

They have enough in place still lifes set up all around to last me a lifetime. This doll was a present to my Mom brought back from a store in either Assisi or San Gimignano, Italy. 

I hope to see you at two upcoming events if you're in the Northern Virginia neighborhood...

MPA McLean Artfest on Monday, October 12 and the Great Falls 12th Annual Studio Tour  on October 16-18... get more info following the links below.

Monday, October 12:  McLean MPA Artfest, McLean Central Park (at the intersection of Old Dominion Drive and Dolley Madison Boulevard, McLean, VA, 10am to 5pm. Free and open to the public. 

October 16-18:  Great Falls 12th Annual Studio Tour, (I'll be at the Artists' Atelier, 756 Walker Road, Great Falls, VA 22066). Self-guided tour of the home or group studios of 44 Great Falls artists. Hours: Friday and Sunday, Noon to 5pm. Saturday, 10am to 5pm. I'll be giving a painting demo from Noon to 1pm each day of the tour.

Thanks for reading!

Jill

Phone: 703.403.7435

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

See the Events page for more info/updates

Monday, October 12:  McLean MPA Artfest, McLean Central Park (at the intersection of Old Dominion Drive and Dolley Madison Boulevard, McLean, VA, 10am to 5pm. Free and open to the public. 

October 16-18:  Great Falls 12th Annual Studio Tour, (I'll be at the Artists' Atelier, 756 Walker Road, Great Falls, VA 22066). Self-guided tour of the home or group studios of 44 Great Falls artists. Hours: Friday and Sunday, Noon to 5pm. Saturday, 10am to 5pm. I'll be giving a painting demo from Noon to 1pm each day of the tour.

October 19-25:  Plein Air Brandywine Valley, Juried plein air competition, wet paint show and sale in Delaware.

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

"Daisies, Daisies" New Still Life with Gerberas

"Daisies, Daisies," oil, 24"h x12"w, ©2015 Jill Banks

This was one of the still lifes beckoning in my "Still Life Plus" class I teach through the Great Falls School of Art. The class is on Tuesday, meaning I'm shopping in the grocery on Monday with almost all of the flowers ready to expire. So this was painting under pressure.

I thought of naming this "Good Book" because hidden behind the Gerbera's is Richard Schmid's "Alla Prima" book -- my favorite art book, hands down.

Hope you enjoy. The photo's not great but still wanted to share this.

In case you were planning to visit me at McLean's MPA artfest this weekend ... it has been rescheduled to Monday, October 12, 10am to 5pm in McLean Central Park at the corner of Old Dominion Drive and Dolley Madison Boulevard  in McLean, Virginia. With the last minute change of dates and the move to a Monday holiday, we will be very lucky to get a good turnout. If you can make it, I know you'll get a big cheer from me!

Thanks for reading!

Jill

Phone: 703.403.7435

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

See the Events page for more info/updates

Monday, October 12:  McLean MPA Artfest, McLean Central Park, McLean, VA

October 16-18:  Great Falls 12th Annual Studio Tour, (I'll be at the Artists' Atelier, 756 Walker Road, Great Falls, VA 22066). Self-guided tour of the home or group studios of 44 Great Falls artists.

October 19-25:  Plein Air Brandywine Valley, Juried plein air competition, wet paint show and sale in Delaware.

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