Wednesday, April 27, 2016

A Popularity Boost

"Janssen's Market," oil, 12"h x 16"w, ©Jill Banks 2015 -- FAV15 in the October 2015 BoldBrush Competition ($1250)

Informed Collector Recommends ... Jill Banks (Me)

Yesterday, rather suddenly, I was getting an onrush of post likes, new email newsletter subscribers, and Facebook fan page likes. Wow. Did everyone who picked up one of my business cards at the Fairfax Fine Art Festival this weekend hit the Internet on Tuesday?

Maybe some of them did ... but the "culprit" behind this popularity is mainly being spotlighted on Informed Collector -- an email newsletter showcasing artists to watch. Wish to see it?

Thanks for all the support and enthusiasm received!

"Back Story," oil, 40"h x 30"w, ©2016 Jill Banks,  FAV15 in Jan 2016 ($5850)
Artists are selected from their entries to a monthly Bold Brush Art competition. Each month I enter two pieces. In the last seven months, seven of my paintings have been selected for inclusion in the FAV15% -- or the Fine Art Views and FASO (Fine Art Studio Online -- websites for artists) favorite 15% of the entries. One of my paintings -- "Late Night Saloon" was a FAV15 twice -- in March 2016 and September 2015. The rest of the recent line-up of FAV15's include "Scene at the Bar" (FAV15- Feb 2016), "Back Story" (FAV15-Jan 2016), "A Little Rusty" (FAV15-Dec 2015), "Janssen's Market" (FAV15-Oct 2015) and "Street Lights" (FAV15-Sep 2015).

A Correlation

We agree. Your friends/favorites ... are my friends/favorites. Many of my entries to the Bold Brush contest are hot off the easel -- and I enter my best. Of the seven FAV15 pieces -- five have been purchased -- with only "Back Story" and "Janssen's Market" available. Those two received lots of intense attention, too, at last weekend's festival.

First Painting of Emma -- Pretty in Pink

"Emma, First Month," oil, 10"h x 8"w, ©2016 Jill Banks
You knew it was going to happen. Today while granddaughter Emma (who will be one month old this Friday) visited the rest of the family and I was keeping my germs away ... at least I had the pleasure of painting her. My plan is to create a small portrait of her each month during her first year. That's sure to keep those daily photos coming.

Each month, Emma's portrait will be posted here and added to the People and Portraits Gallery on my web site. 

Changes have been so quick even this first month as she's found her thumb, keeps her eyes open more and become more expressive. I'll be documenting time flying.

I really don't know if there is anyone else on the planet interested in having a small portrait done of the baby in their life once a month for the first year -- but if you know of one, send him/her my way. This was fun!

And with this portrait at only 10"h x 8"w, her portrayal is not nearly as dainty as she is.  With 11 more to go, my thought is that I'll keep the size canvas consistent as well as her face. Hope that works.

Paint with Me in Italy this Summer -- June 26 to July 3.
June 26-July 3: Paint with Me in Italy this Summer! : Plein air workshop in the Piemonte wine region. Find out more about this wonderful trip. I hope you can join me!  Time's running out on this one, too... Deadline is May 1. You will have a great time whether you are a complete beginner or more accomplished painter.  Really! Yes, I can teach you ... but you will also be enjoying delicious food and wine, beautiful surroundings, day trips to ancient hill towns, wine tours, a cooking demonstration, plenty of relaxing opportunities poolside. Some of the reasons to go are shown below.

Working with Anna in the vineyard


First evening meal together of the workshop

"Italian Vines," painted plein air in Nieve, oil, 8"h x 10"w, ©2014 Jill Banks

"Vino," painted at the winery in Treiso with the permission of Walter, the third-generation winemaker


Trina in La Morra

Part of the exhibit we put on in Treiso toward the end of the workshop

UPCOMING EVENTS
May 6: First Friday Art Walk, 6-9pm, Artists' Atelier, 756 Walker Road, Great Falls, VA
May 7-8: A-RTS@Rockville Town Square, Outdoor Juried Arts Festival, Rockville, MD. Booth #211
May 13-15: Art on the Square - Belleville, IL, Outdoor Juried Fine Art Festival (Ranked #1 by Art Fair Sourcebook), Belleville, IL
June 3-5: Rittenhouse Square 89th Annual Spring Original Art Show, Philadelphia, PA. Official arts demonstrator: Saturday, June 4, 1pm. Free painting demonstration.
June 26-July 3: Paint with Me in Italy this Summer! : Plein air workshop in the Piemonte wine region.
July 9-10: Wickford Fine Art Festival, Wickford Historic Village in North Kingstowne, RI.
September 24-25: Armonk 55th Annual Outdoor Art Show, Armonk, NY

Thanks for reading!

Jill

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

Blog: jillbanks.blogspot.com

Tuesday, April 19, 2016

Capturing The Majesty of Great Falls Park

"The Falls" at Great Falls National Park, 16"h x 12"w, ©2016 Jill Banks
Today was a great one.

Despite the computer beating me at the current game of chess (nothing was working AT ALL this morning), I left the building (home) and headed out to paint undaunted. Technology might not be behaving, but Mother Nature certainly was.

My designated spot for the day was an overlook in Great Falls National Park in Virginia ... and heavenly it was.

What a treasure being there was. I'll be back.

This Thursday, April 21 is the First Day of my Spring Plein Air class. That means if you WANT to join in on the fun, NOW is the time to REGISTER. I know ... subtlety is not my strong suit.

Here's the info:
REGISTER NOW FOR PAINTING THE PLEIN AIR LANDSCAPE... starts April 21
There's still room for you ... but sign up now.


Sign up Now for Spring 2016 Classes Taught through the Great Falls School of Art in Great Falls, VA
Painting the Plein Air Landscape: Thursdays, 9:30am to 1:30pm starting April 21.

Fairfax Corners Fine Art Festival This Weekend, April 23 & 24
Free (unless you'd like to take home some beautiful, one of a kind art). Get more info here: Fairfax Corner Fine Art Festival and check back for my booth info.

Plus, I'm hoping you'll Paint with Me in Italy this Summer -- June 26 to July 3.
June 26-July 3: Paint with Me in Italy this Summer! : Plein air workshop in the Piemonte wine region. Find out more about this wonderful trip. I hope you can join me!  Time's running out on this one, too...

Please Paint with Me in Italy this Summer!.
See the Events page for more info/updates

EVENTS

April 23-24: Fairfax Corner Fine Art Festival, Fairfax, VA

May 7-8: A-RTS@Rockville Town Square, Outdoor Juried Arts Festival, Rockville, MD

May 13-15: Art on the Square - Belleville, IL, Outdoor Juried Fine Art Festival (Ranked #1 by Art Fair Sourcebook), Belleville, IL

June 26-July 3: Paint with Me in Italy this Summer! : Plein air workshop in the Piemonte wine region. Find out more about this wonderful trip. I hope you can join me!

Thanks for reading!
Jill

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

Blog: jillbanks.blogspot.com

Thursday, April 14, 2016

Arlington Art Festival This Weekend: April 16 & 17 - See You There!

THE PLAN: Wall One for the Arlington Arts Festival: (left from top to bottom)"Scene from the Bar," "Seaside Sunset," "The Snuggery," (middle from top to bottom) "Hudson River Morn," "Blue Hour," "Out of Water," (right, from top to bottom) "Market Day - San Gimignano," "Sun and Sea," and "Irish Pub."
It's Show Time!
It's hard to believe -- for me -- that the 2016 outdoor art festival season is about to begin.  The tent, boxes, display and show marketing materials have been in hibernation for the winter season. Paintings have been hanging on walls.

Behind the Scenes -- Aren't You Glad?
Pre-show at our house looks like a tornado's visited. What's tough to appreciate while viewing those carefully coiffed booths at an outdoor art festival is all that went into preparations -- selecting what to show, gathering/boxing/packaging the art and supplies, packing the car, getting to the site, setting up the tent/walls/artwork/labels ... ready to welcome visitors like YOU!
The BEFORE shot. Just the beginning.

April 16 & 17: the Arlington Fine Art Festival, Arlington VA (Clarendon), 10am to 5pm Each Day, Rain or Shine
Approximately 150 artists will be setting up mini galleries in booths lining Washington Blvd., North Highland Street, North Garfield Street and 11th Street in Clarendon -- Arlington, VA this weekend -- Saturday and Sunday, April 16 & 17, 2016.
THE PLAN: Wall Two for the Arlington Arts Festival: (left from top to bottom) "Carmel by the Sea," "St. Patrick's Day," "Colorful One," "Piano al Fresco," (middle from top to bottom) "Market Day," "Sitting with Statues," (right, from top to bottom) "Red and White Cafe," "Janssen's Market," "Campo Santa Maria del Giglio" and "Hung Out to Dry."

I'll be in Booth #60 on North Highland Street facing East.  Across the street is Clarendon Grill at 1101 N. Highland Street in Arlington, VA.

Arlington Art Festival Show Hours: Saturday and Sunday, 10am to 5pm
THE PLAN: Wall Three for the Arlington Arts Festival: (left from top to bottom)"Field Day," "Tea Reader," (middle from top to bottom) "Riding High," "On the Rocks - Lover's Point," "Night Lights on King Street," (right, from top to bottom) "Italian Time," and "Spanish Dancer."  
And Next UP: Fairfax Corner Fine Art Festival, April 23 & 24, Fairfax VA

I REALLY hope to see you!

Oh, And If I Had a Crystal Ball...
I'd know just what to bring and what should stay elsewhere. Please know your feedback is always welcome! If you are interested in collecting my art, want to see a certain piece ... let me know. I'll bring it to the show or arrange another way for you to see it. Just drop me a line... (uh, email).

REGISTER NOW FOR PAINTING THE PLEIN AIR LANDSCAPE... starts April 21
There's still room for you ... but sign up now.




Sign up Now for Spring 2016 Classes Taught through the Great Falls School of Art in Great Falls, VA
Painting the Plein Air Landscape: Thursdays, 9:30am to 1:30pm starting April 21.
Still Life Plus: Tuesdays, 10:30am to 1:30pm starting April 5. ( first class only: demo starting at 9am) ... in progress
Evening Paint: Tuesdays, 6:30 to 9:30pm starting April 5.  In progress.
Get more info on my Classes page.

Plus, I'm hoping you'll Paint with Me in Italy this Summer -- June 26 to July 3.
June 26-July 3: Paint with Me in Italy this Summer! : Plein air workshop in the Piemonte wine region. Find out more about this wonderful trip. I hope you can join me!  

See the Events page for more info/updates

EVENTS
April 16-17: Arlington Fine Art Festival, Arlington, VA

April 23-24: Fairfax Corner Fine Art Festival, Fairfax, VA

May 7-8: A-RTS@Rockville Town Square, Outdoor Juried Arts Festival, Rockville, MD

May 13-15: Art on the Square - Belleville, IL, Outdoor Juried Fine Art Festival (Ranked #1 by Art Fair Sourcebook), Belleville, IL

June 26-July 3: Paint with Me in Italy this Summer! : Plein air workshop in the Piemonte wine region. Find out more about this wonderful trip. I hope you can join me!

Thanks for reading!
Jill

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

Blog: jillbanks.blogspot.com

Saturday, April 9, 2016

"Old Sycamore" Painting Finished

"Old Sycamore," oil, 30"h x 30"w, ©2016 Jill Banks. (180+ year sycamore in Fairfax VA)
Phew.

There's more art news but it will have to wait.

REGISTER NOW FOR PAINTING THE PLEIN AIR LANDSCAPE... starts April 21
There's still room for you ... but sign up now.



Sign up Now for Spring 2016 Classes Taught through the Great Falls School of Art in Great Falls, VA
Painting the Plein Air Landscape: Thursdays, 9:30am to 1:30pm starting April 21.
Still Life Plus: Tuesdays, 10:30am to 1:30pm starting April 5. ( first class only: demo starting at 9am) ... in progress
Evening Paint: Tuesdays, 6:30 to 9:30pm starting April 5.  In progress.
Get more info on my Classes page.

Plus, I'm hoping you'll Paint with Me in Italy this Summer -- June 26 to July 3.
June 26-July 3: Paint with Me in Italy this Summer! : Plein air workshop in the Piemonte wine region. Find out more about this wonderful trip. I hope you can join me!  

See the Events page for more info/updates

EVENTS
April 16-17: Arlington Fine Art Festival, Arlington, VA

April 23-24: Fairfax Corner Fine Art Festival, Fairfax, VA

May 7-8: A-RTS@Rockville Town Square, Outdoor Juried Arts Festival, Rockville, MD

May 13-15: Art on the Square - Belleville, IL, Outdoor Juried Fine Art Festival (Ranked #1 by Art Fair Sourcebook), Belleville, IL

June 26-July 3: Paint with Me in Italy this Summer! : Plein air workshop in the Piemonte wine region. Find out more about this wonderful trip. I hope you can join me!

Thanks for reading!
Jill

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

Blog: jillbanks.blogspot.com


Wednesday, April 6, 2016

Double Demos

"Little Eggplants," oil, 10"h x 8"w, ©2016 Jill Banks. Evening Paint demo.
Tuesday was the first day of class for the Spring term and so I did two quick demos: one for Still Life Plus and another for Evening Paint.

In both classes, students did great! While on Tuesdays, I question the wisdom of teaching two classes in one day. Still, I truly enjoy all the personalities that fill each class -- all nice additions to my life.


REGISTER NOW FOR PAINTING THE PLEIN AIR LANDSCAPE... starts April 21
There's still room for you ... but sign up now.


"Pears and Eggplant" demo, 16"h x 12"w, ©2016 Jill Banks
Sign up Now for Spring 2016 Classes Taught through the Great Falls School of Art in Great Falls, VA
Painting the Plein Air Landscape: Thursdays, 9:30am to 1:30pm starting April 21.
Still Life Plus: Tuesdays, 10:30am to 1:30pm starting April 5. ( first class only: demo starting at 9am) ... in progress
Evening Paint: Tuesdays, 6:30 to 9:30pm starting April 5.  In progress.
Get more info on my Classes page.

Plus, I'm hoping you'll Paint with Me in Italy this Summer -- June 26 to July 3.
June 26-July 3: Paint with Me in Italy this Summer! : Plein air workshop in the Piemonte wine region. Find out more about this wonderful trip. I hope you can join me!  

See the Events page for more info/updates

EVENTS
April 16-17: Arlington Fine Art Festival, Arlington, VA

April 23-24: Fairfax Corner Fine Art Festival, Fairfax, VA

May 7-8: A-RTS@Rockville Town Square, Outdoor Juried Arts Festival, Rockville, MD

May 13-15: Art on the Square - Belleville, IL, Outdoor Juried Fine Art Festival (Ranked #1 by Art Fair Sourcebook), Belleville, IL

June 26-July 3: Paint with Me in Italy this Summer! : Plein air workshop in the Piemonte wine region. Find out more about this wonderful trip. I hope you can join me!

Thanks for reading!
Jill

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

Blog: jillbanks.blogspot.com

Saturday, April 2, 2016

"TuTu, Two"

"TuTu, Two," oil, 24"h x 12"w, ©2016 Jill Banks
Just finished ...

During my free painting demonstration offered through the Great Falls School of Art on Saturday, March 19, thirteen-year-old Anna struck this pose momentarily before resuming the first setup we'd decided upon.

I really wanted to start another painting to capture this mood and pose ... then, but practicality reigned. There was too little time to start another AND I didn't have another canvas ready in the correct size to work on anyway.

Temptation won out in the last two weeks with "TuTu, Two" completed  this morning.

Classes Start Next Week -
REGISTER NOW FOR SPRING CLASSES
There's still room for you ... but sign up now.



Here they are...
Sign up Now for Spring 2016 Classes Taught through the Great Falls School of Art in Great Falls, VA
Painting the Plein Air Landscape: Thursdays, 9:30am to 1:30pm starting April 21.
Still Life Plus: Tuesdays, 10:30am to 1:30pm starting April 5. ( first class only: demo starting at 9am)
Evening Paint: Tuesdays, 6:30 to 9:30pm starting April 5.  
Get more info on my Classes page.

Plus, I'm hoping you'll Paint with Me in Italy this Summer -- June 26 to July 3.
June 26-July 3: Paint with Me in Italy this Summer! : Plein air workshop in the Piemonte wine region. Find out more about this wonderful trip. I hope you can join me!  

See the Events page for more info/updates

EVENTS
April 16-17: Arlington Fine Art Festival, Arlington, VA

April 23-24: Fairfax Corner Fine Art Festival, Fairfax, VA

May 7-8: A-RTS@Rockville Town Square, Outdoor Juried Arts Festival, Rockville, MD

May 13-15: Art on the Square - Belleville, IL, Outdoor Juried Fine Art Festival (Ranked #1 by Art Fair Sourcebook), Belleville, IL

June 26-July 3: Paint with Me in Italy this Summer! : Plein air workshop in the Piemonte wine region. Find out more about this wonderful trip. I hope you can join me!

Thanks for reading!
Jill

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

Blog: jillbanks.blogspot.com

Friday, April 1, 2016

"Old Sycamore" Day Three, Emma Age 4 Days

"Old Sycamore" work in progress day three, oil, 30"h x 30"w, ©2016 Jill Banks

I was back out in the parking lot of our country club today, capturing more of this stately sycamore tree -- hopefully before the leaves begin to pop. They are certainly thinking about it. One of my visitors estimated the age of the tree at 200 years old. Its limbs stretch out into the sky every which way.  It is incredibly breath-taking. By the time I was out working on it, the sky had turned cloudy, eliminating ground shadows. I decided to play along ... changing my painting as with less to draw your attention to the ground (shadows are complicated under this pillar), you really get a sense of the majesty above.

More work to do ... probably tomorrow.

I did work from the two photos taken on day one in my studio yesterday. It was amazing how unlike my subject the colors and dimensionality appeared on my painting at stage 2 using photography as a model. Good thing I could return to the source.

"Old Sycamore" is bound to be finished and hung in my booth at the Arlington Fine Art Festival and Fairfax Corner Fine Art Festival in Virginia. See Event listing and links below.

Baby Emma -- at Four Days Old
Granddaughter Emma Caroline Banks at four days old. What do you think?

We are meeting her shortly...Yippee Yay! We sent son Sam a photo of a present for Emma that arrived today ... and back popped up this photo of her saying she can't wait to try her new outfits on.

Classes Start Next Week -
REGISTER NOW FOR SPRING CLASSES
There's still room for you ... but sign up now.


Here they are...
Sign up Now for Spring 2016 Classes Taught through the Great Falls School of Art in Great Falls, VA
Painting the Plein Air Landscape: Thursdays, 9:30am to 1:30pm starting April 21.
Still Life Plus: Tuesdays, 10:30am to 1:30pm starting April 5. ( first class only: demo starting at 9am)
Evening Paint: Tuesdays, 6:30 to 9:30pm starting April 5.  
Get more info on my Classes page.

Plus, I'm hoping you'll Paint with Me in Italy this Summer -- June 26 to July 3.
June 26-July 3: Paint with Me in Italy this Summer! : Plein air workshop in the Piemonte wine region. Find out more about this wonderful trip. I hope you can join me!  

See the Events page for more info/updates

EVENTS
April 16-17: Arlington Fine Art Festival, Arlington, VA

April 23-24: Fairfax Corner Fine Art Festival, Fairfax, VA

May 7-8: A-RTS@Rockville Town Square, Outdoor Juried Arts Festival, Rockville, MD

May 13-15: Art on the Square - Belleville, IL, Outdoor Juried Fine Art Festival (Ranked #1 by Art Fair Sourcebook), Belleville, IL

June 26-July 3: Paint with Me in Italy this Summer! : Plein air workshop in the Piemonte wine region. Find out more about this wonderful trip. I hope you can join me!

Thanks for reading!
Jill

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

Blog: jillbanks.blogspot.com