Sunday, July 31, 2016

Granddaughter Emma at Four Months: Baby Portrait

"Emma at Four Months," oil, 8"h x 8"w, ©2016 Jill Banks. Such a sweet girl!
And I'm not biased at all. (Sure.)

To see her three month portrait and that blog post, click here.

More words next time.

Thanks for reading!

Jill

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



EVENTS
May through December:  First Friday Art Walk, 6-9pm, Artists' Atelier, 756 Walker Road, Great Falls, VA. The Atelier is also open on Wednesdays, noon to 4pm and Saturdays, 10am to 2pm (or whenever an artist is in there working.)
June 21-August 15: "Fresh Fare: the Still Life Show" Solo Exhibit, Triny's, Great Falls, VA.  14 of my original still life oil paintings on exhibit at Triny's Tex-Mex Grill in Great Falls.
August 27-28: Shadyside: the Art Festival on Walnut Street, Pittsburgh, PA
September 17-18: King Street Art Festival, Alexandria, VA
September 24-25: Armonk 55th Annual Outdoor Art Show, Armonk, NY

Saturday, July 30, 2016

Almost a Week on Long Beach Island, New Jersey

"Dock Bound and Upside Down," oil, 8"h x 10"w, ©2016 Jill Banks stayed with my gracious hostess during the painting portion of my stay at Long Beach Island

I've been absent from posting for the last week and a half ... thanks to travel to Long Beach Island, New Jersey for the Loveladies Fine Art Festival there last weekend followed by three days of intensive painting for the Long Beach Island Foundation's Plein Air Plus juried competition ... before returning home. The Loveladies Fine Art Festival was hot, as in soaring temperatures, sweating artists, slim crowds braving the elements to look at the art. It was brutal. Those next three days of painting also almost wiped me out. I guess that's why most people enjoy those days actually at the beach ... in the water dressed in beach attire vs. standing at an easel all day.

Still, a couple went home with "Sitting with Statues" from the show ... a definite favorite of mine,
 "Sitting with Statues," oil, 30"h x 40"w, ©2014 Jill Banks found a new home this week.
now residing in their Italian room in Pennsylvania. Of the limited number of art shoppers braving the heat, many were looking for either or both their non-beach residences and island homes. Feedback was terrific and hopefully I've gained some new fans.

My three days of paintings produced five pieces including "Dock Bound and Upside Down." I will be going back -- sometime this month -- for another three days to paint to capture scenes there wasn't time for this trip. In September, I'll choose my four favorites for the "Island Life" exhibition being held there at the Long Beach Island Foundation. Until then, these works will be kept under wraps, unblogged about ... although I think you'll really like them.

Neat Visit Today
A couple came over to our temporarily neat and orderly house, hung carefully with art to get ideas for what they might like to see in a large commissioned painting for their home. The wife has been receiving my emails for a decade, loves my paintings and wants one of them to occupy a vast wall in their home. While she'd have been glad to see my work at the Atelier, I wanted her to have more to look at ... in a home environment, all different sized works to see what she was most drawn to.

Okay, I'm not doing that great with my photos ... but this is what part of the house looked like today pre-visit.
So this was sort of like my annual home show -- but without the list and holiday decorations -- just focused on the art. They went home with one painting for the week -- because they loved it -- to see how it feels. Later, I'll go to their home to join them in figuring out where to go from here.

For any of you regular readers, art shoppers who might like to see my house full of art, less one from today -- drop me an email at jill@jillbanks.com. Don't delay as we'll be back to upside down like my hostess's boat -- in no time.

Accepted into the Oil Painters of America Salon Show 2016
Okay. This IS a big deal. Oil Painters of America holds a National Exhibition, two regional exhibitions (I missed the deadline for the Eastern regional this year) and a Salon Show.  Getting accepted seemed like an impenetrable barrier ... the highest wall.  I kept getting no-tices as in no, no, no. Anyway, from September 30 to October 29,  my piece "Janssen's Market" will join other beautiful works that managed to make it into the yes column at the Castle Gallery Fine Art in Fort Wayne, Indiana. Pretty darn exciting. Since the piece must be available for purchase at the exhibition and the dates seem lightyears away, I won't tempt you with an image of "Janssen's Market." That will remain on the horizon.

Thanks for reading!

Jill

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




EVENTS
May through December:  First Friday Art Walk, 6-9pm, Artists' Atelier, 756 Walker Road, Great Falls, VA. The Atelier is also open on Wednesdays, noon to 4pm and Saturdays, 10am to 2pm (or whenever an artist is in there working.)
June 21-August 15: "Fresh Fare: the Still Life Show" Solo Exhibit, Triny's, Great Falls, VA.  14 of my original still life oil paintings on exhibit at Triny's Tex-Mex Grill in Great Falls.
August 27-28: Shadyside: the Art Festival on Walnut Street, Pittsburgh, PA
September 17-18: King Street Art Festival, Alexandria, VA
September 24-25: Armonk 55th Annual Outdoor Art Show, Armonk, NY


Thursday, July 21, 2016

"Harbor Stop" Painting of Boats at St. Michael's, Maryland

"Harbor Stop" (St. Michael's, Maryland), oil, 12"h x 24"w, ©2016 Jill Banks
Just finished ... the painting started last Friday plein air.  The next morning I'd be competing in the Quick Draw in Easton. Nice to be nearby but away from the throngs of painters. Peaceful day. "Harbor Stop" will be heading to the Loveladies Fine Art Festival this weekend (July 22 & 23) in Long Beach Island, New Jersey. If you know anyone who will be in the area (or if you are), I'd love to see them/you!

See more like "Harbor Stop" on my web site in the Places Gallery

Thanks for reading!

Jill

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



EVENTS
May through December:  First Friday Art Walk, 6-9pm, Artists' Atelier, 756 Walker Road, Great Falls, VA. The Atelier is also open on Wednesdays, noon to 4pm and Saturdays, 10am to 2pm (or whenever an artist is in there working.)
June 21-August 15: "Fresh Fare: the Still Life Show" Solo Exhibit, Triny's, Great Falls, VA.  14 of my original still life oil paintings on exhibit at Triny's Tex-Mex Grill in Great Falls.
July 18-29: Salmagundi Club's Non-Member Painting and Sculpture Exhibition, 47 Fifth Ave, NYC. "Heart of Telluride" accepted into exhibit on view in the Upper Gallery.
July 23-24: Loveladies Fine Art Festival, Loveladies, NJ (on Long Beach Island)
August 27-28: Shadyside: the Art Festival on Walnut Street, Pittsburgh, PA
September 17-18: King Street Art Festival, Alexandria, VA
September 24-25: Armonk 55th Annual Outdoor Art Show, Armonk, NY

Monday, July 18, 2016

"Specials" Interior Restaurant Painting

"Specials," oil, 24"h x 18"w, ©2016 Jill Banks
Every time I travel, there seems to be that one  painting-to-be held in brain waiting for the right time to put on canvas once home.

"Specials" was it for the trip to Monterey, California although I imagine this could be anywhere with great light.

I love interiors ... especially when there's a shock of sunshine making itself known outside.

This will be traveling to the Loveladies Fine Art Festival on Long Beach Island in New Jersey this weekend.

In addition to knowing this space and scene had to be painted, it also bears some similarities to two favorite paintings from this year: "Scene at the Bar" and "Morning Joe" that went to new homes not too long ago. So, it's temporarily filling the pang of sending away a favorite. (I still hope you'll own it.) Plus, the man waiting for his lunch reminds me of Tim Newton, the judge for Plein Air Easton. Nudges from all directions to choose this to paint.

See more like "Specials" on my web site in the Places Gallery

Thanks for reading!

Jill

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


EVENTS
May through December:  First Friday Art Walk, 6-9pm, Artists' Atelier, 756 Walker Road, Great Falls, VA. The Atelier is also open on Wednesdays, noon to 4pm and Saturdays, 10am to 2pm (or whenever an artist is in there working.)
June 21-August 15: "Fresh Fare: the Still Life Show" Solo Exhibit, Triny's, Great Falls, VA.  14 of my original still life oil paintings on exhibit at Triny's Tex-Mex Grill in Great Falls.
July 18-29: Salmagundi Club's Non-Member Painting and Sculpture Exhibition, 47 Fifth Ave, NYC. "Heart of Telluride" accepted into exhibit on view in the Upper Gallery.
July 23-24: Loveladies Fine Art Festival, Loveladies, NJ (on Long Beach Island)
August 27-28: Shadyside: the Art Festival on Walnut Street, Pittsburgh, PA
September 17-18: King Street Art Festival, Alexandria, VA
September 24-25: Armonk 55th Annual Outdoor Art Show, Armonk, NY

Sunday, July 17, 2016

Art Collecting 101: Tips for Getting Started, Part II

In Art Collecting 101: Tips for Getting Started, Part I you'll find advice on hunting with an open mind, collecting with or without a spouse/significant other, art and decor, plus more.

ART COLLECTING 101: TIPS FOR GETTING STARTED, PART II
 
This installment (Part II) includes where to shop for art and other resources for gaining art collecting know-how.  Hope it helps! I didn't cover everything originally promised for this issue BUT a really neat painting in progress is calling my name in the studio. (Hope you don't mind.)

Where to Shop for Art
A scene from the back of our easels at the Quick Draw Sale at Plein Air Easton 2016

 


Plein Air Festivals/Quick Draws

Since I just returned home from participating in Plein Air Easton's Quick Draw in Easton, MD, pointing you in the direction of plein air competition exhibits to start your collection is at top of mind. People sure had a great time watching artists start and progress through pieces that were then immediately judged and offered for sale. (I received an honorable mention -- a third prize award in the non-competition artists segment of the Quick Draw for my piece "Moonvine Alley" by Judge Tim Newton -- a 25-year collector and Chairman of the Salmagundi Club in NYC. It's still available for $650 through my web site.) If you missed a major event in your area -- most event web sites will link to artists who participated there in the past ... and those artists are likely to have pieces painted there. At this year's Rittenhouse Square Art Show in Philadelphia, a visitor united the owner of a Victorian home with a painting I'd created the previous year in Wayne Plein Air. You never know.

Gallery Art Walks/Studio Tours Local to You
A peek through the window at the Artists' Atelier in Great Falls, VA.
I share a studio at 756 Walker Road, Great Falls, VA with nine other artists at the Artists' Atelier in the Village Centre. This year, through December, we are one of three joint studios on the Green that are open on First Fridays Art Walk in the Village, 6-9pm where collectors can join the artists, enjoy the latest art off the easel and start their night on the town. Something like this is hopefully going on near you. What a great way to connect to the local artists community ... and you may have some great artists as neighbors. Get to know them.

I'm also part of a group called Great Falls Studios that sponsors a Fall Studio Tour the third weekend in October with over 50 artists participating in home or joint studios in a variety of mediums. Check your local or state arts organizations for similar events.

Online: Blogs and Web Sites 
Be selective here so you don't get tired of us ... but sign up for email newsletters or subscribe to blogs of artists whose work you love. Blogs generally contain more regular updates including works in progress or daily paintings or art news. Visitors to my blog at: jillbanks.blogspot.com get the story behind the art when it's freshest in my mind. Email newsletters are more infrequent -- monthly or quarterly for "bigger" news. (You can subscribe to my newsletter through my web site: jillbanks.com.)

Most of my personal online sales come from collectors who have seen my art in person or purchased from me in the past. The biggest obstacle is being able to get a feel for the piece's presence when viewing it online. If someone is interested in a piece, I correspond with them as needed ... taking photos to show how the piece is framed and to scale with something else to help the purchaser get a better sense of how it will appear in their home.
 
I've also purchased plenty of art online from individual artists' sites. So, I trust shopping that way personally and have been totally satisfied.
 
There are also plenty of sites out there that sell on the aggregate, representing many artists -- selling originals or reproductions. I'm not an expert on those. It seems a bit overwhelming to me.
 
Fine Art Festivals -- Finding One Near You
Booth visitor at the Wickford Fine Art Festival in Rhode Island
This one's not complete but here's a calendar of some top festivals -- locations and dates -- brought to you by ArtFestival.com. You can also search by location to find one near you.  Of the ones listed, I'll be at the Shadyside: Art Festival at Walnut Street in Pittsburgh on August 28th & 29th and the Alexandria King Street Festival in Old Town Alexandria, VA on September 17th and 18th. But I'm also going to be at the Loveladies Fine Art Festival on Long Beach Island NJ on July 23 & 24 and the Armonk Fine Art Festival in Armonk, NY on September 24th and 25th. Best bet: if you enjoy shopping for art at festivals -- get on the mailing lists of the artists you love. I definitely want you to know if there's an art event or festival coming to an area near you. (Hint. You can sign up for my email newsletter at www.jillbanks.com and see a list of upcoming events at:  http://jillbanks.com/events. I would rank this as a pretty terrific way to shop for art, especially at one of the top festivals in the country. You see a good representation of an artist's favorite pieces in their booths and each booth is set up as a mini gallery. It's one of the easiest way to take in a lot of different styles, mediums in a vibrant setting.

"Market Day," oil, 36"h x 48"w went home with a collector who'd been searching for years for a major piece ... she found it at the Wickford Fine Art Festival in my booth ... in her hometown.
There are obviously lots more options ... places to find and purchase original art. This is a start to bring out the art hunter/huntress in you.

Publications for Art Collectors
American Art Collector Magazine: Monthly high quality magazine with interviews with collectors, spotlight on living artists with upcoming shows, focused guides to different art markets. 
Fine Art Connoisseur Magazine: Also focused on the collector.
 
More Advice -- Different Perspectives
I'd really like you to become a collector of my work ... and you won't find it in these spots ... at least not at this time. Still, here are other resources that offer advice on building your collection of original art. I'm also not endorsing these sites for a way to purchase art. Just don't have personal experience with them.

Zatista - an online art collecting source for original art, with an ART 101 advice section on art collecting here.

Invaluable's In Good Taste Blog article: How to Start a Fine Art Collection

Do You Have Other Tips to Help New Collectors or Stories to Share?
Please do! Add a comment to the blog or send me an email at: jill@jillbanks.com.

Shonnie Johnson (we'll see how many of you know that connection) suggested considering displaying art on a decorative easel in the foyer or corner of a room if you're short on wall space ... but even if you're not. Great idea!

Thanks for reading!

Jill

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

EVENTS
May through December:  First Friday Art Walk, 6-9pm, Artists' Atelier, 756 Walker Road, Great Falls, VA. The Atelier is also open on Wednesdays, noon to 4pm and Saturdays, 10am to 2pm (or whenever an artist is in there working.)
June 21-August 15: "Fresh Fare: the Still Life Show" Solo Exhibit, Triny's, Great Falls, VA.  14 of my original still life oil paintings on exhibit at Triny's Tex-Mex Grill in Great Falls.
July 18-29: Salmagundi Club's Non-Member Painting and Sculpture Exhibition, 47 Fifth Ave, NYC. "Heart of Telluride" accepted into exhibit on view in the Upper Gallery.
July 23-24: Loveladies Fine Art Festival, Loveladies, NJ (on Long Beach Island)
August 27-28: Shadyside: the Art Festival on Walnut Street, Pittsburgh, PA
September 17-18: King Street Art Festival, Alexandria, VA
September 24-25: Armonk 55th Annual Outdoor Art Show, Armonk, NY
 

Saturday, July 16, 2016

Plein Air Easton Quick Draw "Moonvine Alley"

"Moonvine Alley," oil, 8"h x 10"w, ©2016 Jill Banks was awarded an Honorable Mention in the Plein Air Easton Quick Draw by Tim Newton. Honorable Mention was a third place prize in the competition among non-juried artists -- of which there were MANY.
I took a quick, rather spur of the moment trip to Easton MD to participate in the Quick Draw for Easton Plein Air, an event I'd heard lots about but never witnessed for myself. Got in some painting in Easton and St. Michael's. You'll see the St. Michael's piece sometime soon. One very large yacht (of which there is no shortage in St. Michael's) eventually really obstructed my view. Good thing. I was melting.

Judge Tim Newton's credentials include 25 years of art collecting; being the founder and curator of American Masters annual exhibition at the Salmagundi Club; and he is Chairman of the Board at the Salmagundi Club.

For the Quick Draw, each entrant had from 10am to noon to go from a blank canvas (or paper) to a signed piece ready for framing and display. Meanwhile, LOTS of people wander all over the town to see works in progress, check out how we're doing. I was set up seated at the back of my van. Kudos for smart thinking to stay in the shade, keeping relatively comfortable. (It was still plenty warm out there.)

I did see the top award winners' work from Plein Air Easton's juried competition. Happy to see Sara Linda Poly take home the Grand Prize.

Thanks for reading!

Jill

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




EVENTS
May through December:  First Friday Art Walk, 6-9pm, Artists' Atelier, 756 Walker Road, Great Falls, VA. The Atelier is also open on Wednesdays, noon to 4pm and Saturdays, 10am to 2pm (or whenever an artist is in there working.)
June 21-August 15: "Fresh Fare: the Still Life Show" Solo Exhibit, Triny's, Great Falls, VA.  14 of my original still life oil paintings on exhibit at Triny's Tex-Mex Grill in Great Falls.
July 18-29: Salmagundi Club's Non-Member Painting and Sculpture Exhibition, 47 Fifth Ave, NYC. "Heart of Telluride" accepted into exhibit on view in the Upper Gallery.
July 23-24: Loveladies Fine Art Festival, Loveladies, NJ (on Long Beach Island)
August 27-28: Shadyside: the Art Festival on Walnut Street, Pittsburgh, PA
September 17-18: King Street Art Festival, Alexandria, VA
September 24-25: Armonk 55th Annual Outdoor Art Show, Armonk, NY

Thursday, July 14, 2016

Wickford's Old Boat -- Hunting History

"If Boats Could Talk," oil, 16"h x 12"w, ©2016 Jill Banks. Painted from the bridge in Wickford, RI last week.
"If Boats Could Talk" surely this one would offer a grand history lesson. Friday afternoon before the Wickford Art Festival and the allowed booth setup time, I sought out a painting spot, finally choosing to sit (unusual for me but a better view) and capture this old green boat. I chose it because 1) it didn't look like it was planning to go anywhere) and 2) at the time of setup it was a splash of color in what WAS a gray day. At least it didn't go anywhere. The day turned sunny and my palette followed it.

Discussions with passersby and others estimated the age of the boat at about 100. In its early years, two people lived on it ... and assuming I heard correctly, this info came from stories told by an elderly Wickford resident who played on it when she was a child.  I tried to find out more but so far, no luck.  Please send me an email at jill@jillbanks.com if you can fill in the blanks. I'd really like to know. Now if boats could talk, asking wouldn't be necessary.

Thanks for reading!

Jill

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



EVENTS
May through December:  First Friday Art Walk, 6-9pm, Artists' Atelier, 756 Walker Road, Great Falls, VA. The Atelier is also open on Wednesdays, noon to 4pm and Saturdays, 10am to 2pm (or whenever an artist is in there working.)
June 21-August 15: "Fresh Fare: the Still Life Show" Solo Exhibit, Triny's, Great Falls, VA.  14 of my original still life oil paintings on exhibit at Triny's Tex-Mex Grill in Great Falls.
July 18-29: Salmagundi Club's Non-Member Painting and Sculpture Exhibition, 47 Fifth Ave, NYC. "Heart of Telluride" accepted into exhibit on view in the Upper Gallery.
July 23-24: Loveladies Fine Art Festival, Loveladies, NJ (on Long Beach Island)
August 27-28: Shadyside: the Art Festival on Walnut Street, Pittsburgh, PA
September 17-18: King Street Art Festival, Alexandria, VA
September 24-25: Armonk 55th Annual Outdoor Art Show, Armonk, NY

Tuesday, July 12, 2016

Art Collecting 101: Tips for Getting Started, Part 1

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"The Water Tester," oil, 12"h x 24"w (plus frame), ©2016 Jill Banks. Do you love this painting like I do? Personally, I'm drawn to the memories of spending time on the beach. I'm intrigued by the family dynamics played out in front of me. I love the colors -- turquoises, pinks, jewel tones. The artist (me) has placed me (now the viewer) right smack in the middle of the scene. I'm transported into the painting and that's where I'd love to be. I'm intrigued, even, by the title: "The Water Tester." The more I look, the more I see in this piece. It reveals itself layer by layer. So cool. Those are all reasons why this piece of artwork pulls at my heart, excites me. I hope this guide to art collecting helps you surround yourself with work that does the same. ("The Water Tester" is available for purchase, framed, for $1750 plus applicable taxes through the artist. Get more info here.)

I was asked recently about how to go about starting an art collection. This blog post and one to follow sometime in the next week are here to help budding collectors and more seasoned art-acquirers think outside the box to surround themselves with pieces they love. Usually this blog is more about my daily Life as an Artist but part of that life is making home visits to place art, connecting collectors to art, etc. Comments are definitely invited. Make your voice known.

ART COLLECTING 101: TIPS FOR GETTING STARTED
PART ONE

Trust Your Gut/Heart

Buy what you love – the piece you can’t take your eyes off of, that elicits an emotion at every glance. 

This isn’t the only piece of art you’ll own. The options are endless, all unique and as different as can be. You will see other pieces of art you’ll love, too, later or even on the same shopping trip. Choose the one that’s calling your name the loudest now.

Art is personal.  No one else can guide you to what you love. Over time, I’m able to guess that a collector is likely to love another piece of mine but only because they’ve already expressed their strong preferences. Sometimes I’m right, other times wrong. You are the one who knows. Most (if not all) of the time, throwing other people's opinions into the mix to try to help you discover what art you're drawn to (vs. making suggestions, offering options) just messes up the works.

Hunt for Art with an Open Mind

Don’t go out looking for a painting of three bunnies sitting on a couch eating boysenberries that will perfectly match Aunt Mildred’s drapes. Who knows when your vision and an artist’s will collide on that one?

Be willing to purchase art “out of order” … when and as you find it. Your biggest need might be the most prominent, blank, screaming for art wall in your abode but the piece that grabs your heart first won’t fit that space. Skip purchasing the one you love for practicality’s sake (to fill that blank wall) and a picture of the one that got away will keep popping up in your head.  Relentlessly. Bring that piece home and it will deliver joy as you continue to ponder and hunt for the next. Seize the moment.

As you add to your collection, you’ll start to understand what kind of work you gravitate toward (mediums – watercolor, mixed media, oils, acrylics, fiber, sculpture, etc., colors, styles, subjects) but continue to stretch, follow tangents, discover. At an art festival, go into those booths that contain artwork that's different than any pieces you've collected prior. Just see. There are lots of facets to your personality and experiences.  Let your surroundings and acquisitions speak to all of you. 

"Irish Pub," oil, 18"h x 24"w (plus frame), ©2014 Jill Banks. I leave much to your imagination in my work ... letting you fill in the blanks ... to form your own impression. There's an air of mystery in "Irish Pub" but it's familiar, too. ($2700 plus applicable taxes -- more info here.) It's an award-winner as well ... from the Catharine Lorillard Wolfe Art Club's Annual Open Exhibition held at the National Arts Club in NYC.

Matching the Sofa (or the Decor)

Thank goodness husband Randy and I did not try to buy art to match our first couch. Yikes. Over time, color schemes, upholstery, interior fashion changes and grows weary.  Purchasing artwork solely because it matches some piece will make it go out of style at the same time. Don't. Buy. Art. To. Match. The. Sofa. (It's okay if it does ... but buy it because you love the piece.) 

One couple that spent literally hours in my booth at a show -- first on Saturday and then on Sunday - discussing and measuring, thinking and thinking, eventually made the decision to purchase two of my paintings. Throwing caution to the wind, I asked them what took them so long to make up their minds. (Hopefully, not in those exact words.) They were both concerned that one of the pieces would not go with their decor as it introduced another color ... a purple tone ... that wasn't part of their home's palette. (They also loved MANY of my paintings making it a tough choice.) I offered to let them exchange the painting for another or refund the purchase if it didn't work once they got it home -- gave them my number and asked them to call. Immediately after packing up the van after the show I got the call. "Oh, no." But instead it was "oh, yes!" The painting not only looked great everywhere they put it, they also wanted to purchase one more that they'd been seriously considering. The next day, Randy and I delivered piece number three, had a chance to see their home (a huge treat for me), helped them figure out where to hang (and then hung) those three pieces plus two more that we pulled out of the van that hadn't been displayed that weekend. (I had a strong suspicion they'd love those two, too. They did.) 
"Hoot and Flowers," 24"h x 18"w, oil, ©2014 Jill Banks. This painting's color palette gave a collecting couple pause as they weren't sure it agreed with the decor. Turned out it looked beautiful no matter where it was placed. Private collection. See more of my still life paintings on my web site here.

I imagine someday the decor in that home -- beautiful as it is -- will change. Their love for those paintings, though, won't wear out and they'll be just as excited looking at the art in decor version #2.

Wall Space: The $1,000,000 Painting

At last weekend's art festival, a couple fell in love with my piece "Back Story" -- a 40"h x 30"w oil painting framed to 48"h x 38"w. They were also definitely shopping for art. The husband told me that "Back Story" would not fit in their house. I asked, "By how much?" thinking that a frame change might make a difference. (Artists and galleries are usually willing or happy to have you purchase work unframed so that you could find something more suitable for the space and in this case the purchaser could shave eight inches off of each dimension. The day before a woman purchased my painting "Market Day" unframed to better fit her decor and make the overall dimensions slightly smaller.)

The husband eyeing "Back Story" explained, "What you don't understand is that painting right there is a $1,000,000 painting. I'd buy it and my wife would insist on purchasing a new house to fit it."
"Back Story," oil, 40"h x 30"w (plus frame), ©2016 Jill Banks. ($5800 unless you need a new house to go with it.)

That is one of the rare times that wall space should be the determining factor for your buy/don't buy decision ... if the painting itself, sans frame, will not fit any wall in your house once knickknacks and furniture are moved.

While it might not come to you when looking at a piece at an exhibition, art festival or wherever you're shopping for art, you will be able to find a place for your new acquisition in your home. For those well into collection building, open areas might be fewer and smaller -- but there are shelves, columns, ledges, nooks, pieces that are not favorites that may be culled out to make room. 

Large pieces look fantastic in large AND small spaces. Smaller pieces can be grouped to fill large spaces OR used in more intimate settings OR given lots of space around to make a dramatic focal point. Choose the art versus the art that fits the wall space. What you select will work.

I know a lot of people are downsizing -- moving to smaller spaces and getting rid of so much of their "stuff." One couple who had recently moved into a condo purchased a major painting from me last Fall -- "Back Story" sized.  That purchase, I think, was a celebration of this new chapter in their life.  They drove off with it in their mini car. The point is -- most of us have walls. Think of the possibilities those walls hold to enrich your life.

Shopping as a Couple or Going It Alone?

What a sticky subject. I’ve asked you to go with your gut instincts. Told you art is personal and that your tastes are what matter when choosing pieces for your collection. (Notice all those you’s and yours’.) Enter spouses and partners. Now what?

It happens that some couples shop for art incredibly well together. They manage to find pieces that evoke a shared love or experience in some way. Great! The hunt to build their art collection is one more wonderful aspect of their relationship.

One spouse/partner loves art; the other is indifferent.  This combination works if you don’t try to change reality. Once a year, I hold an annual special collectors party in my home. Invitees are welcome to come with other art-loving friends or family as their guests … or come alone. The choice is theirs. When guests arrive, they are given a list of pieces hung room by room throughout three floors …. all available for sale. If only one in a couple really is into art collecting, my hope is the right one shows up solo. That collector then gets to fully enjoy the experience and has the best chance to add a new prize possession to take home. I bet the other half is happier, too.

Never the Twain Shall Meet -- Both love art, just distinctly different art. This is a tougher couple-buying scenario … but here’s my suggestion. Instead of building the Dick and Jane “These Are the Only Pieces We Could Agree On” Collection, create the Dick Collection AND the Jane Collection, housed at the same address. Is part of your home primarily your space? Hang work that reflects your personal choice where you’ll see it. Ditto, for your other half. In common, main spaces: mix the two. Really different styles can look fantastic together.

Attendees at my solo exhibit at ArtSpace Herndon in Herndon, Virginia. Collectors can find my work at: 1) fine art outdoor festivals from Spring to Fall (checking my blog, email newsletter and web site's Events page for a schedule), 2) at the studio I share with nine fellow artists: the Artists' Atelier at 756 Walker Road, Great Falls, VA during regular open hours or First Friday Art Walk in the Village there from 6-9pm, 3) at solo exhibitions that generally happen once or twice a year, 4) in juried regional and national exhibitions at the Art League Gallery in Alexandria, VA (in the Torpedo Factory) or the Salmagundi or National Arts Club in NYC -- or elsewhere around the US, 5) in my home when you're invited to my annual Collectors' Party as a unique art-shopping treat, 6) in your own home if you'd like me to bring artwork to you and 7) on my web site and blog as finished or work in progress pieces with stories attached. Well, that's a partial list and you are always welcome to ask for a private viewing or appointment. What's your favorite place to view/shop for art?

More on Art Collecting Coming in Part II
Where to find it, how to hang it, ways to hone your eye, and more are coming up in another installment to my blog. If you aren't already subscribed to Life As An Artist: Jill Banks -- go to jillbanks.blogspot.com to sign up. (Free and fun art news.) I should tell you when Part II is coming out. Hopefully, by the end of this week -- July 17.

Do You Have Other Tips to Help New Collectors or Stories to Share?
Please do! Add a comment to the blog or send me an email at: jill@jillbanks.com.

I'm going to collect some other resources to help you collect and post those in Art Collecting 101: Part II. Stay tuned.

Thanks for reading!

Jill

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


EVENTS
May through December:  First Friday Art Walk, 6-9pm, Artists' Atelier, 756 Walker Road, Great Falls, VA. The Atelier is also open on Wednesdays, noon to 4pm and Saturdays, 10am to 2pm (or whenever an artist is in there working.)
June 21-August 15: "Fresh Fare: the Still Life Show" Solo Exhibit, Triny's, Great Falls, VA.  14 of my original still life oil paintings on exhibit at Triny's Tex-Mex Grill in Great Falls.
July 18-29: Salmagundi Club's Non-Member Painting and Sculpture Exhibition, 47 Fifth Ave, NYC. "Heart of Telluride" accepted into exhibit on view in the Upper Gallery.
July 23-24: Loveladies Fine Art Festival, Loveladies, NJ (on Long Beach Island)
August 27-28: Shadyside: the Art Festival on Walnut Street, Pittsburgh, PA
September 17-18: King Street Art Festival, Alexandria, VA
September 24-25: Armonk 55th Annual Outdoor Art Show, Armonk, NY



Monday, July 11, 2016

Thanks, Wickford!

"Milky Day," oil, 8"h x 10"w, ©2016 Jill Banks. Private collection.
This past weekend was my third time exhibiting at the Wickford Fine Art Festival in Rhode Island. Since the festival is on its 54th year, you could call me a latecomer. This year, too, I was in a new location on Brown Street, right in the heart of town ... making my art work brand new to even regular visitors there.

Wickford is one heck of a beautiful place. With lighter crowds on Sunday, I had time to walk around the town viewing other artists work and peeking through gardens toward the water and historic charming architecture. Just standing at my booth, a pair of swans regularly came and went.

The Friday before the show, I painted "Milky Day" in the morning from the balcony where we stayed. Then, I headed out to town to paint an ancient boat from the bridge in Wickford. Sometime this coming week, that painting will appear here on the blog. (Stay tuned.)

Rain threatened but stayed away during show hours. Phew. Although even rainy days bring out the avid art collectors.

"Market Day," (Alba, Italy), 36"h x 48"w, ©2014 Jill Banks. Stayed with a happy new home in Wickford, RI.

"Flower Shopping," (Paris, France), 6"h x 6"w, ©2015 Jill Banks. Private collection.
In addition to "Milky Day" -- two other paintings went to new homes over the weekend. Representing the full spectrum of what was offered at my booth, "Market Day" and "Flower Shopping" were happily purchased. "Market Day," my painting from Alba, Italy based on the oil done there during my workshop in the Piemonte wine region was purchased by a woman who'd visited that market as well as many parts of Italy when her husband and she lived there for many years. It will get pride of place ... welcome people into her home after a remodel is completed in a couple of months. She's been on the hunt for that piece for years. Pretty neat we all -- painting, collector and I -- all came together in her favorite place to shop for art (the Wickford Fine Art Festival).

I'm going to miss "Market Day" ... a LOT ... but knowing that it landed in just the right home where it will be cherished, enjoyed daily makes a huge difference.

"Flower Shopping" was purchased by someone who returned after viewing my booth on Saturday. It's one of my 6" by 6"s that still manages to deliver a story in a petite package.

That's it for my Wickford report other than to say a huge thank you to the Wickford Art Festival organizers and volunteers, all the art shoppers and enthusiasts who visited this weekend, new collectors and my hosts -- Sarah and Donna -- for your very warm welcome.  Thanks!!!!!

Next Up:  July 23-24: Loveladies Fine Art Festival, Loveladies, NJ (on Long Beach Island). That's a new festival for me and due to some very unfriendly state business taxation laws (minimum $375 per year to register your business plus filings etc. to have the opportunity to sell there even if sales are $0) ... I REALLY hope to find some serious art collectors to love my work there. And, I hope the State of New Jersey addresses the issue to welcome businesspeople including artists to test the market in a financially affordable way.

To you ...

Thanks for reading!

Jill

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


EVENTS
May through December:  First Friday Art Walk, 6-9pm, Artists' Atelier, 756 Walker Road, Great Falls, VA. The Atelier is also open on Wednesdays, noon to 4pm and Saturdays, 10am to 2pm (or whenever an artist is in there working.)
June 21-August 15: "Fresh Fare: the Still Life Show" Solo Exhibit, Triny's, Great Falls, VA.  14 of my original still life oil paintings on exhibit at Triny's Tex-Mex Grill in Great Falls.
July 18-29: Salmagundi Club's Non-Member Painting and Sculpture Exhibition, 47 Fifth Ave, NYC. "Heart of Telluride" accepted into exhibit on view in the Upper Gallery.
July 23-24: Loveladies Fine Art Festival, Loveladies, NJ (on Long Beach Island)
August 27-28: Shadyside: the Art Festival on Walnut Street, Pittsburgh, PA
September 17-18: King Street Art Festival, Alexandria, VA
September 24-25: Armonk 55th Annual Outdoor Art Show, Armonk, NY




Wednesday, July 6, 2016

"Bay Boats" and a Great Art Store Shopping Trip

"Bay Boats," oil, 16"h x 12"w, ©2016 Jill Banks. Private collection.
"Bay Boats" was one of the paintings I couldn't complete on site in Monterey, California. My trip there started with an uncharacteristically gray day and ended with the same with all these blue-skied views in between.

The fact the weather looked a little threatening caused me not to finish but also made it a more interesting piece in the long run. Those grays are pretty great.

Shopping Trip
That brings me to my recent shopping trip to Plaza Arts in Rockville, MD. Being set in the bulk of my materials -- with favorite brushes, a standard palette of colors I continue to reorder and supports to rely upon -- most of my supply shopping occurs online.  What a treat to select -- in a store -- new colors to try, and lots of palette knives that are REALLY cool and sure to come in handy. I walked out of there thrilled to try out new grays, reds, yellows and blues (by Holbein) that stand up well to whites -- keeping their intensity. While "Bay Boats" doesn't look all that colorful, those new paints were in action on it. Plus, my new super skinny and long Italian palette knife was just right for all those masts.

Play day. Plus "Bay Boats" was just off the easel when purchased. I'm having trouble keeping a boat painting long enough to display at the many coastal or near-coastal art festival destinations ahead. More reason to get out there to paint!

Wickford Fine Art Festival in Wickford, RI This Weekend: July 9-10. I'll be in Booth #35 -- a new location for me -- in front of Updike Park on Brown Street. Get more info by following this link:
http://jillbanks.com/event/78442/wickford-art-festival. I hope to see you there! 

Thanks for reading!


Jill

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


EVENTS
May through December:  First Friday Art Walk, 6-9pm, Artists' Atelier, 756 Walker Road, Great Falls, VA. The Atelier is also open on Wednesdays, noon to 4pm and Saturdays, 10am to 2pm (or whenever an artist is in there working.)
June 21-August 15: "Fresh Fare: the Still Life Show" Solo Exhibit, Triny's, Great Falls, VA.  14 of my original still life oil paintings on exhibit at Triny's Tex-Mex Grill in Great Falls.
July 9-10: Wickford Fine Art Festival, Wickford Historic Village in North Kingstowne, RI.
July 18-29: Salmagundi Club's Non-Member Painting and Sculpture Exhibition, 47 Fifth Ave, NYC. "Heart of Telluride" accepted into exhibit on view in the Upper Gallery.
July 23-24: Loveladies Fine Art Festival, Loveladies, NJ (on Long Beach Island)
August 27-28: Shadyside: the Art Festival on Walnut Street, Pittsburgh, PA
September 17-18: King Street Art Festival, Alexandria, VA
September 24-25: Armonk 55th Annual Outdoor Art Show, Armonk, NY





Tuesday, July 5, 2016

"Seven Swans" Almost Done

"Seven Swans" work in progress, oil, 30"h x 24"w, ©2016 Jill Banks
Just a few touches to go. We'll see how long that takes.

I'm a woman of few words today ... but thank you for reading/looking!

Jill

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

PS: "Seven Swans" was "White Swans." It needed a new name.


EVENTS
May through December:  First Friday Art Walk, 6-9pm, Artists' Atelier, 756 Walker Road, Great Falls, VA. The Atelier is also open on Wednesdays, noon to 4pm and Saturdays, 10am to 2pm (or whenever an artist is in there working.)
June 21-August 15: "Fresh Fare: the Still Life Show" Solo Exhibit, Triny's, Great Falls, VA.  14 of my original still life oil paintings on exhibit at Triny's Tex-Mex Grill in Great Falls.
July 9-10: Wickford Fine Art Festival, Wickford Historic Village in North Kingstowne, RI.
July 18-29: Salmagundi Club's Non-Member Painting and Sculpture Exhibition, 47 Fifth Ave, NYC. "Heart of Telluride" accepted into exhibit on view in the Upper Gallery.
July 23-24: Loveladies Fine Art Festival, Loveladies, NJ (on Long Beach Island)
August 27-28: Shadyside: the Art Festival on Walnut Street, Pittsburgh, PA
September 17-18: King Street Art Festival, Alexandria, VA
September 24-25: Armonk 55th Annual Outdoor Art Show, Armonk, NY

Monday, July 4, 2016

"First Friday Flowers" and Happy 4th of July!

"First Friday Flowers," oil, 20"h x 16"w, ©2016 Jill Banks
I put the arrangement from our First Friday Art Walk to good use during open hours on Saturday ... painting and painting and painting. Pretty much fell on the couch and that was it that night. My "White Swans" ballerina painting is in progress on the easel behind the flowers at the Atelier. The photo is definitely not doing this one justice. I'll try again tomorrow.

Yesterday was delivery day for a commissioned portrait "Sisters" (Madeline and Charlotte). It has already met with enthusiastic approval but needed final "processing" -- framing, varnishing, photographing to leave the nest.

"Sisters" (Madeline and Charlotte), oil, 18"h x 24"w, ©2016 Jill Banks. Properly photographed and delivered.
Hope you enjoyed the 4th of July!

Thank you for reading!

Jill

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




EVENTS
May through December:  First Friday Art Walk, 6-9pm, Artists' Atelier, 756 Walker Road, Great Falls, VA. The Atelier is also open on Wednesdays, noon to 4pm and Saturdays, 10am to 2pm (or whenever an artist is in there working.)
June 21-August 15: "Fresh Fare: the Still Life Show" Solo Exhibit, Triny's, Great Falls, VA.  14 of my original still life oil paintings on exhibit at Triny's Tex-Mex Grill in Great Falls.
July 9-10: Wickford Fine Art Festival, Wickford Historic Village in North Kingstowne, RI.
July 18-29: Salmagundi Club's Non-Member Painting and Sculpture Exhibition, 47 Fifth Ave, NYC. "Heart of Telluride" accepted into exhibit on view in the Upper Gallery.
July 23-24: Loveladies Fine Art Festival, Loveladies, NJ (on Long Beach Island)
August 27-28: Shadyside: the Art Festival on Walnut Street, Pittsburgh, PA
September 17-18: King Street Art Festival, Alexandria, VA
September 24-25: Armonk 55th Annual Outdoor Art Show, Armonk, NY